Momo

One of my favorite restaurants anywhere, I have been going to Momo since it opened in the mid 1990’s when Madonna put it on the map by closing it down for a private party with her then-boyfriend and baby daddy Carlos Leon. Stepping inside is like walking into an old Humphrey Bogart movie. Exquisite Moroccan décor, a lively main dining room, and trendy crowd all come together to give you the feeling something exciting is about to happen. And it is. The first time I was there, I was seated at a table next to a gorgeous flight attendant, who told me of the time she was on a safari and they ran of out of water so she had to bathe in vodka. The second time, the entire restaurant spontaneously started singing “Happy Birthday” to Elton John, who was quietly celebrating his birthday in the grand corner booth. The food is of course amazing. It’s gourmet cuisine that they rightly call “a gastronomic journey through North Africa.” Whether you order the Lamb Kofta Tangine (with raw egg in the middle), Chicken Couscous, Roasted Octopus, or Pigeon Pastilla you won’t be disappointed. And now matter how much you eat, you’ll leave wanting more. Downstairs, the Kemia Bar bar/lounge is nothing less than magical. They’re known for their specialty vodka drinks and “Live at Momo,” where they feature an impressive list of the best in world music. Come early, stay late, and have one of the most fun nights out in London.