El Mansour, San Francisco

i wanted to try something outside of the norm, and el mansour sounded like it would be a trip. the interior is really cool, it feels like you're dining in a desert tent, even though it's all indoors. you sit on cushions, and there's a live belly dancing show when your dinner is complete. it's a very friendly, convivial atmosphere in there. i guess the food was just kind of weird to me, made even stranger by the fact that they don't provide any silverware. i know that's traditionally how food is eaten in morocco--but without even the spongy bread you get at ethopian food to help you eat with your hands, it was unclear to me what to do with my plate of stew. the food was kind of average, not very flavorful and overpriced. clearly you are paying a surcharge for the entertainment, and as such, it's worth it for the experience. but i don't think i'd come back here.

On Clement Street in San Francisco, El Mansour is a colorful, exotic and romantic Moroccan dining experience. You sit around a low table on colorful seat cushions. The menu is varied and interesting and the meal is accompanied by delicious appetizers and followed by mint tea poured perfectly from several feet above the glass. You eat with your hands and waiters follow up with rosewater and towels. The dress is casual or elegant - whatever is most comfortable. Occasionally, there's belly dancing. The price is very affordable. It is a completely entertaining, relaxed and fun dining experience. The parking can sometimes be challenging, but it's worth it.

Great food, belly-dancing, ambience and service. The only gripe that I have is that at times the music was a bit too loud.