Marrakesh Restaurant, Washington

Some key points: This place does not accept credit cards or debt cards. Cash or check only. They do not give eating utensils, the food really isn’t finger food. Although the drinks at the bar are 2 dollars more than if you order with your waiter, the drinks at the bar are much stronger. This place has soo much potential. The ambiance was very nice, a locked entrance door that gives the impression of exclusiveness, pillows everywhere, dim lighting. Unfortunately my waiter ruined my Moroccan cuisine experience with his rudeness. He said his name was Asap, his service was anything but it was more like ASAIWT (As soon as I want to). I asked for silverware several times as me and my table kept burning our fingers on the chicken, he kept ignoring me and offered me bread. I do understand that eating with your hands may be customary, that’s great, but if I’m paying for a service and I ask for silverware an attitude from my waiter is not what I should receive. I had to keep asking for the next course while the other tables were being waited on tentatively with no gaps in receiving their courses. The belly dancing was nice but because our table did not get served food prior to her routine we had to wait for her routine to finish. It would have been nice to have the next course at our table before the routine. It felt like our waiter kept forgetting he had a table to serve. 4 out of the 7 courses were pretty good. 1 of the courses was a bowl of unpeeled fruit with the produce sticker still on. We learned from the hosts that we had the option of beef or lamb for one of our courses however our waiter never asked us and brought out beef. I won’t be going back to this place, the services was just way to horrible. The price was good but not worth the service.

JUST GOOOOOOO!!!!!!! =) Bring cash though. Amazing place.

Not the nicest neighborhood...cash is needed because credit cards are not accepted...the exterior is unusual(what I would imagine entering a speakeasy during Prohibition would've been like)... BUT everything else more than makes up for this unusual start to an extraordinary evening. Be prepared...The seven courses (served leisurely) and show are a full evening; so, plan accordingly. This is our second time visiting Marrakesh. The last time was six years ago (on our last visit to DC); but, our first meal was so wonderfully memorable that the children unanimously declared we had to return on this visit. We're Americans of Irish and Italian descent, who enjoy trying different ethnic dishes. Skip lunch, the food is plentiful! Our favorite was the phyllo wrapped chicken and nuts dusted with powdered sugar; which, was ironically the wonderful dish we remembered from our first visit. Every dish was great; but, I found the lamb dish to be a little too strong (Gamey), and next time I'll go with the beef shish kebabs instead. I don't know Moroccan dishes; but, the food and ambience was everything (spectacular) we'd imagine. (our children are teenagers) so eating with our hands was not unsettling, and the belly-dancer was entertaining without being at all risque. There was a family, with young children sitting next to us, which reminded us of our first visit (their 2 young daughters dancing along delightedly with the entertainment). The owner, maitre'd, and servers (particularly our waitress) were all extremely attentive and solicitous. This in an experience that should not be missed!

We knew the place was expensive but took our freinds there thinking that it would be a nice place but were totally embarraced. Waiter was awful!! Didn't speak much English. Every drink we'd point to, he's say they didn't have. Brought every course out so slow. Had a couple of groups that came in half hour after us and they left about an hour before us. Food was nothing great, bland. Belly Dancing was the ONLY highlight. Not very clean. The lights were dim but the place gave a very unclean feeling. No silverware which is fine, but gave you these towels that didn't seem very clean. Just gave a very uneasy, unclean feel. Service was terrible. Never going there again.

Don’t be fooled by the dull exterior. Behind the huge doors at the entrance is a hidden oasis in the heart of DC. Marrakesh is one of my all-time favorite restaurants. I love the setting, the ambiance, the service, the shows, and the food. Five stars all around! While you enjoy a prepared seven course meal (which is mostly eaten by hand) you’ll also be entertained by a very talented belly dancer (dancers vary by night). The food is always delicious; it’s hard to pick a favorite because it’s all so yummy. It’s always fun to go in big groups but I’ve also gone on a date and have enjoyed the experience either way. If I had to say anything negative about Marrakesh it is that they don’t accept credit cards, so bring cash or be prepared to withdraw the money from the ATM that is conveniently located in the restaurant. If you’ve never been to Marrakesh, you are truly missing out on an experience like no other in DC.

One of my all-time favorite restaurants. Food is beyong excellent, atmosphere is like nothing else I have ever experienced. If you have never been here, you are definitely missing out! FYI, there is a vegetarian option available for all of the courses!

We have always gone in groups, but this time I took my parents for their anniversary. Seven course meal, belly dancing and a gift for their twenty eight years of marriage was a complimentary bottle of morrocan wine. No complaints. Everything was above and beyond.

When the server first came, he wanted to sound polite and helpful but he was not. Small demands could turn him upset and become rude. The funny thing is that there is no menu, it is imposed on you. YOu cannot even choose the number of course you want to have. Even if it was 7 courses, i left hungry because even the meat was sweet ( they had lamb+honey as one of the main courses) Couscous was served by itself as one seperate dish. The food was really not tasty ( and I had much better morrocoan food). Finally they don't take credit cards ( although the bill was over 600$ ). You guess why. You feel there is something fishy in this restaurant. I really felt like a tourist that is being robbed.

The Moroccan setting and atmosphere along with the food, eating with your hands and the bellydancer all make eating here a fun experience. The lamb was the best. Because of the price, it's a place to go to only on a special occasion or a couple times a year, but it is worth it in the end.

Good restaurant and very different from the usual evening out. The food was very tasty and somewhat exotic but not too far out for Western tastes. The costumed wait staff, eating with hands, and sitting on couches all added to the atmosphere. The staff was friendly and helpful. The meal was served in a relaxed manner--all told we were there 2 and one half hours, and it was nice to relax and not be rushed by wait staff. Lastly, the night out at Marrakesh was a great value--splitting a bottle of red wine, it came to about $50 per person (there were three of us) for 7 courses, wine, belly dancing entertainment, valet parking, and the fun of being there.