11 Elgin Street, Soho, Central, 2291 6060

FARE Middle Eastern/North African. AMBIENCE Laid-back and lively with Arabic music playing and a sweet smell of shisha pipes. The curving metal latticework over the glass front of the restaurant, low mosaic tables and earthy toned walls decorated with pretty lanterns, silver plates and colourful decorative motifs make you feel you're in the heart of a Moroccan medina. COST About HK$250 each for three courses without drinks. The appetisers (about HK$50 each) are great for sharing. WHO TO BRING Friends looking to eat, drink and be merry, and who will enjoy the Arabic singing and dancing that sometimes spontaneously erupts on Saturday nights. TURN-ONS The mezze platter of hummus, sausage, flattened mini falafel, minty Moroccan cheese cigars, babaganoush and salad with lemon vinaigrette, came with soft white and wholewheat pitas and was a perfect start to the meal. The two fillets of succulent fish in the sea bass tagine rested on a bed of exotically spiced capsicum with just the right hint of capers. The Sahara couscous came with two deliciously piquant sausages, lamb so soft it fell from the bone and a lightly spiced vegetable stew. The banana filo, served flaming in a metal dish, elicited much comment from surrounding tables and did not disappoint - the juices from the little heap of chopped strawberries and sliced banana soaked deliciously into the square layer of cinnamon-spiced soft pastry lining the dish. TURN-OFFS As tables and chairs are cosily arranged, you can hear everything your neighbours say. DRINKS A limited wine list, but a good opportunity to try Lebanese wine, especially vintages created by the highly respected and family-run Chateau Musar. Also beer and a range of usual and Arabic-themed cocktails.