Moro Closes Its Doors After Two Years in Napa's Oxbow Public Market
In a noteworthy development within the culinary scene of Napa Valley, Moro, the fast-casual Moroccan restaurant established by renowned chef Mourad Lahlou, has officially closed its doors after a two-year run at Oxbow Public Market. The announcement of the closure, which took place in early July, was confirmed by Sarah Gillihan, the market's general manager. She expressed gratitude towards Chef Lahlou and his team for their contributions, stating that Moro was well-received by both local patrons and visitors, introducing them to modern Moroccan street food for the first time in the region.
Chef Mourad Lahlou, who gained fame for his more upscale Moroccan dining experiences in San Francisco, including the Michelin-starred Aziza and Mourad, previously sought to create a more casual yet authentic Moroccan dining experience at Moro. The menu featured a variety of grab-and-go items like wraps and salads, alongside traditional Moroccan dishes served with a contemporary twist. Lahlou’s culinary journey began in the Richmond District of San Francisco with Aziza, which opened in 2001 and was awarded a Michelin star from 2010 to 2014. His subsequent venture, Mourad, opened in 2015 and also received Michelin accolades, holding a star from 2016 until its closure in 2024 due to a dispute with the city of San Francisco over back taxes.
Moro was launched in April 2024, marking Lahlou's first foray into the fast-casual dining sector. The decision to expand into Napa stemmed from his fond memories of Moroccan street food from his youth, particularly from stalls at Jemaa el-Fnaa in Marrakesh. The restaurant's offerings included braised beef over couscous, grilled lamb shoulder, and flatbreads with shrimp in chermoula, designed to evoke the vibrant flavors of Moroccan cuisine.
While Moro has closed, Oxbow Public Market is poised for change, with plans to announce a new restaurant to replace it soon. The market, which has been a hub for local artisan food producers since its inception in 2007, continues to evolve with new openings, including a location for Bay Area's Johnny Doughnuts and St. Helena's Roman Holiday Gelato. Gillihan mentioned that the new establishment will resonate with the community and align with current consumer trends, ensuring that the market remains a vibrant dining destination.
As reported by sfchronicle.com.
