Still a favourite more than 10 years after opening, here's why Momo keeps on pulling in the crowds
Where? Momo, 25 Heddon Street, London W1B 4BH (020 7434 4040, www.momoresto.com)
Haven't I heard of Momo before? This little slice of North Africa has been delighting London's It-crowd since 1997 and, unlike so many hotspots that have been and gone in the years in-between, its popularity showing no sign of waning.
What's the secret? Take your pick. Maybe it's the fabulous, can't-recreate-it atmosphere, maybe its the ever-genial brains behind it all, Mourad Mazouz, or maybe it's simply those fabulous cocktails that draw the crowds in from bustling Regent Street nearby.
Ooh, cocktails! Tell me more... Favourites include The Momo Special - a blend of vodka, fresh mint, gum syrup and soda water - and the rum-infused Marrakech O'Marrakech, which also uses fresh mint and gum syrup, but topped up with Pommery champagne. Lip-smackingly delicious.
After cocktails? The set menu, or 'A Gastronomic Journey Through North Africa' to give it its full name, includes a selection of starters, a choice of five main courses and the pastry chef's favourite desserts of the day (plus a Momo Special cocktail) all for £49. On all menus, tagines are a favourite - we loved the fish version the day we visited - as are couscous dishes, with the lamb 'Couscous Momo' a popular choice across the board.
Need to know. Despite the high culinary standards, it isn't all about the food here. Live music acts make the downstairs room - aptly named 'Downstairs' - well worth a visit, or just kick back with drinks and mezze or a shisha in the MoCafé terrace.
Details: The restaurant is open from for dinner from 6.30pm to 1am Monday through to Sunday, with last orders around 11pm. Lunch is served from 12pm to 2.30pm Monday to Saturday.