Marrakesh

There are too many good restaurants in Seattle to waste upwards of $25-35 a person and at least 3 hours of your time at this place.

I went with a group of 8 on a friday night. We got there just after 7:30 and didn't escape until after 10:00. Now, I've had and enjoyed leisurely restaurant meals before, but there was nothing leisurely about this. This was just painfully slow, inattentive service. And the restaurant was only half-full, so no excuse there.

The manager came out with the hard sell to get the fixed menu family-style instead of individual entrees. His used-car salesman style of persuasion was the first hint that it was a rip-off, and so it was! The food was completely bland. Is it still Moroccan if there aren't any spices in it? The vegetarian option - couscous with veggies - sounded OK, but actually consisted of one plate (split between two people) of unseasoned couscous, flavorless blanched carrot, and some glue-y discs that were supposed to be zucchini. My meat-eating companion wasn't impressed with his dish either.

We waited at least 45 minutes after dinner for the dessert. In fact, two of the people in our group had to leave before dessert arrived - but rest assured, we didn't get their portions although we did pay for them. We received a baklava for my birthday and it tasted exactly like bad grocery-store baklava: dry and cold.

God only knows how long it took to actually get the check. We asked for it, but it never appeared, and a couple of us were already late to meet some other people, so we threw down a sickening amount of money and left our friends to deal.

I don't know if they prey on people who've never had Moroccan before, or maybe it's all about belly-dancing, but please, go somewhere else for your own sake.

Pros: atmosphere

Cons: service, food and price

Posted 10/31/09

After searching for a place to host my saturday night birthday party we settled for Marrakesh Moroccan restaurant because of a delicious sounding menu, nice looking location and very reasonable event prices. We were sitted in the back room. And my gosh!!! You don't even believe you are still in seattle. The place will take you to thousand and one night. Sitting under a tent, cushions on the floor, low light and an amazing belly dancer, made this place look like we were really in North Africa. Our waiter was very very friendly and handled our large party with grace. The food was delicious (especially the powder sugar chicken). I had a great party night here and highly recommend Marrakesh Moroccan Restaurant:)

Pros: atmosphere, price, and delicious belly dancer

Cons: plan to reserve a table at least 2 weeks ahead of time

Posted 02/12/09

Went with a large group -- waited half an hour for menus and an hour for drinks. The service was so bad it was almost funny. The food was not great -- everything basically tasted like it was drowned in the same sickly sweet sauce.Very very bad customer service

Pros: none

Cons: food,service

Posted 01/31/09

My best friend and I ate at Marrakesh while I was in visting her from Texas. We were nervous at first about what to expect, but were absolutely blown away by the atmosphere, food, entertainment, and service. I would highly recommend this restaurant to anyone and everyone that is up for a delicious and delightful cultural experience!

Pros: Food, ambience, entertainment

Cons: Seating arragement is not easy on the knees.

Posted 11/19/08

This is one of the best restaurants I've been to in a while...the food was great, my waiter was fantastic!, and the atmosphere was perfect.

I went with two of my girlfriends after work so we didn't have to worry about parking (you'll want to think ahead of time if you're driving) - we got the couscous with lamb, the honey chicken, and a vegetarian dish that I can't pronounce, but did the whole 5 course thing (we all shared) - it was a great experience if you're into trying new things and different cultures (if you want a quick American-Italian meal, you'll need to go to Spaghetti Factory, this won't be your thing)!

The prices were reasonable (its not super cheap though) - our meal I think was $80 - and that was including a bottle of Moroccan wine. Our waiter was attentive and charming - all three of us will definitely be visiting again.

I would recommend this place if you want to try something new, interesting, good, but still affordable...

Pros: Atmosphere, Service, Food, New Experience

Cons: No Complaints, we loved it!

Posted 07/05/08

if your looking for something different and unique, this is it.
i was deciding whether to go or not for my birthday and so i did

this place is magnificent
the food was lovely and had that special...how i say... foreignness to it.
which is good because my friends are not that diverse
until they ate their food

also great for vegetarians my veggie friend came with and said wow this is great!
i was glad

i went Friday soo i recommend reserving a spot before you go

the dancer was great too. it was funny cause i told her i danced tooo with this dancer and she said really?
so i came up and we did a duo

memorable night

loved it

Pros: food, atmosphere, group dining

Cons: parking(try get there early)

Posted 02/08/08

we ordered their feast option (maybe had a different name), but it had all the entrees chosen for you. i'm not THAT adventurous of an eater and i liked pretty much everything! i loved the bread, the cuscus (even though it was hard to eat w/your hands), the dessert and the after dinner sugary minty tea. i wanted to try it once only using my hands, but i think i'd ask for a spoon next time. I have no clue if it was authentic.

the belly dancing def. didn't last the entire meal, but it was pretty cool...except for the creepy guy who was tipping her a lot.

Pros: different than your ordinary restaurant, belly dancing

Cons: employees did not check on table between the courses, so often times my water glass was empty

Posted 02/05/08

My husband and I took my prim and proper parents to this place and we all had a great time. We ordered the "Royal Feast" and were pleasantly suprprised by how tasty each and every course was. The lentil soup was the starter--tender lentils in a creamy, spicey broth. Then the cucumber/eggplant salad was a refreshing change. The appetizer of meat and pastry was totally different than anything I've ever had before--sweet, yet meaty. We were then served 5 entrees and each was totally different--my favorites were the lamb/eggplant dish and the chicken/prune dish. Lastly, mint tea and pudding for desert. The server was very attentive to our needs (they even offered silverware, which we politely declined), all in an atomsphere that very much sealed the Morrocan experience. We'll definitely go again.

Pros: service was great(very friendly and comedian server), food just amazing

Cons: cannot complain(just try to make it on time for your reservation as they have 2 seatings time)

Posted 11/19/07

This is a good date spot, unique food, comfortable seating arrangements, and entertaining surroundings. The food was enjoyable and the staff was very friendly. A good pick when you are tired of your norms and want a nice comfortable night out.

Pros: Food, service and of course the belly dancer

Cons: Make it on time(if you don't want to rushed). They have 2 seatings time

Posted 11/19/07

I have to say, i was very much looking forward to this restaurant, but a little dissappointed from my dinner there. The server who was nice, was not attentive at all, felt like he wanted to hurry through it all... it was hard to flag him down if at all. Other patrons had to help us try to flag someone down. Water service was poor... I agree with the other reviewers, this is a 5 course set menu restaurant, they do not offer the ala carte menu and i felt awkward asking for it. People at the restaurant looked rather bored, people gazing around alot with a blank stare. The food takes a little while to come out. The belly dancer was friendly and a nice touch. The main issue i had with the place was the food. There were hits and misses. I would not recommend getting the set menu since i didnt care for the soup/salad/dessert. The appetizer is very good, the bastille and a few of the entrees were decent, coucous marrakesh and the chicken with olives was good, but not worth going back for. The dessert is just chopped up apples which was a disappointing way to end the meal. They do not give you individual plates for you if you go in a group, so basically you have to poke around at each dish, then move large dishes around so that others can try it. Not a natural eating experience. The eating with your hands was fine, but i would have appreciated my own plate to put items on. I also felt that questions were an "inconvience" for the server. I think the other female server for other patrons seemed more attentive. So, it is indeed a unique dining experience, but i wouldnt expect too much... Bill for 6 people, $150 plus tip

Pros: interesting decor, belly dancer

Cons: food, service, set menu

Posted 11/18/07

This is my favorite restaurant in Seattle. The atmosphere is fun and unique. The food is amazing and the service never disappoints. The best part is eating with your hands, watching the belly dancer, and the tea and fruit at the end.

Pros: Staff, service, atomosphere

Cons: parking

Posted 08/02/07

the owner is irresponsible. i came with my mother. and it was the first time i came to hang out with her since 2months since she lives in morocco. she knows a lot about morocco and she does not like marrakesh the restraunt. ok we ordered our food. and the poeple sitting next to us were odering beer. they ordered a couple beer. .the owner kept handing them beers when they asked. it was creepy. my mother was horrified. she went to the owner yelling at him about letting people drink tooo many beer's. he said it wasnt his fault and that he can let people have beer. and my mother said she will not sit next to people who are drinking wayyy tooo much. so she told him she'd write a bad review about them and she got her bag and we left. i do not recommend this place. uggg.

Pros: bad owner

Cons: bad service

Posted 07/11/07

This is a delightfully different experience at Marrakesh. You can get a Moroccan dining experience right in Seattle. The food is a sumptuous mix of sweet and savory that pair well together. The 5-course dinner is a great choice to have most of the meal put together for you without having to make too many choices (and they already make the right ones). Be prepared to eat with your hands and sit on the floor. Make sure you'll be dressed comfortably. There is also belly dancing at the restaurant on some nights which is another added bonus that really adds to the whole dining experience. Marrakesh is a great restaurant that pairs great foods with a charming and enjoyable experience. The service there is also excellent and you needn't feel uncomfortable if you don't already know the routine, as they'll "help you through it". I definitely recommend this one highly to all of my friends and it makes a great date night activity.

Pros: Food, service, experience.

Cons: Like so many places downtown, parking is a bit of a bear. Be prepared to circle around a bit.

Posted 03/26/07

Although you need to understand that Moroccan food is very different from American food. You would think that that statement should go without being said, but it hasn't failed to amaze me how many times I have heard people state their hesitancy regarding the mix of sweet and savory in traditional Moroccan food, not realizing that they are in fact insuting a whole culture's cooking refinement and taste pallette. I am not Moroccan, but the food here is very nice. They incorporate sweet mixes into savory dishes, such as Apricots with Chicken..which at first, didn't make much sense to me. However, after trying it, I've come to find that I have a great regard for the taste! The mint tea is delicious as well--the whole experience is one you won't soon forget!

Pros: delicious meal, shared family style

Cons: difficut downtown parking

Posted 11/21/06

I was very impressed with the food, it was different of course, but I am so glad I tried it. Eating with your hands is always fun, and you get a lot of food for your money. I went with a small group which they accomadated nicely and we had an exceptional experience. The friendly owner also sat down with us and gave us some background of the Moroccan culture, very interesting! I'll definately be back!

Pros: Food, experience, culture

Posted 07/18/06

I've had my birthday here twice now, and its always fantastic. The food is very tasty and the bellydancers are always incredible. Service can be a bit slow especially when its really busy and it was a bit difficult getting vegetarian options for my friends. But in general they try to be very helpful and accomidating. I really love this place, its great fun for large groups and very exotic. Get the recommended meal, it may be spendy but is well worth it.

Pros: Exotic, Large Groups, Good Deal

Cons: Slow service, no parking, not many vege. option

Posted 05/31/06

I was first introduced to this restaurant when I went for my friend Emily's 13th birthday party. We had a big, wild group of teenage girls and they weren't rude to us at all. We loved the food as much as the belly dancing. A lovely meal and a good time....

Posted 05/25/06

be prepared to eat with your hands! (you can opt for silverware, but it's a lot more fun to eat without them.) i highly recommend the pigeon pie. it's not made of pigeon, but it's a delicious blend of sweet and salty. the family platter in the center of the menu, i can't remember what it's called, is more than enough food for 4 people. we really enjoyed the belly dancer and the authenticity of the food and the feel of the restaurant. we longed to stretch our legs after a while of sitting on cushions on the floor, but overall this restaurant was fantastic.

Pros: fun experience, excellent service, delicious food

Cons: hard to find parking, seats can be uncomfy

Posted 04/27/06

I definitely recommend this place! I have been twice so far, and each time has been an extraordinary experience. This place, after all, is about the total experience: ambience, Moroccan tradition and culture, food, music, and entertainment. The servers are very helpful if you have questions about the menu. Wash your hands well, and be prepared to dig in with your fingers! Oh and come hungry! Great fun with a group--just be sure to make a reservation.

Pros: good value, friendly service, delicious food

Cons: street parking or pay

Posted 04/01/06

1) Although Posted outside the a la carte menus were withheld until we requested. We were given the fixed price expensive menus.

2) plain rice for the dishes is $5 and they suggested we get that as no dishes come with it, and failed to mentioned it comes with bread

3) Had to wait 5 mins at the front before anyone came

4) one employee in the whole restaurant.

5) only 3 other couples in the whole restaurant

Food tasted average, but not worth ordering again.
Services was bad all-around

Upon paying would not honor a coupon and maid up some lie about a restriction that was not printed on it.

Posted 03/28/06

The food was certainly an adventure. And let's face it, eating with your bare hands is just fun :). The food was flavorful though it always seemed to lean toward sweet, and I'm more a fan of savory foods. There wasn't one thing i didn't care for, but nothing I'd say that was my favorite either. I'd suggest going there once, or taking out-of-town'rs there. Otherwise, I doubt I'll return, but I'm happy I went. Oh, the morracan lager was outstanding. I highly recommend trying it.

Pros: Unique, Fun, Affordable

Cons: Sit on the floor, Difficult Parking

Posted 03/13/06

decided to try moroccan cuisine in seattle, a friend did refere us to try marrakesh. So for people from out of town, we didn't know what to expect. But surprise to everybody, we had a blast. Food, atmosphere and bellydancer were taking our breath away...Without doubt, we had the most amazing time probably since we are in Seattle. Our waiter was so knowledgeable and fun.
I highly recommend this place for special events or moments:)

Posted 02/26/06

I've been to this restaurants 3 or 4 times. Yes, the food was on the sweeter side. But maybe that's how its done in Morroco, I don't know. But I find the food very tasty. I especially like the beef pie with cinnamon on top. I am not a big cinnamon fan, and I certainly don't expect to taste a sweet beef pie, but it really suprised me and I thoroughly enjoyed it.

Yes, the service was not the best. So far, I have been waited on by 2 different servers on different occassions. One of them was kind of distant, as another review suggested, but another one was alright. Anyway, it was not terrible. If it was not terrible, I always give it the benefit of the doubt that it is due to cultural differences.

Pros: Ambience, Food, Entertainment

Cons: Service

Posted 01/07/06

Six of us ordered the 7-9 course family style dinner. Aside from the first dish, all other dishes were served luke warm, all dishes tasted about the same, too much sugar and cinnamon on chicken and other dishes. the skewered beef was cold and overcooked. No exciting or distinguishing flavors. We were relieved to get to the tea and dessert. But the tea was pre-sweetened too much; and the dessert which was a type of custard was topped with more of guess what? more sugar and cinnamon.
Atmosphere is well done. Our waitress was very pleasant and the Belly dancer was fun to watch.
Stop by to look inside, but enjoy dinner elsewhere.
Took a vote from the rest of our party. All rated it a 3 out of 10.

Posted 12/27/05

love the ambience, very cool, definitely different from other restaurants in seattle, belly dancers on weekend evenings are entertaining, food is overpriced and not for everybody.

Pros: great ambience, very unique, great for groups

Cons: overpriced

Posted 12/03/05

The service is just terrible! You will remember the food that you eat there for the whole night...so make sure you have some lemon at home. I mean the soup is just way too strong for human stomach... So....never go there!

Posted 11/21/05

We were group of 6. It was a wouderful evening we had at Marrakesh Moroccan Restaurant in Seattle. Food, service, atmosphere, price, entertainment were all excellent. This is my best place in twon. I will come back again soon. I recommend this restaurant very much. I gave this place an A+. Prices are very reasonable for the great experience. It is time to have good fine cusine in Seattle. I loved it and all my friends too.

Pros: Food, price, service

Posted 11/19/05

After wanting to go for a while, my boyfriend and I ventured to Marrakesh last night. The food was ok, a little on the sweet side. But I would never go back, solely based on the service. It was lacking on multiple levels...1) our waiter was distant and removed 2) the service was non-existent 3) when we did ask for something (as simple as water) it took 1/2 hour for him to bring it. Interesting how although service was lacking throughout the night, the bill was brought out immediately even before we finished eating dessert.

Posted 10/09/05

It is impossible to not have a good time when eating at Marrakesh. Diners sit on low seats or comfy pillows on the floor and eat with their hands. Belly dancers entertain on certain nights in the dining room. Overall, you'll feel like royalty. The food, however, is nothing really to write home about and comes in rather small portions. At the end of the meal, the pleasant server will run jasmine scented water over your hands and pour mint tea from high above.

Pros: ambience, service, belly dancing

Cons: small portions, average food

Posted 09/27/05

This is my favorite restarunt in all of Seattle! :) We had the Royal Fest it was delicous. I brought my kids here and they loved the food, bellydancer, and the whole experience. You go in to a small room where the lights are dim and carpets hanging off the wall you sit on pads you eat off of low tables with no forks knifes spoons just hands and bread.Well i dont want to give it all away but this is a must go to restaurant.

Posted 09/04/05

Wonderful & cozy ambience, excellent food, prompt & friendly service. I went on a Saturday w/a group of 12 for a b-day dinner. We all got there around 8:30 or 8:45, the servers checking w/us regularly to see if everyone has arrived. After we were all there and ready, we had our drinks & order (Royla Feast) taken care of promptly. The courses were brought out in a timely manner, no rushing or long waits. The food was delicious! main dishes were a little messy for using fingers, but generous towels are provided. Seating is on low sofas or thick cushions on the floor. The belly dancing is just belly dancing. Nothing terribly exciting or challenging, but still fun entertainment. We had a wonderful time, and are looking fwd to going back again with a larger group, so we can all savor the experience.

Pros: Ambiance, Service, Food

Posted 08/20/05

The overall service was terrible. When our party of 3 arrived at the restaurant the hosted had seated us right by the door which was left open the entire time. When we'd asked to be moved to another table, the hostess was rude, unaccomodating and appeared as though she was annoyed by our request even though there were plenty other spaces available. The belly dancing didn't leave a lasting impression and is forgettable. The food was plain and bland which didn't meet our expectations. The entire dining experience at Marrakesh was such a disapointment that I would not recommend it to anyone. It was a waste of time and money.

Cons: Expensive, Stuffy, Limited parking

Posted 07/20/05

The service was ok. The belly dancing seemed uncomfortable, and the food was not that great. The dessert was mashed up fruit that wasn't too appetizing. I would only recommend this place for people who want to try something differnt. The food was not amazing. I doubt I'll be going back anytime.

Posted 07/18/05

Salad, soup, an appetizer (a tasty meat/pastry dish) entree, dessert and tea are included. Everything we had was great, especially the appetizer, so good I had to bring a takeout one to work the next to to let people try. Only possible drawback is that you have to eat with your hands, and it can get messy.

Posted 03/23/05

We thought we would have the place to ourselves on a Tuesday, but the rooms quickly filled. Fortunately our server graciously ran the front of the house by herself!
We chose the prix fixe menu for $17.50: dal lentil soup, salad marrakesh with bread, then onto the mysterious, sweet/savory B'stilla Royale.We chose the couscous marrakesh (with lots of veggies and lamb), as well as the braised lamb with fried eggplant. Great dessert of baklava with a birthday candle!
When you go, you should definitely:
*order something with lamb
*order a bottle of the Moroccan red wine on the menu--an interesting blend of carignan, cinsault, and alicante-bouchet grapes that goes well with almost every dish.
And I recommend that you should not:
*wear a short skirt or tight pants
*wear black (messy powdered sugar on B'stilla)
*worry about getting couscous all over your lap!

Pros: cozy seating, awesome, fun food, quality service

Cons: no dancers on Tues.

Posted 01/26/05

I can't recommend Marrakesh enough. We went with a party of nine and had an wonderful time. Each course, from salad to entree (after entree after entree...) to desert was something new and delicious. Our bill was very resaonable, given that we had the deluxe feast and six bottles of wine. The service was prompt and friendly, the ambience delightful, and the food heavenly.

Pros: Food, service, ambience

Posted 12/22/04

Ambience was great. However the waiter was terrible, he was very demeaning and seemed annoyed. The final bill was not itemized and was $416 for 13 people. We were told to pick 13 entrees. We picked several vegetarian as well as meat dishes and 4 of the vegetarian dishes were all couscous with some carrots, potatoes, and raisins. These entrées were about $20 each and the dried couscous with a few veggies was not worth $5, let alone $20. I am still not sure our bill was correct, since we could not get the waiter to explain it to us. At the end the waiter was demanding at least a $50 tip, which is just appalling given the terrible service. If the food, service, and ambience at a restaurant are good I will gladly pay any price and tip very high. This is not that kind of place.

Pros: Ambience

Cons: , service, food amount

Posted 09/18/04

The food was quite good (although the couscous was a little dry; however, given that there was an interminable lapse between each course, I started to forget this increasingly minor detail as the 'charm' of moroccan dining (i.e. sitting on the floor) started to wear off as well. While the servers were not rude in any way, actually, they were friendly and helpful when around, we only saw them in what would appear to be twice in three hours (slight exaggeration). The lag time will kill you; it did me, and I normally have very little restaurant impatience.

Pros: good food, ample portions

Posted 09/08/04

This was my second visit to Marrakesh. The great tasting food was unfortunately ruined by terrible service. Why did we have to wait over three quarters of an hour between completing our appetisers to when the entrees arrived? And why does the restuarant only have two servers? And where on earth did the one dissapear to for over half an hour. We did not see him at all, not serving other tables, not anywhere in the restuarant. Was there a kitchen fire he was attending to that we were unaware of? Rescuing a cat stuck up one of the few trees in Belltown? It is a real pity the service was so poor because it ruined what would otherwise be a great dining experience.

Posted 08/18/04

A group of 15 of my girlfriends got together to celebrate my gf's bachlorette party! We thought - belly dancing sounds like a great idea. We were right!!! The 5 course meal was unique ~ but delicious! From the "hand-on" eating experience ~ and yummy food, talented belly dancer and EXCELLENT service and value... all of us ladies left very full and ready to begin our belly dancing careers! I would highly recommend this restaraunt to couples looking for a great date venue - to planning an group party... it's something new. The only complaint I have is that the room lacks windows and the we could have used the AC turned up a bit.

Pros: Excellent service, Unique cuisine, Great Value

Posted 07/20/04

Seating at this restaurant is really neat, making dinner go smoothly so you don't feel rushed (and the door doesn't keep opening and closing, spoiling the atmosphere)- seating is in large groups, so reservations are made in blocks and one group goes in and has their various courses, then the next group comes in, etc. I had never had Moroccan food before, and our waiter was the nicest guy, kneeling down next to me and describing in detail about each course before it came. I was thrilled by each new course. It was SO GOOD. I'm tempted to learn how to cook some of it myself so I can have it more often. Oh, and the lamb just fell off the bone, it was done so perfectly. I can't stress even how much I would recommend it.

Pros: excellent service, great atmosphere, wonderful food

Posted 07/12/04

If you have not had Moroccan food before, then you are in for a treat. This restaurant offers many choices and you will not leave hungry. It is best to get the full course dinner. You dont want to miss out on the B'stellela Royale-a wonderful sweet chicken pastry. You have choices of chicken,beef,lamb,hare and seafood. All prepared wonderfully and served in a wonderful setting. The mint tea served served with dessert is the perfect ending to the meal.

Pros: Moderate price, Different style, Decor

Cons: , Gets booked up

Posted 03/18/04

A fun place to take a group! Eat with your fingers, watch the dancers and get pampered with rose water hand washes...and oh yeah, heavenly delicious food. Looking for something different? Go to Marrakesh. Reservations a good idea.

Posted 01/01/04

Belive it or not we went there for Thanksgiving. It definately exceeded our expectations! I am going back this weekend with my family. It's not just dinner, it is an experience. The food was so good! Great place for a date!!!

Pros: food, atmosphere, service

Cons: none!!!

Posted 12/01/03