Menara Moroccan Restaurant, San Jose

Strings of yellow and red beads sway back and forth from a belly dancer’s bodice as her torso effortlessly swivels around the room. Though her colorful garb commands the attention of diners sitting around golden tables, it isn’t the only eye-catching sight in the restaurant. Silhouettes of dangling lanterns and bunny shadow puppets dance along gold and red drapery hung from the ceiling, and pastel-colored cushions for sitting rest atop maroon banquettes. Menara Moroccan Restaurant’s aesthetic touches set a uniquely picturesque scene for guests to take in aromatic platters of vegetable couscous, meat tajines, and baklava, while feasting their ears on live music. After meals, patrons can retreat to the hookah lounge for slow puffs of flavored tobacco, capping off a dining experience that earned the eatery a Diners’ Choice Award for Best Ambiance from OpenTable.