Itran is as close as we can get to a classic Moroccan restaurant in Abu Dhabi that does justice to the rich and vibrant flavours of Morocco
Itran Moroccan Restaurant is a stunning and opulent Moroccan restaurant at The Souk Qariyat Beri that brings the rich and vibrant flavours of Morocco to Abu Dhabi, serving a modern interpretation of these centuries old cuisine.
The location, on the first floor of the Souk at Qariyat Al Beri on the banks of the Khor Maqta offers spellbinding views of the Grand Mosque, the canal and Abu Dhabi’s three main bridges, you can’t ask for more, the views from the terrace are absolutely mesmerizing.
The cuisine of Morocco has great history and is steeped in tradition, which you would need to go to Morocco to experience, but not any more as you can do it right here at Itran.
The Venue
The interior of the restaurant amazing, a lot of thought and effort has been put in to replicate an authentic Moroccan fine dining restaurants you would find in Marrakesh or Casablanca, the walls have classic styled arches built into them, with ornate chandlers gently lighting up the restaurant, even the flooring has been replaced with old style Moroccan ceramic tiles, the attention to detail is amazing.
Thee are a variety of seating options to choose from, as you enter in front is the banquet table all dressed up set in a Christmas theme,very classy. To the left are an intimate grouping of chairs around tea tables, perfect for enjoying your Moroccan Tea.
To the right is a classic lounge where you can sit and enjoy a nice cigar or just soak in the ambiance and just behind is the covered terrace with wide open sides that frame the views of the canal and the Grand Mosque, it’s a covered space so is perfect for all year use.
As the weather is awesome we had asked for a table on the terrace which was waiting for us just by the window beautifully set with fresh flowers, candles and vintage style crockery, soon we are seated and the menu is presented.
The Food
The food at Itran is classic Morocco home style food from recipes that the owner’s mother used to prepare to which she has added her own modern updates resulting in some amazing food.
As we settle in some freshly baked bread arrives with three little plates of dips, a black olive and a green olive tapenad and some compound butter, we nibble on as we decide what to order.
We start with a Moroccan salad which has been freshly prepared with a small bowl of lemon juice that is the dressing and well presented, the taste is crisp and flavourful.
The soup is next, a nice hearty bowl of piping hot Harira soup with fresh baked Moroccan bread that was soft like a pillow. The soup was absolutely lovely, perfectly spiced and idea for winter weather, tased divine.
The mains are next, as expected there are a variety of tagines to try since the tagine are their classic way of cooking, there is a good variety of grilled items, beef,chicken seafood and lamb, we try three of the mains.
The signature Itran Tagine has to be tried, it’s a meal in itself with lamb meat, onions,root veggies with a little sauce and topped with quail eggs, the meat s perfectly cooked, fork tender and highly flavourful
The Couscous Chicken is next it’s a neat dish with seven different vegetables on a bed of couscous along with a jug of stock to add to the couscous while eating, loved it.
We try their meatballs in tomato sauce, this was stunning ,a very nice balance of tart and heat with the meatballs perfectly cooked, amazing textures and rich colour went well with the rice,a must-try.
We are absolutely stuffed, the portions are huge, and it’s a shame to leave such good food, so we got it packed and waited for the Moroccan Tea service.
Then Mohammed, the authentic Moroccan in the house pours the most amazing Moroccan Tea and fire up your shisha for you as well while telling you some amazing stories, loved it,this adds a nice personal touch to the evening.
The Verdict
We love classic Middle eastern cuisine and loved the food, the owners’ passion for the brand and her Moroccan culture is very impressive and has helped create a truly authentic experience.
To sum it up it’s a fantastic place, well appointed, amazing views and superb food, go enjoy it before Abu Dhabi’s best kept secret becomes public.
The Contact
For booking and further information, please contact +97126420077 / +971506811201
