I planned to meet a friend for brunch and I was left with the task of finding a restaurant. Seeing as I am a Foodie this was a very difficult task. I spent an hour of what I like to call a “gastronomical adventure” perusing the web for restaurants in London. I came up with a few suitable choices but we settled on Momo London. My friend is a Moroccan aficionado and I was drawn by the decor ( I am a bit of a quirky decor lover).

INTRODUCING MOMO LONDON

Momo London restaurant serves a North African and Mediterranean cuisine with delectable choices. There’s a hint of french in their weekend menu with  packed Brunch and Afternoon tea choices or as they like to say “A café and a bazaar, a la Marrakesh-souk-meets-Parisian-troquet style!” You could choose to either seat at the outdoor terrace, restaurant, café or basement bar/disco with a live music program. All the furniture in the café is on offer for sale including some books, CDs and a few Antique jewels too.

I made a reservation, and I received an email with our information but the booking was never confirmed. However when we arrived, a table was available without the booking. The restaurant is tucked away on Heddon Street in an alleyway between shops on the buzzing regent street. I have walked past the food court countless times but I never noticed. Until that day.

The first thing I noticed was the sitting area outside, it was set up like a garden and it looked lovely. But we decided to sit inside because it was just too gorgeous to pass up on. It was like stepping into a time machine and arriving at Marrakesh (On my bucket list BTW). If you spend long enough in there you might forget that you’re in London.

 

DRINKS

The waiter took our order and we asked for still water but he served us sparkling water (we were still charged for the sparkling water). We had to ask again. 

A place that serves ‘Mocktails’ is a place after my heart. For those who don’t know, ‘mocktails’ or ‘virgin cocktails’ are a non-alcoholic cocktail consisting of a mixture of fruit juices. I went for the “AMISTAD” which is Passion fruit, strawberries and lime muddled with a little sugar, and shaken with passion fruit juice. Hajara ordered a “VIRGIN MOMO” which is Fresh mint, lemon juice and simple syrup, topped with soda water.

 

Mocktails!! Drinks after my heart!!

MAIN COURSE

I am usually spot on about what I want at a restaurant (mostly because I check the menu before going) but I had a few choices I wanted here, however lamb is my go to choice when indecisive so I ordered the “COUSCOUS MOMO” which consisted of  lamb shank, charcoal grilled lamb skewers and merguez (spicy mutton sausage). I love me some lamb shank mhhmmmm! The couscous was well cooked, so was the lamb as well. It could have done with a little bit more seasoning but that was resolved with the spicy sauce that was served upon request. I wasn’t a huge fan of the broth but I liked the veggies. The merguez was very delicious and well seasoned which I liked, it was my first time trying it and I want more now.

 

Hajara went for the “MOROCCAN CHICKEN” with seasonal vegetables and pommes fondantes (Buttery potatoes, a classic french side dish). As you can see from the thumbs up she was giving her dish below, she approves. She enjoyed her meal and it was cooked to her taste.

 

We savoured our food and had a nice chat in the warm and cozy restaurant. The location was just perfect to hang out. After our meal which we couldn’t finish because of the large portions, there wasn’t room for dessert. So we asked for the bill and went our way. 

Before that, I took a few pictures of the Dessert and tea set up they had which we said we would definitely be back to try, maybe bring our mums too. It will be a perfect place as well to give as a birthday present visit.

My Verdict

The location of Momo London is perfect, whether you’re a tourist or out and about London. It’s walking distance from Oxford street and Piccadilly circus. The atmosphere is very relaxed and cozy plus the service is good. The waiting staff are helpful, food doesn’t take long and it is hot when served. Only glitch was the sparkling water debacle. I would say the price is pretty steep so it wouldn’t be an everyday restaurant for me but it is good for occasions and a catchup brunch with a friend. It is also a good place to experience Mediterranean food/music. Overall I give it 4.5 stars.

If you’re thinking about trying Momo London, this restaurant is at

You can also try out Momo’s branches in Dubai, Abu Dhabi and Paris. Lemme know how it goes.

meera