Mosq Restaurant

LOCATION
A block away from Chapel Street, corner of Bray and Garden Streets. Opposite the Jam Factory complex.

PROFILED BY DE GROOTS MEDIA
One step removed and a world away from the bright lights of Chapel Street, Mosq offers a cooling oasis for those thirsting for cocktails and hungering for some authentic Moroccan fare. Antique lamps throw a magic carpet of light against the golden walls, while high vaulted ceilings, plush daybeds, handmade furniture and woven rugs help to set the scene for a night of opulence. Cocktails are a specialty here so take advantage of the barman's expertise with a signature tipple like the "Star of Marrakech" or a "Casablancan tea". The menu is equally authentic, boasting many traditional recipes and a few family secrets courtesy of the chef’s Middle Eastern background.

Start with a selection of well-priced tapas such as Sumac Prawns with Saffron Aioli. Mains include specialties such as Duck and Peach Tagine with artichokes and pilaf rice or a Roasted rack of Lamb with smashed carrots and spinach and mint salad. To sample an array of Middle Eastern delicacies opt for the Moroccan Banquet platter for two. Finish with traditional baklava or Turkish delight, or try the cheesecake with lemon curd, candied walnuts and pickled rhubarb. Shisha pipes available with or without tobacco in a range of flavours (including apple, strawberry and mint), also add an air of mystique and are a popular and unique way to finish a meal. But be warned, on Friday and Saturday nights Mosq is only available as a function venue. On the other nights get in early to score a spot on the day beds and lounge in style with a shisha and some mint tea.

Angela Costanzo

DETAILS
Antique gold lanterns adorning the high vaulted ceilings, rich red and gold fabrics of the daybeds, giant alpaca mirrors and hand carved furniture imported directly from Morocco create an exotic world unlike any other in Melbourne. Welcome to Mosq; an opulent restaurant and function venue which blends exotic ambience with spectacular surroundings and food. The tasty and affordable menu of Moroccan cuisine is complemented by a delicious wine and cocktail list and exotic shisha pipes. The many flavours of these can be enjoyed on the magnificent outdoor terrace. Additional entertainment – from belly dancers to Thursday live flamenco and jazz guitarists – is also available.

FOOD AND WINE
Mosq's dinner menu offers a variety of richly flavoured Moroccan and Middle Eastern dishes ranging from tapas to mezze, tagines and platters to share. There is also a fantastic list of unique cocktails, including the tongue-in-cheek Cosmoroccan, the Pulp Fiction and the Paris Hilton. Local and imported beers as well as wines by the bottle and the glass are also available.

FUNCTIONS
Alluring and atmospheric, Mosq is an ideal venue for all types of functions. Within its opulent walls can be accommodated 60 to 85 guests for a cocktail style function, and 40 guests at a seated function. Flexible food and drinks packages mean that your occasion can be as simple or as lavish as you like, while additional extras like belly dancers and sheesha pipes can make for truly memorable events.

On the technical side, Mosq has a projector, DVD and JPGE player to allow for presentations, as well as an audio system with CD and iPod connections. Anyone planning a function at Mosq also receives a dedicated function coordinator to take the stress out of organising their event. And as an additional cherry on the function cake, Mosq offers guests exclusive use of the entire venue, so there is no public access at any point in the night. The events team at Mosq is also happy to arrange any extras for you. Enquire for costs and availability.

LIVE ENTERTAINMENT
Live acoustic entertainment on the terrace every Thursday provides the perfect back drop to your experience at Mosq. The free tarot readings from 6.30pm-8.30pm every Tuesday and Wednesday are very popular and Bella D performs her alluring belly dance at the Chefs Selection Sundays at 7.30pm.

Personal Statement