Tucked away on a small, hard-to-see corner in East Sacramento, Cafe Morocco is well worth seeking out. Plain and welcoming, this small, family-owned restaurant serves up some very flavorful and satisfying Middle-Eastern cuisine. This is a great place for grazers, as the cafe offers a number of small plates that can be assembled into an exciting feast. Try the tart, vivacious hummus, prepared from garbanzo beans, tahini, garlic and lemon. Topped with olive oil, this enticing appetizer comes with pillowy pita bread.

Another not-to-miss small dish is the baba ganooj, silky-smoky baked eggplant pureed with tahini, garlic and lemon, also accompanied by pita bread. Refresh your palate with the kitchen’s bright-tasting tabouli salad, featuring finely chopped parsley, lettuce, tomatoes and bulghur wheat—and if you want to try them all, the restaurant kindly offers appetizer combination plates. Entrées include the fragrant, thick lamb curry, punctuated with chunks of carrots, zucchini and peas; and a wonderful chicken “Tagine,” marinated in cilantro and Moroccan spices and cooked with artichoke hearts, small potatoes and olives. Other popular dishes include the moist shish kabobs and the moussaka—eggplant layered with bell peppers and garbanzo beans and baked in tomato sauce. There are some nice options for vegetarian diners as well, and the restaurant has a very intriguing selection of Moroccan and Lebanese wines and beers. Come early and bring your kids; they will be warmly welcomed. — Kira O'Donnell

Insider tip: Cafe Morocco features a belly dancer on Friday and Saturday nights. Call for exact performance times.

Reservations: Recommended for parties or five or more

Payment methods: Discover Card, MasterCard, Visa

Alcohol: Wine and beer

Corkage fee: $10

Hours: Monday–Thursday: Lunch 11 a.m.–4 p.m.; Dinner 4–9 p.m.
Friday: Lunch 11 a.m.–4 p.m.; Dinner 4–9:30 p.m.
Saturday: Lunch 11:30 a.m.–4 p.m.; Dinner 4–9:30 p.m.
Sunday: Closed