ZOA Moroccan Kitchen

I absolutely love their bowls!!! You get to pick what you want to load them up with and everything has such an amazing flavor. Plus, they have very delicious and spicy sauce to put on top of your bowls. You can't go wrong with a little spice.

I visited with my dining out club FEAST. We called in advance because we were a bigger group and the staff were very friendly and directed us to this location for our club dinner. The restaurant was clean and cozy. The staff were very friendly and helped us put tables together for our group. Rojilio(sorry if I butchered the spelling) was so friendly and helpful. He made it a stellar experience. He answered all our questions about the food and made helpful suggestions. And the food was delicious! Everyone loved their meals. The price is great too. I loved the tumeric cauliflower and the spinach! One of our group eats plant based and said the potato cakes were great. Everyone in our group thoroughly enjoyed the meal both for the taste of the delicious food and for the friendly staff. I can't wait to go back and try other dishes. I highly recommend giving them a try!

I usually come here and order the bowl and it’s fine. But today I walked in and ordered and they gave me the absolute smallest portions possible. Like I think maybe 5-6 small pieces of chicken and barely any rice or toppings. I was so shocked I asked “can I at least get a little bit more chicken?” And they said it would be extra. Long story short: they completely gave me half of what I paid for. The bowl was $12 but wasn’t worth it. Not sure if I will come back after this now unfortunately. Also to add: you can tell from my pictures the few pieces of chicken on the side. Very disappointed

Delicious food and friendly staff. We tried their fez sandwich and Casablanca one. Both tasted good and fresh and filling. Good food for the price. The staff were friendly and answered all our questions. We sat at their patio and it was very nice.

Love this place!! It brings me back to when I visited Morocco ! The people, the service, the food, everything is just splendid. Will definitely recommend and come back!! Thank yall for the memories here.

Tried this place for the first time, and I was so impressed by both the food and coffee. Everything was so delicious and economical as well. Saved this place as a favorites in my phone to go and eat again. Would highly recommend! Our service was incredible too. Cis was the best! :)

The bowls are delicious! The combination of flavors is just perfect. The staff is very kind and the waiting time is little. They have a nice patio we’re you can enjoy your food.

Phenomenal bowls, friendly staff, crammed on the inside though with not a lot of space.

Our order was to go, so I went to pick up the food, which was ready on time. The person who helped me to pick up our food was amiable and kind. When I brought food home, it was still warm and nicely packed. One good thing is that you can make your own bowl, and I prefer that way because I can pick and choose my favorite ingredients for my order. The ambiance was effortless but very authentic. I would love to go back and order my food, but this time, I would love to dine in with my family and friends.

Great assembly-style Moroccan bowls (like Chipotle or CAVA). The lamb meshwi bowl (Casablanca) was really flavorful and the sweetness took me by surprise. The beef tagine bowl (Marrakesh) was more robust and spicy, but I liked the lamb bowl a little bit more than the beef bowl. I would be back to try the shrimp (Tangier) and chicken (Fez) bowls soon. Recommended!

I was a little apprehensive to try out this place as I've never been to Moroccan inspired place before (outside of Morocco itself). But on a Sunday morning, after cycling, I figured I'd give it a shot. Parking was easy as the place was empty. I was immediately greeted by the kind employees and guided through the various options. While rice bowls are not authentic to Moroccan cuisine, I must say--my first bite of the chickens and confit onions literally took me back to my childhood. I sat in the beautiful terrace area smiling like an idiot. I would definitely recommend this place to anyone who'd like to expand their palate and experience the complicated flavors of Morocco and looking for wonderful customer service.

FOOD - 10/10 ! always fresh and flavorful with wonderful options to customize AMBIANCE & DECOR - 10/10 I love the bright colors and African aesthetic

We really enjoyed the food and the staff was very helpful in educating us on the menu items.

Located just north of Buffalo Bayou Park, Zoa should be included on anyone's Houston hit list. This place serves Halal Moroccan food, which I guarantee your tastebuds will be a fan. Zoa is a choose how you want place where you can choose your base, proteins, and up to four sides. You would not go wrong in getting a fatima bread, although I ended up getting half and half of the couscous and the quinoa brown rice. The lamb meshoui was amazing and plentiful, and the sides lacked a great pinch of flavor. For the sides I ordered hummus, guacamole, but far and away taktoukta was a standout. What topped it off was getting a sample of Moroccan mint tea. It had an earthy, full bodied taste with a zest of mint. It was powerfully sweet without being thin and sugar-y. Loved my visit to Zoa and will be trying their Fatima bread and getting plenty of Moroccan mint tea to go!

From the moment we walked in- visiting from NY - we were greeted with smiling helpful faces. Our first time, they talked us through the process and options for making a sandwich or bowl, with delicious Moroccan options. We (3 of us) ordered different things and were ALL delighted with what we got. I got the Tangier, and could not stop rolling my eyes in satisfaction at its layered, bright, savory flavors. They gave us a tasting of their bread, and afterwards, a taste of the mint tea. So generous, and kind. I only wish I could take them back to NY! Must go.

Yum! What a solid spot. Excellent menu -- simple and not overwhelming, with great options. Bowl or sandwich. Make your own or choose from their favorite selections. I tried the Marrakech bowl -- it was delicious. Each ingredient had so much flavor! This particular item was pretty spicy -- I didn't notice the medium spice marker when ordering. Still, it was really yummy even if my mouth was on fire! Just a heads up -- a few of their bowls are spicy. You might be able to ask for the sauces on the side for those. Either way, they have non-spicy options too. Highly recommended for a delicious and healthy meal!

I came across this place in Houston on a hunt for food. I would not have ordinarily tried Moroccan food but I'm glad I did. There are two restaurants in the same space, one of each side, owned by the same owner, Zoa and CoCo, a crepery and cafe. The food was so fresh and flavorful. You could get a bowl or a "sandwich". You could tell the owner put a lot of love and care into these businesses and the people who worked there were friendly and welcoming. I didn't get to try CoCo but it'll be on the list next time I'm in town.

Service is super super friendly The food is very good I was not expecting high due to its more like a simple dish But the portion is enough for one person The vibe is fantastic the store is clean and organized Love it sooo much

Excellent selection of base, proteins, veggies and sauces to build your own bowl or sandwich, or pick from one of their curated standards. Both are excellent. I had the lamb which was very flavorful if slightly on the chewy side, with the spicy green sauce and plenty of veggies. My partner had the Fez, a chicken based mix that was very tasty and a bit milder. It is cafeteria style service, and the staff was quick and very helpful in explaining all the options. The venue is small but clean and comfortable, with a patio for outside seating available. Limited reserved parking but it was no problem at 7 on a Friday night, and there is street parking in the neighborhood. We will definitely be back to explore more of the options!

I stumbled across this place with my friend as we were entering the coffee shop across the street. Let's just say I thought I liked Cava but Zoa is top tier! Their ingredients and selections are amazing. Inside seating is very limited but luckily we were able to find seating right away during prime lunch time. We weren't even able to finish our meal because it was super hot inside. We were sweating as we were eating and had to take our food to-go in the middle of our meal since the temperature was unbearable. A few weeks later, I wanted to introduce Zoa to my fiance and suggested we order through a third party delivery app since it's super hot inside the restaurant. Our Uber eats meal was just as good if not better since we were eating in a more favorable environment with cooler a/c lol.

Not too bad for a quick, balanced meal. Staff was super friendly and helpful. A few parking spots in the front and indoor and outdoor seating.

Great food, and unique. Really like the place we needed a change. Tired of the same thing, and this hit the spot

This is a wonderful fast-casual restaurant that serves halal Moroccan food. They have plenty of specialty bowls to choose from, or you can simply make your own. The meat is all halal, and the staff even allows you to sample the different options. The restaurant itself is very clean, well-lit, and tastefully decorated. I chose the Kenitra bowl with saffron rice which consisted of beef kefta, cucumber, tomato, pickled red onion, cabbage, tomato chermoula, and red harissa. The presentation of the food was excellent. Portion sizes were very generous. The food itself was good. I was particularly a fan of the kefta. During our meal, they also brought a complementary cup of tea, which was also good. Overall, this is an excellent spot for lunch and dinner. I will definitely be back in the future.

Will definitely come back! This is my first time trying Zoa and I had an amazing experience! The owner/salesperson was very welcoming and guided us through the different options. If you haven't been to restaurants like this or Cava before, it's basically a choose-your-own-ingredients kind of restaurant. I personally prefer this place over Cava just because of the value for money. The portion was honestly huge for the price we paid. Each bowl was around $12 after tax and I almost felt like I could split the portion into two meals. Our favorites were the proteins. My sister got lamb and I got the beef and both were excellent! Very juicy and full of flavor. I had a blast tasting different toppings/mix-ins as well (the shop allows you to sample a topping before making the decision. Midway through our meal, the owner came check on us and gave us free Moroccan mint tea on the house. We obviously sincerely appreciate the gesture. The tea was also really sweet and perfect for a cold day. Overall, Zoa is a very cute shop and a great dining experience. Will definitely come back.

I live down the road from Zoa on Lillian Street, and I have not been there for a year because of a previous bad experience. I went there tonight and was yet again disappointed. I selected lamb as my protein. It was tough, fatty and chewy. Obviously , cheap cuts of lamb. So disappointed!

Okay WHAT! I didn't even know this place existed. The food was so delicious, spicy, and reasonably priced. I ordered the Kenitra Bowl with couscous, but I think next time I'll make my own bowl because all the toppings looked dank. Also, I picked up my order but I wish I would've dined in because this is such a cute spot! And the staff was super friendly and kind. 10/10 will return.

service was good! the lady explained everything to me because there was a lot of stuff i had never seen. it was good just too many flavors going on. Everything was very seasoned and good but seemed like a lot of side dishes thrown together as opposed to a cohesive plate. i know i can pick everything in this bowl MYSELF but there wasn't much else i really wanted to try. potato salad as a choice wasn't my best move but it was available so why not lmaooo it's a nice location tho. cute decor and a good amount of seating.

very hidden behind a church but i feel like this place is SO UNDERRATED. best mediterranean bowl i've had. cava could never compare.

Food was pretty good it's basically chipotle but with an Arab/african twist to it the bowl gives a bigger portion than the bread for only a couple bucks more.

I haven't been for a hot second but was in the area and hungry so I decided to drop in to pick up a quick delicious dinner and omigosh this place must have breathed some new life! The food was the same level of amazingness as usual but the place seemed to have expanded. Not only were there more people than usual but the dining area seemed brighter and sleeker and there was additional seating outside that I don't think was there before (unless I was really unobservant). As usual, I had a great flavorful bowl that I could definitely not replicate at home. I was also pleasantly surprised that I had loyalty rewards this trip! Ps pro tip: be patient with the people in front of you if they are figuring out what all the items they can choose from are. Just make sure not to drool while you wait in anticipation!

I stop in at least once a month - Zoa is just that GOOD! I discovered it when I first moved during the pandemic, as it is just down the road from my apartment, and immediately knew I found a gem. The set-up is much like chipotle, where you can build your own bowl, and they also have some set menu items to help guide you. Plus, they have yummy bakery and dessert items, too! Often, I can make two meals out of the bowl I choose, and the food travels well, too. It's very affordable, you can eat a meal for $10ish, with so much flavor. It's also pretty healthy, and you can definitely find diet sensitive options (gluten free, dairy free, etc). Zoa is one of my favorites, and I highly recommend checking it out (and eating your way through the menu)

This was such a pleasant surprise! A little confusing at the beginning....you basically choose between a Moroccan pita sandwich (which I had) or a bowl. Pick between one or two of the proteins and four sides or additional ingredients to your sandwich. I got the meatballs and the spices were delicious...layered some feta , pickled cabbage, avocado and tumeric cauliflower on mine. Yum!! Don't miss this gem!!

Delicious food and so many options! The jasmine tea was a bit sweet but amazing mixed with the lemonade. Staff was great and offered samples of meat and sides. Portions were huge.

Love this place! It's hard to find a place with good lamb but this place nails it. Super interesting flavors. Explores a flavor profile that no other place does. The service is great. And ambience is laid back

Always delish! Fast service, but slow cooked food. Yum! New favorite for unique flavors and authentic Moroccan items. Very casual seating.

While I didn't 100% love my meal, I feel that was just a matter of it being my first time here and my not yet having figured out the right combination of options to suit my palate. Also, I came pretty close to closing, by which time it seemed some of the offerings were no longer fresh. I'll write again once I've returned and figured it all out, but for now I'll just say I was impressed by the concept, the variety, and the friendly, helpful service.

LOVE! Favorite part about this place is how customizable it is, especially their bowls! best way to describe it would be it's like chipotle style but all Moroccan food. The flavors are amazing and quality of food is really good and fresh. I also really like how healthy their options are and how authentic everything is from the grains to the meats and even colorful veggies and sauces. The interior itself is also mediterranean inspired and there's a cute outdoor space to dine in. Highly recommend getting the zesty mint avocado yogurt dressing on top and the saffron rice! Their lamb was also very delicious and the serving size was pretty good for its price. Parking is relatively easy since they have a lot in the front and it was empty when I checked it out on a Friday lunch. I will say it is definitely overwhelming if it's your first time here since there are so many customizable options but the staff were so friendly and helpful and gave me wonderful suggestions on what items and toppings were popular. It's a bit far from me but I can't wait to come back!

Absolutely delicious! It was our first time ordering Moroccan food and the staff was wonderful at helping us make our food selection. We loved it! I ordered the potato cakes, my husband the lamb and my son the meatballs. Wish we had one in Austin.

Can't go wrong. I stop here frequently and like how I am able to create diffident bowls.

This place is good but I feel like the hype is a little bit strong. I love the concept--basically Chipotle style--in that you can customize your order. There are a ton of topping options, which is great. My regret though was my protein choice--I chose shrimp and it was so tough and overcooked, it really detracted from my overall meal. That being said, everything else in the bowl was good, and everyone else I was with loved their food, and had totally different proteins. It's worth a try if you're looking for something casual, quick, and different, but it's a small place and probably not ideal for groups.

One of my favorite places to eat. The food was very delicious and the place was nice. It was like a hidden gem. A must go.

Getting my Moroccan on at Zoa Moroccan Kitchen. It looks like colorful art but it's also beyond delicious. Houston is replete with these ethnic kitchens that allow lucky diners to travel the planet without leaving town! Today's selection was a bowl including: 1. Quinoa Brown Rice 2. Lamb Meshwi 3. Pickled Red Onion Cabbage 4. Feta Cheese 5. Lemon Garlic Spinach 6. Roasted Turmeric Cauliflower lmaakla bnina!

#52 on the YelpTexasTop100 We have been to Zoa Moroccan Kitchen a few times, but most recently for the Yelp Top 100 Elite Weeks. Easy to either order online or come in and order a custom bowl. Sign Up for their Zoa Moroccan Kitchen (ZMK) loyalty program. For every $1 you earn a point and for $50, you earn a $5 discount coupon. Build your bowl or sandwich with a base, protein, dips, toppings and sauces. The half saffron jasmine rice and lentils is a great combination for the base of the bowl. The leg of lamb meshoui slow roasted with garlic, saffron, turmeric and chicken charmoula cooked chicken in a Moroccan sauce are so tender and juicy. For sides/topping, everything is so fresh and healthy. Try the sweet cinnamon/cumin carrots, roasted beets, sweet potatoes, chickpea salad, cucumber tomato salad or the mixed pickle and olive salad. Sprinkle some feta goat cheese, mint avocado yogurt and harissa to complete the meal. The "Yelp 100" bowl check-in offer needs to be added to their list of favorites! This limited edition bowl was gifted to the first 100 Yelp check-ins and nicknamed the "mother of all bowls," it was a delicious sample of meats, saffron rice and vegetables. Three proteins (chicken, lamb, and beef tagine) on a bed of saffron rice were topped with roasted eggplant, taktouka, carrots, cabbage, feta goat cheese and drizzled with red Harissa. I also added some beets, which are one of my favorites. We also got a couple of orders of Zoa after Dark. Mondays through Fridays from 7-9 for $25, you can get two "our faves" bowls or sandwiches, two drinks and either two sides or two desserts. We chose a lamb bowl and a vegetarian. The Casablanca which is filled with lamb, tactouka, cucumber tomato salad, pickled red onions and cabbage on a bed of half saffron rice and half lentils. The Rabat is a vegetarian bowl that was served on a base of lentils and beans with a potato cake, zaalouk, fava hummus, cucumber tomato salad, and tomato chermoula topped with a harissa aioli. Both the Moroccan mint jasmine green tea and lemonade are so refreshing. Add an order or two of their fresh pita or pancakes. For dessert, try the tiramisu. Great way to end a nice take out dinner. Delicious food, great staff, cute interior and yummy desserts. It is worth the accolades. Definitely check out Zoa Moroccan Kitchen for a great taste of Morocco.

Really has declined. The manager on staff was not understanding me and gave me a completely different pastry than I requested. I told him I wanted the one with the pecans and he gave me the one with coconut. And then wanted to charge me again for the whole dessert that I wanted in the first place. When I asked to speak to a manager, he told me he was the manager. I think more than anything the fact that he was so agitated with his reaction really ultimately as what made a not perfect situation worse I'll definitely think twice before I come over pay for a topo Chico and a sugary treat

This was our second time at Zoa's and we were equally impressed. Not to be confused with the chain, Zoe's kitchen which also serves Mediterranean food. From the outside, the restaurant is an unassuming place in an area with not a lot of traffic and therefore low visibility. Parking is a bit tricky, but apparently you can park across the street in the church parking lot. It's a tiny restaurant where you order what you want, they assemble it, then you pay and take your food to either sit inside or on the quaint patio outside. They have a variety of different bowls you can customize with your choice of meats, veggies, on top of salad for a carb free option, with a pita bread or over rice. What makes the bowls stand out is the colorful ingredients from roasted eggplant and carrots to red cabbage and the various sauces. As a result, each bite is bursting with flavor. On this visit we ordered the free Yelp 100 bowl which had Chicken, lamb and beef tagine on a bed of lettuce with roasted eggplant, carrots, cabbage, feta goat cheese and a spicy red harissa sauce that burned so good. I love being able to sample all three of the perfectly seasoned and moist meats, the vibrant colors, the crunch of the salad, and the kick of the sauce. The prices also can't be beat considering one bowl can easily make two meals. They also have a variety of desserts and drinks. We tried the coconut macaroon and the walnut bar. Both were delicious and moist and were quickly gobbled up. For such an unassuming and small place, the flavor and options are better than most top dollar establishments. Zoa's will definitely be added to our rotating list of go to restaurants in days we can't decide on what to eat. For a quick, cheap and healthy meal this is by far my favorite place if you're in the area. But we will also make the drive for it because it's that good! Do not sleep on this place!

Ohhhh yes. There's a reason this place has a 5 star rating. Think chipotle-style order counter for delicious Moroccan food. I opted for a to-go bowl with a variety of lentils, rice, pickled cabbage, greens, spicy sauce, and several other ingredients. Everything was super flavorful. The staff was also really friendly and knowledgeable about the ingredients. I'm vegan and the gentleman who helped me guided me away from the potato cakes which I was tempted to order letting me know that they contain egg. The lentils I got instead were excellent and definitely something I would order again. They also offer a number of delicious looking desserts as well as homemade lemonade and tea. Outside has a number of tables if you want to stay and eat. Great spot for a quick casual meal for yourself or to bring a friend or date. Definitely recommend and can't wait to come back.

Came here before heading off to UH for school after seeing it on many different halal food pages! I walked in and was immediately welcomed. The staff member asked me if it was my first time (which it was) and proceeded to take care of me and my order! They explained very well in terms of what I could get and answered my questions as to what their most popular choices were. I got the bowl with saffron rice with chicken. Everything tasted so delicious. Portion was pretty big and pricing was not too bad at all. I'll definitely be back again!

Really yummy casual lunch but very small sitting area that can get kind of loud. I'd definitely eat here again. Just get and go rather than sitting and chilling in conversation.

Wow I had no idea I lived so close to delish Moroccan food! Since they made Yelp's Top 100 Places to Eat in Texas 2021 list, I got to try one of their giveaways (yes, a free meal when you check in at this location!). I got the Yelp 100 bowl, which had chicken, lamb, and beef tagine, on a bed of rice and with tons of veggies!! The beef tagine was my favorite protein in the bowl but it was all so good. The flavors were incredible (so savory and delish, with a spicy kick) and I'm so happy I discovered this spot. I'll be back and I'm bringing my friends with me!! The service was quick and super friendly! Loved that they had a variety of desserts as well. Parking situation: on-site (sorta limited)

Loved the food. The lady at the counter helped us. Limited seating but it's not crowded.

I wandered into Zoa after seeing the glowing reviews here on yelp, it was a great decision! The decor is so bright and cheerful, and there's a nice patio to eat outside. I'd definitely suggest checking out the menu before you go, it can be a bit overwhelming. The employee assembling my bowl was very helpful though, I didn't feel rushed at all while making my choices. I went with a bowl with half rice/half greens as the base and chicken for the protein. My toppings included pickled cabbage (LOVED THIS), sweet potatoes, garbanzo beans, and cucumber tomato salad. For the sauce I did harissa & harissa aioli, which was just the perfect level of spicy. The food quality was great, and this made for a filling but semi-healthy lunch. I do feel like it was a bit overpriced based on the portion, but I wouldn't hesitate to come back.

Good service, ok-ish food. Meats were dry and chewy and they portion the meat out with a tiny scoop like it's a ration of two bites per customer. . Flavors were ok, Wouldn't go back.

Outstanding food! Service very helpful as you order the customized ingredients for your bowl. Ambience just fare as I believe most of their businesses carry out we ate there in a room with five tables.

Why mess up a good thing with a rating less than 5 stars?! This place was amazing and did not disappoint! Had this location book marked for some time and was finally in the area. The service was great, location was cute, and the food was stellar. Plenty of vegan options available which i loved since i eat mostly plant based. They do have quite a but of meat options. I like the freshness and cleanliness of the restaurant! Staff was also very friendly and helpful in deciding what to get. Sample everything to see whAt your tastebuds are yearning for!

Super friendly team. Delicious flavorful food. There are pre-made bowl combinations for the indecisive but plentiful options for those who want to create their own meal.

The food and customer service is always good. The Casablanca is my favorite bowl. I keep going back because the food is so good

What a lovely little place, I love the Moroccan/Mediterranean-style interior design, love the art and the colors (that beautiful Moroccan blue!). There is plenty of indoor and outdoor seating. The staff here is very friendly and welcoming. Upon walking in, they thoroughly explain their menu and the ordering process to you, and they even come to check on us as we enjoyed our food. Drink: We ordered a Moroccan Cortado (which is simply a standard cortado with a layer of vanilla syrup and a layer of foam) with oat milk. It is very smooth with a perfect amount of sweetness. If you have never had Moroccan cortado, you should try it! For food, we ordered the Casablanca Bowl with lamb. The lamb is cooked to perfection, great flavor and very tender. The saffron rice is fluffy and light. The only complaint we have is the amount of food in the bowl, for $10 there could be a little more. Overall, it is very good.