Spotlight On: Restaurant Marrakesh, Epcot
It’s no secret I’m a huge fan of dining in Epcot when in Disney World. The restaurants, by far, are the most diverse and interesting to eat at. Restaurant Marrakesh is not one of the most popular restaurants in the park, but that’s a shame. It’s an overlooked gem that you should definitely try on your next trip to Epcot.
The Morocco pavilion, like all of the pavilions, is gorgeously constructed. From the fountain in the middle to the street shops, it’s all very authentic and lovely. After enjoying the ambience on your way, step into Restaurant Marrakesh for some amazing Moroccan food.
If you’ve never had Moroccan food, it’s got a fabulous mix of spices, usually containing a little cinnamon which is surprising to a lot of people upon first taste. The combo is delicious, though, so don’t be afraid to try it. Here’s a quick snapshot of the menu:
Restaurant Marrakesh, Epcot Menu
APPETIZERS:
Appetizer Combination for Two – Beef Brewat Rolls, Chicken Bastilla, and Jasmina Salad
Moroccan Salad Combo For Two – green pepper and tomato, marinated olives, carrots, potatoes, and cucumber salad
Harira Soup – traditional hearty soup flavored with tomatoes, lentils and lamb
Beef Brewat Rolls – baked layers of thin pastry filled with seasoned minced beef, eggs, fried and sprinkled with cinnamon and powdered sugar
Seafood Bastilla – baked layers of thin pastry filled with grouper, shrimp, mushrooms
Chicken Bastilla – baked layers of thin pastry filled with minced chicken and almonds, sprinkled with cinnamon and powdered sugar
Goat Cheese with Crispy Bread for Two – mixture of cheese and kalamata olives served with red pepper sauce and balsamic vinegar reduction
Mussels Casablanca for Two – steamed mussels served with capers, tomatoes, and light saffon cream sauce
Assorted Mediteranean Salads for Two – Falafel, sundried tomato hummus, roasted eggplant puree and tabouleh
MOROCCAN SPECIALTIES
Couscous – the national Moroccan dish – , steamed tiny semolina pasta
— Beef
— Lamb Shank
— Chicken Couscous
— Vegetable Couscous
— Couscous M’Rouzia: braised beef served with prunes, balsamic vinegar, honey, sesame seeds, and eggs
Shish Kebab – grilled tenderloin of beef with rosemary roasted potatoes and vegetable medley
Roast Lamb Meshoui – lamb shank braised in natural juices served with roasted eggplant puree, zucchini, and tomatoes $27.99
Lemon Chicken – braised half chicken with garlic, green olives, and preserved lemon
Chicken Kebabs – brochettes of chicken breast, olive salad and dried fruit sweet couscous
Mogador Fish Tagine – marinated fish with olives, lemon confit, potatoes, green peppers, and chermula sauce
ROYAL FEAST
Choice of one appetizer:
Jasmina Salad
Lettuce, tomato, olives, feta cheese in mustard vinaigrette
Seafood Bastilla
baked layers of thin pastry filled with grouper, shrimp, mushrooms
Choice of one entree:
Lemon Chicken
braised half chicken with garlic, green olives, and preserved lemon
OR
Roast Lamb Meshoui
lamb shank braised in natural juices served with roasted eggplant puree, zucchini, capers lemon confit and tomatoes
OR
Couscous with Seven Vegetables
National dish – steamed tiny semolina pasta served with seasoned vegetables
And for dessert: Assorted Moroccan Pastries
MARRAKESH FEAST
Harira soup – a hearty soup with tomatoes, eggs, lentils and beef.
Beef Brewat Rolls – baked layers of thin pastry filled with seasoned minced beef, eggs, fried and sprinkled with cinnamon and powdered sugar
Marrakesh Mixed Grill (Tenderloin of Beef Shish Kebab, Lamb Merzuez Sausage, Marinated Chicken Kebab) served with roasted potatoes
Assorted Moroccan pastries
DESSERTS
Bastilla – crispy leaves of pastry topped with vanilla cream and sprinkled with toasted almonds
Marrakesh Delight – fresh fruit salad topped with mint ice cream, toasted almonds and orange blossom water
Moroccan Symphony – Assorted Moroccan baklavas
Definitely try the Chicken Bastilla. So good! If you want to try a lot of things, the Royal Feast is a fabulous option. If you’re on the dining plan, you can choose this option with a slight up-charge. Last I checked, it was about $7. Definitely worth it for how much you get to try! The Moroccan Symphony for dessert allows you to sample several Baklava and was the best dessert on the menu, in my opinion.
And! Not only do you get delicious food here, you get entertainment. There is a belly dancer that performs for you, and after she does her set, she invites people down to dance with her. Sometimes adults, and quite often children. The children are absolutely adorable to watch, and if you have a kid who likes to dance like mine does, this is a great experience for them. She performs once during each hour, usually not until after noon during lunch seatings, and after 5pm for dinner seatings. This isn’t a meal to rush through, so do plan to visit this restaurant when you aren’t feeling the need to rush right out to catch a particular show or ride.
Have you eaten at Restaurant Marrakesh? Leave a comment below and let me know what you think!
