Our Story
Our Story
Head Chef and co-owner Amina Ait Omar is a classically trained Moroccan chef. She attended culinary school at the Institute of technology hotelier et tourism in Ourzazate Morocco. Following graduation, she began as a sous chef at the prestigious Riad Kniza in Marrakesh, where she eventually worked her way to head chef. With her at the helm, the restaurant was voted top 10 best restaurants in Africa for 3 consecutive years.
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Owner and assistant chef Mohamed Baayd, worked in the food industry to put himself through college. After a fulfilling career working with US Veterans, he resigned his position to follow his dream to share his love of Moroccan food with the Salt Lake community.
What started as intimate Moroccan meals shared with friends, has grown into regular pop-up restaurants where Amina and Mohamed can take their guests on a food journey to Morocco. Their restaurant is named ZAHARA, after Amina and Mohamed’s mothers. The chose this name because of “The two amazing women, who tirelessly nourished us with some amazing traditional food that is impossible to forget, and taught us the importance of being kind to everyone.”
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ZAHARA is a place where authentic curated Moroccan food is made and served with love. It is a place where you will get to meet people from all walks of life and where all people are welcome. It is a place where food is not only about eating—but also about storytelling and cultural immersion. It is a place where you will feel physically and emotionally nourished.