517 S. Leithgow St, 215/925-5929
HOURS: Sun.–Thurs. 5:30–11 p.m., Fri.–Sat. 5:30 p.m.–midnight
COST: Most entrées more than $20
Tucked away in a small alley just off South Street, accessible by a nearly unmarked door that you may have to knock on to enter, Marrakesh is a hidden gem for those who can find it.
Its mazelike interior is dimly lit and lots of comfortable seating strewn with cushions create a romantic atmosphere. Waiters in traditional Moroccan garb serve a lovely, lengthy seven-course meal (around $30 pp)that you eat with your hands.
My advice: Go hungry, allow yourself at least two hours, and pace yourself.
Each course is delicious, from the stuffed phyllo pastry to the moist chicken to the tender lamb, to baklava and mint tea at the end. Allow yourself to drown in the waves of food, but don’t try to finish everything or you’ll never make it to the seventh course.
It’s BYOB [1], but they also have a small wine list you can order from.
Links:
[1] http://www.moon.com/destinations/philadelphia/restaurants/bring-your-own-bottle-0