Kouskous Express Pittsburgh

This is an easy four stars, but a slightly tougher five stars. I will lean towards five. The menu is simple, and the staff is happy to let you try anything you want (potentially including everything!) There are plenty of vegetarian options available (they are probably vegan, but I would confirm) and though it is not made immediately clear, you can use chickpeas as a protein. I am unsure if it would amount to $10 or $12. Portions are generous. Service was fast. Staff was friendly and attentive, even late at night. On my first (and so far only) visit, I tried the Couscous, Merguez Lamb Sausage, Eggplant Zaa'louk and Ras El Hanout Cauliflower, with Spicy Harissa sauce. I also got a pita on the side. Everything was excellent. The spicy Harissa sauce is not too spicy hot, but has plenty of flavor and almost subtly reminds me of a slightly hot tatziki. They were kind enough to let me try a small sample the saffron rice, Moroccan Loubia Beans, Moroccan carrots plum beef, and Saffron cream. They would have let me try everything, but I knew I would be coming back. These were all excellent. The Saffron cream has a pleasantly earthy taste to it, but is otherwise hard to describe. Much of the food is hard to describe, beyond many ways to praise it. They were out of the Lamb Tajine, but it was nearing closing time. That was the protein I wanted, so I will get it next time. This is what makes a five star difficult, but I trust that it is an exception. Besides, with the ability to try everything else, and the excellent flavor of everything (simple menu, but many combinations) it gave me an excuse to try something else amazing. Overall, it earns a Very Yes out of Yes. It's another excellent restaurant in the Mt. Lebanon/Dormont area. The fast casual style really suits the authentic Moroccan food, and if fast casual is not to your tastes, you can order take out. As the shop itself is small (other possible demerit, but not really an issue) I would not be surprised if they have to expand or open another in a few years, much like one of my favorite cafes in my hometown of Lancaster PA. Please do yourself a favor and a flavor, and stop by.

Delicious food at a reasonable price. I had the preserved lemon chicken with saffron rice, cauliflower, zucchini and squash with the saffron cream over top. My boyfriend had the beef in plum over couscous with the carrots and eggplant. Everything was super flavorful and the portions were the perfect amount. Above all, the owner was extremely friendly and very passionate about the cuisine. My boyfriend and I already have plans to visit again next week! I would highly recommend.