Marrakesh - (215) 925-5929

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.

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!

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.

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

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.