The Moors were chased out of Europe over five centuries ago but their culinary traditions survive in this inventive London restaurant that combines the best of Spanish and North African cooking.
Opened a decade ago, Moro has become one of Britain’s most influential restaurants. Almost single-handedly, owners Sam and Sam Clark have reinvented classic Spanish cooking by reconnecting it with its north African heritage.
The Moors settled in Spain for almost 700 years before being booted out at the end of the 15th century. They left behind them some of Europe’s most stunning monuments – the Alhambra Palace in Granada and the Mezquita mosque in Cordoba – but their impact on Iberian cuisine was equally marked.
This Arabic influence infuses the menu at Moro, which regularly features north African fare such as slow-cooked Moroccan-style lamb with coriander, broad beans and couscous with fresh coriander, cumin and yoghurt and wood-grilled pigeon. You will also find new takes on Spanish classics such as smoked beef from Leon with warm wild garlic tortilla and Malaga raisin ice cream with a dash of Pedro Ximenez.
Given the hype surrounding the restaurant – and the three best-selling recipe books it has spawned – the décor of Moro is surprisingly Spartan, the service is far from obsequious and the prices are what the French call ‘democratique.’ Expect to pay about 30-35 pounds for a three-course meal – a price that can easily balloon when sherries, wines and coffees are added.
Moro, 34 - 36 Exmouth Market, London EC1R 4QR
Tel: +44 (0)20 7833 8336 www.moro.co.uk