There is a particular magic to food cooked over fire. The aroma arrives before the plate itself, carrying with it tradition and the stories of its place. At Tagine & Grill, the new permanent residency from Moroccan-born restaurateur Yassir Chair at Soho’s Sun & 13 Cantons, that elemental appeal forms the heart of a dining experience that is as vibrant as it is comforting.
When you step inside the pub, you are transported into a space that exists between two worlds. On the surface, it is a quintessential British pub, rich with character and familiarity. Yet the warmth of Moroccan hospitality envelops you, creating a completely different place that still feels comfortably familiar. Tables brim with colourful sharing plates, fragrant spices perfume the air and the unmistakable scent of charcoal grilling drifts from the kitchen. While London’s food scene is known for its international cuisine, Moroccan food remains surprisingly underrepresented. Yassir seeks to change this narrative with Tagine & Grill, presenting a modern interpretation of Moroccan cooking that remains deeply rooted in tradition.
Moroccan cuisine is more than what arrives on the plate; it is an experience shaped by bold flavours, generous hospitality and the joy of gathering around a shared table. The smoky aromas of open-fire cooking, the vibrant spices and the relaxed atmosphere all contribute to a style of dining that encourages connection. It is precisely why The Sun & 13 Cantons provides such a fitting setting. Here, the food is enjoyed as it was intended to be, shared among friends and family, accompanied by conversation and community.
The Experience
To begin the evening, a selection of small plates showcases the richness of Moroccan flavour: chargrilled meats and delicate dips, traditional flavours with a contemporary twist. The Zaalouk, a roasted aubergine and tomato dip, demonstrates how simple ingredients can come together to create something rich, smoky and deeply comforting. The roasted aubergine melts into the sweetness of the tomatoes, while warming spices add depth without overpowering the dish. Each spoonful reveals layers of flavour from the slow-cooked vegetables, balanced by subtle spice and a gentle charred smokiness.
Among the most memorable starters were the King Prawn Tangier Bastila Cigars. Delicately crisp on the outside yet soft within, they delivered a compelling contrast of textures. The prawns retained their natural sweetness while the pastry provided a satisfying crunch, creating a dish that felt both refined and playful. The classic Crispy Chicken Briouats are not to be missed. Flavourful and juicy on the inside, their exterior is flaky, buttery and perfectly crisp. For a deeper explosion of Moroccan spices, the Chargrilled Merguez Sausages stand out. Infused with rich, aromatic spices, the meat delivers a bold complexity of flavour, beautifully complemented by the crisp char imparted by the grill.
With Moroccan cuisine, you often begin with an array of small plates that introduce you to its vibrant and aromatic world. Yet the experience is far from over. Soon, the centre of the table becomes the focus as the larger sharing dishes arrive. At the heart of the menu are the signature kebabs, served open on warm flatbread and layered with vibrant sauces, herbs and pickles. The Chargrilled Lamb Kofta arrives crowned with pickled red cabbage, coriander and cooling lemon and mint yoghurt. It carries an enticing smoky flavour imparted by the charcoal while remaining exceptionally juicy. The acidity of the pickles and yoghurt cuts through the richness of the lamb, creating a dish that feels balanced rather than heavy. Every element serves a purpose, pushing the flavours into deeper layers of complexity.
Alongside, the Halloumi Fries strike a delightful balance between sweet, salty and spicy. Golden and crisp on the outside, the halloumi retains its signature savoury richness, while a drizzle of honey softens the saltiness with delicate sweetness. The harissa mayo adds a gentle heat that lingers pleasantly on the palate, elevating the dish beyond a simple side.
To finish, the Roasted Almond and Honey Briouats provide a memorable close. Encased in delicate, flaky pastry, the roasted almonds deliver a rich nuttiness that is complemented by the natural sweetness of honey. The crisp exterior gives way to a satisfyingly textured filling, creating a dessert that feels both comforting and refined. It is a simple yet elegant finale, allowing the flavours of Morocco to linger long after the last bite.
Every single plate is reason enough to return, but there is yet another incentive. Each week, Tagine & Grill will showcase a new rotating tagine, making the most of seasonal produce while offering returning diners the opportunity to discover a new expression of authentic Moroccan cooking with every visit.
The Story Behind Tagine & Grill
What makes Tagine & Grill particularly compelling is the story behind it. Born and raised in Morocco before moving to London at 20, Yassir Chair has built his career in hospitality with a clear sense of identity and purpose, first through Afuego Burger and now through this new Moroccan concept. Tagine & Grill feels like more than just another residency; it is the expression of a restaurateur introducing the flavours of home to a city he has made his own. In that sense, the restaurant carries with it not only culinary ambition but also a sense of pride, memory and culture.
That mission feels especially significant in London, where Moroccan cuisine remains far less visible than it deserves to be. Although a city celebrated for its international food scene, it is surprising how often Moroccan food remains overlooked. Tagine & Grill makes a compelling case for why that should change. Through bold open-fire cooking, vibrant spices and a menu designed for sharing, it presents Moroccan cuisine in a way that feels both accessible and exciting, while remaining rooted in the traditions that give it its character.
In Soho, where new openings come and go with constant momentum, this residency stands out for its sense of purpose. More than simply a place to eat, it is a celebration of what Moroccan dining is meant to be: communal, expressive and full of warmth. Through every smoky kebab, vibrant dip and shared plate, Yassir Chair succeeds in bringing a piece of Morocco to the heart of London.
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Photo credits: Tagine & Grill and The Sun & 13 cantons.