📍Rayah – 507 Parliament St, Toronto, ON M4X 1P3
🌍 Country: Morocco 
🔥 Must-try dish: Merguez and Puree
🪑 Seating: Indoor and outdoor seating, check out the cool back patio.
👍 The high: Toronto finally has a restaurant that can showcase Morocco’s flavours and recipes in a trendy space.
👎 The low: There’s only one tagine option. I like choices. 

There’s a buzz around town about Rayah, and for good reason. People can’t wait to dig in. Whether you’re already a fan of Moroccan food or just curious about North African flavours, this Cabbagetown spot is well worth a visit. Each plate bursts with spices that whisk you straight to the winding medina of Fez, while the décor, all intricate tiles and cozy nooks, feels like you’ve stumbled upon a hidden riad in Marrakech. Best of all, the staff treat you like family before your mint tea even lands on the table.

If you’re sensing a hint of French bistro charm, that’s no coincidence as the owners grew up in France and are honouring their North African roots with style and heart. By day, Rayah is a café serving up fresh pastries and coffee, as the day rolls on, it transforms into a lively restaurant.

The menu keeps things simple, which makes choosing easy. Portions lean generous, especially the mains, so come hungry or share a spread with friends if you want to try it all.

We kicked off the meal with almost every starter on offer.

Kemia: Even before tasting it, I was hooked. A large plate arrives with three little tagines holding dips,  cumin carrot, roasted red pepper, and eggplant, plus warm flatbread on the side. Each dip has its own texture and flavour, but for me, the silky eggplant stole the show.

Maakouda: Fair warning – one bite of these crispy fried balls and you’ll want to skip straight to a second helping. But resist! They’re crisp on the outside, soft and cheesy inside, think mashed potatoes meets indulgent comfort food.

Briwat: This trio of savoury pastries comes filled with beef, chicken, and veggies. Each one is spiced differently, and the chicken was a standout, hints of cinnamon and orange blossom made it taste just like Morocco.

When it comes to mains, you can go the couscous route or venture elsewhere.

Couscous Royal: Fit for a king,  loaded with tender merguez sausage, juicy chicken, fluffy grains, and vegetables, each forkful delivers layers of flavour you won’t soon forget.

Beef Couscous: This is your go-to classic, comforting, reliable, with melt-in-your-mouth slow-cooked beef and milder spices. Perfect if you’re new to Moroccan food and want to ease in.

Cordon-Bleu: Here’s where the French flair comes in – moist chicken wrapped in a crisp coating, stuffed with smoked pastrami and sharp cheese. Somehow, each bite has the perfect ratio of everything. It’s less traditional Moroccan but a nod to the owners’ roots in France.

Merguez and Purée: A crowd favourite and easy to see why, the merguez sausage packs so much punch, whether you’re a lamb fan or not. Paired with creamy mashed potatoes, it’s simple but unforgettable.

We didn’t try the tagine or pastilla this time – two Moroccan must-haves, but with Rayah’s couscous game so strong, doubling down on those seemed like the right call.

For dessert, we kept it classic with the Ataï Gourmand,  mint tea served the traditional Moroccan way, along with pastries to nibble on. The perfect sweet ending.

Even on a Tuesday night, the place was bustling with all kinds of people. The atmosphere was lively, yet the service never missed a beat, warm, attentive, and happy to chat in French if you want to brush up. For a taste of Morocco (and a bit of France) without leaving Toronto, Rayah is the place to be.

Eat with you soon!