Address: 517 S Leithgow St, Philadelphia, PA 19147, USA
Phone: +12159255929
Rating: 4.7
based on 327 reviews.
Ambiance
Pros:
"The decor is fantastic in which brings some middle eastern vibes."
"The ambiance was so unique and would make for a great date spot."
"It feels like you are in a different country with the decorations and vibe."
"The atmosphere of the restaurant was just fantastic."
"The decor, music, & ambience were truly one of a kind."
"The inside setup is very cozy."
"The place is cozy and well decorated, the atmosphere was vibrant but with a calm vibe."
Cons:
"The restaurant is pretty tight on space and was hard to move around at times."
"The place is really dark and you can't see the food in front of you!"
"The patterns and colors made me a bit dizzy walking in tbh."
"Tables are extremely close together and the person at the end of our table was directly next to another person."
"The first floor dining space is really nicely decorated with Moroccan crafts but it is very small, the ceiling is low and it doesn't have windows, the tables are very close to each other but the seats are comfortable."
"The only reason I gave 4 stars was because of the space. I felt like I was in a tight living room with strangers only an elbow space away and the bathroom needs remodeling."
"If you are claustrophobic, make sure you check the space, you will be there about 2 hours to finish all your 7 courses."
Service
Pros:
"The staff was so so so friendly, attentive, and kind."
"Service was very kind and attentive."
"All staff were super kind as well as efficient."
"The service is just top notch."
"Service was friendly and quick."
"The staff is friendly, accommodating, and thorough."
"Great service and hospitality."
Cons:
"When we complained about the food and service, the waiter became aggressive and impolite and rushed us towards the exit door!!!!"
"There was only one waiter for more than 7 tables so it was not easy to get his attention or quick service."
"The staff was very friendly but get busy as the place gets packed so make sure you have someone passing the pita bread for you."
"The behavior and attitude of the main waiter was very unprofessional and impolite."
"I felt they could have been more attentive with refilling our waters."
"The only warnings and criticism I would offer are that they only accept cash, and since we never received a menu and couldn't actually read the tab."
"The staff we experienced had a heavy accent so if you're not used to that, read the menu online first."
Food
Pros:
"The food was rich in flavor and texture."
"Everything made from scratch."
"The vegetables were fresh and everything was seasoned perfectly."
"The food is fantastic and each course comes out quickly and piping hot."
"Everyone loved the eggplant starter and couscous."
"Chicken cooked to perfection- meat falling off the bone."
"The food itself was spectacular and it seemed like every course was better than the last."
Cons:
"What I was served was course after course of grains cooked blandly."
"Lamb meat was not tender at all, it was actually two pieces of lamb bones covered with a layer muscles and fat."
"We got a plate of dry unseasoned room temp couscous with 2 large unseasoned clumps of potato for a courses."
"Three of the courses were meant to be hot and were barely warm and had wilted raw vegetables on the side."
"The lamb with honey and almond was horrible."
"The sugar & cinnamon coated egg-filled pastry sucked."
"The chicken was basically just baked chicken."
Payment and Pricing
Pros:
"At 25$ a person I thought the meal was a bargain."
"The price is right and do note that 18% service fee is added to the bill."
"For the amount of food you get though, you can’t beat the price."
"The dinner was not even that expensive, I believe it was roughly $30 per person, which is an absolute steal for how classy the experience felt."
"Cant beat a $40 dollar cash price for this amazing meal."
"The price is super affordable too."
"It is very well priced for the amount of food they give you."
Cons:
"IT IS CASH ONLY! And they charge an 18% tip. You have no choice."
"I read reviews about cash payment but didn't believe it, and was surprised that they used a new trick that their credit card machine is not working."
"They also included 18% tips in their receipt so the customer doesn't have the choice to accept it or not."
"They are cash only which is not disclosed."
"Just be aware they only take cash."
"They only take cash...... per person would be anywhere between 35 to 50."
"The meat portions were small and you could not pay with card."
Experience
Pros:
"The music was nice and belly dancing show was very entertaining."
"Did I mention that in between meals a belly dancer would come and perform."
"It was an amazing experience. I felt like I was in another country."
"Such a unique cultural experience."
"A Philadelphia staple - family style shared meals, several delicious courses, beautiful ambiance."
"Truly hospitable team in a very cozy environment."
"What an experience. Thank you to the staff who treated us like guests in their own home."
Cons:
"It's not a place for an intimate meal."
"The only issue is that they don't change the menu, so you'll get the same food every time you go there."
"Also styrophone plates and plastic silverware are very wasteful."
"The shish kabob was too thick and could be softer."
"Eating in the alley was kind of authentic but the seating was not comfortable."
"The steps, which are steep and can be difficult to walk."
"I did not like that you have to wait for someone to unlock the door before leaving."