09/24/08

I'd do it again

by queeenshakirah

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.

08/25/08

I beg you, GO TO THIS PLACE!

by EVB

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

08/14/08

You'll forget you're in an alley

by ljshi

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

07/15/08

Exciting Ambiance!

by Midevilb

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

01/28/08

Food, service and language skills are all quite fine

by jshaft

I've been to Marrakesh on several occasions and in groups of varying sizes, and several things have been consistent: the food has been great, the service has been friendly, and the staff speaks English as well as the waitstaff in any other Philadelphia eatery. I've therefore been somewhat shocked by the other comments on this site indicating indifferent service or language problems, as I've encountered neither before at Marrakesh.

The atmosphere is fantastic; this is a great place to wow clients, show appreciation for employees, or impress dates. You're already starting off on the right foot when you knock on the somewhat-obscured and mysterious door to the establishment, as if waiting to enter the meeting of a secret society of some kind. It's a nice touch that adds to the mystique, and the act of being greeted and invited inside places a subtle but meaningful emphasis on the spirit of hospitality that is present at Marrakesh.

The only warning I'd give to first timers is to budget a lot of time for the experience and to come very hungry. The portions are large, there are many courses, and it takes time (2 1/2 hours to 3 hours) to properly appreciate the experience. Also, do pay attention to the note on this site indicating that cash is the only payment form accepted as it is accurate.

If some of the other comments on the site have you hesitant to give Marrakesh a try, don't believe the hype - just go and give it a try. You're not likely to be disappointed.

• Pros: Ambience, hospitality
• Cons: Large amount of time needed to appreciate all courses; large portions

01/17/08

OK food, terrible staff and terrible belly dancer!

by munkee

Food is ok, but the wait staff are just a few high school kids who could care less about you. I'm no belly dancer connoseur, but it was one reason we came. The belly dancer looks about 14 years old and she couldn't dance at all and did moves that looked more like stripping to crappy arabic techno music. It was embarrassing and so inappropriate. This place looks like it is run by high schoolers - what is up with that?

Overall, a very unprofessional place but the food is pretty ok and the atmosphere is great (once the waiters and belly dancer leave).

• Pros: Atmosphere, food is ok
• Cons: Waiters, belly dancer

11/06/07

A new dining experience

by godstrulioness

My family and I went to Marrakesh for a birthday dinner and experience something totally new. The restaurant was beautiful, and every staff member was polite and helpful. The food not only smelled delicious but tasted the same. Prepare to be there for at least 2 hours and you must go on a day when the belly dancing is there (usually wednesday or friday). The price was reasonable and you will leave with your taste buds fulfilled.

• Pros: Great service, Delicious food, and good pricing
• Cons: Parking

07/02/07

AMAZING dining experience!!!

by pingpongpro

I went with my fiancee for her birthday (she said she wanted Moroccan)...You go into an alley off of south street (by an iced cream shop between 4th and 5th) and KNOCK on the door!! You then go in and the waiters are dressed in AWESOME clothes and the atmosphere is top notch. You sit down on very comfortable, low to the ground sort of semi circle sofas, and they wash your hands and give you big towels to put over your lap...Then they start bringing the food!! The food was fantastic!!! I HIGHLY suggest the spicy chicken (you get to choose between 2 things for each of your 5 courses)...and would choose the beef over the lamb unless you really love lamb.

Not great for kids since it is quiet and you share the room with people, plus the meal takes about an hour and a half.

• Pros: Everything about it
• Cons: Nothing

12/03/06

Great food & Cozy Atmosphere

by winefoodfun

Tucked in an alley way off of South Street, this hidden gem feels like you stepped away to another world. The decor sets the mood with vibrant colors and cozy pillows. The food had so much flavor and the meats were cooked perfectly. It was so good I left with a Gift Certificate to give as a gift. Just note that the meal is looonnng. Don't go if you're rushed. It's 7 courses. We got there at 5:30 and left at 8:15. Great for groups or for a romantic date for 2. Oh, and it's BYO!

11/18/06

Cozy with strangers.

by magnoliasitter

I love Moroccan food, but my main experience of it had been a small restaurant in Savannah, GA that I adore. As you might imagine, I was very excited to come to a highly recommended Moroccan establishment in a much larger city. Unfortunately, Marrakesh failed my expectations on almost every point. While nothing was bad, not a single dish was stellar and the entire experience cost me twice as much as the better Moroccan I have been accustomed to.

The one impressive thing about Marrakesh is the decor, but it is only romantic if they are slow because the benches often accommodate several dining parties and you are lounging right next to them. Prepare to get cozy with strangers.

• Pros: Decent food
• Cons: Outragously overpriced