Tara Kitchen
| Address: | 431 Liberty St, Schenectady, NY 12305, USA |
| Phone: | +1 518-708-3485 |
| Site: | tarakitchen.com |
| Rating: | 4.5 |
| Working: | Closed 11:30AM–2PM 11:30AM–2PM 11:30AM–2PM 11:30AM–2PM 5–10PM 5–8PM |
Location
Photos 100
Reviews 18
ME
Megan Moyer
This is absolutely, positively one of the best restaurants I have ever had the pleasure of experiencing! The owner is a delightful host, as is her staff, and the food is nothing short of incredible. Our first visit, we were a bit overwhelmed by the sheer amount of enticing flavor combinations on the menu, so out of the blue, the owner/cook offered to surprise us! She said she would give us one chicken, one lamb, and one vegetarian dish so that we could get a good sampling. When we returned, she not only remembered us, but also the dishes she prepared for us, and kindly obliged our request for another night of different -- but equally amazing -- surprises. We have enjoyed every single thing that has emerged from that tiny, but magical kitchen! This is a MUST if you are anywhere within a 100-mile radius of Schenectady.
OT
Otis Maxwell
This is a charming hole-in-the-wall behind Union College in what I think is a former home. Its home cooking by a very small staff, yet distinctive enough to have won a "Rising Chef" award in the Albany WineFest competition. Moroccan food is closer to Spanish than middle eastern in flavoring, but with middle eastern ingredients like kabobs and pita. Definitely start with the pita and homemade harissa; youll get a generous portion of the hot sauce you can use for the rest of your meal. Our party of 3 had lunch and tried the lamb kebab, lamb meatballs and pita pizza and all were great. The owners are friendly and eager to talk about the food. Be sure to check the hours, which are slightly odd, before you go.
MA
Matthew Potter
The food was delicious, definitely top notch in this area. What ruined the whole experience for me was when a waiter came to our table and told us, "other customers are waiting, wrap it up." We were only there for about one (1) hour, which is completely reasonable for a table of four (4) that ordered two bottles of wine, appetizers, and entrees. After spending $200+ on our dinner the staff succeeded in making our table feel completely unwelcome. It is for this reason I will never recommend this establishment to anyone. While the food is good, it seems that this place has forgotten about the importance on conversing with your friends and family over dinner. Shameful.
RI
Rich Schell
"This place is AWESOME! Great service, seeing the hands that cook your meal, one of my "Top 5 in Life" meals.... what more can I say, except, I wanna try everything on the menu! Ive actually e-mailed my co-workers about this place. Had the fish appetizer, excellent, and the Chicken with preserved lemons and green olives (enough for two) which came with nan. Total bill was like $25... Have been here twice, but the wife keeps pulling us back to the preserved lemons dish... dont mess with perfection mentality, but I want to try it all, its the chefs hands that are perfect"
AN
Andrew Richmond
My Partner, their mother, and I all walked into Tara Kitchen expecting it to still be lunch hour. However, the owner (I believe) told us that unfortunately, they were closed for their break before dinner. As we were turning to leave, he said to us, "We will gladly have you for lunch, please sit wherever you like." His wonderful service and kindness matched the quality of the food that they served us. The establishment is a little small, but it feels very authentic and inviting. Easily one of the best restaurants in the area!
JA
James Benway
The food was exceptionally good, however the service left much to be desired. Our party ordered two successive bottles of wines with our appetizers and meal, the second of which we were rudely rushed through. Upon ordering the second bottle of wine a server came by and told us to "wrap it up". A few minutes later another came to the table and removed on of our partys glasses and told us to work on the wine. When a party of four spends over $250 on a meal, it is quite rude to make them feel uncomfortable in this manner.
EM
Emily Gosh
Food was on point! This place was PACKED like Ive never seen a Schenectady restaurant packed.. I felt like I was in some cool new NYC restaurant, packed in like sardines. But despite the crowd the food and service was top notch. Id never had Moroccan food before this visit to Tara Kitchen and it reminded me of Indian/Middle Eastern flavors for any other newbs out there. Ill definitely be back!
KO
Kolleen Cormie
Food was a bit expensive but the portions were fitting for the price. I was able to have a full meal for leftovers. The waitstaff was quick to bring us water and hot tea to start. Then promptly took our order. The owner or head cook came to check on our experience with the food halfway thru the meal it was a pleasure! Go for the dessert! Honey oozes out the sides and its delicious!
MI
Miguel E. Diaz
Warm, Authentic, Sweet, Unique and down to earth...and thats just the owners, Aneesa and Muntasim. They make you feel like a special guest in their home while you dine at this Amazing and cozy restaurant. The food is delicious and very accessible yet still true to anything youll find in Marrakech. Tara kitchen is an absolute gem, and Im grateful to have it in our area.
PA
Pamela Maldonado
The food there was amazing!! We all shared our dishes and it was great to try a but if everything. My only complaint is that the server was a little lacking.... My husband was thirsty when we arrived and promptly drank his whole water... The server never refilled it till I approached much later and asked for refills for the whole table.
VI
Victoria McLaughlin
Best food youll get in the Capital Region! Ive sampled everything on the menu: chicken w/prune & apricot, spinach & chickpeas, harrira, and the eggplant dip are amongst favorites! Bring a small group and share! !! Be patient because the food is cooked to order and so well worth the short wait. Im
CH
Charles Ganzert
I love this place. Was working around the corner for about a month. Ate here at least once a week. Even brought a cooler in a few times to bring it home for dinner with the girl. She loves it aswell. Staff very friendly. Everything a had was delicious! Will be going back whenever we can.
GE
George Wheeler
Fantastic Moroccan food! Tara Kitchen is yet another amazing gem of the new and reviving Schenectady area. Featuring authentic dishes of Morocco, weekend cooking classes, and a warm and inviting family, this place is a must for anyone looking to think outside their lunch box.
JO
Joshua Seagrave
This place is fantastic! We didnt know what to order but the owner made excellent suggestions. Everything is very authentic and delicious! I could not recommend this restaurant more. Also they are perfect for someone who eats gluten free and vegetarian.
AU
Austin-Hans Adams
Best Moroccan food ever! Highly recommend the chicken with prune and apricot marinade for lunch, or any of the lamb on the dinner menu. I sat at the bar, and watched the food being cooked - tables are available inside and outside.
JU
Justin Perog
Soo the food was absolutely delicious and the wine was great, but they were having a terrible night with service, messed up our order twice and lost two entrees . truthfully i would go back the food was just that good!
DE
Dee Lowman
Great Mothers Day experience! Enjoyed the tapenade and the eggplant apps. Delish! Even had a complimentary glass of wine as "the Mom"! Dinner was amazing. Thanks, again, for another great dining experience.
RI
Rie Sus
Food comes out very hot temperature wise. I love that. Incredibly flavorful too. Nice wine selection although I went with a Morrocean beer. Lots of vegetarian options but I had the lamb. Tender and spicy.
