Walking into Naema felt like stepping into a hidden corner of Marrakech, transported by warm ambient lighting, earthy tones, and intricate Moroccan details. The space was intimate yet lively, with woven rattan chairs, patterned floor tiles, and alcove seating that felt both cozy and chic. The hanging lanterns on the textured walls and the open bar concept added to the charm, making it a wonderful spot for a quiet date night for us, without the kids.

The menu at Naema is all about sharing, perfect for grazing over small plates with a glass of wine in hand. We started with the Naema Board ($40), a selection of three starters - two cold, one hot. The Marrakech Hummus was silky smooth, with a nutty depth from tahini and a subtle warmth from Ras Al Hanout spices. The Smokey Muhammara, made with roasted red peppers, walnuts, and pomegranate molasses, was bold and rich, though I would have liked a bit more smokiness. The Mini Beef Kefta Skewers were juicy and well-seasoned, drizzled with a tangy spiced tomato relish sauce. To go with the dips, you choose from three types of flatbreads - Pita ($4), Khobz ($4), or a mixed-seed ($6) version. We opted for Pita, which was warm and fluffy, enjoyable but straightforward, lacking the complexity of a sourdough or a crispier bite.

For mains, we went with the Lamb Tagine ($38). The slow-cooked lamb shoulder, stewed with spices, prunes, and almonds, had the right aroma but fell short on execution. The sauce leaned too watery for my preference, making it less effective as a dip for the bread. Texture-wise, the lamb could have been more tender, with a deeper infusion of spice. The Chicken Brochette was simple and nicely grilled.

Dessert was a Pistachio & Raspberry Paris-Brest ($18) - a Moroccan twist on the French classic. The choux pastry was crisp yet light, sandwiching a velvety pistachio cream with bursts of tartness from fresh raspberries. A satisfying end to the meal.

Overall, Naema is a good spot for sharing plates and enjoying Moroccan flavours in a stylish yet comfortable setting. While the food was nice, it did not quite blow my mind or excite my palate as much as I had hoped. But for a casual, cosy evening over well-executed small plates, it is a good option.