Mamounia Lounge in Knightsbridge is a rather more rococo establishment than I’m accustomed to visiting. But for a place situated across the road from Harrods and offering “an idyllic and glamorous setting with a traditional Arabic charm,” I expected nothing less.
The atmo at this weeks old restaurant and lounge is total glitz. Just try making it from the entrance to your table or to the restroom and back without stepping on dozens of rose petals lined along the floor. This Aladdin’s cave features ornate features … gold fringe draped curtains … even a deejay spinning soulful house and intoxicating Arabic beats. It’s a fancy schmancy kind of nightspot with friendly (and I thought especially efficient) service, shisha and killer cocktails. I loved the Mamounia Special (fresh mint shaken with Stoli Vanilla, lime juice and sugar over crushed ice, £8).
All that and a belly dancer too! Yes, Kemey and I were treated to what seemed like a sudden and impromptu show by a talented (and fit!) dancer who paid particular attention with her moves to one guest having his birthday dinner that evening. Yeah, Mamounia is a birthday party sort of place. There were a few groups there who appeared to be celebrating special occasions during our Friday night visit. Still, for the two of us, the dining area was intimate enough to enjoy a romantic dinner for two.
So fun and accommodating restaurant, but how’s the food? I’m happy to report the menu of Moroccan and Lebanese cuisine is very good. I had no qualms about my tabouleh starter (finely chopped parsley, diced tomatoes, onions and crushed wheat with lemon and olive oil dressing, £5.50); thoroughly enjoyed my mixed grill (skewers of chicken, lamb and kafta, £18); and absolutely loved my gorgeous dessert of mahalabia (“Arabic pudding” garnished with pistachios, £6). Wow! Really, I’d go back just for the puds! Kemey had a similar experience with her choice of dishes and has been bringing up her couscous main course at least once a day since. Honestly, the menu seemed a bit on the pricey side. Of course as I said about the glam vibe, I would have been amazed to see cheaper around this part of town. Plus, with the quality of service and the entertainment it was worth the price.
The Newly opened Mamounia Lounge Knightsbridge is located at 136 Brompton Road, SW3 1HY. There’s another, older sister venue in Mayfair too, but it’s closed for a refurb at the moment. Visit the lounge online at mamounialounge.com.
By the way, I just noticed they’ve got a twofer voucher going over at their Facebook page at the moment.
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