Chez Fatima - Gatineau

There is a reason why this family owned and run restaurant is rated number 1 in all of Hull/Gatineau on another website (trip-advisor), its because its real, authentic, Moroccan home made cuisine.   I usually go for the lunch buffet, which is a good deal for the price.  Every option in the buffet is made with love, and unlike most restaurants, its not dependant on salt!  So you are actually tasting real food and not being tricked by sodium and/or msg.  The owner/chef and staff are friendly, and after returning just once they will remember you and always make you feel at home.  This place is a gem, definitely in my top 5 in Ottawa/Gatineau.

Went there as a group of 4 on Friday Dec 18.  Service: The service, from the servers to the kitchen was exceptional.  The servers were very down to earth and friendly.  They were genuinely happy to have us as diners a rare instance nowadays.Food:  We got the feast for 2.  This is an totally reasonable price, given all the food that you get.  The harira soup was beautiful.  Lively and bursting with flavour. The salad was a pleasant start, hints of spices, a citrus, simple as it should be.  Then come out the chicken and almond pastille.  These are chicken and fixins wrapped in filo.  Amazing: tender and flavourful chicken.Then come the tagines.  We had the fish and lamb tagines.  Both were wonderful.  How often do you ask for something only to be disappointed with far less, and lower grade than you thought?  Often, I know.  Not here! A slow cooked Lamb shank complemented with figs, dates, perfect spices, couscous, etc.  And the fresh was a gem: more of a citrus, and sour vibe fish w citrus, olives, tomato, tomato sauce, bubbling hot as it is delivered in the tagine.Everything else:  They knew it was my birthday and gave me a massive piece of carrot cake, even though we didn't ask for it.  They offered our friends (who did not order the feast) the desert bar and team for free, just because.I imagine that the place gets really busy during public service hours, but we went on a moderate night, so that's all I can speak for.  That said, you are getting far superior food, a wonderful change from hipster pubs or garbage chains, servers who want you there, and a place to certainly bookmark for your return to in the future.Excellent work, Fatima and friends.

Fatima... I love your restaurant, your team, your couscous. Yes, it is true the place is not coming with cheesy 2$ fake supposed to be Moroccan decorum. Though it comes with a plenty of Moroccan love. <br/ Come in late, with your friends, order Fatima's couscous royal and you'll be exactly in the heart of what Moroccan hospitality does best. The semolina is outstanding (couscous , the merguez (lamb sausage is home made and truly kickass just like everything. Grab a Moroccan wine, take some time to relax and chill to the always charming mood of your hostess Fatima. Her heart is as big as her portions.<br/ <br/ In short..... yalla.... have fun :

Excellent food and great hostess!. We went there for a birthday dinner on a Monday evening. This was one of the most unique dining experiences I've ever had. We were treated incredibly well by the hostess. The table was beautifully set with Moroccan candle lanterns and hand sewn napkins. We ordered Moroccan wine (good quality , fresh mint tea for the kids (very flavorful and tagine (lamb, chicken, shrimp the lamb tagine was really awesome! with flavorful couscous topped with plenty of vegetables. While waiting, we were offered olives and delicious home made anise bread. We told the hostess that it was our first Moroccan experience, so she offered us a chicken pastilla which is a round pie that combines sweet and salty flavours a combination of crisp layers of phyllo dough, savory meat and a crunchy layer of toasted and ground almonds, cinnamon, and sugar. We were looking for a warm atmosphere and good Moroccan food and this is exactly what we got. The hostess went out of her way to make us feel welcome. We'll definitely be back...maybe on a Friday or Saturday to see the belly dancer!

I went to Gatineau for a wonderful Saturday dinner. Fatima was so helpful in every way. From my call to book a table for two, to 'a la prochaine '... see you next time. And I will visit again. We took advantage of the buffet that gave a great taste of a number of dishes. Everything was spectacular and the authentic taste of Morocco took me back to my first taste of a local dish in Rabat last year. When you go to Chez Fatima in Gatineau... try everything and definately don 't miss the falling off the bone lamb.