June 2011
Yakota is an authentic Moroccan restaurant in the heart of downtown Beer Sheva. The restaurant is in a red stone building at the corner of Mordei Hagetaot and Anilevich Streets (A Polish intersection for a Moroccan restaurant?). Street parking is available. The name is from a restaurant that was opened in 1965 and means pearl or diamond in the Morroccan language.
Entering this restaurant is like entering a villa in Marrakesh. The interior is beautifully stylized with blue painted walls and delicate gold accents. There are upholstered sofas with colorful fabrics. Ethnic Moroccan ceramics and glassware are displayed on open shelves. Beautiful lighting adds to the ambience. The service staff is dressed in authentic costume and the tableware again reflects the Moroccan style.
Yakota is a total experience. From the ambiance, to the menu, to the famous Moroccan hospitality. You will be greeted at the door by manager Bebe, and welcomed personally into the restaurant. Bebe himself will explain the menu and the days specials. A charming host, Bebe will guide you through the unique selection of foods.
Yakota is primarily a meat restaurant with a very rich variety of beef and organ meats. Choose from steaks, fish, and lamb dishes, or the chef specialties of oxtail and tongue. Unique dishes include the slow-cooked Moroccan kidney.
Your meal starts with authentic Moroccan salads, such as two kinds of eggplant, matbuha, grilled peppers, or best of all, the house specialty—humus. These are served with Moroccan bread.
The signature Moroccan dish is couscous, baked with vegetables and meat in a Tangine ceramic pot. Couscous is also prepared without meat, and those who prefer veggie dishes will enjoy this deliciously flavored veggie dish. The restaurant serves generous portions and nobody will be hungry.
We were charmed by the Yakota dessert, which is a selection of sweet Moroccan pastries beautifully presented on a multi-tiered tray. This is served with a pot of hot Moroccan black coffee or sweet Moroccan tea.
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