Marrakesh Moroccan Restaurant

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1201 NW 21st Ave (at NW 21st Ave & Northrup Street)
Portland, OR 97209

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(503) 248-9442
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Marrakesh Moroccan Restaurant - Portland, OR
Marrakesh Moroccan Restaurant - Portland, OR
Marrakesh Moroccan Restaurant - Portland, OR
Marrakesh Moroccan Restaurant - Portland, OR
Marrakesh Moroccan Restaurant - Portland, OR
Marrakesh Moroccan Restaurant - Portland, OR
Marrakesh Moroccan Restaurant - Portland, OR
Marrakesh Moroccan Restaurant - Portland, OR
Marrakesh Moroccan Restaurant - Portland, OR
Marrakesh Moroccan Restaurant - Portland, OR
Marrakesh Moroccan Restaurant - Portland, OR
Marrakesh Moroccan Restaurant - Portland, OR
Marrakesh Moroccan Restaurant - Portland, OR
Reviews
( 30 )
( 25 )
( 8 )
( 15 )
( 17 )

Best

I've never gone to such a place. What fun! I was out of my comfert zone but loved every bite. Our server always checked in with us, never pushed us to buy a certain food, and d...

Worst

The food is subpar, especially the chicken dishes. Vegi dishes are bland. Most people give it high ratings because of the whole package: entertainment, seating style, pouring of t...

Bad experience overall 1/19/2006

went for my mother's birthday; was told one thing about the prices of meals by someone on the phone, and something else once we got there (we went Saturday night, you are forced to order the 5 course dinner, I was told we could just order entrees) - I complained to the manager, he was extremely rude to me and didn't offer any solution. We ended up having some people split orders, which is priced differently, and once the bills came, it took the waiter and my father and brother 20 minutes to figure out what was going on; my father ended up just paying for it all himself instead of making our party stand around any longer. The belly dancer was fun; the food is excellent, except for that salad. Won't go there again - rude staff. Pros: food, neat atmosphere Cons: snotty staff, expensive, not flexible menu more
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We are moving to Morocco! 12/31/2005

Upon walking in the door, I was very hesitant about staying. I was not too impressed with the ambiance and we were seated in a pretty high traffic area. So my husband snuggled up next to me on the bench, and we discovered that sitting side by side was much better then across from eachother. Our waiter was good, made us feel very comfortable having not had Moroccan before. The food was outstanding...it kept getting better with each course. We could not stop talking about who we would like to invite to go with us next time. Very different, very romantic and great for the soul. If Morocco is anything like this restaurant---we are ready to pack our bags! Pros: Great Food, Belly Dancing, Comfortable Cons: Entryway, Ambiance more
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bad service, not clean 12/16/2005

very bad and definetly do not recommend it to anyone more
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entertaining after a long wait 11/12/2005

After being stuck at the door and getting banged by people open the door, The food was wonderful and very authenitc Morrocan. The Belly Dancer was very enjoyable. The service was good once seated. The menu is limited but the selection are very good. Pros: Good Food, Entertaining Cons: long wait for seating, Seating is tight more
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The Mechoui 10/11/2005

Ive been here many times with my fiance and we always love the food and service. We recently ordered The Mechoui (must be ordered 3 days in advance for $30/person) for a party of 12. The food was delicious as usual. This feast comes with the usual appetizers and a main course of BBQ sheep with vegetables. The meat was so good I probably ate enough to feed 3 people. Definitely come with a big appetite and be careful not to fill up on bread or youll be sorry. If you cant get a party of 8 together for the Mechoui at least order one of the other lamb dishes; my favorite is the lamb with raisins and honey. Enjoy. Pros: great food Cons: bit noisy more
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Two Thumbs UP!! 10/3/2005

Happy Birthday Matty! What a fantastic birthday party at a fantastic restaurant. The atmosphere, the food (mmmmmm!), the staff, the decorations, the culture.....I will definitely return! I suggest you give this place a try. It might not get the best reviews if they are packed & busy, so pick a not-so-busy night. It was nearly $300 for a group of 10 of us - but was worth every penny!!!!! Expect to look for parking . . . it is the popular NW section of Portland! Pros: Atmosphere, Food/Flavors, Hands-On Cons: Parking (expect tho), Spendy but worth it more
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Unique atmosphere + exquisite food 8/28/2005

We've loved this place both times we went - as a romantic outing for two and as a dinner with friends. The food is just divine. I've never, ever considered myself a lentil soup fan but theirs is extraordinary - spicy and well-textured. The bread is perfect - pleasingly soft yet firm enough for dipping in soup & scooping the salad. The specialty dish of meat in phyllo crust sprinkled with powdered sugar & cinnamon is simply unbelievable. Honestly, looking at the menu of strange dishes and knowing I had to eat with my hands was an initial turn-off but the experience is one I'm glad I didn't miss. Our group tried the lamb & beef brochettes, honey chicken, and apricot chicken - all superbly prepared and delicious. We each had wine/beer and the total for four was still less than $100. Amazing and so worthwhile. Pros: Delectable, Warm & relaxing decor, Good prices Cons: Floor-sitting more
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Next time-mini Mag lite! 7/16/2004

This was our second trip to Marakesh and was even better than the first. The first time, we had an older, surly waiter in a white calftan; he was pretty gruff. This time(Friday 6:30)a younger guy dressed in red was a GREAT waiter! He was very nice and explained how dinner is served, and made us very comfortable. Pros: staff, yummy!, comfy Cons: , no parking, loud music more
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Bad service, Bad service... 3/5/2004

We recently made a reservation for this restaurant and expected an enjoyable evening of Moroccan food and culture. Instead, we were forced to wait for over 45 minutes for our table (notwithstanding the reservation for 6) and then left to an evening of frustration (We were told there were too many walk ins to serve the reservations). Our service was non-existent and the food mediocre at best. Each course was more tardy than the previous. Although the dancers was good, it could not make up for the rude and inept service. After a bit of complaining, the table next to us (a table of 10) told us they too had waited for their table for over an hour. It appears that the night was a frustration to all involved. I fully recommend choosing another restaurant, instead of sitting through the nightmare which was offered to us. Cons: , Mismanaged, Inattentive to diners more
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Party of four had a great time 2/16/2004

I have no clue as to how "authentic" the food or entertainment is, but I know myself, my girlfriend, and my parents had a great time. Pros: atmosphere, service, food more
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Just say NO 1/31/2004

With reservations, I planned on a fun Saturday dinner. We were seated in the front room where it was cool and breezy from the front door opening. I asked politely if there was a table in the back room. The costumed man, sporting an accent said, with a big smile, "Come with me, you pick out table!" I thought, how nice of him and threw him a big smile. He led me to the back room and said, "Go ahead, pick one out." I scanned the room and realized the tables were all full. Confused, I turned to him as he walked away (smile gone), saying, "See, no tables." A simple "Sorry, all tables are full" would have sufficed. Pros: None Cons: , Lack of customer care, Uncomfortable seating more
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High-price Silliness 12/25/2003

Yea: hot belly dancer, hand washing thing cool more
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Vegans beware 10/22/2003

This was my first experience at Marrakesh. My boss and I went there around 9 pm on Tuesday and it wasn't that crowded and parking was fine. It's a five course meal- starting off with a delicious traditional Lentil Soup, then salads Marrakesh with bread, B'stilla Boyale (a pastry, which being a vegan I couldn't eat, but my boss said it was really good), and I ordered the tasty couscous vegetarian and for desert there was a (non-vegan)pudding and yummy mint tea. It was a treat to see how the waiter pour the tea. I'd like to see the belly dancers sometime, but with the lack of vegan/vegetarian items I don't know if I'd go back. The waiter was slow at refilling my water. Pros: food!, decor, service more
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A Cultural Experience 9/12/2003

I Enjoyed the different atmosphere, it was a very unique experience. Food was very good, and I would recommend it to anyone who hasn't been there to give it a try. Pros: Good Food Cons: Parking more
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must try at least once 7/24/2003

The food was excellent, service was great. It was fun to try something different. I dont think I am ever going to use eating utensils again. I did not get to see bellydancing, but that just a little more incentive to go back. Pros: inexpensive, great ambiance Cons: parking more
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entertainment value, not food 6/20/2003

The food is subpar, especially the chicken dishes. Vegi dishes are bland. Most people give it high ratings because of the whole package: entertainment, seating style, pouring of tea, washing of hands, etc. That, or there's a definite lack of exposure to eclectic cuisine. On food merit alone, this place strikes out! Pros: fun, tea, clean hands Cons: food, food, food more
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Tops the Worst Service List 5/30/2003

Truly terrible service is rare, usually its just a case of neglect. But at Marrakesh you can experience not just neglect, but real in-your-face, not just terrible, but offensive, service. Pros: No food poisoning Cons: Wait Staff more
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I love this place! 4/16/2003

This is by far one of my favorite restaurants. Not only great food, but the experience of a dim restaurant (I'm light-sensitive), the washing of the hands, sitting on pillows, finger food, and the occasional belly dancer = a wonderful dining experience. Pros: great food, great ambience, inexpensive Cons: parking more
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Wonderful Experience! 3/16/2003

We made reservations for four at 7:00PM on the second Thursday of March when the restaurant schedules belly dancing performances all night. The restaurant was packed, so I definitely recommend making reservations. We ordered the four-party dinner that included eight courses, dessert and tea with dessert. We also ordered a bottle of the Moroccan wine. The entire experience was wonderful. The food was delicious, the wine was excellent, and our server was very helpful. The dancers started around 8 and performed one after the other. I believe we saw eight performers before we left. It was a wonderful night and we will certainly be back with more of our friends and family! Pros: amazing food, ehlpful service, beautiful atmosphere Cons: pricey, but worth it! more
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very unique 2/27/2003

We came here for our anniversary, and it was a very unique experience. The food was wonderful, and the aspect of eating with your fingers was fun once you got past the urge to ask for a fork! The chicken with honey & prunes was the best, the meat literally fell off the bones. My husband ended up eating half my meal as well as his. Not a problem, with 3 courses before the main dish arrived, I was already getting full. The hot mint tea at the end of the meal was refreshing. The bellydancer was great! All in all, a different and very fun way to dine. The cushions can be a little hard to sit on, and we both ended up moving to the couch about half-way through the meal. Definitely would love to go again, and invite friends. Pros: different, good food, unique experience Cons: music a little loud more
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Menu for Marrakesh Moroccan Restaurant


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Visit our cozy Moroccan oasis for great food and hospitality serving Portland area!

Owner Message

  • 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. 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, B'stilla Royale (baked in butter, sugar & cinnamon on top), followed by your choice of entree (chicken, vegetarian, beef, rabbit, fish, vegan), dessert and fresh mint tea (accompanying with 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. We feature belly dancing from Wednesdays-Sundays. Stop by Marrakesh Moroccan Restaurant today.

Editorial

  • 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...

  • 6/26/2006 Provided by Citysearch
Additional information
  • Hours: Daily 5pm-10pm
  • Payments: American Express, Diner's Club, Discover, Visa, Master Card
  • Neighborhoods: Northwest District, Neighbors West - Northwest
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