I cannot emphasize how much my group (23 M, 25 F, 18 F) love to eat at Restaurant Marrakesh in Morocco at least once per trip. I will say up front, the one and only true downside is the price. It is more expensive than many other options, only when ordering full dinners. It is by no means budget-busting, but it is a little over the usual Olive Garden bill.
Now, the positives.
Uh, location, location, location. It's in Epcot, so that's a win. It's hidden, so it's never, ever busy. The buildings remind me of the streets of Agrabah, or at least what I imagine them to be like from Aladdin. There is plenty of room in both the Waiting Area and outside the doors, so if there is a wait (THERE WON'T BE), you will not end up sitting in the middle of the walkway while others trip over you.
Two, the setting is so unique. Beyond the architecture, it's atmosphere is another Epcot gem. The red floor, oh the red floor, and the lush, plush seating. Oh my, and the under-used bathrooms. Seriously it's perfect.
The food isn't too ambitious. You will not find yourself feeling queasy at the unusual options, and there is still safe plates for those who refuse to experiment. I get the Chicken Couscous usually, and I love it. It is filling beyond what you might expect, and believe me I have quite an appetite. I also suggest the Chicken Bastilla. It's an appetizer that is best described as a dough and chicken marriage, celebrated mildly with sugar and a hint of chocolate. My sister gets it as her full meal, and she loves it.
Finally, I didn't even mention the staff, or CM's. Belly Dancers, how many restaurants have Belly Dancers? I've never had a negative comment about a CM inside the restaurant.
Oh, but wait. Time it right and you'll be so pleasantly surprised. Because it's so recessed into the Moroccan village, the lighting actually makes you feel like your on a city street. It's romantic, obviously, but it's just feet away from some under-rated Illuminations spots.
Hope I helped in some way. I have tons of other favorites, but this stands out above all else. Bongo's has great food, and San Angel Inn has great atmosphere. But Resaurant Marrakesh has both plus something I can't explain, maybe it's MAGIC.
Hope your trip's awesome. As I'm so excited we may now be going over New Years. Peace on Earth baby!
