Review: MEKKI Moroccan Restaurant Brings Authentic and Enticing Cuisine to the West Village of NYC

New York City has an abundance of restaurants that offer international cuisine but you won't find any better than Mekki in the heart of Greenwich Village. This sleek Moroccan restaurant has a diverse menu that is delighting their guests with contemporary fare that features the characteristic flavors of Mediterranean region. It is a stylish, yet approachable spot that is worth the trip from anywhere in the city. Whether you are seeking a memorable dining experience or a casual night out with friends, it is a great destination.

Mekki is owned by entrepreneur and restaurateur, Mekki Karrakchou. His mother's delicious recipes and the foods he grew up have inspired many of the dishes the restaurant serves. We stopped by early on a Saturday to enjoy dinner and the talents of Executive Chef Luis Pena. The menu includes Traditional Salads, Small Plates, Briouate (appetizers), Tagines (entrees), and Sweets. Dishes can be easily shared with generous portions and a beautiful presentation. We like that there are choices to suit all dietary preferences and servers are pleased to help you make the right selections. In addition to the regular offerings, there are always menu specials.

Our culinary journey to Morocco started with a few appetizers and small plates. The Zaalouk is savory, tender braised eggplant and roasted garlic in tomato concasse. Seafood lovers will enjoy their Shrimp starter that is sauteed with shaved garlic, green chermoula, a Morrocan herb sauce, and grilled bread. Their Kefta Rabat is perfectly seasoned Morroccan meatballs served with Bonba Rice. For an entrée, we highly suggest the Chicken Haufeta with olives, citron confits, curcum, and lemon verbena. The Lamb a la Mounia is a customer favorite and there are always tempting, fresh seafood dishes on the menu. We found that all of the items we sampled were perfectly seasoned and had very pleasing flavors.

For dessert, there is a distinctive and luscious dish, Layla Pastylla that has been named for Mekki Karrakchou's mother. The flaky puffed filo is covered with a rich Crème Anglaise, and sprinkled with roasted pistachios and Moroccan cookies.

We indulged in two of Mekki's incredible cocktails. Their Moroccan Margarita is the ideal blend of Casamigos Tequila, Cointreau, lime, mint, orange and chocolate bitters and the Flying Carpet is a cocktail lover's dream with Arak, Grand Marnier, Crème de Violet and lemon. We also like that there is a nice variety of beers. Fine wines by the glass or bottle include selections produced in Morocco.

Our readers will like to know that Mekki has a Happy Hour from 4:30 pm to 7:00 pm. You can relax and unwind with half price specials in their spacious bar and lounge area.

Mekki is a gem of a restaurant that brings authentic, enticing Moroccan cuisine to New York City. It is a standout spot with broad appeal for those looking to enjoy delicious food and drink.

Mekki is located at 15 West 8th Street, between 5th and 6th Avenues, New York, NY 10011. Call them at 212-432-1508 and visit: http://mekkinyc.com/. They are open Sun. - Thurs. 5pm-11pm and Fri. - Sat. 5pm-12am. For special occasions, Managing Partner Catlin Castan will customize your event to meet your every desire and your budget with menus that are specially designed. Catlin can be reached at events@mekkinyc.com.

Photo Credit: Courtesy of Mekki

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