Tagine - Beverly Hills

If you're someone who pays close attention to service and restaurant details, you'll quickly form an impression of Tagine. The first course included a mini sampler of hummus, baba ganoush, and seasoned olives served with roasted black pita wedges, akin to tortilla chips. I particularly enjoyed the seasoned olives, which were small, firm, and had a delightful kick of garlic and spice. If you're a fan of churros, you might appreciate the phyllo dish filled with diced chicken. However, the chicken was barely detectable, overshadowed by the cinnamon and powdered sugar topping, reminiscent of something you'd find at an amusement park, albeit at a much higher price point. However, for true food enthusiasts, I would advise skipping this restaurant. While the food isn't outright bad, it's simply mediocre and not worth the price. You could easily find food at a mall that would be satisfactory for a fraction of the cost. Those who rave about this place might not cook much themselves, as the dishes lack depth and pride in preparation. It seems that the concept behind this restaurant thrives more on the allure of profit rather than a genuine passion for food. Tagine advertises “Moroccan food, Beverly Hills style,” but don’t expect authenticity. Diners won’t be sitting on the floor or using low tables as traditional Moroccan culture demands. Instead, it feels as though they’ve "Frenchified" the presentation, leaving only about 10% of the dish to be actually food. Each course in the tasting menu was quite mild, lacking the bold and vibrant flavors typically associated with Moroccan cuisine. It seemed tailored for a bland American palate, lacking any sense of adventure in taste. I ordered the tasting menu, which consisted of seven courses. Although the overall amount was satisfactory and I found myself somewhat full by the end of the meal, if you're expecting a Moroccan feast, this isn’t the place for you. The portions are small, with most courses requiring only 2-4 bites. The selection of alcohol is also limited if that matters to you. As for the service, the waitstaff were minimally attentive, and their style did nothing to enhance the experience. They appeared indifferent, treating their roles as mere jobs without anticipation for the customers' needs. If you base your dining choices on first impressions and prioritize ambiance over food quality, you might enjoy Tagine. If you're going on a date and your companion shares a similar appreciation for atmosphere, it could be a win. Conversely, if you prefer hidden gems where the atmosphere matters less than the quality of food, I would suggest you not waste your money at Tagine.