Light diffuses from ceramic jugs embedded in the walls.

On the small back patio, discover stark white tents and mosquito netting. Start with a delightful complimentary amuse bouche of pureed sweet carrot and a basket of fresh fennel seed bread accompanied by dips.

The chicken couscous (RMB 58), spiced with cumin and paprika and filled with plump raisins, Marconi almonds, and tender juicy meat, hits the spot.

The beef tangine (RMB 68) is even better, with soft dates in a rich stew and two generous cubes of beef.

The lunch special is only RMB 68 and includes soup of the day, a salad (roasted green peppers and pine nuts), mint tea or coffee, and a choice of beef tangine or chicken couscous. An £¤88 lunch set adds on a fruit salad and a lamb tangine.

There's also a selection of Moroccan pizza (RMB 45) available a la carte. Warm weather calls for dry Moroccan rose wine (RMB 40) to complement the meal. One caveat -- the menus are hand-written and inconsistent, so be persistent with your inquiries into the menu.

Location: 133 Fuxing Xi Lu, near Yongfu Lu 
Tel: 021-64334261