Highlights
- Great tea selection
oChef » Aicha – San Francisco
Aicha - San Francisco
Photo from Aicha
Aicha at a glance
San Francisco Polk Gulch
- 🥘 Moroccan Restaurant
$$
Price per Person $21–$30
mentioned by 95 of the guests
#318 out of 2403 places to eat in San Francisco
#1 Moroccan Restaurant out of 4 in San Francisco
Excellent
8.4 out of 10
Food
Service
Ambience
Value
502
Reviews
85.7%
Satisfaction
Often praised
- Authentic flavors
- Warm service
- Good value
Frequently criticized
- Service inconsistency
- Hygiene issues
- Dated ambiance
The restaurant Aicha, a charming Moroccan Restaurant in San Francisco’s vibrant Polk Gulch neighborhood, invites you to discover authentic flavors. You’ll find Aicha Moroccan Cuisine offers a truly unique dining experience, highlighted by its great tea selection.
This cozy spot is perfect for a casual meal, whether you’re looking for dinner, lunch, or just dessert. Enjoy a quiet atmosphere where you can relax and savor every moment.
Overview: Introducting Aicha
Aicha offers a taste of Moroccan cuisine, often praised for its flavorful dishes and generous huge portions. Many guests appreciate the genuine hospitality and quick attention from the staff, making for a pleasant dining experience.
However, some experiences point to inconsistencies in service, with occasional reports of rude interactions or long waits. While the food generally receives high marks, a few diners found certain dishes dry or not quite authentic, and concerns about an unclean restroom have been noted.
Excellent
8.4
out of 10
502
Reviews
85.7%
Satisfaction
56
negative
16
neutral
430
positive
Overall, Aicha garners a strong Restaurant Score of 8.4, reflecting a generally positive dining experience. This is supported by a solid Customer Satisfaction rate of 85.7%, indicating that most patrons leave content.
These figures are drawn from over 500 customer remarks, with a clear majority of 430 positive observations outweighing 56 negative ones. Digging deeper, Food leads the way with an impressive (8.6), frequently praised for its authentic flavors and generous portions.
Service also performs well (8.5), often described as warm and efficient. While Value (7.9) is seen as fair, the Ambience (7.5) receives a good but slightly lower score, with some comments pointing to areas for improvement in decor and cleanliness.
What people like
- Authentic Moroccan flavors
- Warm, attentive service
- Generous portions, good value
What people don't like
- Inconsistent service
- Cleanliness concerns
- Dated ambiance
With a strong Recommendation Score of 8.4, Aicha generally delivers a satisfying Moroccan dining experience. If you prioritize warm service, generous portions, and authentic flavors, it’s certainly worth considering for a casual meal.
However, be prepared for potential service hiccups or an ambiance that some find a bit dated. While the food is largely a hit, occasional inconsistencies mean it might not be for everyone seeking a flawless experience.
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Verdict: Our expert take on Aicha
Food (8.6 out of 10)
mentioned by 99% of the guests
It seems the food here is largely a hit, boasting an impressive score of 8.6 and a solid customer satisfaction of 88.4%. Many of the 289 positive remarks rave about the lamb tagine, chicken bastilla, and the authentic and delicious Moroccan cuisine, often highlighting generous portions and rich flavors. However, not every dish hits the mark.
Out of 30 negative comments from a total of 327, some diners found certain items dry or overcooked, with a few even raising serious food safety concerns. While these instances are fewer, they point to occasional inconsistencies in quality, with some finding the food mediocre.
Food
327
Reviews
88%
Satisfaction
30
negative
8
neutral
289
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Authentic Moroccan cuisine
- Delicious tagines
- Chicken bastilla
What people don't like
- Food safety concerns
- Overcooked dishes
- Dry, flavorless food
Often praised
- foodWhat a place! This is the real Moroccan food, the food was so tasty and the service was super quick. Staff are so kind and extremely friendly.
- mint teaHowever, the Chicken Tagine was excellent, and the bread served with it was also very good, though slightly high in salt. The mint tea was initially served with sugar but was promptly replaced without it upon request, and it tasted good without the sugar. The restaurant is a nice little spot with good decor and friendly, efficient service.
- Moroccan foodMy experience at this restaurant was fantastic! We enjoyed fantastic Moroccan food with many wonderful vegetarian options. We opted for the vegetarian tagine and the vegetarian couscous, accompanied by the Moroccan mint tea.
- chicken bastillaThe decor was charming and the atmosphere welcoming. The bastilla was surprisingly large, enough to be a meal on its own, but I also enjoyed the kebab plate. Both dishes were delicious.
- FoodFood was excellent!!
- couscousthe couscous? It's like fluffy clouds of grainy joy
- lamb tagineThe lamb tagine was melt-in-your-mouth good
- Chicken BastillaChicken Bastilla was absolutely delicious too—so, so yummy!
- lambI can't recommend this place highly enough. And if you've never eaten lamb, this is the place to have that be an incredible experience. 🤯👌🏼✅️
- portionsI had some of the best food I’ve ever had! The flavors were incredibly complex, and the portions were huge! We split the chicken bastilla appetizer and I had the Chicken Couscous with Raisins & Onion.
Frequently criticized
- foodMy family and I visited this restaurant for dinner, and unfortunately, the food was below average. We ordered three dishes, and none of them tasted good. However, the service was good.
- vegetarian tagineI’d the vegetarian tagine and my companion had the fish tagine. We didn’t really love our respective tagines. I’m unsure if that is because we are unfamiliar with the dish.
- Beef kebabwas better than the couscous but barely
- Harira soupthey didn’t have Harira soup available
- amount of fooddon’t serve a good amount of food
- authenticit is not even close to authentic
- baklavaStale baklava was the only disappointment
- breadle pain était dure et sec
- chickenLe poulet était très sec également
- chicken bastillaThe wait time was unusually long, even though the restaurant was empty. When the food finally arrived, the problems began: The chicken bastilla was dry and tasted off, with a filling that did not seem fresh. The sirloin maghdour was downright spoiled; the first bite tasted of rotten meat, making me gag.
If youre craving authentic Moroccan flavors, especially their celebrated tagines and bastilla, this spot is definitely worth a try. Just be aware that while most experiences are fantastic, theres a small chance of encountering an off-dish or quality issue.
Service (8.5 out of 10)
mentioned by 66% of the guests
The service here truly stands out, with many guests praising the hospitality, staff, and owner for being incredibly kind and attentive. Diners frequently describe the service as warm and above and beyond, often noting its quick service. With a solid score of 8.5 and a customer satisfaction of 84%, it's clear most feel well cared for, based on 68 positive opinions.
However, not every experience is flawless. A few guests reported rude behavior from owners or a server, and some mentioned issues with wait time, describing the service as a bit slow. These concerns, while present, are less common, making up 10 negative opinions out of 81 total mentions.
Service
81
Reviews
84%
Satisfaction
10
negative
3
neutral
68
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Warm, attentive staff
- Quick, efficient service
- Outstanding hospitality
What people don't like
- Occasional rude behavior
- Long wait times
Often praised
- servicethe service wasn’t just friendly—it was genuinely warm and above and beyond
- staffMy experience at this small restaurant on a busy street was great. As I was the only customer on a Thursday evening, the service was quick and the staff was friendly. I had the kefta tagine, which was tasty and a decently sized portion.
- ServiceService:5
- ownerowner is very sweet—he was so sweetly excited
- waiterThe kind waiter answered all of my questions, then helped to prepare the food in the kitchen.
- hospitalityYou could feel the hospitality in every detail
- Great serviceGreat service
- StaffThis is the real Moroccan food, the food was so tasty and the service was super quick. Staff are so kind and extremely friendly. We gonna be there again soon 😘
- chefThe taste was great. The chef was very friendly and engaged with us, even knowing my country and discussing it at length. This made for a very pleasant dine-in lunch experience.
- chef knowledgeHe knows my country and talked to us a lot about it
Frequently criticized
- serviceThe service can be improved
- kitchen staffkitchen staff talking to me too much wrong behave
- oil leaksthere were oil leaks in the bag
- ownersthe owners has no manners they brought their mentality with them
- packagingtheir packaging wasn’t secure
- rudeThey’re Very rude!
- rude behaviorrude behave
- serverWe told the server but he did nothing about it
- wait timewait time was unusually long
If youre looking for genuinely warm and efficient service, this spot is a strong contender. While a few isolated reports mention rudeness or slow service, the vast majority of experiences highlight staff who go above and beyond. Youll likely feel very welcome here!
Ambience (7.5 out of 10)
mentioned by 46% of the guests
The ambiance here generally hits the mark, scoring a solid 7.5 and leaving 73.9% of customers satisfied. Many of the 51 positive remarks praise the charming Moroccan decoration, welcoming atmosphere, and overall cleanliness. Its often described as a hidden gem with a cozy, home-like feel, perfect for a date night or a relaxed meal.
However, not everyone is completely enchanted. The 13 negative comments frequently point to challenges with finding parking and some concerns about the restaurants lighting being too dim. A few also mentioned the place feeling a bit outdated or experiencing noise issues, which can detract from the otherwise pleasant vibe.
Ambience
69
Reviews
73%
Satisfaction
13
negative
5
neutral
51
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Charming Moroccan decor
- Cozy, welcoming atmosphere
- Spotless cleanliness
What people don't like
- Challenging parking
- Dim restaurant lighting
- Occasional noise issues
Often praised
- atmosphereintimate small eatery with touches of Moroccan decoration
- AtmosphereAtmosphere:5
- decorThe decor, music and ambience says it all
- ambienceThe decor, music and ambience says it all
- muralsInside has nicely done murals painted on the walls
- musicThe decor, music and ambience says it all
- restaurantthe restaurant is cozy
- DarijaI found a piece of home here, and it was lovely to hear Darija everywhere. The service was lovely, and the food was good.
- Moroccan decorationMy experience at this intimate eatery was delightful. The restaurant boasts touches of Moroccan decoration and paintings, creating a lovely atmosphere. They serve authentic home-cooked dishes that were truly flavorful.
- Parking optionsFree street parking
Frequently criticized
- restroomWe left feeling unsatisfied and concerned about food safety. To add to the issues, the restroom was unclean, and we observed only one person managing everything, raising serious questions about hygiene and sanitation. We were confused about the high online ratings, as our experience was nowhere near what those reviews suggest.
- ambianceI found the ambiance a bit dark.
- dirty and smelly placeVery dirty and smelly place
- fancyvery much not fancy
- finding parkingOnly problem is finding parking
- hygieneraises serious questions about hygiene and sanitation
- kitchen noiseconstant beeping noise from, I think, online orders
- noiseThere is a lot of noise
- outdatedI've been there twice on weekend nights and was surprised that it was never too busy. Its only drawbacks are that it is small, a little outdated, and not fancy at all. However, for me, that's part of the charm.
- parkingNo parking in-front of the restaurant
If youre seeking a charming, family-owned spot with a distinct Moroccan flair and a cozy, welcoming feel, this place is definitely worth a visit. Just be prepared for potential parking challenges and dont expect a super modern or fancy setting. It's a hidden gem for those who appreciate character over sleekness.
Value (7.9 out of 10)
mentioned by 25% of the guests
When it comes to value, this spot really shines! Many diners rave about the reasonable prices and how affordable everything is, often noting generous portions that offer great value. With a solid score of 7.9 and a fantastic 88% customer satisfaction, its clear most people feel theyre getting a lot for their money, based on 22 positive comments.
However, a few voices, just 3 out of 25 total, felt the value wasn't quite there, describing some experiences as disappointing or mediocre for the price. While these opinions are in the minority, they suggest that expectations around what you get for your money might occasionally fall short for some guests.
Value
25
Reviews
88%
Satisfaction
3
negative
0
neutral
22
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Reasonable prices
- Generous portions
- Low city prices
What people don't like
- Disappointing value
- Mediocre for price
Often praised
- pricesprices were actually pretty fair for these times
- priceThis place is a gem! The food is very tasty and reasonably priced. I've been there twice on weekend nights and was surprised that it was never too busy.
- affordabilityvery affordable compared to the other Moroccan restaurants
- reasonable pricesThe food was truly amazing, with the bastilla being simply perfect and the tagines super good. Coupled with reasonable prices, it made for a great lunch experience.
- Price per personPrice per person:$10–20
- affordableVery affordable
- valueDespite the humble surroundings, the owner's fabulous slow-cooked Tagine stews were a highlight, boasting a perfect blend of savoury and sweet with meat falling off the bone. The portions were huge, offering great value. I highly recommend asking about the baklava at the end.
Frequently criticized
- priceMy experience at this restaurant was terrible. The food was mediocre for the price and, to make it even worse, it was not even close to authentic. You should not call yourself a Moroccan restaurant.
- valuemost disappointing dining experiences we've had, both in terms of quality and value
If youre looking for a place where your money goes a long way, this restaurant is definitely worth checking out. Most guests find the prices incredibly fair for the quality and portions, making it a great choice for an affordable meal that wont break the bank.
How are the prices at Aicha?
You’re looking at roughly 25 per person – reported by 95 diners. That puts it in the $21–$30 category. For a Moroccan Restaurant in San Francisco, it’s comfortably mid-range: not a steal, but not bank-breaking either.
Looking at what people actually spend, most diners are right in that sweet spot around 25, with the majority of prices clustering in the $21–$30 range. While there are some options for a bit less or a bit more, its clear that the restaurants pricing is quite consistent around its average.
Here’s a quick look at what guests spend per person, based on the latest 95 reviews.
How this restaurant’s value stacks up against similar spots in San Francisco.
Overall, we think the pricing feels quite fair for a Moroccan Restaurant in San Francisco. It offers a good balance, making it accessible without compromising on the experience.
Customer Reviews: what people think about Aicha
Price per Person
- $21–$30
Visit Type
- Romantic Date
Group Type
- Couple
Group Size
- Couple
Service Type
- Dine-in
Meal Type
- Dinner
Noise Level
- Moderate
9
Fantastic Moroccan Date Night
My experience at this restaurant was fantastic! We enjoyed fantastic Moroccan food with many wonderful vegetarian options. We opted for the vegetarian tagine and the vegetarian couscous, accompanied by the Moroccan mint tea.
Everything was absolutely delicious, and it proved to be a great spot for date night.
- Moroccan food9
- vegetarian options9
- vegetarian tagine9
Price per Person
- $11–$20
Visit Type
- Food Exploration
Service Type
- Delivery
Meal Type
- Dinner
10
Best Moroccan Food and Friendliest Staff!
My experience at this restaurant was the best I've had in all of San Francisco! The staff are incredibly friendly, and the food is absolutely delicious. I once ordered through DoorDash late at night and forgot to add a soda.
When I informed the staff that I would pay for it in person when picking up my order, they generously gave me the soda for free! They even added homemade bread, which was also incredibly good. This place offers the BEST Moroccan Cuisine in town, complemented by the BEST and friendliest Staffs I've ever encountered.
Two thumbs up!
- staff10
- food10
- soda10
Price per Person
- $21–$30
Visit Type
- Food Exploration
Service Type
- Dine-in
Meal Type
- Dinner
9
Delicious Hole-in-the-Wall Gem
I love finding a good, low-key, family-run hole-in-the-wall restaurant. The inside features nicely done murals on the walls, though some seating is worn out and the lighting could use improvement. However, you're here for the tasty food that won't break the bank.
The staff, a single gentleman, was friendly and energetic at the end of Sunday night. The $20 Lamb Tagine with Prunes & Almonds was a nice, thick, meaty, tender, fall-off-the-bone hunk of lamb. The flatbread was light, fluffy, and thicker than a typical pita, a perfect vessel for dipping in the tagine sauces.
So delicious! The $22 Mix Kebab Platter Couscous, possibly "DEI at its finest? ", offered a lovely mix of grilled Chicken, Beef, Lamb, and sausage living in harmony on top of a generous pile of couscous and garbanzo beans.
Quite good! But the lamb is better.
- Lamb Tagine10
- flat bread9
- Mix Kebab Platter8
Price per Person
- $21–$30
Visit Type
- Food Exploration
Service Type
- Dine-in
Meal Type
- Dinner
Noise Level
- Quiet
9
Authentic Moroccan Flavors Delight
My experience at this restaurant was excellent, offering authentic Moroccan food that truly satisfied my cravings. We enjoyed the chicken pastilla, prune and lamb tagine, and a left tagine, all of which were delicious. The mint tea and almond pastries were the perfect finishing touch, like the cherry on top.
- Moroccan food9
- chicken pastilla9
- prune and lamb tagine9
Price per Person
- $21–$30
Visit Type
- Regular Visit
Group Type
- Friends
Group Size
- Solo
Service Type
- Dine-in
Meal Type
- Lunch
Noise Level
- Moderate
10
Consistently Amazing Food and Service
I've been to this restaurant multiple times, both dining solo and with friends, and it never misses the mark. Every dish I've tried here has been amazing. The chicken couscous is a particular standout that keeps me coming back.
- food10
- chicken couscous10
- service10
What Aicha offers
Accessibility
- Wheelchair accessible entrance
- Wheelchair accessible seating
- Wheelchair accessible restroom
Crowd
- Family-friendly
- Tourists
- Groups
Payments
- Credit cards
- Debit cards
- NFC mobile payments
Children
- Good for kids
Popular for
- Dinner
- Lunch
- Solo dining
Amenities
- Restroom
Offerings
- Vegan options
- Wine
- Coffee
- Beer
- Small plates
- Halal food
- Alcohol
Dining options
- Dinner
- Lunch
- Dessert
Service Options
- Dine-in
- Takeout
- Delivery
Parking
- Usually somewhat difficult to find a space
- Free street parking
- Paid street parking
Atmosphere
- Cozy
- Casual
- Quiet
FAQs
Does Aicha Moroccan Cuisine offer options for specific dietary needs?
Yes, you’ll find a variety of choices at Aicha Moroccan Cuisine. They proudly offer both delicious vegan options and halal food, ensuring there’s something delightful for everyone to enjoy during your visit.
What are the accessibility and parking options like at Aicha Moroccan Cuisine?
Aicha Moroccan Cuisine is fully wheelchair accessible, with an accessible entrance, seating, and restroom. Parking can be somewhat difficult, but you can usually find free or paid street parking nearby for your convenience.
What is Aicha's overall rating and what do customers think about it?
Aicha holds a strong Restaurant Score of 8.4, with Customer Satisfaction at 85.7%. Customers particularly praise the Food (8.6) and Service (8.5), while Value (7.9) and Ambience (7.5) also rate well.
What kind of food can I expect at Aicha?
Aicha is known for its authentic Moroccan cuisine, with many positive remarks about flavorful dishes like lamb tagine and chicken bastilla. Portions are often described as generous, though some experiences mention dry chicken or lack of authenticity.
How is the service and atmosphere at Aicha?
Service at Aicha is frequently highlighted as warm, friendly, and quick. The ambiance is often described as cozy with Moroccan decor. However, some guests have noted occasional rude service, long wait times, or concerns about cleanliness and outdated decor.