Moroccan food & first night in Paris suggestions?
 

We're supposed to meet two friends at Mansouria on Rue Faidherbe in the 11th on a Saturday night, our first night in Paris. Our friends are coming in from London just to see us, and recommended this Moroccan restaurant.

Anybody familiar with Mansouria? My husband has never had moroccan food, any good recommendations?

Also, what is nearby (bars, jazz?) that we could walk to afterwards for a few drinks?

Thanks.

ttt

Here's a review from the NY Times:
http://tinyurl.com/24frhb

Enjoy!

And if it turns out that you like Moroccan food, my favorite in Paris is La Table de Fes, 5 rue Sainte-Beuve in the 6th.

Thanks - couscous sounds like it's the way to go!

Here is Zagat's review:

ZAGAT
Ratings & ReviewFood Decor Service Cost
19 17 15 €43
“Authentic” is the name of the game at this “well-known classic” for Moroccan food in the 11th, run by the formidable Fatéma Hal, a passionate ambassador of her native country’s cuisine; sitting on “comfortable cushions”, clients get “carried away” to the Maghreb with such specialties as “varied, fragrant couscous” and a 12th-century lamb dish with 27 spices called mourouzia.

Any thoughts on what's nearby or in the area for after-dinner drinks?

If anything were to upset your plans, Ziryab on top of the Institut du Monde Arabe is one of the best Moroccan restaurants in town. It has a fabulous terrace with a view of Notre Dame and Seine than rivals the view from the Tour d'Argent nearby.

Couscous is the best entry into Moroccan cuisine. Tagine is also excellent, and for an hors d'oeuvre, you might want a pastilla. The Moroccan 'gray' (gris = pale rosé) wines are excellent and are perfect with such meals.