by Leah T.

Now this place is worth trying.  I had a sore throat and didn't feel like having anything extravagant so we almost went somewhere else,  but we got coaxed in to check out the garden in the back.   And it was pretty cute.  It ended up being exactly what I wanted to eat.  I had really tasty hummus and some tangy lamb "cigars" as well as a bowl of very pleasant lentil soup.  I wish I had been in the mood to eat more and have a real meal like a tagine, but all the reason to come back and try more stuff on the menu.  The mint tea was also very nice.

by Steve F.

Nice place.  A little cramped and the food isn't delicious, but it's still good.  The garden in the front is nice.  Also, the service is good and so are the prices.

by Jeff Y.

This is a great place to grab dinner on a rainy night.  The space is cozy, and the food is comforting.  I ordered the lemon chicken tagine, which was very good: tender quartered chicken with a good amount of green olives.  It made for a naturally savory sauce.    I also have enjoyed the pita with hummus sauce and beef (usually lamb).  It has a good amount of hummus and fresh cucumbers - and the pita is not too thick, yet stays together while you eat it, which is already better than a lot of other places.The dishes are a very good value, and they do takeout and delivery of course.

by Elizabeth S.

I almost five-starred this place; it's the only decent restaurant I've found in Windsor Terrace so far. The food is pretty basic middle eastern-- nothing too special, but always comfort-y and well prepared. The waitress was sweet, the space is lovely, the Turkish coffee is to DIE for and the prices are relatively reasonable. If you live in the neighborhood, it's a great spot for an easy meal out.

by elizabeth b.

On Friday, I went into Fez 45 minutes before closing, unbeknownst to me.  It looked kind of empty, so we asked if they were still open.  They said they were, and when we went to the garden in the back, there was another group that was ordering.  So then we asked if we could just get hookah, which was no problem.  But, by the time we received the hookah, it was 25 minutes to closing.  At 15 minutes to closing, the other party left.  Our hookah barely had a dent in it.  5 minutes later, they started turning off the lights and telling us we had 5 minutes until we had to leave.  Our hookah was not even halfway finished, but they were quick to give 100% of the check.For this reason, I give one star.  I realize we were there kind of late, but there were many ways the restaurant could have accomodated us without making us feel cheated.  Here is a list:1) Tell us they weren't serving hookah because there wasn't enough time to finish2) Warn us that we could order, but that we had a time limit and might not be able to finish, but le us make the call3) Stay until we finished.They did none of the above and we felt more than a little slighted and they weren't too nice about leaving. We certainly won't be back!

by Marcus V.

This was a nice place to have a quiet Sunday afternoon lunch on a warm autumn day back in October. Sat in the garden area out back and enjoyed an hour of solitude with my girlfriend, since the only other customers at that time were a party of three that left shortly after we got there. It was really nice to have the garden area to ourselves. Service was friendly, food was pretty good, and it was nice to enjoy a hookah as well, which is obviously something you don't experience very often, even at other Moroccan-style and Middle Eastern restaurants.

by Natalie I.

Have to agree with Meghan H. Don't know about the roaches because I got delivery.. but the food was bland and a bit on the pricey side for the quality. One good thing I'll say is that the person on the phone was nice enough, which is rare.

by Jesse S.

Fez Cafe is the kind of place I probably would walk right past and not think twice about it.  Tiny and assuming, located near the corner of Prospect Avenue and Prospect Park West, Fez is a nice option for middle eastern-ish cuisine in a neighbourhood where that region of the world is somewhat under-represented.I went for a late brunch on a Saturday, and the place was mostly empty.  They'd recently re-decorated, and the decor had settled onto a predictable Moroccan restaurant motif, so I wonder how different it could have looked before.  The staff were friendly, the food served quickly, and the attitude seemed laid back and very much not in a hurry, which is nice.  Go for a relaxing meal, not a power lunch.The food was very tasty too.  I had the omelet, which was very well spiced.  My dining companion had the Moroccan eggs, which admittedly looked pretty scary when unveiled, but which tasted great.  Of course, when in a Moroccan restaurant, one must sample the "Moroccan whiskey", which my tour guide in Tangiers told me is what they call the ubiquitous ultra-sweet mint tea in Morocco, since they (in theory) don't drink EtOH.  (Parenthetically, I'd like to query aloud whether it makes sense that smoking hash is licit under Islam, but drinking wine isn't.)I understand Fez has a great back garden, although I didn't get to see it, since it's winter now.  I'm keen to go back and check out the garden, maybe smoke a hookah, and enjoy the mezze.

by Jessica A.

Really delicious brunch options. Vegetarian friendly. Spiced coffee with cloves and ginger. Kefta was SO good. Cannot wait for warmer weather and sitting out back with tea and hookahs on Sunday afternoons. I love my neighborhood.I have updated my stars to 5. Outdoor garden is divine. The people are amazing - so is the hummus and all of the salads. All made fresh and perfect.

by Christy V.

Owned by the same people who run 16th Street Gourmet, this new Windsor Terrace cafe, billed as a restaurant and hookah garden, is fantastic! With a real kitchen (16th Street Gourmet makes do with a deep-fry and microwave), the place is open from 7am to 10pm and supplies pastries for breakfast, along with smoothies and tasty coffee, and lots of veg and non-veg lunch and dinner options. The quiches are really tasty (roasted red pepper and blue cheese!) and couscous and tagine dishes are on hand as well. Probably the nicest thing about Fez is its beautiful backyard where there are significantly more seats than inside the tiny dining room. Out back you can partake of a little hookah action if you like as well. Great new place!

by Kelly K.

I stepped in here with a friend on a Thursday evening.  It was quiet and lovely and very welcoming.  It's been awhile since I've been to a place where I only had good things to say, so this was a treat.  We got the hummus as an appetizer and it was very good--nice texture, the right amount of tahini, and the chickpeas were very fresh.  It comes with lightly toasted pita.  My entree was the chicken kebabs, which came with salad and vegetable jasmine rice.  The chicken was tender and not overcooked and the marinade gave it a sublime, deep flavor.  The salad was a great mixture of greens, tomatoes, olives, and feta cheese--pretty standard, but it's easy to get a Greek salad wrong: too many kalamata olives for example, which would overwhelm the other flavors.  This was great.  The rice was subtle but flavorful too.  My dining companion got the veal tagine and really enjoyed it.We also got dessert.  The baklava was appropriately dense and nutty, but oh my gosh, the chocolate cake was the real standout.  Dense, chocolately layers of cake with deep, dark chocolate mousse in between.  It's so dense and rich that it's like really decadent pudding.  The mint tea was a great refresher and end to the meal.All this was very reasonably priced too, and the service was stellar.  I'll definitely be going back to Fez.

by Joe M.

Fez was one of the first restaurants I tried after moving into the neighborhood last year. I've always been a fan of Moroccan food, and our local outpost does not dissappoint.  It's mostly standard fare, but the hummus deserves special mention for being especially well prepared. The chicken tagine with piquant green olives is also spectacular, and is prepared with the restaurant's own preserved lemon. The ambiance is also quite nice, if a tad cozy, but they make up for it with a spacious garden.I fall short of gushing with five stars for a few small reasons:1) Fez is a tad pricey for the neighborhood. With so many new restaurants offering both great value and truly outstanding food in the South Slope/Windsor Terrace area, Fez is uncomfortably close to Manhattan prices.2) The service varies based on crowd and time of day. I was there with a friend once and felt a bit neglected. But then, in their defense, I also had great service on another ocassion when I was at the restaurant with a date. The staff in fact seemed particularly eager to please that night.3) Fez offers some great dinner specials, but I believe they end at 7pm, considerably earlier than I am typically able to enjoy my evening meal. With so few Middle Eastern restaurants remaining in the area, and some more visible newcomers nearby, I worry about Fez's future. They are easily overlooked if you don't already know they are there. While the EV is full of great Moroccan choices, I hope that more people will try Fez and see that a trip into Manhattan isn't necessary when you are in the mood for great tagines or couscous.

by m. c. h.

We just tried this place for brunch and had a really nice time.  We sat outside in the back patio, two couples and two babies, and the staff made sure we were well taken care of with an umbrella overhead and even some plastic bowls for the babies to play with. I was feeling adventurous (and saucy) so I had the Moroccan Eggs in Tomato Sauce and it was great. I usually don't try things I'm not familiar with for brunch, so I was pleasantly surprised, as were my friends with their dishes.The food did take some time to come out (granted we were in a rush to catch a movie) but we had some good Sangria to keep us entertained in the meantime, and the servers were very friendly.Will definitely check this place out again!

by Andi S.

Today I strolled over around 3:30 PM. It was after lunch, but the waitress offered the special lunch menu. I had my appetite focused on the chicken tagine, a piquant version. It had olives, onions, and preserved lemons, and the chicken was very tender. Not overly seasoned. The dish came with seasoned rice. Portion size is just right. and so is the price. At that hour the place was very relaxed and service is friendly. I like the ambiance and will definitely return.

by Debra P.

The food was overpriced, bland with stale store bought pita. The service was inattentive, and the bathroom was dirty.  I wouldn't eat here again.

by Jessica R.

I love this place. And not just because their beautiful garden has the friendliest kitty I have ever met. The renovation looks fantastic--this restaurant is, I tell my friends, my little bit of Manhattan dining (without the high prices or overfull tables) in sweet Windsor Terrace. First of all, you must see their garden. Even if it's lightly misting, there is a waterproof tent (waterproof on the outside, pretty fabric on the inside) with lanterns. If you enjoy the hookahs, those are available, though I haven't seen many people take advantage. I did, and I'm a fan. Unlike Manhattan hookah bars, they actually put enough shisha in to last awhile.But don't think that this is a bad place for kids--it's not! There were two tables of happy children that we saw, munching on pita. And no, no one had a hookah around them. But yes. Order the hummus (around $6). Or get the meza plate ($12) which comes with hummus, stuffed grape leaves (2), cucumbers, tomatoes, salad, and beets. But the good kind of beets, that even anti-beet people like. Marinated in something.Extra pita is, it would appear, free.We had a birthday party, so they set up a gorgeous table for us under the tent. We ordered two pitchers of sangria, one white, one red. The red was great, though there was a lot of ice. The white was citrusy, but didn't taste much like wine. The pitchers are a bit small. But for $15, eh, not so bad.My friend ordered a lamb stew ($14) that came out looking like eggplant parmigiana--the red sauce looked like Italian; the poached egg on top looked like melted cheese. But it was so good that he ordered another. Yes, another entree of the same sort. And he's a small guy. Then we ordered Baba ghanoush. I liked it even better than the hummus.The staff was friendly, and didn't seem to mind that we were passing their cat around the table, lap to lap. It's been a long time since I've seen such a friendly cat--he purred a great deal. He's gray and white, and named, apparently, Tito. Ask for a slice of their chocolate cake. Oddly, it's been removed from the menu, but it's still there and still the most wonderful cake--layers of chocolate mouse, chocolate cake, thick melted chocolate, chocolate shavings...incredible.Go to Fez! You'll be delighted.

by Shaheen S.

Overall, I have to say I'm a fan of the Fez Cafe. I enjoyed it's low-budget charm.. and sitting on it's patio pleasantly reminded me that I was in Brooklyn. That said, the food itself wasn't that amazing. My expectations diminished after hearing the "ding" of the microwave a few times while waiting on our food (we were one of only two parties there).I had some kafta kebobs, which were well seasoned and pretty delicious, but could have been hotter. I also thought the style of rice didn't seem very Middle Eastern, but maybe Uncle Ben's is what they eat in Morroco. I'm not sure, I've never been there.I actually found the service to be fine; there was a pleasant young girl who waited on us and she was very attentive.  But, maybe this is because it was like 3 p.m. on a weekday and we were practically the only ones there. In conclusion, I would come back to this restaurant again and eat its sub-par middle eastern food.. mostly because I love middle eastern food, my standards aren't that high, it was pretty cheap, and I liked the atmosphere.

by D G.

The owner of The Fez Cafe  has opened a new Falafel stand similar to the one that used to be on 16th St. Its called Mogador and is located on the site of the old empanada stand on Union just east of 4th Ave at 671 Union Street. 718-398-9838. They do amazing catering too.If you loved Bahija's homemade food and smiling face... you'll love visiting the new location. The super friendly owner of this neighborhood place used to run a falafel stand on 16th St a few…

by Jenna S.

Just enjoyed a nice rainy night dinner here. Reading everyone's reviews on the internet, I was expecting to have terrible service and okay food. Since it was crappy out and I didn't feel like cooking dinner, the bf and I decided to find a place close to home and didn't particularly care about lackluster reviews in an effort to try something new. I must say the waitstaff must have changed or at least read the negative reviews because our waiter was incredibly attentive. And the food was incredible. : ]

by Adina B.

Fez, well, your not quite sure what to make of it when you first walk in. It seems like another small, dark bar. But the garden in the back is pleasant and whether you just want to do happy hour or dinner or even both, it's not bad.Prices are reasonable and the atmosphere is also kind of cool.

by Cindy B.

Positives-pleasant pretty good-size outdoor garden-hookah is available, if  you're into thatNegatives-terrible service, appetizer arrived at the same time as main course, warm beer was served-food less than average, basic and bland*Would not dine there again.

by Danny O.

Good food, but what atrocious serviceSat in their backyard area - which bordered between cute and kitschyKind of felt like I was in the garden of some eccentric cat lady who happened to have a thing for North African motifs.That said, some hilarious (presumably Moroccan) hip hop played throughout the greater part of dinner, which made things even more ridiculous - pretty stellar.Had the filo/feta/lamb cigars to begin.  Crispy, although maybe a touch too greasy - like takeout Viet spring rolls with way classier ingredients.The tilapia tagine was stellar.  Loads of different flavors - olives, stewed root veggies in a heavy tomato broth.  Wish they used a less muddy fish than tilapia, but they made it work.  My dining compatriot's chicken was tender / fall off the bone stylez - also delicious.Had to wait for appx ten hours to get the check

by Danny O.Cindy B.Adina B.

Good food, but what atrocious serviceSat in their backyard area - which bordered between cute and kitschyKind of felt like I was in the garden of some eccentric cat lady who happened to have a thing for North African motifs.That said, some hilarious (presumably Moroccan) hip hop played throughout the greater part of dinner, which made things even more ridiculous - pretty stellar.Had the filo/feta/lamb cigars to begin.  Crispy, although maybe a touch too greasy - like takeout Viet spring rolls with way classier ingredients.The tilapia tagine was stellar.  Loads of different flavors - olives, stewed root veggies in a heavy tomato broth.  Wish they used a less muddy fish than tilapia, but they made it work.  My dining compatriot's chicken was tender / fall off the bone stylez - also delicious.Had to wait for appx ten hours to get the checkPositives-pleasant pretty good-size outdoor garden-hookah is available, if  you're into thatNegatives-terrible service, appetizer arrived at the same time as main course, warm beer was served-food less than average, basic and bland*Would not dine there again.Fez, well, your not quite sure what to make of it when you first walk in. It seems like another small, dark bar. But the garden in the back is pleasant and whether you just want to do happy hour or dinner or even both, it's not bad.Prices are reasonable and the atmosphere is also kind of cool.

by Danny O.Cindy B.Adina B.Jenna S.D G.

Good food, but what atrocious serviceSat in their backyard area - which bordered between cute and kitschyKind of felt like I was in the garden of some eccentric cat lady who happened to have a thing for North African motifs.That said, some hilarious (presumably Moroccan) hip hop played throughout the greater part of dinner, which made things even more ridiculous - pretty stellar.Had the filo/feta/lamb cigars to begin.  Crispy, although maybe a touch too greasy - like takeout Viet spring rolls with way classier ingredients.The tilapia tagine was stellar.  Loads of different flavors - olives, stewed root veggies in a heavy tomato broth.  Wish they used a less muddy fish than tilapia, but they made it work.  My dining compatriot's chicken was tender / fall off the bone stylez - also delicious.Had to wait for appx ten hours to get the checkPositives-pleasant pretty good-size outdoor garden-hookah is available, if  you're into thatNegatives-terrible service, appetizer arrived at the same time as main course, warm beer was served-food less than average, basic and bland*Would not dine there again.Fez, well, your not quite sure what to make of it when you first walk in. It seems like another small, dark bar. But the garden in the back is pleasant and whether you just want to do happy hour or dinner or even both, it's not bad.Prices are reasonable and the atmosphere is also kind of cool.Just enjoyed a nice rainy night dinner here. Reading everyone's reviews on the internet, I was expecting to have terrible service and okay food. Since it was crappy out and I didn't feel like cooking dinner, the bf and I decided to find a place close to home and didn't particularly care about lackluster reviews in an effort to try something new. I must say the waitstaff must have changed or at least read the negative reviews because our waiter was incredibly attentive. And the food was incredible. : ]The owner of The Fez Cafe  has opened a new Falafel stand similar to the one that used to be on 16th St. Its called Mogador and is located on the site of the old empanada stand on Union just east of 4th Ave at 671 Union Street. 718-398-9838. They do amazing catering too.If you loved Bahija's homemade food and smiling face... you'll love visiting the new location. The super friendly owner of this neighborhood place used to run a falafel stand on 16th St a few…