Arts

Tagine & Grill At Sun & 13 Cantons Review

My friend arrived from Canada this week, and what better way to catch up than a trip to Morocco — well, not the country itself, but to the new permanent residency of Tagine & Grill, Moroccan‑inspired dining at The Sun & 13 Cantons.

Tagine & Grill was founded by Moroccan‑born hospitality entrepreneur Yassir Chair, known for his successful Afuego Burger pub residencies across London. After a popular five‑week pop‑up at King & Co, he’s now bringing a more personal project to Soho — modern Moroccan cooking centred around open‑fire grilling, vibrant spices and dishes made for sharing. The concept blends traditional North African influences with a contemporary, pub‑friendly approach, celebrating the richness and diversity of Moroccan cuisine. 

Small plates offer Moroccan flavours with a modern twist and a mix of textures. Options include: slow‑cooked Vegetable Couscous, King Prawn Tangier Bastila Cigars, Crispy Chicken Briouats, and Chargrilled Merguez Sausages infused with Moroccan spices. We chose the Zaalouk (£7) — a thick roasted aubergine and tomato dip — with plenty of soft flatbread (£3.50). It was hearty, comforting and so good we could have happily eaten just that all night.

As the menu’s centrepiece is Tagine & Grill’s signature open kebabs served on flatbread, layered with sauces, herbs and pickles, we had to try one. There are three choices: Chargrilled Lamb Kofta with lemon and mint yoghurt, pickled red cabbage, coriander and chilli; Harissa‑glazed Halloumi topped with pomegranate; and Chargrilled Chicken Thigh with Ras el Hanout, harissa mayo and lime. We went for the chicken (£13.50), which was juicy and well‑spiced — a little hot for my friend, but spot‑on for me.

Each week features a special tagine based on seasonal produce. Ours was lamb, fall of the bone tender. Its made for sharing and we were happily full with a tagine, kebab, halloumi fries and the dip and bread. It was easily the standout dish of the night.

Sides keep the sweet‑heat‑smoke theme going. Halloumi Fries with honey and harissa mayo were a crowd‑pleaser. The Moroccan‑spiced skin‑on fries and loaded fries with chicken, harissa aioli, chilli sauce, pickled onion and coriander fit the menu’s sharing concept nicely. We didn’t have room for dessert, but the Roasted Almond and Honey Briouats sound like a crisp, nutty finish. 

Yassir says, “Moroccan cuisine is still underrated in London and hasn’t received the recognition it deserves. With Tagine & Grill, I want to introduce people to the richness of Moroccan food and culture through bold flavours, charcoal grilling and a modern approach that feels exciting and accessible.” He’s certainly achieved that. 

Our food arrived quickly, and the staff were friendly and helpful throughout. The pub’s dining room sits just off the main bar, with dark wooden tables, red leather booth seating and mirrors lining the wall to create a sense of space. Green tiles and framed photos add character, while candles flicker on each table. We arrived during a football match, but once it ended the atmosphere softened, giving us the perfect chance to catch up.

Overall, Tagine & Grill offers a great varied menu in a relaxed pub setting. A great spot for casual dining in Soho.

Address: Tagine & Grill, The Sun & 13 Cantons

21 Great Pulteney St, London, W1F 9NG

Website: https://www.sunand13cantons.com 

Instagram

https://www.instagram.com/tagineandgrill
https://www.instagram.com/thesunand13cantons