San Francisco's culinary scene has taken a hit with the announcement that Mourad, the once Michelin-starred Moroccan restaurant, will shut its doors after a decade of operation.
Chef Mourad Lahlou broke the news in an emotional post on Instagram, marking the end of a significant era in the city's dining history. "It is with a heavy heart that I wanted to share with you the closure of Mourad restaurant," Lahlou shared on social media. "This evening’s service will be our last."
The closure comes on the heels of prolonged challenges, exacerbated by a faltering post-pandemic economy and a protracted, bitter dispute with city officials, details of which Lahlou plans to disclose later. According to Lahlou's statement obtained by The Standard, the team at Mourad fought hard to keep the restaurant afloat, managing to survive and even strive, post-pandemic. Their efforts stood in contrast to the fate of neighboring establishments such as Starbucks, Chipotle, and others, which never managed to reopen or stay open after the health crisis.
Mourad, situated in the Pacific Telephone Building, added to the fine-dining establishments that had to close down in the city's downtown area. It followed Aphotic, a neighboring tasting menu venue expected to end its operations by year’s end. Chef and owner Peter Hemsley, discussing the difficulties of sustaining a business in downtown San Francisco, advised against investing in the area. This narrative echoes Lahlou's woes, the details of which, anticipating a clash with municipal bodies, have been kept under wraps for now.
The restaurant was known for its exquisite meld of Californian and Moroccan flavors with standout dishes such as the duck-and-apricot-stuffed basteeya, and the signature eggshuka. Despite the efforts, the decline in downtown foot traffic and shifting work-from-home cultures have significantly impacted the hospitality sector, leading to a downturn in patronage and several closures. Esteemed spots like Zero Zero, and Barbacco, also succumbed to similar fates, struggling to regain their customer bases post-pandemic due to a lack of consistent foot traffic.
Mourad's influence on the city's food landscape dates back to Lahlou’s earlier endeavors, such as Aziza, which also at one time earned a Michelin star. His other Bay Area establishments – Aziza in the Richmond District and Moro in Napa – remain operational.
