If you’re looking for a culinary adventure of a lifetime, look no further than Morocco. A country famous for its rich culture, beautiful architecture, and, of course, its food. Thankfully, you don’t have to travel too far to experience the tantalizing flavors of Moroccan cuisine. Alexandria, Virginia, located in the heart of the DMV (DC-Maryland-Virginia), has a vibrant dining scene that’s home to a handful of cozy Moroccan restaurants that’ll transport you straight to North Africa without ever having to leave the United States.
You’ll find the perfect introduction to Moroccan cuisine at the Biladi Grill, Alexandria’s most popular Moroccan restaurant. From tagines to couscous and kebabs, Biladi Grill serves all the classic Moroccan dishes that you need to try. Their lamb tagine, for instance, is cooked low and slow with caramelized onions, raisins, and almonds, creating a tender and succulent meat that will melt in your mouth. For vegetarians and vegans, Biladi Grill has plenty of options too, including their Vegetable couscous and an assortment of vegetable-based appetizers.
For a cozier and more intimate setting, head over to the charming A la Turca restaurant, located in Old Town Alexandria. You’ll feel like you’re dining in a friend’s house, with tasteful decor and ambient lighting that’ll make you want to linger for hours. Their menu boasts a variety of Moroccan and Turkish-inspired dishes, with highlights like the lamb-burger loaded with mint pesto, feta cheese, and Turkish aioli, and the harira soup, a delicious blend of tomatoes, lentils, and chickpeas seasoned with saffron and cumin, perfect on chilly days.
The newest addition to Alexandria’s Moroccan dining scene is Medina Market & Grill, a casual eatery that’s quickly becoming a local favorite. While their menu is relatively small, everything they serve is mouth-watering, from the spicy chicken shawarma to the Moroccan-style steak kofta. The standout dish, however, is the chicken tagine, served with fluffy couscous and caramelized onions, and perfect for sharing with friends.
If you’re looking to escape to Morocco without having to book a plane ticket, Alexandria’s culinary scene won’t disappoint. From Biladi Grill’s elegance to A la Turca’s intimacy to Medina Market & Grill’s casual atmosphere, you’re bound to find the perfect spot to indulge in the exotic flavors of Morocco.