Mourad “Momo” Mazouz made his name in Paris with his critically acclaimed restaurant 404 named after the Peugeot he extensively travelled North Africa in. Although the car may hardly be a Lusso Luxury Feet contender it inspired him to redefine the perception of Moroccan food and bring North Africa’s Couscous and Tagines to the West End.

Despite some of the domestic press describing Mourad’s venture as a gimmicky ten minute wonder this month will see the tenth anniversary of the opening of the iconic Momo restaurant Familial. The party will draw a starry crowd of its regulars that have supported it since its beginning. Celebrities alone are never enough to succeed, it is the sea of customers still pouring through the door that have ensued Momo’s success.

The fine bend of imported ornate furnishings, mouth watering food and the souk like atmosphere defines Momo as one of London’s hot spots. The appetisers all sounded wonderful and I opted for prawns served on celeriac gateaux with mango which was deliciously different. Having frequented a number of Moroccan restaurants, and Marrakech itself, I felt duty bound to try a Tagine - the traditional national dish - for my main course. It is a nomad’s sweet and savoury stew slowly cooked over a charcoal brazier in an earthenware pot which it is then served in. When the conical lid, which allows the condensing of the flavours, is removed you are presented with a barrage of aromatic steam. As I had heard the rich sauce with the famous couscous were delightful. It was a shame that I had been invited for a lunch as the cocktails are renowned for being fabulous, and you are advised to book early if you wish to dine here in the evening.

All this being said I think Momo is a treat for the senses to escape from the mayhem of central London outside.