Marrakesh Moroccan Restaurant

Marrakesh has been a Portland staple for years and years......and sadly it's starting to look the part.

We came as a party of seven for the "Royal Feast" on a Saturday night.

Exotic is good, when it is fresh, clean and tasty, but I didn't find much of this at this visit to Marrakesh. The hassoks (sitting pillows) were all dirty, torn, ripped.....the carpet FILTHY, and the couches and wall decor...old and tired.

It's great to have a good thing and run with it, which Marrakesh has for years, but I did not feel as though I was in an exotic or special or certainly "royal" experience - more a tired old carnival ride that has seen better days.

Some of the food was good, but most of it was very stewed and unceremoniously plopped on a big plate with little garnish and NOTHING fresh.

Moroccan cuisine can be vibrant and alive with fresh fruits, vegetables, herbs and greens, but we saw little of this on our table. The exception was the first dish which was a "salad" that was more like a dip with a salsa ring around it and some lettuce. What would it cost to do a plate of fresh and dried fruits with nuts as part of the "Royal Feast"? Or a couple of slices of tomato here and there? OR a sprig of parsley, or want of green onion? There's gotta be SOMETHING fresh in that kitchen!

I'm all for getting in to the game - you know, sitting on the floor, eating with my hands and what-not, but not if I'm not given enough bread to sop up the cous cous and juices of the stewed meats, and not if the waiter has simply dissappeared with said bread basket.

The belly dancer was good, but the "show" consisted of four songs, and she was gone...never to return...did she make off with our waiter? She left about $8 in one dollar bills sitting on our table...I guess it wasn't worth it for her to hang around? On to the next mess tent?

All in all, I felt "processed" through a very no frills banquet, reminding me of the kind I got when I went to Europe in college and toured about by bus from one "Local experience" of dinner and a show to the next. Problem was, this was hardly cheap.

The program ended with a plastic rice bowl filled with white pudding and topped with some crunchie things and three almond slivers.

I give two stars - one for the belly dancer, because she was pretty good, and one star for doing what they promised as a restaurant - feeding us.

I'll go back when they revamp....EVERYTHING.

Pros: Exotic and different

Cons: Tired ambiance

Posted 11/21/09

We went here saturday with 2 kids and 2 adults. We had a great time. The food was good and the waitress was very nice and fast. She explained each plate/dish to us and what it was before we ate it. The pastilea was my favorite. The kids liked the food also and they are picky eaters. We loved eating with our fingers too. Everyone was very nice to us. Some people might be extra picky about the food but we liked it. We liked the belly dancer too. We will be back.

Pros: food, atmosphere, belly dancer, no utensils

Cons: none

Posted 11/21/09

Do not believe the 5-star reviews, likely from the owners and friends. The food is OK although overcooked, but the service is very poor and rude. We left feeling like we had been ripped off and it spoiled what had been planned as special occasin for my wife and me. Do not waste your money (or your time) on this restaurant.

Pros: Feels like thie inside of a tent

Cons: Rude service, overcooked food, dirty restrooms

Posted 09/28/09

The review written by MathGeek13 was spot-on!

Lucky for these guys they didn't actually get into a fight with that guy. My boyfriend and I did! The time that it takes to get drinks and food is unbelievable! We refused to wait that long (they lost our reservation on top of it!) so we left. That guy came running after us and picked a physical fight with my boyfriend. We did not "dine and dash" because we never had our food!
I stepped in-between my boyfriend and this guy and had to push him away and off of us. Way to go, buddy! Getting into a fight with a girl! Don't fall into the trap of a unique experience. It was definitely unique- but one I could have done without! Do yourself a favor and never go here. You wallet and self respect will thank you later

Pros: nothing

Cons: where should I start?

Posted 06/02/09

I go here as often as I can afford it. I have to fast all day before I go because you get a LOT of food. The handsome waiters are always very attentive, I love the traditional hand-washing to start off. First you get some great lentil soup and bread....oh my god, the bread is soooo good. Second course is salad marrakesh, which is also incredible. My favorite course is the b'stella royale, a puff pastry stuffed with eggs and chicken, then topped with cinnamon and powdered sugar. This fanciful mix of savory and sweet always leaves me satisfied.....but wait, the entree is still to come!!!

I have tried the braised hare, the lamb m'rouzia and the chicken with honey and prunes.....all of which are great and gamey and authentic. I can imagine an honored guest at dinner in a tent in Morocco, being treated to the very best of what the family had to offer.

Finally, there is dessert....but not before your hands are washed again and aspersed with orange blossom water. Sweet mint tea is always served, and I've had fresh fruit, custard, and tarts for dessert.....they change it up.

For those who had bad food experiences....I honestly doubt it. You probably just have never had rabbit or lamb before and don't understand it can (and should) taste a little gamey. For those who complain about service: here's a hint. I always go RIGHT when they open at 5 pm. There's never a crowd at first, and I have the server's full attention. By the time I finish dinner, the place is starting to fill up, and I really don't like crowds so it's great to be able to leave just as it starts getting crowded.

If I could eat here once a week, I would, but with the current economy I manage maybe once every 6 weeks. Highly recommended, and don't believe the negative reviews.

Pros: Incredible service, atmosphere, best food in Portland

Cons: A little on the spendy side

Posted 04/04/09

WE have eaten at Marrakesh before and loved it. Last week was another story. We were there to celebrate a birthday. All of us ordered the beef kabobs. The meat was inedible. It was so tough and overdone that no one ate theirs.
We called this to the attention of the waiter but he just looked puzzled and shrugged.
We won't be going back.

Pros: It's fun

Cons: The food was awful

Posted 02/28/09

Fun experience and the food was good. It's always fun to try something new. However, we went on my birthday with a large group. I made a reservation, but it was still quite cramped. Perhaps they could try to treat the customers they do have with quality service instead of trying to get as many people as possible into the restaurant! The man on the phone was rude not once but twice when I called. We set up a reservation ensured that we would view the belly dancing, but the dancer started down stairs and never came up stairs. We were there for an hour past the promised time. Our waitress said we could take the kids down to see her and was told, "you are in the way", by a waiter. We ordered an expensive bottle of champagne and was drinking it waiting for the belly dancer to come up stairs and was told by the waiter to go pay by the door because there are people waiting for our table!!! So, great experience, but don't expect good customer service. I won't be going back. Go for something different and take it for was it is...an experience.

Pros: Food and a different dining experience

Cons: Customer SERVICE!!!!

Posted 02/20/09

I love this resteraunt. I was taken here for the first time less than a week ago and had such a good time. It is well worth the $18.50 a person. It included the 5 course meal (which was amazing) and I loved the authenticity of it all. From sitting on the floor to eating with my fingers it was all good, but I have to say one of my favorite parts was the belly dancing. Everyone was involved and had a blast. And don't forget to try the sweet mint tea!!!!

Pros: Good food, fun environment, nice people

Cons: Don't wear clothes that aren't suited for sitting on the floor

Posted 02/05/09

We went to Marrakesh on New Years Eve with friends. The girl on the phone had told our friend that it was $20 per person, but when we arrived we saw that it was $28/person. We stayed, even though the "special" feast wasn't really different from the menu they advertise on their website for $17.50/person.

After about 20 minutes, the waiter returned to take our drink orders. He also asked if we were ready to order our meals ("Yes"). My husband ordered a Sierra Nevada Porter and the waiter said he would return with our drinks and to take our order. About 15 minutes later, the drinks finally came and instead of a beer, the waiter brought sparkling water. The waiter disappeared so quickly that my husband couldn't correct him on the drink mistake. He also still hadn't taken our food order. Nearly 10 minutes later the waiter comes back and my husband informs him of the drink mistake. He explained that he had ordered a beer and the waiter responded with "Well, we don't have that." He left to fix the drink, still without taking our order. Nearly an hour passed before we even ordered our food. The waiter didn't write our orders down and returned later to confirm the orders which he had clearly gotten wrong. We corrected him (he still didn't write it down) and the other food (salads, pastries, etc) started coming out. When the entrees started coming out it was clear that he had still screwed up the order and he had to go back to the kitchen several times.

Finally, he charged my friend $129.50 on her credit card, when she owed $29.50. We had to talk the the manager to get it fixed. The manager asked if there were any problems and we said that yes, in fact there had been. The waiter stepped out from around the corner and said "It was you guys that had the problem, not me"

Whatever! The manager didn't even apologize for the waiters behavior and we left with a horrible taste in our mouths. We spent over 3 hours there waiting and fixing mistakes.

Pros: Good food, interesting atmosphere, lots of selection.

Cons: Horrible service, rude waiters, unapologetic managers, spendy.

Posted 01/02/09

I've ran/walked by this place on multiple occasions and the food smell in the air when passing always caught my attention so I finally decided to try it out for New Years Day.

Service: Very pleasant on the phone in taking our reservations, quick to seat us. The server explained the menu very well and make suggestions where needed. We didn't feel rushed at all when eating the 5 courses (yes, 5 courses) which was a different experience. Most places try to get you in and out.

Atmosphere: It can be very romantic (you can cuddle on the couches while eating, although we didn't do that) and family friendly at the same time. I love the decor.

Food: Delicious! I'm a vegetarian and my partner is a meat-lover and we were both well-satisfied. I was really stuffed by the time the entree came and I had to box two-thirds of my entree. The pudding dessert with the mint tea is to die for. They complement each other so well at the end of a very satisfying meal. I can't wait to go back.

I hope to catch the belly-dancers next time.

Pros: Laid-out menu, food was well worth the price, excellent service

Cons: Limited seating during busy nights

Posted 12/31/08

I had a wonderful meal and excellent service. The staff was friendly and knowledgeable. The food was wonderfully well prepared. The meat was tender, the bread was fresh, and the lentil soup was delightful!
I really enjoyed the orange blossom water splash, mint tea and pudding for dessert.
I can't wait to return!

Pros: food, ambience, service

Cons: We sat close to the door and it was a bit breezy when opened

Posted 12/30/08

Four of us went to Marrakesh for the first time last night and had a great experience. We were greeted promptly and given a choice seating arrangement by our request. The server was friendly and helpful answering our questions about the different menu items. The food was abundant and delicious. We are very picky eaters and all of us found the wonderful flavors a real treat. I would definitely go back again.

Pros: Food, value, portions, service

Cons: Sitting on floor cushions got a little uncomfortable

Posted 12/30/08

The food smelt weird. I think because of weather condition, they did not throw out the spoiled food. It is interesting that they jeopardize customer health over profit. The lamb with eggplant smelt really bad, and I have been sick since last night. I don't know why people support such greedy businesses.

Posted 12/28/08

I paid for 20 dishes, I got 17..they overcharge and under-serve..all the time...I will write to Oregonian and make sure people know....

Posted 12/07/08

I have been to this place several times over the years and have always had a wonderful time. It is a great place for a date, or a large group. With just two of us I have been able to get in even on a Friday night without a resv, or too long of a wait. With a larger group you should make a resv. The service is great and the food has always been pleasing (apricot chicken is yummy). The moroccan red wine is good as well. Highly recomended for those who are looking for a relaxing, fun, and stimulating meal.

Posted 11/25/08

I was trying to make a reservation over the phone. The man who answered the phone "interrogated" me with very rude manners. He told me if I want to watch the show (start at 8:30) I can't get there at 6:30. If I get there at 6:30 I have to pay twice ( one for the earlier seating another for the show). I can't imagine what treat I would get if I show up...better not to take that kind of risk. BAD SERVICE!!!

Posted 10/15/08

I never write reviews, but the food was so good, I had to write something. This was the best food I have ever had in my life! I love food with a lot of flavor and this sure did. I'm a picky eater, but agreed to at least try everything they brought out. Each course was unbelievable even though a few sounded weird. For the quantity of food you receive, the price is totally reasonable. I will go back everytime I head back to Portland. Our waiter was awesome and showed us how to eat the food as well as a taking care of our every question. We did notice one waiter who did seem a little "put out" and I will assume that is the waiter that others are complaining about. Bottom line... if you like food with a lot of flavor, you will love this place!

Posted 10/13/08

We had a birthday party there with a group of 13. First off, the service was extremely slow and the waiter was very rude. We wanted to each get what we want from the a la carte menu; however, the waiter did not let us do so. I thought the point of going to a restaurant was getting what we want to eat and not letting the waiter choose for us. We got the royal feast; which took an extremely long time (the meal ended up being 4 hours!) considering it was a Monday night and no one was barely there. The food was decent, but it was bland and tasted raw. When the meal was done, the waiter bought out the check and did not even add it properly. He did not split the check for us as we have asked earlier. Overall, the food and service was terrible and I do not recommend groups going there. The money spent is better served at a better restaurant with better food, service and atmosphere.

Pros: None

Cons: Service, Cost, Atmosphere, Food

Posted 09/08/08

My Boyfriend and I love to go here for special occasions, like birthdays and anniversaries. The menu is set, yes, but for people like us (takes forever to make decisions!) its a blessing! Beef options can be a little tough, but the chicken and fish are always AMAZING! The lentil soup and bread are wonderfully delicious and I love the chicken/egg/pastry thing! It sound weird, but it's so good! Yes, it takes a while to get your orders, but you're dining in a restaurant that takes its practices from ANOTHER COUNTRY! If you've ever travelled outside of the US and eaten in a restaurant, you know that it can take from 2-5 hours to eat a single meal! It's a more relaxed environment, they just want you to really enjoy yourselves and don't want you to feel like you're getting kicked out. So if you're in a hurry and unfamiliar with Mediterranian cooking, wait until you have more time. And a five course meal for $18.50 a person is NOT expensive!

Pros: Everything!

Cons: Parking can be hard

Posted 08/11/08

My husabnd took me there in 2001 and we have been going there since. I love the food. The Chicken with Olives and the Kabobs are out of the world. They serve a lot of food - so go hungry ;) The soup and appetizer are too good to resist. The only thing I do not like about that place is the carpets...They are dirty. If you want me to sit on the carpet - please keep it clean...the areas where people walk are black....

Pros: Great Food, romantic date place...

Cons: Unclean carpets ...

Posted 07/17/08

I had a friend's birthday here and LOVED it! I can't say the food is authentic because I have never been to Morocco, but i CAN say that the food was obviously extremely fresh , different, and entirely delicious. I actually craved the food for a few weeks and could not WAIT to go back! And, the chicken pastry dish DOES have a vegetarian option which is equally delicious! Good deal, too. You get SO much food for a decent price! I'm going there on Saturday for my birthday!

Pros: food, atmosphere, service

Cons: bathroom is a bit sketch

Posted 06/25/08

My friend and I went and had dinner, was disappointed when informed that we could only order a set menu for $18.50, would have liked options from the ala carte menu. The waitress was good and helpful and seemed to be enjoying her job. The food was average, a tad bland, although the lentil soup was delicious. I recommend going once to experience it, but a second visit is not necessary.

Pros: interesting decor

Cons: price and no options

Posted 06/17/08

I went to Marrakesh about 3 weeks ago with a group of 8 for a birthday. Go to this place because you want something different, that is my reccomendation. We all had a great time getting messy eating with our hands, the belly dancer was fun to watch and we had a TON of leftovers! We ordered the feast and had so much food. The food was tender and flavorful, the service was fine on a busy night and we had a fun experience!! I say go for something new and don't expect Papa Hayden's service or a comfortable seating situation, just relax and enjoy the food.

Pros: Eating with your hands (when do you get to do that)

Cons: A little crowded and you can't get the food out of your nails for awhile!

Posted 06/11/08

If you go here with an open mind of trying something new, and you have patience on being seated, it is a great experience. I realize that not everyone can think outside the box and try new things but this place is well worth it. The restaurant is big, busy, good food, and entertaining. Make sure if you are going to go that the belly dancers are going to be there. It just really makes the atmosphere more authentic and exciting. Please do not listen to those who say bad things about this restaurant, give it a try yourself and enjoy the time you have there.

Pros: good food, entertaining

Cons: little expensive but really worth it

Posted 06/08/08

I am a little confused about the recent reviews of this restaurant. I have been to this place multiple times (7?) over the past ten years and have experienced nothing but well-prepared food and exceptional service! I have gone early in the evening (reservation between 5 and 6) on Friday or Saturday. Perhaps the service deteriorates as the evening progresses, or when they get busy? Anyway, I have always gone with a group of 3-6 and ordered the feast. The food has been consistently good and had obviously been just prepared. The flavor is unique, and the feast offers someone who isn't familiar with the food a wide variety of things to try. The food is well-seasoned, and the meat is tender and seems to melt off the bone. I have no context to say whether or not this food is authentic, but I have always enjoyed it. I have also never been served cold food. Perhaps the food is made in large batches that other people are catching the end of? I have also never had anyone not bring me water or napkins promptly.

I would like to correct a statement made recently by someone that the pastry w/chicken served as the third course has no vegetarian option. (The apparent poor service?) I have had the vegetarian option for this course twice (I actually think it is even yummier), and once, when most of the group didn't want the veggie option, the restaurant made a special small-sized vegetarian pastry just for my friend. No extra charge, and the waiter seemed very concerned that my veggie friend's needs were being met throughout the meal.

The food is different, and the atmosphere is so much fun! I would definitely recommend this place, especially to small groups. I am giving four stars because the wonderful service I am getting is obviously not being experienced by all. I would recommend going early, when they are less crowded. The only downside to this is that the belly dancer hasn't always arrived yet, so it depends on if that is something that is really important to you.

Pros: The meal, as an experience, is a blast.

Cons: Questionable bathroom, I hate parking in that part of town.

Posted 04/22/08

Yes, Yes I know...eating with your fingers is part of the "fun". It just so happened that I celebrated my
birthday there and received a set of dishes and silverware as a gift! After a little rinse off people were
grabbing them up to use the bowls and forks. It would of been more fun if the belly dancers had been there that night!

Pros: you get to sit on pillows on the floor

Cons: you get to sit on pillows on the floor

Posted 04/12/08

I am seeing many horrible reviews that seemed to get balanced out (in quantity anyway) by reviews that seem less than authentic.

My then girlfriend and I had a coupon I think that drew us there. I remember sitting on the floor and eating some ok but not great food.

Judging by the recent reviews I dont think I will be back.

Pros: its different

Cons: It seems as if the prices are a rip-off. Anybody check the rear lot for a gypsy wagon?

Posted 03/28/08

Awful Service! Our waitress acted as though we where taking up her time to ask for things such as a glass of water, a napkin, a refill of a drink. Our waitress was outright rude to our party. The food ? awful and luke warm.

Skip this restaurant and go somewhere else. I suggest the Chart House, Portland City Bar and Grill. If your looking for ambiance go to another restaurant. No amount of belly dancers can make up for how bad my experience was at this place!

Posted 03/27/08

Our party had reservations for 8pm. We where seated at 9:15. There is no waiting area in the restaurant so we where forced to wait outside in the cold. When we where finally seated, we ordered the ?Feast? a five course meal. The first course was a soup of some sorts that taists like chili from the can. It was cold. The second course was a ground chicken pastry topped with powdered sugar. It was bland, again, not quite warm, and didn?t seam fresh. As followed the rest of the unimpressive meal. The belly dancer was entertaining. Also, begging for napkins and drinks seems to be a reoccurring theme in the reviews I?ve read on here and something I?ve personally experienced.

Pros: Cute Theme

Cons: Dirty Bathroom!!! Bad food... Terrible Service!

Posted 03/27/08

My best friend made dinner reservations two weeks prior to her birthday for a party of 19. Marrakesh assured us they cater to large groups and we would have great service. We also requested an area with a booth because her mother just had knee surgery. She called to confirm everything two days prior. Upon arriving, the hostess directed us to two tiny tables. We let them know *again* that we had 19 people in our party. They told us that the two tables could fit 8 each. We did the math for her and practically had to beg for another table (8 people each @ 2 tables = 16 people, not enough room!). Finally they gave us the extra table and with a booth.

The waitress was super bitchy and acted as though we where an inconvience to her. When we would try to order drinks, she would look and walk away. When we asked what beers they had, she said, ?Um you have the drink menu!?. When she served the soup (first course) she said, ?Um yeah, if you could just pass this around it would be awesome? in a sarcastic bitchy voice.

It was THE WORST service I?ve EVER EXPERIANCED. @ $25.00 a person ($475 tab not including drinks! For the whole party) you would have thought we would have been treated a little better.

I had to ask SEVERAL times for a NAPKIN and only got it half way though my meal. (A napkin is imperative as you eat with your hands and the meals can be very messy.)

The only upside to the entire experience was the belly dancer, who was friendly and livened everything up.

Again, it was the worst service I?ve ever experienced in my life. As someone previously in the food industry I was outraged. I can?t even imagine treating a party this way, especially with the prospect of a tip on the $475 food again, this doesn?t include the drink tab)

Pros: belly dancing

Cons: everything else

Posted 03/27/08

Squeezed between two overcrowded tables, my husband and I where served mediocre less than desirable food. I agree with the posts on here, we practically beg for a glass of water or a glass of wine. If our waitress even noticed us, she didn?t let on. She was more than rude, she was out right mean to us. I would not recommend this restaurant to anyone.

Pros: Wine.....

Cons: Overcrowded, less than average food

Posted 03/27/08

Where do I begin? Our reservation for 8:30 was ?lost?, but we, my girlfriend and I were seated shortly after. We were brought water promptly but for 10-15 minutes we sat awaiting our server. We both got up and asked for a manager, but a short man with glasses promised to ?take care of us?.
This man offered us a complimentary glass of wine and we felt once again at ease as we sat back down. This man took our orders and our hands were washed per the restaurant custom. We were brought the bread dish upon which we were grateful.
After 45-50 minutes, with drained wine and water glasses we still did not have our entrees nor have we've been revisited more than once. We are very easy to please, but we did have enough at this point. We once again got up from our seats and attempted to locate the person who said he would ?take care of us?. We were not able to find this person and we refused to wait any longer. I AM NOT SOME POMPOUS COMPLAINER, I JUST WANT SERVICE EQUAL TO THE PRICE FOR WHICH I INTEND TO PAY. THIS RESTAURANT RELIES ON IT'S ATMOSHPERE TO DETRACT FROM IT'S DEPLORABLE SERVICE. TREAT YOURSELF RIGHT AND DON'T ALLOW YOURSELF TO BE ENCHANTED BY THEMES ONLY TO END UP DISAPPOINTED.

Pros: Ambience

Cons: Service, organization, courtesy, lack of respect, lack of a waiting area, chaotic

Posted 02/28/08

I went to Marrakesh for my first date and I tell you....It was the most fun I ever had, Everyone was so nice and always checked on us. They wash your hands in the beginning and afterwards followed by a rose scented wash that leaves your hand smelling soooooo good!! The food was fantastic and the best part was...you eat with your hands!! There was a beautiful belly dancer who kept everyone enjoying there time there and even the kids that were there who would dance along!!! While you eat you sit on these soft pillow like cushions or sofas! how fun is that!! I loved it!

Pros: Relaxing, comforting

Cons: None

Posted 02/23/08

The middle eastern food here is what taco time is to Mexican food. This is coming from someone who lived in the middle east. It?s just not that great. And it?s far too expensive! However if you want to go to a fun place with an interesting atmosphere, then I would try it. It?s an unusual place to take friends but I wouldn?t go for the food by any means.

two stars AT BEST for the atmosphere.

Pros: the unusual atmosphere

Cons: food, service and cost

Posted 02/05/08

I think everyone is a bit hasty about tis place, the enviornment is unique to Portland (Or, the United States in general) and interesting. The Belly Dancing is a bit different sort of entertainment than the "Red Robin" squaking by with some balloons, but it's beautiful and an evening here is truly an event.
The food is on par with other Morroccan places in town, and you are realy paying for the "Special" treatment adn exciting atmosphere.
It is truly an event, one which I think everyone in Portland should have at least once.

Pros: Interesting atmosphere, good service, beautiful dancing, fair food.

Cons: The floor is not always the cleanest, but nobody has ever died from sitting in dirt.

Posted 11/12/07

I am not impressed. I have to agree with "jlkrammer" comments. Food is bad, interesting atmosphere but it's not a place where I would return. Once is enough to remember.

Pros: Washing hands, Tea, Belly Dancing

Cons: Bad Food

Posted 10/06/07

Although the atmosphere is great, I can't recommend this place. The food is not good. Each meal starts with a lentil soup which is okay but not spicy enough. Then some sort of salad is served which is mediocre. The next course is chicken in pastry with powdered sugar and cinnamon (for which there is no vegetarian substitution). The chicken is not good quality. The entrees are just plain bad. The fish is not fresh, the dishes are not seasoned properly, and the meat is not good quality. I got apricot chicken which turn out to be skinless bone-in chicken thighs with dried apricots and corn syrup ... yuck.

The wine list is not great and there is no beer on tap (the bottled beer selection is not so great either).

Still, the ambiance is nice and the service is quite good. I enjoyed the servers pouring water for hand washing at the table, but these few perks can't make up for the bad food in my opinion.

Pros: Good ambiance, good service

Cons: Bad food, Poor drink selection

Posted 09/26/07

A disappointment. We decided to try Marrakesh Moroccan for a romantic, albeit brief, getaway. We were seated promptly by a friendly hostess?in a tiny space between two parties of oversized patrons who spilled out of undersized dining venues.

When we asked for another area, we were relegated to a corner behind a large view-obstructing support column. Our new seating area would have been acceptable had we not been surrounded by a family of 15 that largely comprised children under the age of five. What might have been a quixotic culinary indulgence became a struggle to eat our dinner rather than feeding it to the carpet.

We ordered the Chicken Honey and Prunes, along with the Lamb M?rouzia. The meal included a charming lentil soup that we drank from bowls, and the B'stilla Royale (a delightful powered-sugar puff pastry stuffed with chicken). Overall, the food was somewhat better than average, though it seemed that something was amiss in the seasonings.

As the neighboring youngsters became more energetic, my loved one kindly asked the parents if they minded controlling their offspring so that we could dine without retrieving our food in midair.

When the luscious belly dancer exhibited her art form, the patrons at our original spot joined her. Hint: Do not join the belly dancer; she is just perfect without your help.

If you?re in a new and sweet relationship, get some takeout and eat on the floor at home.

But? if you cannot procure a babysitter, then by all means, load up the mini-van and take the kids to the Moroccan-style McDonald?s Playland that is Marrakesh.

Pros: Decent Food

Cons: Noisy, circus atmosphere

Posted 08/18/07

Try something new and fun! Great restaurant! Great food! Lively colored, you sit on pillows and eat with your hands! It?s great for special occasions, or just to try something new. It?s a fun place to meet up with friends/family.

Posted 04/29/07

I've had my birthday dinners with friends here for a few years in a row and it's always been a BLAST!!! Food is great, atmosphere is always fun, and it always ends up as a great memory for all involved..... Don't come here if you don't want an adventure and can't leave your American expectations at the door -- hence the bad reviews by some customers. You will not have the service or the seat backs of a Bluehour or Fenouil (floor pillows are the norm here) But if you'd love to leave the country and can't afford a plane ticket, this is a night that you and your friends will be talking about until the next birthday!

Pros: Atmosphere, Food, Vaule

Cons: Short wait even w/ reservations, Sitting on the floor is a bit rough on the back

Posted 04/25/07

Wanted to put my 2 cents in since I read some bad reviews on this place. Just had my surprised birthday party there on Friday night. There were a total of 19 people, the majority of us had a great time. There were a few (3) people who were a little freaked out by the non utensil situation but they had an entire month to decide if they wanted to come to the party knowing full well what the place was all about. The rest of us enjoyed the *Feast* we ordered.. we had fun trying all the different dishes and tastes. The service was fine.. they got our drinks to us and all the food out in an timely manner. One of the servers did get a little out of hand with the orange water at the end but after a few beers it didn't matter too much and we chalked it up to the experience!

I would go back for another party or a romantic dinner! My surprise party went off without a hitch!

Pros: It was an interesting & fun experience!

Cons: Go there expecting to use your hands and don't complain if you didn't do the research.

Posted 04/22/07

Ohhh, so many complaints and people talking about how the experience just wasn't good at all. I've eaten here tons of times with my hubby and we've taken our boys, 9 & 11, and we've enjoyed it every time! Yes, it can put a little dent in your pocket book, yes, sometimes their flow is less than perfect, yes, sometimes they are out of things. I own several businesses involving food service, actually serving Middle Eastern cuisine including Moroccan. I also have an import store and sell foods, spices, sauces etc. from all over the world. Sometimes you run out, and sometimes you can't get things right away. Sometimes, your lamb or beef distributor doesn't show up. Sometimes things are back ordered. Such is life. Instead of ripping apart this establishment, ask yourself if you are one of those people (they usually run in packs), who think that the heavenly angels should sing when you are near, and if all is not perfect in the world for you...you are irritated? Or are you one of those who smiles at the waitress when you see that she is struggling and you say..."hey, we're here for fun, take your time because you're doing a great job"....even if she's not because of the duress that she's under, it might help her relax, let go of the defense and really be attentive to your needs. These wait staff are all very nice, I've had most of them. The belly dancers are awesome and I've never once seen the knife shoot off their heads and stab anyone! The food is indeed very delicious. No, the Anise bread is not Italian....they may make it in Italy because there are lots of crossover foods in European and some Asian countries.....Anise bread is Moroccan, who cares if the veggies are frozen as long as they have prepared them well.....and the reservation issue is sad, but life. My doctor sometimes has to rush off to deliver a baby during my appointment...it life folks, and unfortunately, the planets dont' aligh around YOU! Relax, put your cell phones away and enjoy!

Posted 04/19/07

Our group of about twenty was trying to celbrate, but we were left unsatisfied on many levels. The communication in setting up the reservation was next to impossible. We were promised vegetarian food for our two vegetarians, but it ended up being just cous-cous (hardly the "feast" we were promised). We needed an itemized receipt to be reimbursed by our business, but it took more than half an hour of arguing with the wait staff to get one (no kidding!). The staff messed up running our credit card, causing a mess of receipts. At least a quarter of my group were very sick that night (citysearch won't let me use the word, but it rhymes with "momma-mia"), and I don't know how many more just didn't say anything.

Finally, when I sent the receipt back to the business as I promised that I would, one of the waiters took it upon himself to call my colleague on the phone and chew her out. Do you want to dine somewhere, knowing that the wait staff might call you a month later and yell at you?

I don't recommend this restaurant at all, hence the rating of zero. Avoid like the plague!!

Pros: Will clear out your system

Cons: Too much to mention here

Posted 04/09/07

So I would first like to address the individuals below that say if you don't like this place than you must be the type of person who eats at The Olive Garden. I am not. I am world traveling, up for adventure, foodie type of gal. And this place is horrible. Its not unusual to sit on the floor or have a belly dancer at a resturant anymore. There must be 20 other places JUST IN PORTLAND that have this type of set up. IJust about every city in the country has a place like that and its almost becoming more common place than The Olive Garden (all right, I'm stretching, but you get what I'm saying). Frankly, its a little boring and resturants need to stop relying on the novelty of it to get by and start cooking some good food. The food was bland, boring and the service was the worst. I mean it, THE WORST. Our server served a dish claiming it was vegitarian, and then came back 15 MINTUES LATER to tell us it wasn't and to swap it out. He was totally unapologetic about this mix up that could have been potentially dangerous. Would they have been this lax if had peanuts we had been trying to avoid? The food came in a rush, giving us no time to eat each dish before it was wisked away and my water remained unfilled for almost the entirety of the meal. After the meal we had a ton of problems with our bill (who would think there could be probles with a price fix meal?). We tried to talk to the owner who even more rude than our server.I would also like to agree with the comment down below that several people in our group complained of...ehm...gastrointestinal distress later in the evening. If the Health Dept is crusing this site, they should check this place out. All said, don't go here. If your server is rude, chances are the owner will be ruder. There is better moroccan food in Portland and better Belly Dancers too.

Pros: That there are other places to eat moroccan food.

Posted 04/09/07

The food is definitely new to us, a party of 10 or so. But the service was AWFUL! We waited for more than half an hour after our order before we even saw the first course. Then the waitress only came around every 20 minutes or so. It took us more than 2 hours to finish our course---then to be "asked" to leave because there was a line waiting at the door. It's not our fault for sticking around that long, we had other plans, too. It's their service rate. We'd love to be done in an hour and move on to our next stop. The owner then asked us to leave right after they finally served the desert. We brought them over $300.00 of business and this is the service we've got? Long wait between dishes, and can't even sit and enjoy ourselves after we finally finished? I am very dissappointed and well, if you have that much time to eat, of course it is a good place to hang out. Just be prepared when the owner comes around ask you to leave when you take your last sip of their tea. Very annoyed and rather angry.

Pros: Good food, nice atmosphere

Cons: BAD SERVICES, BAD ATTITUDE

Posted 03/22/07