Bistro Lamazou

A Beloved Cheese and Sandwich Shop Adds French North African to Kips Bay

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When Nancy and Aziz Lamazou opened the cheese-centric Lamazou 19 years ago, a dedicated cheese shop was a surprisingly rare sight in Manhattan. That, however, did not stop this foodie loving couple who turned their labor of love into a beloved Kips Bay staple for meats and cheeses; so when this husband and wife team decided to open a French Moroccan bistro late last year, the neighborhood rumbled in anticipation and the Lamazous didn’t disappoint! 

A festive ambiance where patrons feast on decadent cheese plates and unique Tunisian wines at one of Lamazou’s bars (one for liquor and one for cheese.)

Inside the atypically big space, rich red walls and colorful tulips create a festive ambiance where patrons feast on decadent cheese plates and unique Tunisian wines at one of Lamazou’s bars (one for liquor and one for cheese.) Cheese lover or not, it’s pretty clear that at Bistro Lamazou, dinner isn’t just dinner – it’s an event. 

Wondering where to start? There’s nothing like the tagine when it comes to French Mediterranean cooking – so we started off with a lovely chicken tagine served in a traditional clay pot. The moist and tender chicken cutlets were mixed with tasty fingerling potatoes, tender mushrooms, baby onions and tangy olive pieces. Easily one of our favorites!

Not a fan of chicken? The slow braised beef tagine, topped with candied walnuts, was so tender that it fell right off the bone (and into our mouths). A few prunes and apricots, served alongside the beef left a slightly sweet taste that was perfect with the lightly seasoned, steamed couscous. 

The slow braised beef tagine, topped with candied walnuts, was so tender that it fell right off the bone

Looking for something a little healthier? Don’t even hesitate to try the grilled salmon! This beautifully plated, flaky fish came atop a bed of braised vegetables garnished with oversized mint leaves and a tangy orange basil reduction. The vividly orange and green platter was (almost) too pretty to eat!

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