IBN BATTOUTA: Make Room for Moroccan

This may sound random, but my favorite restaurant in Santa Barbara, California was a Moroccan restaurant called Chef Karim’s, which was also one of the most exquisite (and expensive) restaurants in town.

So I was delighted to hear a new Moroccan restaurant called IBN BATTOUTA opened just across from the East Gate of Worker’s Stadium (in the same complex as Hooters and Danger Doyle’s).

Named after the Muslim equivalent of Marco Polo, Ibn Battouta was a famous Moroccan scholar and traveler who voyaged the Islamic world, Africa, Europe, Middle East and Asia for almost 30 years.

A different approach from the fine dining experience I have had at Chef Karim’s in Santa Barbara, Ibn Battouta adopts a more home-cooking Moroccan dining style with a laid-back, casual atmosphere and presentation.

Having just opened, they are currently using a temporary menu, but the owner is great with recommendations and chef’s picks off the menu. I recommend trying their soups and starters like taktouka (green pepper with tomato dip), Zaalouk (eggplant and tomato dip), and Bakoulla (spinach dip) – all priced at RMB 28 each.  For entrees, they specialize in Lamb or Chicken Cous Cous (RMB 65) and Tagine (chicken, Kafta, or fish) – also RMB 65.  A perfect start and end to your meal is their sweet and refreshing Moroccan Mint Tea (RMB 30).

A cozy space on the second floor, the walls are lined with cushioned benches and pillows with seating for about 30 people. This is a great spot for group dinners and private parties!

Review of Ibn Battouta: 4-103 China View Bldg, 2 Gongti Donglu 工体东路2号中国红街大厦4-103;   Tel: 8587-1255

Best Part:

• A really exotic dining experience – from when they wash your hands over a fountain to the cuisine and atmosphere, this is something quite unique in Beijing
• The food is delicious, generous portions and great value
• Avg. check per person is RMB 100
• The Moroccan Mint Tea is wonderful
• I highly recommend the Zaalouk Dip for starter and Cous Cous and Tagine Dishes for Main Dishes.

Comments:

• Ibn Battouta has barely been open 10 days, so they are still using a temporary menu and working out some kinks, but I already impressed and I see so much potential.
• I can’t wait to start bringing friends here, especially those who have never tried Moroccan food before. It’s a really special dining experience.

Rating: (on a scale of 1 to 10 with 10 being best)

• Food: 8
• Atmosphere: 7
• Service: 6
• Overall Experience: 8