Forget your knife and fork and settle into an exotic oasis of romance.
(503) 766-4981
1201 NW 21st Ave
(Northrup Street)
Portland,
OR
97209
45.5314
-122.6946
Neighborhoods: Neighbors West - Northwest, Northwest District
What People Are Saying About Marrakesh Moroccan Restaurant
The Owner
Marrakesh Moroccan Restaurant
Owner
Marrakesh Moroccan Restaurant is a traditional Moroccan restaurant that has been serving the Portland area since 1989. As you walk into the restaurant you will feel as though you have entered into a different world. When you enter this cozy oasis adorned with richly textured Moroccan rugs, ornate silver urns and tapestries you will feel like royalty as you are treated like a King & Queen in the Sultan?s Tent. Once you are seated your hands will be washed before & after your five course meal. Your five course meal consist of soup, salad with homemade bread, Pastilea (which is shredded chicken…
The Editor
Contributor
Citysearch
In Short – Guests sit on long couches or firm pillow-stools before low tables, surrounded by the room's colorful, ornate patterns. Traditional music forms a soothing aural background as they use bread or fingers to eat. A traditionally garbed server bathes diners' hands in warm water before bringing five aromatic courses: lentil soup, salad, an appetizer called B'stellela Royale (a slightly sweet pastry with meat filling), the main course and dessert of fresh fruit with fragrant mint tea.
09/29/09
Rude service ruined our evening
by msmith24
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
06/03/09
Read the New Year's review!
by CourtneyP
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?
04/05/09
My favorite restaurant, hands down
by mikeyboypdx
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
The Details on Marrakesh Moroccan Restaurant
Look Good:
Skirts can be tough to sit in. So ladies, ask to be seated at a higher table.
Know Before You Go:
Utensils are available on request.
The Extras:
Groups can order one of two feasts: The Mechoui with sheep cooked over a charcoal fire. It serves eight or more and requires three days notice. For $19 per person, the Royale Feast is available for parties of four or more.
Smoking Permitted:
No
Message from Marrakesh Moroccan Restaurant
- Authentic Moroccan Cuisine
- Traditional Belly Dancing
- Royal Banquet Room (up to 90)
Marrakesh Moroccan Restaurant is a traditional Moroccan restaurant that has been serving the Portland area since 1989. As you walk into the restaurant you will feel as though you have entered into a different world. When you enter this cozy oasis adorned with richly textured Moroccan rugs, ornate silver urns and tapestries you will feel like royalty as you are treated like a King & Queen in the Sultan?s Tent. Once you are seated your hands will be washed before & after your five course meal. Your five course meal consist of soup, salad with homemade bread, Pastilea (which is shredded chicken with scrambled eggs and crushed almonds), followed by lamb and chicken, dessert and a tea ceremony.
Marrakesh Moroccan Restaurant serves a wide variety of Middle Eastern, Mediterranean and African dishes, as well as a nice selection of wines and beers. Stop by Marrakesh Moroccan Restaurant today.
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