In a city where culinary refinement rubs shoulders with tourist excess, Safran by Koya is part of this new wave of ultra-conceptualized restaurants, blending global gastronomy, artistic performances, and a festive atmosphere. The intention is clear: to attract an international clientele eager for sensations. But by trying too hard, the place ends up losing coherence and sincerity.

A Soulless Welcome, a Shaky Start

From the moment you arrive, the experience starts with a misstep: a sloppy, mechanical welcome, which contrasts with the promise of a quality reserved table. Instead of a privileged position, you find yourself relegated to an unflattering corner—between the kitchen entrance and the waiters’ workstation. A subsequent move meant to improve the situation only worsens the feeling of being downgraded. Disappointing.

Atmosphere: Between a magical show and an explosive Parisian club

The decor, deliberately exotic, ends up saturating the senses. Too many visual elements, lacking harmony. The music, on the other hand, drifts without finesse between a club atmosphere and a Parisian lounge atmosphere. The highlight of the show, literally, is the performance of the belly dancers: a captivating moment, sincerely well executed, which temporarily saves the atmosphere. But the magic doesn’t last. Once the show is over, the musical transition is abrupt, almost aggressive, brutally transporting the customer to a far less seductive reality.

Service: Efficient but rushed, and sometimes too rushed

In terms of service, the impressive multilingualism and dynamism of the staff are to be commended. Special mention goes to the assigned server, smiling and attentive, who considerably enhances the experience. But the overall experience suffers from an overly accelerated tempo: the dishes follow one another without giving the guest time to appreciate the moment or savor the spectacle. We sense a flow management approach rather than a desire for a personalized experience.

Food: Taste is there, portions are small

The menu is ambitious: a culinary world tour where the Mediterranean and Morocco unashamedly coexist. On the plate, the surprise is rather pleasant. The tender beef fillet accompanied by a well-crafted pepper sauce, and the Greek-inspired spreads demonstrate honest, tasteful work. No innovation, certainly, but well executed.

The drinks (still water, sparkling water, Moroccan white wine) are well selected, served on elegant tableware. But the portions, especially the dessert—a tiny raspberry cheesecake for 120 dirhams—border on the indecent. A good dessert, yes, but undeniably frustrating, especially for a restaurant with such pretensions.

Clientele and General Atmosphere

The restaurant attracts a predominantly foreign clientele (France, the United Kingdom, etc.), attracted by the place’s Instagrammable offerings. People come for the moment more than the gastronomy. A few Moroccans mingle, but the place seems primarily designed to appeal to an image, rather than a local palate.

Conclusion – The Veneer Is Cracked

Safran by Koya offers a show more than a dinner, a performance more than a sensory experience. There’s a sense of a desire to dazzle the audience (and social media), but the lack of consistency between atmosphere, pace, and authenticity ultimately betrays the original intention.

There’s good food, a motivated staff, and a few moments of grace (especially the performances), but the hectic pace, the poorly managed welcome, and the poorly calibrated prices mar an experience that could have been brilliant.

Food: 3/5 | Service: 2/5 | Atmosphere: 4/5

Reservation

Reservations recommended

Group size

3-4 people, 5-8 people

Wait time

10-30 min

It was an exceptional experience in every way, where we enjoyed delicious and varied meals and professional service from the friendly and helpful staff. We appreciate the high quality of the food and the meticulous attention to detail, which left us feeling completely satisfied and pleased. The atmosphere was comfortable and enjoyable, and we were delighted to be in your restaurant. Thank you again for this wonderful experience, and we look forward to visiting you again in the near future.

Food: 4/5 | Service: 5/5 | Atmosphere: 5/5

Wait time

No wait

Their exquisite and refined dishes awakened my taste buds with every bite. The warm ambiance and attentive service added a special touch to this unforgettable dining experience. I highly recommend this restaurant to all lovers of good food and memorable moments.

Nous arrivons à 21h45 la réservation était à 22h00, 22h45 toujours pas installé ça fait presque 1heure d’attente quand on lui demande ils nous ignorent pas de communication ils savent même pas parler

Au moins l’ambiance était au top et le tajine au poulet était magnifique

The best restaurant I have ever been to in my life. Thanks to Karima and the Manager (I don’t remember his name) for making that night wonderful, the staff very fun. I recommend this restaurant 100,000%. It won’t be the last time I’m going. The food is extremely good, the prices are good for the atmosphere you get at dinner time. All perfect..

Food: 5/5 | Service: 5/5 | Atmosphere: 5/5

Recommended dishes

Traditional Chicken Pastilla, Lamb Shank Tagine