Darna (Our Home), the exotic new Murray Hill French-Moroccan restaurant, features the menus of talented Moroccan chef Lahcen Ksiyer. The restaurant, which opened in May 2006, is owned by restaurateur Mourad El Hebil and executive chef Lahcen Ksiyer.

Darna’s exotic, romantic atmosphere recreates the charming ambiance of a Moroccan guest house (“riad”). The ambiance reveals itself through an 18-foot high ceiling, plush red velvet banquettes and chairs, Venetian plaster red-orange walls in the front and green-yellow walls in the rear, Moroccan lanterns, wood floors, and French doors opening onto a European-style outdoor cafe.

In addition, Darna features an exotic, intimate Bar/Lounge at the front of the restaurant. The elegant Bar/Lounge is enhanced by an L-shaped cherry wood bar, a Moroccan-inspired cherry wood centerpiece, handsome blue velvet barstools, round mahogany tables, and mood lighting. A selection of specialty cocktails are available at the bar or in the Bar/Lounge.

Restaurateur Mourad El Hebil enjoyed a background in Moroccan tourism and hospitality industry for many years. Very passionate about Moroccan food, his dream has been to open a Moroccan restaurant with a unique concept. Since French cuisine has also been influenced by Moroccan food, he decided to combine the two and feature traditional French dishes along with traditional Moroccan dishes. He brought in talented Moroccan chef Lahcen Ksiyer, to collaborate on the French-Moroccan menus which are continually evolving.”

Darna’s French-Moroccan menus are sophisticated and creative, yet healthy and earthy. Chef Lahcen Ksiyer’s seasonal menus represent the cooking styles of Morocco and France.Yet he has updated and refined these dishes to reflect his own culinary imagination, passion, and inspiration. His menus are enhanced by a unique and exciting use of extra-virgin olive oil (no butter is used), sweet spices (cumin, paprika, ginger and saffron). This use of fresh fruits, seasonal vegetables as well as a variety of unique flavors, is the foundation of Darna’s culinary style. Don’t miss the couscous Royal, a haunting medley of lamb, chicken, sausage, the fabled cereal of Morocco, vegetables and spices. Enjoy marvelous tajines or stews (especially a tender lamb version with prunes) and such French creations as steak tartar or steak with excellent frites. All homade desserts shine and are stylishly presented.

Darna features a superior selection of wines from around the world with a particular emphasis on Mediterranean and California wines. The wine list, created by Mourad El Hebil, changes seasonally. An impressive number of wines by the glass are also available.

In addition, Darna features live Moroccan music and belly dancing on weekends. Beginning in January, it will also offer live entertainment on various week nights.