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