Hey guys! We’re are back we another blog post. This time we decided to check out a Moroccan restaurant in the Chicagoland area. The name of this restaurant is Taktuka Moroccan Kitchen located in Darien. It’s a family owned business and we had the pleasure of meeting the owner when we went.
Zaalouk (Roasted Eggplant cooked with tomatoes, garlic, and Moroccan spices. Toped with extra virgin olive oil and served with warm bread)
Donna: I enjoyed the Zaalouk but I wish it had a bit more garlic in it. However, it was still very enjoyable especially with the warm bread. I’d give it an 8.
Aaron: This is a unique appetizer that I’m not accustomed to, but it’s actually a really good dish! It reminds me of a sauce that’s the base of something. The flavors complement each other perfectly, and the bread adds a nice touch of substance to the dish. I’m giving this a solid 8.
Lamb Shank Tagine: (Lamb in a Moroccan stew with prunes, cinnamon, and almonds.)
Let me just say—this was some of the most tender lamb I’ve had in a long time. No knife necessary—my fork effortlessly pulled the meat from the bone. What really caught me by surprise, though, was the flavor profile. The lamb was stewed with prunes, cinnamon, and almonds—a combination I hadn’t experienced before. But somehow, it worked beautifully.
The prunes brought a subtle sweetness, while the cinnamon added just the right amount of warm spice. I paired the dish with couscous, which I think had almonds mixed in as well. While the flavors blended well, I’ll admit the texture took a moment to get used to. Still, the overall experience was absolutely worth it.
The atmosphere of the restaurant added to the enjoyment, creating a cozy, welcoming vibe that made the meal even more satisfying. Honestly, I cleaned the bone—it was that good.
I’d give the dish a solid 8.5 out of 10 and definitely recommend giving it a try if you’re looking to explore something new and flavorful.
Lamb Kabob Wrap and Fries: (Lamb marinated in store made marinade. Served with lettuce, tomato, onion, pickles, hummus spread.)
This wrap might look ordinary, but the lamb inside was incredibly tender and delicious. The seasoning didn’t give it a “lamby” taste, which is always a plus, and the ingredients in the wrap come together to make it a solid wrap, one of the best I’ve had. The fries are… well, fries and are really good with the garnish on top. Overall, the entree gets an 8 from me. I’ll definitely come back and try another one of their dishes.
The restaurant is cozy and small, perfect for a romantic dinner. The decorations give you a real taste of Moroccan culture. If you ever visit Naperville or Chicago, I highly recommend this place for some delicious Moroccan food.
Level Up and Chow Down 