Marrakesh Moroccan Restaurant

Moroccan restaurant · Northwest District

Marrakesh Moroccan Restaurant

Moroccan restaurant · Northwest District

3

1201 NW 21st Ave, Portland, OR 97209

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Marrakesh Moroccan Restaurant by null
Marrakesh Moroccan Restaurant by null
Marrakesh Moroccan Restaurant by null
Marrakesh Moroccan Restaurant by null
Marrakesh Moroccan Restaurant by null
Marrakesh Moroccan Restaurant by null
Marrakesh Moroccan Restaurant by null
Marrakesh Moroccan Restaurant by null
Marrakesh Moroccan Restaurant by null
Marrakesh Moroccan Restaurant by null
Marrakesh Moroccan Restaurant by null
Marrakesh Moroccan Restaurant by null
Marrakesh Moroccan Restaurant by null
Marrakesh Moroccan Restaurant by null
Marrakesh Moroccan Restaurant by null
Marrakesh Moroccan Restaurant by null
Marrakesh Moroccan Restaurant by null
Marrakesh Moroccan Restaurant by null
Marrakesh Moroccan Restaurant by null
Marrakesh Moroccan Restaurant by null
Marrakesh Moroccan Restaurant by null
Marrakesh Moroccan Restaurant by null
Marrakesh Moroccan Restaurant by null
Marrakesh Moroccan Restaurant by null
Marrakesh Moroccan Restaurant by null
Marrakesh Moroccan Restaurant by null
Marrakesh Moroccan Restaurant by null
Marrakesh Moroccan Restaurant by null
Marrakesh Moroccan Restaurant by null
Marrakesh Moroccan Restaurant by null
Marrakesh Moroccan Restaurant by null
Marrakesh Moroccan Restaurant by null
Marrakesh Moroccan Restaurant by null
Marrakesh Moroccan Restaurant by null
Marrakesh Moroccan Restaurant by null
Marrakesh Moroccan Restaurant by null
Marrakesh Moroccan Restaurant by null
Marrakesh Moroccan Restaurant by null
Marrakesh Moroccan Restaurant by null
Marrakesh Moroccan Restaurant by null
Marrakesh Moroccan Restaurant by null
Marrakesh Moroccan Restaurant by null

Highlights

Dine low on plush pillows in a vibrant Moroccan oasis, savoring multi-course feasts, mint tea, and lively belly dancing in Portland.  

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1201 NW 21st Ave, Portland, OR 97209 Get directions

marrakeshportland.com
@marrakesh.pdx

$30–50 · Menu

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1201 NW 21st Ave, Portland, OR 97209 Get directions

+1 503 248 9442
marrakeshportland.com
@marrakesh.pdx
𝕏
@marrakeshport

$30–50 · Menu

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Aug 2, 2025

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@eater

Portland Celebration Restaurants for Any Type of Special Occasion

"This Northwest Portland Moroccan restaurant has been a birthday party favorite for years, thanks to its immersive setting, lineup of belly dancers, and generous tasting menu. Meals start with lentil soup and salads, followed by a cinnamon and powder sugar-topped b’stilla, a phyllo meat pie. Meals come with a choice of main entree; tagines are the move here, typically, though for something really special, visitors can pre-order a whole lamb roasted over charcoal." - Michelle Lopez, Brooke Jackson-Glidden

https://pdx.eater.com/maps/special-occasion-restaurants-portland
View Postcard for Marrakesh
@eater

An Eater’s Guide to Halal Dining in Portland, Oregon

"Marrakesh is a Portland institution, known for its belly dance shows and prix fixe dinners of bastilla and tagine. Marrakesh sources halal meats for its dishes, from its chicken-prune tagine to its chicken-topped couscous. For a special iftar feast, bring a group and splurge on Marrakesh’s mechoui, a whole lamb cooked on a spit over a charcoal fire." - Brooke Jackson-Glidden

https://pdx.eater.com/maps/halal-food-portland-oregon
View Postcard for Marrakesh
@dangl

expensive but holy shit it is GOOD

pdx for epik high
View Postcard for Marrakesh

Deedee Bakhtiar

Google
Okay I am going to try to be kind. But let me start by saying ‘what always glitters isn’t gold’- this expression is so fitting for this restaurant. Beautiful in the inside- like honestly considering it is in North America and in a city like Portland that doesn’t really have authentic cultural foods, this restaurant really did try to create that cultural feeling; Morrocan decor and ambiance, they have done really well in that aspect. How ever - it stops there. This restaurant is a LITERAL INSULT to Moroccan Food. I love all things Moroccan but man!! what a way to fool people into believing this is what Moroccan food is. The chef needs to be spoken to- I’d like to have him taste Moroccan food for real. Who ever is cooking in the back is mixing some nuisance. Honestly the focus at this restaurant is just the decor and some bootleg belly dancing- apparently the belly dancer only does 5-10 min and then leaves. When we called the first day they told me the belly dancer couldn’t make it in so we switched resos for the next day and we were told she’d be performing for 45 mins at least but when we got there we were told she’s done for the night although we got there at the time quoted to us when she’ll be performing. Oh and by the way when we got there - there was no music playing and one or two people were serving tables in the whole resto like headless chickens. So fricking weird. Anyway ambiance decor wise was great. The girl serving was nice but that’s all! Never going back nor recommending it to any one unless the chef is changed out and menu is reviewed :) Oh and tea was cold af.

Debika Dutt

Google
Good food, started with the bread, salad and lentil soup. We ordered the chicken couscous and spicy lamb curry. Finished off with some mint tea and rice pudding dessert. The belly dancing was spectacular. I enjoyed the night so much. We'll be back soon.

Vanshika Bhaniramka

Google
We got the royal feast and everything other than the entree was good. Overall the atmosphere was really nice and I had never seen belly dancing in a restaurant before, so that was super cool! However the wait was super rude and would literally throw our plates on our table.

Nolan Rumble

Google
A really good spot for some delicious Moroccan food that is good value for money. You will not leave feeling hungry! Thursdays seem to be the entertainment night and they have a belly dancer come in to put on a show!

Nicolette Frangipani

Google
You can never go wrong with dinner here. The entire experience is amazing. Rose water hand wash table side. Baskets of bread and the most tender lamb I've ever had. We love it here.

Kayla Baird

Google
A dining experience not to be missed! Flavorful 4 course meal, belly dancing (most nights) & a very kind staff. I recommend going with a group if you can since portions are generous. Plus the “Royal Feast” for 4+ people is the best bang for your buck and tummy. About 25-40$ a person depending on if you get drinks or not - but WELL worth it.

Eric Hemmen

Google
An amazing experience! Our group did the feast option and it was exceptional, from the soup course through the pudding and tea dessert. The flavors on the main dishes were wonderful, the meat was cooked to perfection and incredibly tender. Service was awesome, our server was friendly, knowledgeable, and attentive. Atmosphere was also awesome, great place for a group to sit together and be able to talk. Price was perfect too! Would absolutely come again, and would recommend to anyone!

Theresa Porter

Google
Marrakesh is beautiful and exquisite. Every dish was a delight. I would love to just live here.
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Sean R.

Yelp
Wow, quite an experience. Upon walking in, the vibe/decor is like the Moroccan Xmas episode of The Office (but not tacky). Tapestries everywhere and low tables w/ cozy couch and cushion seating makes you feel like you are in a royal tent. The food is set up as a 4 course meal & you choose your entree, or you can order set menu feasts for groups of 6-8. They were unfortunately out of the rabbit so we ordered a couple of the lamb dishes, spicy dish and a lamb w/ eggplant. - 1st course was lentil soups & a salad to share. Soup was fine but the salad honestly might've been my favorite thing I ate & I never order salads. It wasn't a leafy green salad but w/ chickpeas and a bunch o other stuff. My description is gonna make it sound gross but it was a delicious I promise - a mix of pico de gallo/bean dip/supreme combo pizza (whatever the one w/ olives & green bell peppers is), very new but also familiar mix of flavors for me. - 2nd course was a shared pastry stuffed w/ some spiced chicken topped w/ powdered sugar & cinnamon, looks like one of those Mexican pastries, probly my 2nd fav dish, I liked the flavor combo of sweet w/ the curryish spiced chicken. - The main entrees honestly I wasn't too crazy about. The lamb was cooked very well and very soft but it tasted like all the lamb was pre cooked together and then put into each dish at the end as both our dishes tasted the same (spicy lamb & lamb w/eggplant). The eggplant I thought was bitter but she liked. - 4th course is a rotating dessert which was good, sorta like a baklava/coconut cake (I'm not a big dessert guy). - also they have unlimited very good bread but I would recommend only a little as there is so much food. The food was pretty good, though idk if I'd go back for it but I think it's worth a visit just for the experience it was quite cool. And at about $35/person the price is quite reasonable for the amount of food you get. It may be a little intimate/intimidating for a first date or for solo dining. Also, I usually don't mention service but they do a lot here, even wash your hands with orange blossom water lol.
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Dannie C.

Yelp
A Portland staple for over 30 years... oft visited in our younger years on special occasions or to showcase how cool Portland's culinary scene was to our out of town friends before that was common knowledge! We even slipped in on our honeymoon for an a la carte order of B'stilla Royale! It's been the better part of a decade since we last stepped into the colorful nomadic tent that is the interior of Marrakesh! We came in on a rainy Wednesday night with friends visiting from Rome, Italy. Our friends had never had Moroccan food but as world travelers are always looking for exciting meals in unexpected places and we nailed it! Even 10 years later, Marrakesh did not disappoint! From the moment you step in the door, you are transported to a world of draperies, stools, and silver furnishings. What amazes me even more than the fact that this place still looks the same is the food. Identical... consistent... just as fanatastic as it was 20 years ago! We chose the family meal which was 5 dishes for 4 people and they allowed us to swap out the lamb m'rouza for the lamb and eggplant (the lamb m'rouza being my favorite dish). The flavors just as alive and exciting as they were years ago and the fellowship as we shared a meal together by far the best experience of the evening! The prices have doubled and the crowds have dissipated (but hasn't it everywhere?)... I imagine Covid was brutal with this being such a social experience... but it's time to get over that! We need to bring back communal feasting! Grab some of your closest friends and family... the parking is not as difficult as it once was... and come back to this amazing dining experience! It's all still here...tableside handwashing, 5 courses, eating with your hands, rosewater hand rinse, and the mint tea! It's time... experience one of Portland's most iconic restaurants... still thriving... just as it always has!
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Jesse G.

Yelp
This past Sunday, my employees (or most of them at least) met here for a Holiday dinner. I have worked since I was 19 and strangely enough this was the 1st actual proper "Holiday Dinner " that I have had. Probably because Walmart (17+ years) had too many employees, and other jobs had other reasons. Luckily my current co-workers/managers are a pleasure to work with and so it began... I took the drive into Portland from Beaverton. It was a Sunday, so the traffic was minimal, but I still hate driving downtown. I was on 21st and i turned into the Starbucks parking lot. Yes, I did see the parking restriction signs but i decided to throw caution to the wind. As I crossed the block the restaurant, I noticed someone leaving. Didn't even think, whipped around went back to the car, and was able to get the spot before anyone else...win #1. As I walked into the restaurant I heard the Moroccan music. Kinda reminds me of The Clash a little bit, but I dig it. The restaurant was really nice. There were couches and little short , round , cushion chairs. I believe our server was **OWEN**. For the entire meal he was very nice. He explained (a lot) about all the options we had and was very polite. Thank you Owen. The food was incredible. We got the "Feast". Basically came with 5 courses. 1st & 2nd Course : I usually don't like Lentils, however the lentil soup was fantastic. They were tender (not tough and woody like I have experienced). The flavor was delicious with a hint of cinnamon and star anise. The salad was a mix of cucumber, tomato and babaganoosh. Please forgive the phonetic spelling. Once again, eggplant usually isn't my forte, but this was delicious. It has a wonderful freshness and the light dressing was a nice touch. Course #3: This was the B'stilla Royale. It was a shell of filo dough (delightfully light puff pastry) filled with chicken and other delicious things. I think there was raisins and other yummy things. I was taken a little aback when i saw the powdered sugar on top, but the mixture of sweet and savory, combined with the amazing crispness of the shell, made this really delicious. 4th course: These were the main dishes. There was couscous (my fav), chicken with apricot, lamb with eggplant and a couple others. Long story short (too late lol), it was fantastic 5th Course: The meal ended with some milk pudding and some hot mint tea. Both were refreshing in their own way and strangely balanced each other out. The entire meal was great. The belly dancer was a nice addition to the meal and ambiance also. This isn't a dinner for every week or even month, but it should be experienced.
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Connie C.

Yelp
Love, love this place! We've been going for over 20 years! The Royal feast for 4 people included 5 entrees and was amazing. From the low seat cushions, beautiful rugs, the ambiance is on point. But it's the food that is the killer! The appetizer salad with unlimited bread, soup and the b'stille royal pastry is amazing. My favorite entree is the apricot chicken but it's a special. The lamb with Raisin was amazing. I loved the hot sweet Moroccan tea and the dessert at the end.
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A C.

Yelp
Ambiance entertainment and service Food taste is pretty good but not exemplary Some chicken and meat entrees are way too sweet. And some were bland. Spicy lamb was good and some of the typical Moroccan entrees were so-so. All in all great place to go and spend the evening with all the entertainment and belly-dancing etc.
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Penny S.

Yelp
My husband and I came here for our 40th wedding anniversary. It had been years since we were here last. The food was as delicious as ever! It really is a good deal for everything that comes with the meal. I was full before our mains got there. Everything was fabulous! Our server was excellent, and constantly serving all her customers graciously and tirelessly. We didn't see any other ones but she was cheerful and attentive to everyone! Very impressive. The ambiance is fun with low tables, Moroccan decorations and authentic music. It would be great to go with a group so you can try more dishes.
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Rick G.

Yelp
Ambience was great and authentic. Menu options were easy to understand. I've eaten lamb while living in Saudi Arabia and was completely impressed with my selection. Silverware was supplies upon request. Service was truly 5-STAR. Entertainment features a youthful belly dancer who did not disappoint. As ARNOLD would say..."I'll be back!"
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Melanie K.

Yelp
This dining experience was unforgettable! I felt like I was in Morocco with the ambience. There was one waiter and he was very attentive with each table. We did the 5 course meal and it was very filling and delicious. The waiter was correct about the amount of bread needed! We dined on a Monday so there were no belly dancers. I definitely recommend visiting this 'hole in a wall' restaurant!
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Jennifer S.

Yelp
Man, what an experience! Expect to get messy! The tables are super small. You sit around them on a pillow and low bench. Everything comes in courses. There was a plate with lots of forks. Everyone just had their fork. We got a salad, served with fresh chunks of bread to eat it with. (salad GF, not the bread) Then we were served a stuffed pastry that was sweet and savory. (Not GF) We ordered the course that feeds four people. We were able to switch out one plate for a hare dish in place of a lamb dish. Amazing. Only one of the dishes had couscous. Everything else was just meat. There was so much food. (all of it GF) After our entrées, we had a rice pudding that was served chilled, and it was kind of firm some of us had a hard time with the texture, but the flavoring was amazing, and then an amazing mint tea. (both GF) Definitely and experience and I will make it a must for visiting company.
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Samavi A.

Yelp
We came here for dinner and it turned out to be a whole experience. The decor was incredible and seating was on mats very traditional to Morocco. They also came around and washed our hands at the table. Our waiter was so nice and tentative even though they were short staffed. He offered the family special which the chef chose our dishes. They were very accommodating in picking dishes without lamb. We also got a great experience with the belly dancer who was very interactive with the crowd. All the dishes were delicious and tasty. Overall such a great experience and amazing meal!
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Dominique B.

Yelp
I've been going to Marrakesh for years and still a great dining experience. The food is great and always way more than you need, come with an empty stomach! The atmosphere is super cute and will transport you to Morocco. Before you dine the servers wash your hands in a rose water bath, such a nice touch!
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Mia H.

Yelp
I came here one evening with my boyfriend and had a fantastic time. It was my first time trying Moroccan food, so I didn't really know what to expect--food, experience, and atmosphere-wise. When you come in, you're greeted and sat down at a rather low and small table. I didn't mind it being so low, but I know others can find that uncomfortable (I thought it added to the experience). They offer a variety of dishes--including for vegetarian diets--and they all seem delicious. The $30-35 tag on the sets may seem a bit high, but for everything you're getting (soup, bread, salad, and dessert on top of your entree), it's not bad! My boyfriend and I got the Tagine of Spicy Lamb and Brochette Marrakesh and both were delicious. The portion was generous and the flavors were amazing. And on top of it, during our meal there as bellydancing! It was my first time seeing bellydancing and I had a great time. The performers were so talented, fun, and interactive. It really added to the experience. I would definitely bring others here to check it out!
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Arnab K.

Yelp
The ambience in the place is not typically what once would see. It very decorated and the seating on a couch and ottoman chairs is quite an experience. They have belly dancers too in the evening. Typically it is a five course meal of a soup, salad, appetizer, main course of choice, dessert and then tea. The full meal is extremely filling. When one is in mood for eclectic and spicy with a twist of sweetnesses, this is the place to be.

Kellen B.

Yelp
There was no belly dancing I was so sad and the food was mid. No chicken strips. Not American enough and not enough fatty food.
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David T.

Yelp
Whenever we have a decent size group of family or friends visiting, we always try to come Marrakesh. The ambiance, amount of food, and friendly faces of the servers and belly dancers always leaves a positive lasting impression on our guests. We opted to do Five Course Meal and each dish was a super star, starting from the appetizers to the dessert. The lentil soup is a great way to start the meal and is hearty and light, but is packed with flavors. The B'stilla Royale is the quintessential sweet and savory dish. The flaky pastry crust with the rich and savory interior to be topped off with some powered sugar. This is probably my favorite dish of the night, and that's not a knock on any of the other fantastic dishes we had the entire meal. This was such a memorable dish for the different textures and flavors that seem so different but worked so well together. For the main dishes, we ordered the Moussaka Vegetarian, the Chicken Brochette, the Couscous T'Faya, the Breka Vegetarian, and the Tagine of Chicken Lemon and Olives. Each dish was amazing and none of the party went home on an empty stomach. We ended the night on with some tea and a Moroccan dessert that resembled a mixture between ice cream and yogurt. I was filled with happiness throughout the night and would definitely come back.

Rochelle K.

Yelp
Love the food and ambience. 5 course meals for reasonable price. Amazing lamb and eggplant dish. Have loved this place since I was a young kid. Portland location has the best food. Great place for birthdays or get together with friends
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Arun S.

Yelp
It's all Moroccan here. Food , belly dance, Tagine, Bastilla .. you name it and it's there. Split pea soup and salad was perfect start to 5 course meal. Bastila came next and it's pretty good when served hot. Did not like the sweeter version of tagine's (lamb and chicken), if you don't have sweet tooth go for spicy lamb, Hare (Braised ) and chicken inclement and olive. We got Baklava and mint tea to wrap it all up. Service was a big let down. Too slow in general and bread came with lot of delay and we have ask for it. Ambience fantastic
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Becky G.

Yelp
I have been to Marrakesh Restaurant four or five times since it was recommended to me by a coworker a couple of years ago. It's such a fun experience with amazing service, especially for a small group of 4-6 people. The elaborate and colorful decor transports you to Morocco and I love how every meal comes with multiple courses. Considering how many types of dishes you get to experience, the pricing is very reasonable. They do not skimp on the portion sizes either. I always have leftovers to take home. You just have to choose your main, and everything else is a set menu. My favorite is the savory pie-like item wrapped in puff pastry. The coconut dessert is delicious as well. Although I chose an unimpressive vegetarian main the first time I visited, I usually order something with lamb for my entree since then, and it's always extremely tender. Definitely recommend checking Marrakesh Restaurant out at least once.
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Chelly A.

Yelp
Today we were in the neighborhood and decided to give Marrakesh another try. We were greeted by a kind young man dressed in Moroccan clothing. It gave the feel of being in Morocco. I believe he said his name was Omar He was very kind, seated us and showed me to plug in my scooter by the front door so I could make it back home. We sat down and ordered the lamb and chicken Tajin and it came with an appetizer, salad, main course, and dessert. The food was really good with special thanks to Mohamed and Omar. The food is definitely worth going back for.
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Kevin K.

Yelp
It's been a few years since we've been to Marrakesh as we moved out of state. Coming back it was a must go to restaurant. It surpassed expectations. Even better than I remembered, which is rare. The quality of each dish was spot on.
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Nithisha R.

Yelp
I'm giving the stars for the ambience, service and the unique experience. It was definitely a unique experience of having dinner while enjoying the belly dancing by the most skillful dancers. Although the place looks cozy and vibrant, but very uncomfortable to sit around the corner tables. Food was average. For vegetarian options, I just had to have rice with boiled vegetables, which was very sad. My friends who opted for non veg, they mentioned that the options were very average. Overall, I would definitely recommend this place at least once for the experience.
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Ryan A.

Yelp
The food was extremely good and the setting was fun. When we arrived, a woman was dancing a traditional dance and a bunch of kids were dancing with her, it was very cute. Make sure to point out if you are vegetarian because they have options from some of the appetizers but won't ask you before bringing them to the table. The tables are also low to the ground, so be prepared to sit slightly uncomfortably if you are around 6 feet tall.
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Kim D.

Yelp
Good to know: * Belly dancing started around 7pm * Traditionally this food is eaten with your hands, but you may request cutlery without judgement * All dishes except the entree are shared among your party, which means your date may be dipping their fingers into your appetizer or salad My husband and I came here for our 10th anniversary because we were looking for something new and fun. We had reservations for 7, but we were in the area and very hungry an hour early. Knowing that there were several courses in the meal here, we didn't want to spoil our appetites so we showed up and asked if we might dine early. There was plenty of room and no wait, and they were happy to accommodate us. I'm rather glad that we showed up early because we were finishing our entree when the belly dancer arrived. The music up until that point had been playing quietly in the background, and of course they turned it up for the entertainment. It was very fun, but made conversation difficult. The dancer was so impressive and even had a short chat with us while dancing AND balancing a sword on her head! Upon arrival we were sat at a very low table surrounded by cushioned stools. The height is such that you cannot tuck your knees under the table, so dress accordingly to allow some movement. Our table was also next to a long cushioned bench, and we found sitting there side by side made it easier to share dishes and to eat more comfortably. Rose water is poured onto your hands before and after the meal for washing, but we both made a trip to the single restroom for a thoroughly soapy hand washing both times. The food was delicious. Very robust with flavor! All of the courses are predetermined, and you only choose your entree. Our server made recommendations of lamb and hare, which we ordered and really enjoyed! The interior was a little worn looking. The cushions a little thread bear and some of the upholstery was torn. I enjoyed the flavors so much that I would love to return, but I can see the standing dishes in the courses limiting the ability to explore Moroccan food more fully.
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C B.

Yelp
Fun, fun, fun. Very cultural ambiance and service. Lovely. Many entree choices, ample size. Good wine selection, no alcohol. Service fantastic. Reasonably priced. We will go back.
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Sarah C.

Yelp
I have fun memories of visiting a Moroccan restaurant in San Francisco on special occasions with my family growing up. When I learned that Portland had a similar restaurant, I was excited to try it out. I made a reservation for two around 6 PM on a weekday. Reservations are made via email. Turns out it was not really necessary, as the restaurant was pretty empty. I imagine later in the evening, on weekends, or with a bigger group, reservations would be recommended. After finding street parking, we entered through the curtain doors. The fun part of a Moroccan restaurant is entering the atmosphere of a "Sultan's tent" and forgetting where you are really located. (Unfortunately, with the window curtains wide open, it was hard to do that while looking out at Portland street.) Despite the restaurant being fairly empty, they sat us right next to a family with a kid who was loudly complaining. With a small round table and the seating being either a bench, ottoman, or the floor, the tables feel pretty close together and it would've been nice to have a bit more space. Note that the seating can be uncomfortable for some, so plan your outfit and do some stretches ahead of time. All meals here come with the traditional lentil soup starter, bread, a house salad, the bastilla, a main dish, and dessert. So while the prices of $25-30 look a little expensive, it's actually a good deal for a set menu. It is encouraged to eat most dishes with your fingers, and they bring around a rosewater hand rinse. However, you can request utensils or they will volunteer them if you look uneasy. There are good vegetarian options. I got the breka and my partner got the 'vegetarian delight.' We were pleased with all the food, it tasted good. Nothing exceptional but I especially appreciated that they could make the bastilla vegetarian - that's my favorite part. Pacing of the meal was good, and the service was efficient. We were too early for belly dancers (they come at 7:30 PM, Wednesday through Sunday - I couldn't find this info on their website). So overall I would suggest some small changes to the business to really excel at the experience, but I do think that this is a fun opportunity to get out of your dining comfort zone. I may come back for special occasions or when I am craving Moroccan flavors, but I would make sure to reserve a time when entertainment is provided.
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Cathy S.

Yelp
What a cool and immersive dining experience! I came here for the first time for a birthday celebration with a group of 17 people - we had a nice little corner of the restaurant for ourselves. The vibe is intimate with the dim lights, carpet everything, and lower to the ground seating. There are many different configurations of seating to accommodate all group sizes. They even have a large private room downstairs for bigger private parties right next to the bathrooms which looks so cool. I really also appreciated that they had a more accessible bathroom option on the main floor. Service was quick and friendly and kudos to our waiter for playing the happy birthday song over the whole restaurant for my friend haha. Bread baskets and water refills came frequently! Since you eat with only your hands (for most dishes except the dessert or if you request it), they offered hand washing service right at your table before and after the meal, along with rose water at the end to make your hands smell super nice. Now the food, oh my goodness the food. I don't have Moroccan food very often but since the group got the Royal Family Feast, we were able to have a large variety of dishes. Staring with the Moroccan salad that you eat with bread, this interesting sweet and savory puff pastry dish for the second course, and lots of main entrees following: apricot chicken, lamb, couscous, chicken skewers, and a daily special that changes. Of course ending the meal with a cold coconut pudding (they will give you a spoon for this thank goodness lol) The food was incredible! I just wish I could be better at picking up couscous with my hands. Please do give this place a visit and make sure to make a reservation because they sure do get busy! Bonus: live belly dancing during the meal and she could even balance swords on her head! Very impressive!
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Gabby F.

Yelp
Last night, my partner and I took my mom here for the first time and it surpassed all expectations. It was definitely the right place to arrive with an empty belly! Each person gets a lentil soup to start with and the table shares a traditional salad, along with some fresh bread to dip! Additionally, the table starts with a giant B'stilla Royale - if you've never tried that, it's essentially a combination of sugary pastry and meaty stew, which surprisingly blend quite well together! After our complementary starters, we enjoyed our own entrees and exchanged bites with each other. We ordered the Tagine of Chicken Lemon and Olives, Tagine of Chicken Honey and Prunes and Tagine of Spicy Lamb. Each dish had its own unique array of spices, making for a delicious spectrum of flavors. Although I am partial since I ordered this, the Tagine of Spicy Lamb was the best of the three - perfect level of spice and fell right off the bone! For dessert, we settled our full stomachs with their staple mint tea and some sweet Baklava. In addition to the food, our server was very kind and checked on us frequently. We enjoyed two belly dance performances by Elinore, who was extremely skilled and impressive! She engaged everyone in the restaurant and occasionally brought people up to dance with her, including us. In terms of ambience, the whole place is decked out with traditional Moroccan rugs, couches and floor cushions. The Arabic music was also very upbeat and fun. Highly recommend for a night of traditional food and culture!
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Naoko K.

Yelp
Weekend belly dance shows are fun ! The course menus is worth the price ! Baby lamb was good ! Good combo for entertainment and food !

Jari G.

Yelp
Wonder place for a birthday celebration. Server went out of his way to check in and take care of us. We were the last table there on a Monday night but felt no pressure to leave. Food was enjoyable!
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Ali L.

Yelp
My husband and I ate dinner here and I loved it. One of us got a vegetarian entre, and the other got the full vegetarian feast so we could just share it. My favorite was the vegetarian lentil soup that came with the feast, as well as the vegetarian rice entre we got. Yum! Parking was a bit tricky, which is understandable. We did not have a reservation until the day of, but there was plenty of room. I have heard they might have a belly dancer sometimes which would be pretty cool. Excited to try it again!
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Olivia A.

Yelp
-Service A+ -Cultural experience A+ -Affordable 5 course meal -If you call and ask some times they have Belly dancers (we did at 6pm, SO FUN!!) -We did dinner, Id suggest reserving beforehand. -Will return

Zafina A.

Yelp
It was a dinner with a show! It was very unique experience. Although they were short staffed our waiter did not make it seem like it was by checking on us often. You feel like you're actually in Morocco because of the decor and how they wash your hands. The good profile was savory and sweet for all the dishes.

Michael S.

Yelp
Everything was fantastic friendly service entertaining and ambiance on point. Great meal
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Aaron D.

Yelp
Let me say that I did not choose this place and when my son wanted to try it I felt like I was just going with the flow. Turned out to be an awesome experience. They were super busy as it was a holiday, but we got in and sat down on the floor mat at our table which was fun and unique. Decorations are on point based on my experience living near Morocco in my 20's. Food was really really good. I was scared it might not have been with so much focus on experience and ambiance. But I would absolutely go back again.

Amy L.

Yelp
Rarely leave reviews, good or bad. But I must warn people, it smelt like a sewer when we went in Saturday night. Someone else commented and walked out alongside us. Foul. Not sure how anyone was eating there.
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Karishma A.

Yelp
**vegetarian review** Marrakesh is super difficult to get reservations at - which is not surprising considering how good the food is and the waiting staff doesnt try to rush you to flip the tables. We ordered Breka Vegetarian, Salad Marrakesh and Traditional Moroccan Lentil Soup. I also got the mint tea - which was surprisingly sweet? but not sticky sweet - so i actually enjoyed it quite a bit. The Lentil soup and the salad were both delicious - I liked the portion sizes. The salad was lighter and heavier than what I expected - its hard to explain :P Breka Vegetarian was very crispy - however the stuffing wasnt my favourite - I felt it was a little single toned. This also came with another serving of the dhal! While we were there there was also a belly dancing performance! On the whole, good reasonable food.
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Jennifer K.

Yelp
I gave it three stars for the food and the unique experience. The two star subtraction is for terrible service and their difficulty treating a large group well. I had my birthday party here and was very excited to come back to this restaurant after having a good experience there many years ago. I specifically scheduled it for when the belly dancer would be there, and tried to clarify everything ahead of time. They assured me large groups were no problem! I was very excited! Unfortunately, at the end of the night I was left feeling disappointed and angry. The seats are subpar at best. They need to be replaced. The cushions are so soft, they squished all the way down to the ground! Doubling them up almost gets you to the table. I was sitting on the bench and was stuck between two cushions so I had to use pillows to cover up the hole in between. The food was pretty good. But the feast is not worth it at all! I barely got full and I don't eat much. There were hardly any leftovers, probably in part because the waiter threw away some of it without even asking. Pretty frustrating. But what I'll remember the most is that the 20% auto gratuity that I agreed to, he double charged me on my own birthday for someone who already paid their tab and left earlier. When I tried to correct this, he played stupid like he didn't know what I was talking about. I explained it very clearly, and he still refused to give me my money back. This man literally stole cash from me at my birthday party!!! When they gave me the receipt at the end, my friend's portion was not removed and they said that's because they cannot reprint tickets. Excuse me? How about you join the 21st century... Or at least write it down. Instead they made me double pay. I doubt I will ever return, which makes me sad because the food, like I said, was pretty good... But I will NEVER come back with a group of more than five or six whatever the cutoff is for the auto gratuity. Once they have that, they don't really care. The service was terrible. He didn't give us silverware or side plates so we were trying to eat with our hands with nothing. So of course there was food all over the table, do you think he cleaned it up? Not once. Not even between courses. We had to ask for things several times. There was not enough room at the tables for the number of people in the party. When the belly dancer was directly in front of our table and we were enjoying her dance with the sword, this guy completely blocks her and stands in front of the entire table blocking the dancer. It was ridiculous. I've worked in places with entertainment like this, and we know better than to block it. By the end of the evening, we had waited so long for this man to do anything that people were ready to leave before dessert. Paying was an absolute pain. He brought out a calculator the size of a laptop. It took like 30 minutes to make payments, and this is after we already knew exactly how much to put on each card and what was cash. So then for him to take more than his 20% plus the extra that my friends tipped him on top of the 20%... Unbelievable.

Aisha R.

Yelp
Delicious food and a fun and unique experience! I would recommend for date night or with a group of friends.
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Jazz A.

Yelp
The food was yum. They have vegan and vegetarian options which is really nice. The staff was wonderful, and there is all you can eat bread with the food. Very tasty bread.

Joe ..

Yelp
We were a large group of 10 with a reservation. We were seated promptly. This is not the place if your in for a quick bite to eat. Restaurant is very Moroccan themed with foot stool type of seating and sharing a round table with others in your group. Server suggested an order selection with a variety of foods, sufficient to feed 10 ppl family style. We had to ask for small plates, as I'm guessing the expectation is just to share whatever the entree plate may be. That would be ok for 2 ppl, but not 10. There are no serving spoons, etc., so you and everyone else with you are using the forks they been eating with to get the mouthful of food from the entree. Some people may not mind this and neither am I if it's family, but acquaintances adds a bit of an ick factor for me. Nobody else seemed to have an issue with it, so there you go. Good quality and tasty food, using spices and flavors that you usually would not run into in the US, unless your Moroccan maybe (lol). Odd to this restaurant, is that the server dressed like Aladdin, appeared to be the sole server for the whole place. There were 2 young women bringing bread baskets to the tables along with water, but that was it. Service was not bad, but server definitely was not someone that was concerned about friendliness and welcoming. Think "soup nazi" personality. He was busy of course, so he had no time for chit chat as you would imagine. Belly dancer was a women in her mid 30's, who did what belly dancers do. It was a good experience and this was our 3rd time in 10 years. Lastly, price. Not cheap, but not super expensive. Cost us $42.00 including tax and tip each.
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Susie Q.

Yelp
Furniture seemed pretty worn and stains on the ceiling drapes from what appears to be a leak. The table seemed very sticky and so I went to the bathroom to grab a wet towel and wipe it off but it just seemed the table was like that. I did enjoy the mood though lights dim and cute lanterns. We arrived for our 530pm reservation on Valentine's Day and it did seem pretty empty but it felt like they were rushed like getting ready to set up for the evening but once we were sat at our table, our waiter was attentive to us and then the crowds started rolling and by the time we left both upstairs and downstairs were pretty booked up. Def recommend making a reservation. We came on a night that had belly dancing and she was good. Bring cash! We didn't have cash on us and I felt bad that we didn't tip her. I thought it was a decent amount and she used the floor across all rooms so it was nice. We paid $45/pp for the multi course meal and then we chose our entrees. In the beginning they bring a dish and you rinse your hands with water because Moroccans eat with their hands. It was a nice thing to do. The first dish was a salad to share and you can either use utensils or eat with your hands and bread that they provide. (The only thing with the bread, which was very good, is they bring around a huge bowl and you're just suppose to go in bare handed and grab whichever pieces and they do that to all tables. I mean even pre Covid I would be skeeved, maybe some tongs would work better) we decided to eat with our hands and use the bread to really get the experience. It's like when you go to medieval times. We also received a small bowl of lentil soup I believe which was pretty good too. We received a filo dough dish i believe is bastilla which is a trademark of Morocco, chicken pie wrapped in flaky pastry finished with a generous dusting of cinnamon and powdered sugar. THAT WAS THE BEST! I ordered the lamb with fig and it was VERY tender and tasted nice and my wife ordered the chicken with rice. We did use a fork for the actual entree portion. The chicken seemed on the drier side and we've had that combo better elsewhere. We also ordered hot tea (our waiter said it was diff mint leaves and also A LOT OF SUGAR) which I wish I had known before I ordered because I just wanted regular tea and usually don't add sugar. I did like the flavors of the mint. For dessert it was baklava which is always classic and it was actually pretty decent. For background I am Armenian and some of the foods are similar. I thought all in all for the experience it was nice but after spending over $130 for two and the food just being good I think I would just order a La carte next time as it was our first time eating Moroccan so we wanted to go all in. We were able to get a table to ourselves but be prepared to sit at a table with other couples as some were seating with each other who didn't known one another. One couple before us kind of were freaked out about that but it seems like that could be fun. You don't share the food with others they bring those dishes separately to each couple. I didn't take more than the first picture because we wanted to have a nice dinner without phones so this was when we first sat down.

Afshan M.

Yelp
Excellent food and ambience, loved the traditional style and belly dance ! would love to go back to eat and enjoy the show!
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Katherine S.

Yelp
The food and the service were wonderful, as was the same performance. I love the decor and relaxed atmosphere
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Kaye O.

Yelp
This is such a fun restaurant Dinner and a show We went with a group of 8. Our waiter was amazing. The dancers were so fun and added a great ambiance to dinner. Food was amazing and very generous. Can't wait to go again
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Jessica J.

Yelp
We tried this restaurant because it was next to our hotel and it had good reviews. It was a wonderful experience with good food and nice atmosphere. Some nights they have belly dancers (although not the day we went). They do traditional 5 course meals - which is an insane amount of food, but it was all delicious. Friendly staff. Street parking. Near the North/South Streetcar line too.
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Caroline F.

Yelp
We have been going to Marrakesh for years to celebrate special occasions or when we want to offer out-of-town visitors a unique experience. Throughout the last 10 years, they have offered many 5 star evenings. We went this past Saturday and there were some uncharacteristic disappointments - we are hoping it was just an off night and not a sign of a bigger issue - we will go back again at some point. The ambiance can't be beat - bright colored tapestries, floor cushions and vibrant ethic music all set the scene. Every night they host a belly dancer who puts on a brief but lively and engaging show at least once while you're there, every time (I don't know how they schedule the intervals perhaps every 90 minutes or so??) - always charming and engaging dancers. The 5-course meal is the way to go - the first course, a lentil soup, is robust and flavorful and has a LOT going on. The flavor punches you in the face. In a good way. Followed by a fresh salad (which has always been remarkable but this past visit we left uneaten), third course is a B'stilla - a sweet and savory chicken-filled flakey pastry pie - one per table to share (whether there is 1, 2, or 3 people - it's still plenty, even with 3). Then the main course - individual plates. I love the Honey Chicken with Prunes (too sweet for my sweetheart, but I love it) and the spicy lamb (melts off the bone without even needing to chew)... Then dessert (usually baklava, recently fruit salad) and mint tea. Saturday night our disinterested server was virtually absent and we needed to track him down more than once - but that is not the standard, at least, not the historical standard. Historically we ate everything with our hands, now they offer forks (probably always available, but now it's assumed), and HEADS UP to those with body discomfort issues - You sit on cushions and close to the floor w/coffee-table heighted tables. I love it - but I know some of my relatives would not be comfortable there so just a heads up.
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Satish P.

Yelp
While the food at Marrakesh was very good, it is more about the Moroccan experience. We visited this place as a family of 7 people and all of us had an amazing time here! Would highly recommend this place! You can order a-la-carte or take their feast option which is a flat fee per person and you get to taste a lot of entrees. But we chose the a-la-carte option, because that also comes with the 5 course Moroccan meal experience. We ordered 5 entrees: - Tagine of Chicken Honey and Prunes - Tagine of Spicy Lamb - Couscous Marrakesh (Chicken) - Marrakesh Vegetarian Delight - Chicken Brochette Our favorite was the Tagine of spicy lamb, it was so yummy, well cooked, and spicy enough that it reminded us of the lamb curries we used to have back in India. Our next pick would be the Chicken Brochette, the chicken kabob and rice were both really good! We weren't really a fan of other three entrees, meaning they tasted good, but we wouldn't get them again when we come back. All entrees come with 4 other courses of meal, lentil soup, salad marrakesh, bread, B'stilla Royale, Dessert and Moroccan Tea. All of them were very good, the tea had unique floral taste to it, and the B'stilla Royale was our favorite it was sweet and savory at the same time. Finally to top all this off, the belly dance was entertaining to watch as well, going to this place is a total package.
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Naivit V.

Yelp
We plan and continue to plan on going to Marrakesh for special family dinners. The atmosphere is out of this world, the food is amazing and the service is very attentive and friendly. We made reservations for a Wednesday night at 5:30 (they open at 5). I called to verify we were on their books which I recommended! We were seated right away, we knew what to get, we've loved and enjoyed the family feast which comes around $29 per person for a 5 course meal. The first thing you get is a lentil soup that is flavorful and warm, then they bring out a bread plate and a delicious and fresh salad. That is followed by the bastille, it's like a pastry/but savory pie filled with a protein and coated in powdered sugar. After that come the entrees GET THE SPICY LAMB. Spicy lamb. Spicy lamb. You will not regret it. We also got the apricot chicken, and eggplant lamb, and a olive chicken. The spicy lamb is what we crave from this restaurant. After entrees they bring out dessert and the mint tea which are to die for. Even though you might be stuffed with food do not skip out on these two things they are soooo good. We left at around 7:20 right before the belly dancer, since we've seen them before and we were too full to stay! Again great food, it's an experience so expect to spend time here, it is not fast food!
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Rashi T.

Yelp
There is no need to fly half-way around the world to get the tastes and atmosphere of Morocco, when you can experience it here in all its glory. The building doesn't scream for attention, barring the terra cotta pink paint but I hardly know a person In Portland that doesn't know about Marrakesh . The vibe is very traditional and relaxed at this cozy ethnic oasis adorned with richly textured Moroccan rugs, ornate silver urns and tapestries, make you feels like an honored guest in a tent.  Although we did not get to see the belly dancing , I still felt that this was a good experience overall . The menu is sort of fixed as you get to only pick your entrée but they do have quite a few options there . The first course is lentil soup , followed by bread and salad , then Bastilla . For our main course we picked and chose - Chicken Shish kabobs - 4/5 Tagine of Lamb with Eggplant - 4/5 Tagine of Chicken Lemon and Olives - 3/5 Couscous with lamb -4/5 This was followed by a sweet dessert but in all honesty , we were too full to finish it .The meal ends with a sweet mint tea. The beverage choice is limited here for both alcoholic as well as N/A drinks . Service was average but friendly . This is not the kind of place you go in a hurry , plan to spend some time and enjoy the experience . Pricing is very fair for the amount and variety of food .