Executive Chef Rafih Benjelloun

Rafih Benjelloun has been in Atlanta since 1991, where he opened the Moroccan restaurant, Imperial Fez.  Imperial Fez has been recognized by media and food critics around the nation and the world and has become a favorite for Atlantans.  Imperial Fez has received many awards including being named Atlanta’s “Best Romantic Restaurant” and “Best Decor” by Atlanta Magazine.

Rafih was born in Fez, Morocco and studied the arts throughout Western Europe and in San Francisco. He began his career as a restaurateur at a Moroccan restaurant in San Francisco called Mamounia. He later opened several Moroccan restaurants throughout Colorado before moving to Atlanta.

Throughout their careers, Rafih and his wife Rita have worked with or given presentations to numerous civic and culinary organizations including the American Culinary Federation, the Olympic Committee in Atlanta, the Atlanta Restaurant Marketing Association (which Rafih helped to launch), the Culinary Institute of America, the International Association of Culinary Professionals and the United Culinary Chef Association.

Rafih has represented Moroccan food on several shows on The Food Network and has been featured in several magazines including Bon Appétit. Last year, Rafih was the presenter of Moroccan cuisine and made a Valentine’s Day dinner at the James Beard House called “From Morocco with Love.”

Rafih is a great patron of the arts; enjoys reading, the theater, music and travelling.  He speaks Italian, French, English, Moroccan, Arabic, Spanish and German.