More From Mourad Lahlou on Aziza's Big Move

Aziza chef-owner Mourad Lahlou reveals more about his restaurant's game-changing move from the Outer Richmond to Jackson Square, telling Zagat the menu will be taken “up a notch” with “really serious food that will surprise and challenge” the diner. Lahlou has done a good job keeping his menu relevant throughout its ten or so years of evolution at 5800 Geary, so talk of further refinement isn't surprising.

He's also going for that style of service that walks the elusive line between professional and un-stuffy. And the Moroccan-themed, Alladin-esque decor is out. The new spot will be relatively understated, in tones of blue, black and gray. Overall the Aziza redux sounds to be a more sophisticated version of the original, more of what one would expect from a Michelin-starred restaurant. In other news, the casual, authentic Moroccan joint he wants to open in the current Aziza space depends on what he can work out with his landlord. Regardless, Lahlou guesses he'll be opening downtown in October.

· More Details on Aziza's Move Downtown [Zagat]
· All Previous Aziza Coverage [~ ESF ~]

The new Aziza will be less theme-y than the original, pictured. [Photo: Treatful]