14-03-2025
Meet the chef behind Houston's ZOA
Meet Youssef Nafaa, chef and founder of Houston-based Moroccan eatery ZOA.
Dig in: After about 35 years of being a chef, Nafaa, who is from Morocco, still "creates the recipes and sets the standards — I have the pounds to prove it, I taste everything," he says.
Catch up quick: As CEO of Bella Restaurants Group, Nafaa is also the founder of Italian restaurant Mia Bella, creperie Coco and tapas spot Mi Luna.
ZOA, which opened in 2020, is named for Nafaa's three sons: Zack, Omar and Adam.
We talked to Nafaa all about what makes ZOA a Houston favorite.
Why did you start ZOA?
I was thinking about the concept of a fast-casual Moroccan restaurant 13 years ago.
I wanted to make it simple: Anything that we make is fresh, nothing is out of a can or package. We only use olive or avocado oil, no preservatives. And I was keeping in mind myself — who has sensitivity to many foods — when I was making the menu.
How do you build trust with your customers?
For me, I take things to heart. Our food is very [reasonably-priced] but it's fresh. When you have our bowl, I promise you you'll come back.
How do customers find ZOA?
Our reviews are amazing. It's word of mouth and social media.
What advice do you have for aspiring small food business owners?
If you don't enjoy it, don't get into it. You have to have the passion, the desire to serve.
Once you think about making money, that's when you lose.
What's next: The first ZOA location opened in 2020, and Nafaa is preparing to open a fourth location close to Memorial City Mall this fall.
After that: Nafaa's lawyer son, Aaron, is looking to launch ZOA in cities including D.C. and Dallas.
