Moroccan cuisine often flies under the radar as other, shoutier food trends like Mexican or Thai grab the limelight. But the subtle flavourings, patient slow cooking and rich variety make La Fibule a perennial Birmingham favourite.
The bohemian suburb of Moseley is the setting for this North African restaurant. Its location – just around the corner from the high street’s many bars and pubs – makes up for the lack of alcoholic drinks on the menu.
The interior is beautifully decorated in authentic Moroccan style, with traditional hanging lanterns, intricately patterned tiles and comfortable cushioned seating. The menu is broad and offers the opportunity to go beyond the quintessential couscous and lamb tagine. Poulet Casablanca (£12.95), for example, is a brilliant and unusual dish of stuffed chicken breast with prawns, capers and smoked salmon.
The fish dishes are notable, like scallops with saffron and monkfish with almonds (£16.95 each); both tasty reminders of how Morocco’s long Mediterranean coast has influenced its cooking. Vegetarians are also well looked-after. Flavourful meat-free options such as grilled aubergines, stuffed peppers, and walnut salad are a staple here, rather than an afterthought.