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Al Hamraa
Category: Restaurants Moroccan Moroccan [Edit]
Ix Building929 2nd St SE
Charlottesville, VA 22902
(434) 972-9907
- Price Range:
-
$$
- Accepts Credit Cards:
- Yes
- Parking:
- Private Lot
- Attire:
- Casual
- Good for Groups:
- Yes
- Good for Kids:
- No
- Takes Reservations:
- Yes
- Delivery:
- No
- Waiter Service:
- Yes
- Outdoor Seating:
- Yes
- Good For:
- Dinner
- Alcohol:
- Full Bar
- Noise Level:
- Average
- Has TV:
- Yes
- Wheelchair Accessible:
- Yes
10 reviews for Al Hamraa
10 reviews in English
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Review from Lisa G.
This place is a bit difficult to get to unless you're familiar with Charlottesville and the IX building.
I'm not very familiar with Moroccan food, but was very excited to try this spot even though I'm not a fan of small plates. We got there early and were the first ones there for dinner. We were greeted and seated immediately and given plenty of time to look over the menu. The waiter (cutie) answered any questions we had about the food and even took care to make sure things we ordered were gluten-free since my friend has celiac.
After our order was placed, our drinks (pomegranate martinis) came quickly and were soon followed by a hand rinsing... kinda like a finger bowl, but only poured from a pitcher. Very cool! The first dish that came out was the Tamgaraat (butternut squash with olive oil and cilantro) from the $4.90 section. SO delicious, and just the right-sized portion for sharing. The second plate that came was from the $8.90 section and was the Kefta Belbaid (savory beef meatballs topped with egg). Unexpected (in a good way) flavors that were good, but not outstanding. Last came the Hout fi el Farran (baked whole trout, ginger, tomatoes and carrots) for $15.90. This dish also had some unexpected flavors... and once again good, but not outstanding. Maybe I just have a thing against whole fish with head, tail and bones in it?
We actually ordered Rfissa (Moroccan spiced chicken with lentils and fava beans over special bread) from the $15.90 section as well, but either our waiter couldn't see our mark on the paper (they do it like Japanese order sushi) or he forgot. I think he didn't see the mark, because he seemed totally surprised when we asked about it. We were both full, so it wasn't a big misfortune, though it was THE thing on the menu that I wanted to try most.
By this time, the restaurant had filled up, and our waiter did get a little sidetracked with other customers. We had to flag him down a couple times, but we were leisurely eaters, so it didn't make much difference. The hostess (Puhi) brought us our check, and was as nice as she could be. She told us about the bellydancing and live music on weekends and Latin night on Thursdays. We told her it was our first time and that we enjoyed the meal, and she ended up bringing us a complimentary dessert! When my friend went to the restroom, I ended up making small talk with Puhi and left feeling that the staff were genuinely nice, friendly people. It seemed like everyone there were regulars and were enjoying themselves.
Four stars is probably a bit generous considering the forgotten plate, sidetracked waiter and good but not delicious two (out of 3) plates. But the decor, atmosphere and warm service more than made up for it. Oh, I forgot to mention they also have absinthe... well, it's on the menu, but they were out of stock. That was a bit of a disappointment, too. -
Review from David J.
Fairfax, VA
1/9/2012
This is a great spot tucked away in one of the many corners of Charlottesville. The atmosphere is pleasantly interesting--open and spacious layout, dim crimson lights, moroccan motifs everywhere, couches around a coffee table-style seating, and a server who pours a kettle of warm water so you can wash your hands.
The food at this restaurant is uncommon and delicious. Our group had nine dishes brought out in a well-paced succession and with every dish came an "ohh" and a "mmm, wow that's good."
My favorite of the night: Rfissa (Moroccan-spiced chicken with lentils and fava beans over special bread)--savory, tender-as-it-gets with a lot of subtle and aromatic flavors you haven't had much of before. -
Review from Jes S.
San Francisco, CA
1/2/2009 4 photos
First my disclaimer; a friend of mine does own this restaurant. But this review is based on EATING there with my family and their reactions too.
Walking in is an experience in itself. The decorations are just amazing. Lanterns, pillows, fabric draped around, a copper top bar. It really takes you to another place when you step inside. It used to be a warehouse space so I was pretty eye popped to see what it had turned into.
We sat on the cushioned benches with pillows all around us. They washed our hands with the basin and warm water, too cute.
I ordered a starter which was sweet and savory flaky dough with meat, egg, and powdered sugar. Mom was a little apprehensive about finding something she would like but she was pushing me out of the way to eat this dish. Dad really enjoyed his lentil soup to start and he usually doesn't eat much bread but really liked it.
I had goat meat with Moroccan orzo and a side of couscous and ate it all with my hands, as it's a utensil free meal! (ok, for you pansies there are spoons)
Mom had the chicken with veggie couscous and roasted peppers on the side and really liked it and said about 5 times how tender the chicken was and just fell off the bones.
We didn't even see the sardines pops ordered cause he devoured them so fast.
Our server was sweet and friendly. They do have bellydancers perform who weren't there that night but I've seen them perform and are awesome (I guess another disclaimer since I took class with them, sheesh, shoot me, it's not a big town)
under 100$ for dinner for three with apps and wine is good yes? I kind of wish I hadn't moved away but it will be nice to visit and eat here again! -
Review from Christian D.
Montgomery, AL
3/3/2011
We lived just up the hill from this place for a year and made a few trips down to eat here. We were very glad we did. They switched from the traditional menu to their tapas format between our first and second visits, and we really like the change. We ended up going back with friends and having a blast with the different dishes.
I saw the 1-star review, and though we never had service issues like that, I'll admit service can be slower than expected, especially since it was never packed when we were there. But the food was great, and their martini menu is a lot of fun, so we took our time, relaxed, and always had a great meal. -
Review from Dwayne A.
San Francisco, CA
12/19/2008
After a drive down to Richmond from the 'ville to check out the renovations on a friend's new property, we settled on Karim Sellam's new restaurant for dinner.
I felt transported to Morocco upon entering. I wanted to take off my shoes and lie down to order my food or something. I don't know if that's what they do in Morocco, but that's what I wanted to do, y'all.
I'm not a big fan of family-style or small plates for dinner, as you can tell from my reviews. So I was a little nervous about getting enough to eat, and feeling like I got a value.
I had nothing to worry about.
First came the hand-washing with warm water poured from a pitcher...very nice.
The meal was great. The entree we had (spicy meatballs topped with egg, mmmm!) was delicious and plenty for two people when augmented by the accompaniments ($3 each). We had butternut squash, salty beets, spinach with preserved lemon, potato and cilantro cakes....and these small dishes really made the meal. So delicious. Kept wondering what spices were used.
The waiter was handsome, soft spoken and attentive.
Highly recommended! And I hear they have live music and belly dancers? Wish I could have been there for that!
Make the trek to the ridiculously named Ix building. You will not be disappointed and indeed it's quite the getaway! -
Review from Chase D.
Blacksburg, VA
12/5/2009
My girlfriend and I visited Al Hamraa for a different, Moroccan dining experience. We were both very pleased! Granted, we were the only two customers at the time we went in, and by the time we left, there were two other parties, so the restaurant (at least on a snowy, winter night) isn't crowded on Saturday when you're hungry for something different.
We ordered three dishes to share - it works like a tapas bar. We got a beef pastry dish, a mussel soup and finally a large plate of chicken with lentil and fava beans. Everything was delicious, especially the soup. I highly recommend it!
They had a list of cocktails that I didn't try, but they do have a full bar. The cocktails looked around the $8 range. They also have a wide variety of beer, about $3.75 per bottle.
Lastly, you have to use your hands to eat. They pour water for you as you wash your hands and dry them off with a towel. They DO give you silverware for things you can't eat with your hands, such as soup.
Everyone who likes a little bit of Middle Eastern culture should definitely try Al Hamraa for a great experience. -
Review from Stephanie F.
Charlotte, NC
3/19/2010
The only reason I am giving this place 1 star is that our friends raved about their food and the place has great atmosphere.
We came here with a group of people on a night that was not packed. However, the service was the worst I have EVER experienced. In the hour we were there, my husband and I weren't even offered drinks. Our group actually asked for a different server and the service didn't get much better. We had to give up and end up leaving the rest of the group, before food came because we had to get home for our child. Our friends didn't make it home for another 3 hours. 4 hours for dinner seems a bit much when the place wasn't that packed. In fact, we weren't the only ones who walked out-so there really should have been no excuse as to why we weren't being helped. But, our friends did say the food was great.
Tapas isn't traditionally Morroccan, but this place apparently makes it work. However, despite the great ambiance and rave reviews of food-we will NOT be back. -
Review from I'mFromCroze T.
Crozet, VA
4/30/2010
I thought I had discovered something new and amazing. You walk into this beautifully decorated room and you smell the spices and the bar looks ancient, like it has seen a thing or two. There is a stage for a belly dancer and pillows around the room for sitting and dining. Basically everything looks in order for an excellent night.
But that's when it starts to go all wrong. The food here is tapas style and a lot of it would not be familiar to the average diner. The waitress who took care of our party really didn't know the menu and did a poor job of answering questions regarding the food. She may have been new but it made decisions tougher.
The alcoholic beverages are unique and tasted very good. They took far too long to get considering we were one of three parties in the restaurant.
The food started to arrive and we shared a bit of each dish. The Boustaila was an interesting fusion of flavor. A sweet chicken pastry with almonds and maybe cinnamon. It was cold probably from sitting waiting for other dishes to finish in the kitchen. The next dish was the Kefta. Another pastry with ground beef. It was fried and it was obvious that the oil was not at temperature. The pastry soaked up a lot of it making for a messy situation with oil dripping from every piece. All of the hot dishes that followed were about the same. Looks great sounds great but just not well prepared.
We finished with hot tea and a shisha (hookah) while watching the belly dancer. This part of the evening was the best and closest to my memories of many trips to the Middle East. The atmosphere is awesome so I must say I was disappointed that the food was such a letdown. I give this restaurant two stars based on location alone. -
Review from shawn g.
Falls Church, VA
4/29/2010
It was deserted when we arrived at 6pm for dinner, except for the birthday party in the private blue room. The bread was tasty, but a bit tough. I enjoyed the Harira soup, and the fusion Fig paste, blue cheese, green apple, and sesame seeds was definitely worth the $6. The Mussels were also really good. Enough that I used the leftover bread to sop up the juices. I think we ordered one or two other things, in addition to the cocktails. I didn't like my moroccan mint cooler as much as the Lady's black widow. minus one star for making me sit up instead of lounge on their cushions.
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Review from Dominic L.
Charlottesville, VA
3/22/2009
went there for a frd's bday... one of the most memorable bday dinner i hv ever had... the atmosphere was very chill... its more like a lounge than restaurants... theres is private room available for reservation...
food is very nice... and they suggest to use your hands to eat... sounds very local..... but definitely a new experience for me... i had a taste of all the entrees... my favourite is the rabbit and mussels for appetizer... the side dishes are very average...the portion of food is slightly too small for a guy...
the environment is chill...but the waiter is too chill as well... it took more than an hour for food to arrive... definitely not a place to go to when you are in a hurry... but a nice place when you want to have a nice conversation...
however... the selection of wine is very limited... they dont even have a wine list... and they waiter just told us what they get to offer... he even got some of the regions wrong... so dont rely on the waiter... and remember to check the bottle before opening it...
you could even do hooka (shisha) after 10pm... a nice way to chill your night off....
