Marrakesh Restaurant

Came in Friday night for a nice dinner, and was surprised to see it wasn’t very crowded. We chose to sit on the floor, because, well, when can you EVER sit on the floor to eat dinner?
The staff could not be any friendlier. I felt like I was dining at a friend’s house. I’d been here once before a few years ago, and a Groupon brought me back. We started with the hummus as the appetizer-​so very flavorful! I got the chicken kabobs, and Matt got the lamb tagine. I don’t like lamb, but I actually LOVED it here. My chicken was so tender, it almost melted in your mouth! I surprisingly also loved the side of lentils it came with, perfectly seasoned as well.
If you are looking for a semi-​casual out of the ordinary place to eat downtown, this would be it!!! The staff is more than helpful to explain the menu if you have questions, which we had.

If you have a lot of time to kill and you like food served lukewarm, try this place. We had dinner here on a Saturday night at 6pm. We finally got out of there around 8:30pm.
We ordered the Five Course Combination Dinner for Two (approximately $ 70 after tax, before tip) which included:
*Bread with honey butter — yummy
*Marrakesh Salad — interesting cumin flavor
*Lentil Soup — tasty, slightly spicy
*Chicken Bastilla — minced chicken with subtle flavor within a nice flaky crust, covered in cinnamon and powdered sugar; some crunchy chicken cartilage pieces mixed throughout
*Lamb Tagine — good flavor; meat was a little dry; served lukewarm
*Chicken Tagine — ok; served lukewarm
*Seven Vegetable Couscous — very plain couscous with a few chunks of veggies on top
*Basmati Rice — as expected
*Moroccan Mint Tea — delicious, served in a very small glass
*Dessert — very similar to baklava, three bite-​sized pieces
That all sounds like a lot of food, but the portion sizes are small. The food took a very long time to come out of the kitchen, and only the chicken appetizer, the couscous, and the tea arrived at our table hot. The rest of the food came out lukewarm or at room temperature, which was less than ideal. Since each dish took a painfully long time to get to us, we did not send anything back to be reheated. A huge downside of this place was that our meal took two and a half hours from the time we ordered to the time we paid our bill (we tried to get out of there earlier, but they seemed to want to keep us there as long as possible – I assume for more belly dancing tip). Also, the cloth napkins had many stains on them, which we tried to ignore in the dim light.
*Entertainment: We did not plan for this, but at 8pm the music became really loud, and a belly dancer began doing her thing. This was somewhat entertaining, especially when customers began dancing with her. The belly dancer would spend a minute or two near each table, inviting tips to be slipped into her waistband.
*Service: decent, but our waiter had very unpleasant rotten teeth breath.
*Ambiance: dark; well decorated with an authentic feel; places to sit and eat on the floor with cushions or at tables
*Parking: street metered
*Overall: the food, service, and entertainment was ok, but I don’t plan on returning. I feel like there’s something better out there.

So my coworkers are not big on this place due to the more true-​to-​culture setting (lazy, broke down asses) but I love it. I love the colorful décor and the seating that allows you to sit comfortable on the floor surrounding by plush pillows. I also love the scenic waitstaff (yes, I have a thing for eye candy these days).
We normally end up going to Indian House simply because there are higher chairs and tables so I haven’t been back to Marrakesh for a little while but I am going to start taking myself back.
Though, I don’t think their lunch buffet selection is as plentiful as Indian House, it’s still tasty and the décor and atmosphere will keep me going back.

Disclosure: they are shutting down some time in the near future because of the pricey rent. They plan on relocating but do not know yet. Very sad to see this place go.
Positives: We tried the hummus and the eggplant purée. Both were delicious. I had the 7 veggie couscous and I loved it.
Negatives: The lamb with lemon and olives was a small dish and a bit disappointing. We would recommend the Moroccan lamb instead.
Overall: The overall experience is great. The owner will come by your table to see how everything is going. The bread and butter with honey is delicious. Check this place out before they move if you get a chance.

First time visit with my bf last night. The service was great and so was the food. We had the lamb curry and the meat combo plate. Loved the flavor and spices of the dishes. Very glad that we ended a hectic Monday with a great dinner. When the waiter found out it was our first time, he also brought us out a dessert. It was great!
Only other place I can find food that is comparable is in LA!

Went on a Saturday night with some friends, and was a little unsure since the place was not very busy. We took off our shoes and settled into the comfortable pillow and cushions.
We enjoyed some nice wines from a very reasonable list by the glass, and started with some hommus and the zaalouk. (eggplant purée) I’m not normally a fan of eggplant, but it was great. Everyone who had a Tangine loved it– I had the lamb shank which was tender and very flavorful. One of my friends had the chicken couscous, which she wasn’t enamored with, so I’d stick with the tangines.
Our server was great, and the service was very attentive all evening… never let my water get less than half full. The owner came out and talked to our table about travel and sharing tips on where to go in Morocco. We decided to stay and enjoy some hookah after dinner, and he even sent us some cognac.
Really a great meal, great atmosphere and great people… highly recommended.

Ate here shortly after moving to Denver. Great ambiance, but no air conditioning. The waitstaff is quite attentive and made some great recommendations. My husband and I ended up ordering two tagines, and both were fabulous.
The belly dancer made her appearance while we were eating — a lovely and lively dancer who tried getting us out of our seats to dance. Unfortunately, we were both too stuffed to attempt any shimmying. Maybe next time.
Definitely recommended. Bring a friend and a yen to bellydance.

an oasis! — — Today
I had just spent four days with a fast-​food junkie, and was looking for something nourishing to eat (read: vegetables). Coming in off the street to the Moroccan décor, pillows, Persian rugs, and music of the Middle East I felt as if had entered another world. The wait staff was jovial and friendly. The waitress came to my table to pour perfumed water over my hands. I ordered a Hoegarden Belgian ale, and had the vegetables over couscous. I was asked if I would like it spicy.(I do.) The vegetables were a stew of zucchini, sweet potatoes, turnips? cabbage? celery? and the serving was very ample. I took half of it home with me and enjoyed it again for breakfast. My bill came out to $ 22 and some change.

A generous 3 stars.
Atmosphere is great, they décor is nice. But this place was HOT, Maybe they were trying to recreate a Moroccan experience, but dining here on a hot June evening with no AC was just plain uncomfortable.
The service was nice, the owner even comes out to greet you to make sure your meal is up to par. The food was OK. The best item of the night was the Bastilla, but everything else was not as flavorful as I had hoped. I’m used to Moroccan food being very strong and in your face. These flavors were good, but much more subtle than what I expect from Moroccan.
This place is cheaper than other Moroccan places in denver, but it is also less ceremonious. If you want the full works I wouldn’t suggest this place. Also, there was no belly dancer (that is supposed to be there every night) as promised on the website.

I dont know why this place isnt very busy for dinner time in downtown Denver. The food was awesome. The service was great, and the chef even came out and asked me if i liked my food. The waiter gave me recommendations on what they thought I would like based on what they asked me. I had the eggplant salad which was really good. The flavor was very interesting. It gets a little tiring after eating it for a while so I’d recommend sharing it with someone.
For my entrée, I had the lamb shanks which was really good because i asked for it spicy. It came with yellow rice.
I think what I liked best about this place was probably the bread and honey butter. I know butter is bad for you but omg this stuff was good.
What’s really cool is they wash your hands for you with rose water before you eat. It’s a custom in Morocco from what the waiter told me. it’s a pretty interesting experience. you can either sit on the floor or at a normal table.
only reason why they’re getting 4 stars is because they dont have a dessert menu. =(.

Had dinner here last night pre-​Nuggets game.
The décor is awesome. The floor seating is at an opium-​den level of comfort, and adds to a unique experience. Be cautious though, it is all too inviting to curl up for a nap after you’ve filled your belly with Chicken Brochettes and couscous.
The service was attentive, and responsive. Three different individuals continued to check in on us all night. While this attention was appreciated, it may have been a tad overboard. One gentleman (had an aura of ownership around him) was especially warm and welcoming.
We started with the Chicken Bastilla, and a round of beers. The beer selection has some interesting items, and the beer itself is served as close to freezing as beer gets. Very refreshing. The Bastilla was flavorful, if not a little dry. The powered sugar topping was a little heavy, and the dish felt incomplete without some sort of sauce accompaniment.
For entrees, we split the Chicken Brochettes, Lamb Tagines with Artichokes, Green Peas, Olives and Lemon, and the Seven Veggies over couscous. The chicken was grilled to perfection. A crisp, smokiness on the outside, with tender, juicy flavor inside. The brochettes were served over a moist yellow rice, and with fantastic sauteed mushrooms. The lamb was slightly greasy, but made up for this in flavor and texture. The meat melts in your mouth, and doesn’t retain much of the dull oiliness from the grease. The veggies served with the lamb were fresh, and brought together a strong palette of tastes. The Seven Veggies served over the couscous were good, but not remarkable. The couscous was spot on in terms of flavor and texture.
Repeating the consensus of previous reviews, the prices were a little steep. The ambiance of the restaurant makes for one of a few bright spots in a rather dull section of Denver’s downtown dining experience. The food was presented with care and attention, and the flavors came together in unique and appealing ways. The service (along with the pillow-​lined, floor seating) makes for a very warming experience. While perhaps not a venue to frequent often, House of Marrakesh is certainly worth a visit paid.

This place is in the heart of LoDo so parking can be hard on weekends. During the week it was no problem.
The bathrooms were average as for cleanliness.
I really liked the decoration of this place. Lots of pillows, the Rose water to wash your hands before eating. The last time I went to a restaurant like this, everyone ate with their hands. However, I didn’t get the vibe that this place was like that. We ate the appetizers with our hands but switched to silverware for the main dishes.
It felt like I met the entire staff that night. Even the chef came out to say hello which was a nice touch. I got nicknamed «California» by the staff because they recognized the area code of my cell phone.
Everyone was nice and social. They also mentioned that they will be offering hookah in the summer so you can sit in front of the restaurant, enjoy some delicious tea and smoke some hookah. Looking forward to that very much.
You must visit this place!

My friend and I got the lunch specials ($ 9), which were lamb and chicken kebab plates with soup or salad. The rice had no taste and curried mushrooms were a little too salty (my friend mixed the two together and said the result was better than them separate), but the meat was succulent and flavorful. We both liked the lentil soup more than the cucumber, onion, and tomato salad.
The décor was great — lots of comfy pillows and interesting carpets. There were also large hookahs around, but I didn’t ask if they could be used.
Given what I saw on the menu, I’m not sure what was specially Moroccan about the food, as most of the items seemed Mediterranean and or Turkish. Still, the food was good, and this place is definitely worth a try if you feel like something different.

Great ambiance. Looks truly authentic.
Great food — we ordered the lamb shanks that the owner/​chef? insisted on and they were well cooked, full of flavor and really juicy. I cant say they are the best lamb shanks I have ever had, but they were good.
We also ordered lamb brochettes, hommus [their spellings not mine] and chicken brochettes.
The Hommus was passable, nothing to write about. The chicken brochettes were alright, but what made our day was the lamb brochette. Perfectly cooked, divinely flavored and has an aroma that makes you hungry.
and last but not the least — you’ve got to try their bread. Its crispy on the outside without being hard and deliciously soft on the inside with a great aroma.
the belly dancing is available on Mondays and Saturdays.

Wish I’d worn elastic pants.
Man, this was some seriously delicious food. We opted for the tasting menu to get a feel for the place and their specialties. The servers were friendly and helpful, explaining each dish and how it is customarily eaten. This was not my first experience with Moroccan food, but I always appreciate some cultural context and advice.
The service was good. They let us know that they won’t bring the next dish until we’ve finished what we had. Glad they said something; I was saving some of the food in the hopes of leftovers for the next day.
The mint tea was delicious at the end of the meal.
The décor is interesting. They’ve done a great job at putting out pillows and Moroccan-​style decorative touches. But we couldn’t help but wonder what the space might have been before? Perhaps it was once the atrium entrance to an office, then a Mexican restaurant?
But that doesn’t affect their rating. The food is excellent and the space is comfortable.

The food is fantastic! The shrimp wasn’t over cooked. The hummus was smooth covered in olive oil. They bread comes with a greek honey dip which wasn’t too sweet. The booths are covered with colorful pillows. The belly dancer seem to have a good time.
Now the bad news. The service is horrible. It should not take 30 min after asking for a check to get a check. Did not expect a 2 hour dinner. For that reason we might not eat there again and just do take out.

The Good: Great food, wonderful service, awesome atmosphere and location. Be sure to try the tea… it may have some sort of narcotic in it… WANT… MORE… TEA…
The Fair: Prices can get a little steep at night, but nothing out of control for the quality and service you receive.
The Horrid: Nothing!
P. S. Have I mentioned the tea yet!!! GO NOW! GET IT!

If you like pillows, this restaurant is for you. Not only do they have pillows for your back, they have pillows to rest your neck on, pillows to rest your arms on, pillows to pad your butt, pillows to hit people with, pillows to look at, everything except pillows to eat. That’s what their food is for. I really like their food. Some of my favorite items include carrots chermoula (marinated carrots), chicken tfaya (chicken with caramelized onions, raisins), lamb tagine (stew) with apricots and almonds, and that pretty purple pillow with the gold trim.
For some reason, the waiters at Marrakesh Restaurant would never give you the check on their own, even if you are sitting at the edge of your seat, I mean pillow, hanging out your tongue, anxiously panting as if you needed to leave. The waiters will still just pass you by. You must flag them down, perhaps with a pillow, and then they’ll finally bring it to you. Geez. They must have a huge bong in the back room where all the waiters hang out, like the one on display next to our table.
1 star off: price…10 meals here and I can buy round-​trip tickets to Morocco
1 star off: slow service…10 meals here and I would have arrived in Morocco already

Went her with my diet buddy for our weekly check-​in lunch! Yes buffets are hard, but we have to get out in the world and survive in the over abundance! The décor is amazing!
I love the comfy seating with all the pillows and the soft fabrics! Felt so luxurious! The buffet appears small from afar, but don’t let that fool you. I am not sure what all I ate, but I enjoyed it! There was a chicken dish, a lamb dish, a spicy butter mushroom dish, a lentil dish, a white bean dish, couscous and a rice dish. As well as 2 soups and 3 cold salads!
I kept my meal to one trip and one plate, so I skipped the cold dishes. The lentils had a great flavor, the white beans I could eat as a whole meal, the meatballs (forgot to add those to the list!) were tasty. The lamb had a good flavor too. The chicken was ok, so I’d probably skip it next time! My buddy loved the rice! LOVED it! I also got a pot of the sweet tea! Wow, yummy and warming! I’d probably request un-​sweetened so I could control the sugar, but still delicious! I’ll be bringing the hubby back soon!
I also want to try out some of the foreign beers listed! Something you can’t get every day!

There is nothing like a restaurant that requires you to sit on the floor after removing your shoes. In my opinion, this immediately sets the tone for the evening to come.
I ate dinner at the Marrakesh Restaurant on Saturday night, and after reading the reviews about the amazingly priced buffet, I wish it had been for lunch. The entrees weer about $ 20 a piece, which I gladly pay if I get the right combination of food and atmosphere.
Well, the food pretty much rocked my ever loving world. It was fantastic. The spices we delicious, the lamb was tender and the Lebanese beer was, well, different. But good.
Since restaurants are mostly about eating good food, that’s the reason I gave this place four stars, but the service was not so great.
We were warmly greeted by the owner or manager and things seemed to start off nicely until we realized they had never written down the reservation my friend had made for our party of 7. We were corralled into the first floor table in the restaurant right by the window.
Our waiter came by and took drink orders while half of us were away in the little girls room. This is totally cool, but when he came back, he didn’t ask any of the returned guests if we would like something to drink. We had to wait 10 more minutes until he came back to ASK for a drink. And he look pretty put out by the request for drinks.
Half of us that ordered beer got a beer glass. The other half didn’t even though they made a big fuss of bringing them a beer glass. One of us had to wait an additional 20 minutes for their first beer because they didn’t have enough chilled. This would have been understandable had it been 10 or 11, but it was 7:30 in the evening.
We had to get ASK to order an appetizer and ASK to order our main course.
I also understand that good food takes time to prepare, but we waited about an hour and a half for our food. When we got it, we were so ravenous that we ate in about 20 minutes.
Then we had to ASK for the bill.
Overall, I would recommend this restaurant purely for the food (and the belly dancer was fantastic), just be mindful that you will be the for a while and you may have to ask for service repeatedly.