We so often received  rave reviews about BOUJADI when they were located on Eglinton Avenue East, but  every time we went to that location, it was closed. Nine months later we saw the BOUJADI CAFE Moroccan restaurant, relocated on 999 Eglinton Avenue West. This time, however  the restaurant was so busy we would have had to wait 45 minutes for a table. A little frustrating, to say the least!

We returned three months later on a Sunday evening and they were packed. Unfortunately they had a full house including a single group of 24, and it took them over five minutes just to realize we were even there. After reviewing the menu we decided to try their Moroccan sampler for two (I can't even pronounce or spell the name of this exotic dish) which included most of the mains for approximately 37 dollars. After ordering, we waited for about 40 minutes. After all that time, we were ready to leave, but we were starving, but finally it came. Well, it was worth the wait. There were four fabulous main dishes all sitting in a bed of couscous, olives, tomatoes and other interesting vegetables. This sampler included some incredibly delicious meat patties, chicken, Moroccan sausages and pastries stuffed with meat. This dish made the wait worthwhile.

The desert menu was short and at 3.75 each, cheap. We order a traditional Moroccan Shebakya desert which was also outstanding and large enough for two people to share. The meal, including two cocktails, came to 54.00 dollars including tax. That, along with high-quality food, helps explain why the BOUJADI CAFE Moroccan restaurant always seems to be packed.

How could the restaurant be better:

• They should serve either some bread or some type of complementary appetizer before the dinner arrives.

• They should probably also think about opening on Tuesday as well, but with the crowds they seem to be attracting, I can understand the need to take some time off.

• While the staff is friendly and hard-working, their customer skills could probably be a little better, but this may just have been a result of the large party and hectic evening.

BOUJADI CAFE Moroccan restaurant
999 Eglinton Avenue West,
Open for dinner Wednesday through Sunday from 530 to 11 p.m.
416 - 440 - 0258

Rating: 4 stars
Well worth the visit and the wait!

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