Mourad

"Chef Mourad Lahlou's Moroccan restaurant, Mourad, in San Francisco is closing on October 26. The restaurant owes over $100,000 in back taxes and has been sued by the city of San Francisco. The city filed a lawsuit for over $88,000, including more than $63,000 in back taxes from 2022 and over $25,000 in interest and tax penalties. Records show additional unpaid taxes and fees for 2020, 2021, 2022, and 2024, totaling over $50,000 in back taxes and $70,000 for 2024." - Dianne de Guzman

"Chef Mourad Lahlou will close his San Francisco Moroccan fine-dining restaurant Mourad and have its final night of service on Saturday, October 26. The restaurateur announced the closure in an Instagram post, writing in part, “It is with a heavy heart that I wanted to share with you the closure of Mourad restaurant. This evening’s service will be our last. It has been 10 years since we opened our doors and started this wild journey in the heart of San Francisco, a place I called home for most of my life. This decision was not an easy one.” Lahlou writes that despite the effect of the pandemic on restaurants and the challenge of businesses closing in SoMa, “we believed in our neighborhood and home and decided to dig deeper and not bail out,” praising his team for being “resourceful, determined, and uncompromising in our pursuit of excellence.” As for the reason for the closure, Lahlou hints at issues without disclosing them, writing, “But despite all our efforts and determination, many challenges including a bitter dispute with city officials over the last year, details of which I will share when the time is appropriate, have forced us to close our doors and say goodbye for now.”" - Dianne de Guzman

"The Mourad experience is worth it just for the massive shared meat plates. We like the chicken, but if you're looking to ball-out, go with the short rib or lamb shoulder. The hidden benefit of ordering family-style is you get all four sides, including the butteriest, most decadent couscous you've ever had. The room is a bit staid and shiny, but for special occasions, it's perfect." - max child taylor abrams

"At Mourad, the dramatic dining room practically sparkles under the large modern chandelier, and the menu, inspired by chef and owner Mourad Lahlou’s Moroccan heritage, features perfectly executed servings of raw oysters, kanpachi, duck basteeya, and hand-rolled couscous, often using thematic accents of preserved lemon, olives, and Moroccan spices. Not to be missed are the la’acha, or family-style dishes; diners can feast on generous portions of whole snapper, lamb shoulder, and chicken, served with four sides. The long L-shaped marble bar also serves delicate cocktails inspired by the Moroccan spices found in the food." - Dianne de Guzman, Paolo Bicchieri

"Chef Mourad Lahlou’s Michelin-starred spot is closed during the shelter in place, but its sister restaurant Aziza, at 5800 Geary Boulevard in the Richmond, is doing a combined Mourad/Aziza takeout and delivery menu featuring classic Lahlou dishes like his couscous and his chicken basteeya (also available as a take-and-bake item) . Call 415-682-4196 or order online." - Luke Tsai