(215) 925-5929
517 S Leithgow St
Philadelphia,
PA
19147
39.942
-75.1498
Neighborhoods: Center City East, Center City
Hours:
Monday To Sunday From 05:00 PM To 11:00 PM
Price:
$$
Last updated 8.16.11
Category:
Payment Methods:
Cash
Restaurant Special Features:
Date Spot, Group Dining, Prix Fixe Menu
General Info:
Open 7 Days
Cuisine:
Moroccan, African, Middle Eastern, Mediterranean
Other Locations:
What People Are Saying About Marrakesh
Featured Review
Contributor
Contributor
In Short – Sink into huge pillow couches, listen to rattling drums and whining horns and watch the food come, and come and come. The waiters flaunt their machismo by pouring mint tea with the teapot at least a yard above your cup. Anticipate a huge prix fixe menu of b'stella (a phyllo pastry with egg, chicken, nuts and spices), grilled beef or lamb, chicken, fresh fruit and Middle Eastern pastries including baklava--all to be eaten without utensils.
Editor's Tips
- The Extras:
- Bring cash and someone who reads Arabic--this place does not accept credit cards and English is used sparingly.
- Know Before You Go:
- A 15 percent charge for service is added to the bill, marked clearly on the menu in the language of Allah.
- What to Drink:
- Choose from French, North African and California wines and, of course, the traditional mint tea.
Amazing experience, intimate atmosphere
by searchguy2359 at Citysearch
From the greeting at the door to the personal goodbye, this is an experience that will transport you to another place, as you are invited to partake in a feast in a Moroccan home. The owner and his wife take great care to make you feel welcomed and ensure you are completely stuffed with perfectly prepared dishes, from carrot and cucumber salads to the spicy chicken to the warm sweet peppermint tea.
One of the must-try experiences in Philly!
I'd do it again
by queeenshakirah at Citysearch
I went to Marrakesh for my anniversary. Hubbie didn't like it much but I thought it was good. I will go again with some girlfriends to get a second feel for it. I was expecting so much more than what I actually got, as far as the experience went. I read lots of reviews before going so the bar was set pretty high and my experience didn't reach that bar. Pros: Spicy chicken, three salad appetizer, pita bread, that sweet appetizer thingy with the chicken, eggs and almonds, bahklava and friendly service. Cons: Could've done without the cous cous, mint tea was too sweet but I'm sure that's just my palate, restaurant is very small, sitting too close to other patrons, no conversational privacy, no bellydancer (not that there was enough room for one).
Let it be known, there is a gargantuan amount of food, but they do offer to-go containers.
I beg you, GO TO THIS PLACE!
by EVB at Citysearch
If I lived closer to this restaurant, I would be broke. I could eat breakfast, lunch and dinner at Marrakesh. You knock on the door and get greeted by their very attentive staff. The ambience is dim, romantic, and fabulous. You enter a room with what looks to be antique metal tables embossed with detail surrounded by couches full of tapestries and pillows. You sit comfortable and close to your guests and/or loved ones for a very personal intimate feel. The servers come over and wash your hands with a rose oil, water, and a hot towel. (funny to say youll be sniffing your hands for a moment)
The 7 course meal is to die for. I would seriously eat it every day. Ever entree in this place is fabulous finished with baklava and mint tea.
GO TO THIS PLACE I BEG YOU! You wont regret it!
- Pros: Food, Atmosphere, Service, House Carafe Wine
- Cons: Parking
You'll forget you're in an alley
by ljshi at Citysearch
The restaurant is a little tricky to find but it's like a gem! It was very welcoming and like visiting a friend's house, you either have to use the knocker or ring the doorbell to be let in. The entire place is lavishly decorated and it's just absolutely beautiful! It is a little dark and we were a larger group, seated upstairs. I would be careful in that area because there are very small steps at the top. Our waitress was very accomodating while we waited for a few late friends. There was so much food and we had a good time figuring out how to eat everything without making a mess. It was a little strange at first to have towels as napkins but we all appreciated, as there are no utensils (except for the cous cous). For the fruit dish, we got an enormous bowl of fresh fruit. The food was good and there was definitely more than enough.
- Pros: Beautiful decor, good food, plenty of accomodation for groups
- Cons: Difficult to find, parking
Exciting Ambiance!
by Midevilb at Citysearch
The food here is great and the servers are very friendly. Make sure to bring plenty of room for all seven courses, but you probably still won't fit it all in :) This is definitely not a place to go if you're in a hurry, so make sure to set aside the evening and take the time to soak in the experience!
Not to take away from the food, but the experience, ambiance, decor and most of all the performer was what did it for me. The bellydancing was one of the finest performances I've seen!!! The dancers website can be found here:
www.alimahamani[dot]com
- Pros: Thrilling Experience, Bellydancer, Lavish Decor
- Cons: Parking

