On the search for a great London date idea? Then consider Moroccan restaurant Momo’s, in the heart of the West End, for a romantic dinner with charm, ambience and a real authentic Moroccan vibe.
Friday nights are always reserved for my other half Christian. We both work a lot of evenings during the week so we have a rule that Friday night is ‘our night’. Sometimes that means slobbing out on the sofa and other nights, like this week, it means dinner out, this time with friends.
Tucked away on vibrant Heddon Street, I loved Momos the minute I entered. The small of cinnamon and spices filled the air and the dark restaurant was lit with candles. The friendly staff took us to our table which couldn’t have been more perfect.
We shared a selection of starters including ‘mechouia’ charcoal roasted peppers and paprika which packed a real punch, ‘ceviche of the day’ (fish) with green chilies, fresh lime and coconut milk and the chicken briouat that I had been craving all day.
I’m pleased to say it did not disappoint and the subtle saffron and confit apricot paired with the chicken made for a very moreish dish. The seared scallops weren’t for me. I know a run the risk of sounding completely ridiculous if I say they were too fishy (I know, they should be fishy as they are….fish!) but….they were too fishy!! Rather surprisingly my favourite starter was the wood pigeon pastille – pigeon with almonds and cinnamon.
5 starters between 4 of us accompanied with the bread that was out of this world was enough to wet our appetite for the mains, they aren’t large portions but perfectly sized.
We had 2 Couscous Momo – Lamb shank, charcoal grilled lamb skewers and merguez, 1 Lamb couscous – Charcoal grilled skewers of marinated lamb and 1 rabbit tagine. It was here I had SERIOUS food envy! I ordered the lamb couscous and it came out 2 small teeny tiny skewers of lamb. Then the lamb shank came out….it looked AMAZING! I can safely say, it was! Which means Christian had to share and I can tell you he really did NOT want to share! 😆
A large bowl of couscous was brought out and served along with a bowl of vegetable in a flavoursome gravy. Overall a delicious meal without feeling stuffed and room for dessert.
It was here Momo triumphed. The chocolate fondant was in no short terms out of this world. Worth going for alone. Usually Christian and I would share but thank god we didn’t or we may have ended up in a fork fight!
The real star quality with Momos is not the food. Though delicious, for me it was the setting that made this a special London date venue. Romantic, alluring and intimate yet still with a great atmosphere, Momos is perfect for an end of week date to unwind and start your weekend in style. It is quite dark and perhaps too intense for a first date, but once those ‘do I like you’ initial dates are out the way, reserve a table at Momos.
**Tip – there are some really special, romantic tables and to bag yourself one of these call ahead to make a reservation a few or two in advance. Don’t make a reservation online, instead call and put in a request with the lovely staff who will be happy to oblige do their best for you. Gents – this will go a long way!**
Opening Hours
RESTAURANT
Monday – Friday: 12pm to 2.30pm
Saturday – Sunday: 11am to 3pm
Monday-Saturday: 6:30pm to 1am (11.30pm kitchen closes)
Sunday: 6:30pm – midnight (11.00pm kitchen closes)
Saturday – Sunday: 11am to 3pm
Haven’t been to Momos in years, need to rediscover it!
I love the brunch here, recommend going on a Sunday xx Annalisa xx