Fast-casual eatery ZOA Moroccan Kitchen is bringing to Bellaire its authentic Moroccan cuisine.

The restaurant will have its grand opening Aug. 9 at 6700 S. Rice Ave., Bellaire, according to a June 25 news release. Bella Restaurants Group will open ZOA Moroccan Kitchen, the second concept of its kind that will be introduced by Houston restaurateur and owner Chef Youssef Nafaa, also the creator of concepts such as Coco Crepes Waffles & Coffee, Mia Bella Trattoria, Mi Luna, and Andalucia.

“The best things in life, starting with the food we eat, are the simple things,” Nafaa said in the news release. “I have been fortunate to travel to many fascinating places around the world and have enjoyed the most exotic foods prepared and served at the finest restaurants. But in my travels, I get as much pleasure from eating what the locals eat every day—perhaps even more pleasure from these experiences, I would say.”

The restaurant menu will pull from Nafaa’s experiences as a child growing up in Morocco, while also serving locally sourced food with organic ingredients in an affordable package, according to the release. www.zoamoroccan.com