Doukan (Restaurant)
350 Old York Road, Wandsworth, London, SW18 1SS (Map)
Cuisine: Moroccan
Tel: 0871-961-9680 ?
Transport: East Putney
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Doukan London Review
Doukan is a deceptive beast. It might look like a simple high street café from the outside, but the moment you step through the door and are charmed (almost literally) off your feet by the attentive staff, you know you’re in for a treat. Not forgetting, of course, that it’s pretty safe to assume anywhere that has been nominated ‘best local restaurant’ by Gordon Ramsey’s F-Word is going to be a cut above the local Harvester. (Regardless of your opinion of the man himself, there is little doubt that when it comes to food he really knows his stuff.)
Billed simply as a Moroccan bar and restaurant, Doukan is an extremely stylish establishment set across two levels. The first contains the bar, a smallish room with a relaxed atmosphere, decked out in dark wood and mosaic-tiled tables. The restaurant is located down a few steps, and it’s here that Doukan really comes into its own. Immaculately styled, the room looked as if it had been lifted directly from a particularly well-dressed window display. And I mean that in the best possible way – all the furniture, fabrics, fixtures and fittings complement each other perfectly, right down to the light fittings and place mats. It’s a million miles away from being an Aladdin’s cave of authentic African delights, but it’s extremely comfortable and manages to hit the perfect balance between intimate and open – not the easiest of tasks.
Although the restaurant was far from empty when we arrived, we must have rocked up a little early for the Wandsworth massive as the atmosphere was initially a little stilted, with whispered conversations taking place under the cover of piped music. But by the time we’d finished our starters (more on those later) and glanced up from our plates there wasn’t an empty seat in the house.
With a good mix of couples and groups, the hum of general conversation was punctuated with shouts of laughter, lending a cheerful, lively feeling to the room. Admittedly a copious amount of wine was being served to the 30-something crowd, but that just seemed to add to the atmosphere, as did the live guitarist who had set himself up in the corner. Quite how this had happened without us noticing is hard to say, but it probably had something to do with the amazing food that was distracting us.
Doukan offers a Moroccan-inspired selection of dishes rather than a traditional tried-and-tested menu. We started with a selection of appetisers that were much nicer than they sounded; beetroot dip? No, me neither, yet it was delicious! The menu is carefully chosen, and caters for those of us who don’t eat meat just as much as it does those who don’t like tagines.
The selection of dishes highlights the kitchen’s creativity with the Moroccan theme – for example; the other side of the table chose the spicy pan-fried king prawn starter as the highlight of her meal. So far, so bog-standard – but being served on flatbread and drizzled in cumin and coriander charmolua gave it star billing. My aubergine and chickpea stack with grilled halloumi was amazing. I don’t like halloumi, but thought I’d better try it anyway, and that was the end of that. It was a world away from the squeaky, greasy cheese I’d known before, and Doukan gets top marks for that alone.
The food itself comes in healthy portions and is presented exquisitely, with freshness and flavour oozing from every bite. With attentive service, fresh ingredients, a great atmosphere and unpretentious but precise cooking it’s easy to see why Doukan was listed as one of the big man’s favourite local restaurants. I just wish I lived a little closer so it could be one of mine as well.
Jacqui Parr (05 04 2010)
Doukan London Description
Get away from the hustle and bustle, take a break from the office and bring your colleagues or clients for a quiet meeting in these separate rooms, all beautifully decorated in relaxed Moorish surroundings. Experience Moroccan hospitality here at Doukan, with a tastefully crafted decor inviting you to sit back and relax on the Moorish patio or snuggle up by the fire. Wherever you are, the restaurant will make sure that you enjoy the most traditional dishes, from slow cooked lamb tagines and fragrant couscous to sweet and savoury vegetarian mezzes. During the day, the menu lists such delights as tangy aubergines, grilled peppers, lemon couscous salad, and delicately slow-cooked hot dishes. Join Doukan for a deli lunch with a large selection of Moorish dishes, or if you have more time on your hands, try the daily menu and choose the best Moroccan dishes this side of Marrakesh.
Customer Reviews for Doukan
The following customer reviews are not endorsed by Fluid London and are simply those of users who wish to publish their independent experiences of Doukan.
“I was so confused when I first stepped from the dark damp london night, into this little Gem! It was almost like stepping into the wardrobe in Narnia.I couldn't stop looking around and wondering why I don't have a Morrocan themed home! I love the decor, the atmosphere is spot on, the service was one of the best I have ever experienced and what can I say about the food??? AMAZING! It was very very reasonably priced, the portions were very very genorous, and it all tasted wonderful. Mmmmm, when can visit come again??? Go there, you won't regret it!!”
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Emily Davies, Hemel Hempstead (3 months 23 days ago)
“By far my favourite restaurant in South London. I can't go on about this place enough. The food is consistently amazing, the atmosphere is perfectly Moroccan and the owner is so friendly he'll make you want to keep going back again and again”
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nat, London (4 months 21 days ago)
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