Casablanca Restaurant

This is my second review of this restaurant and unfortunately it has gotten much worse since I rated it 5 stars in 2013. I would give it 2.5 stars today if possible. The food is still great and the iced tea is still the best in Memphis, but service is now absolutely horrible. Portions are all over the map now– order the same thing on two different visits and you’ll get a different amount of food. Sometimes the falafel hummus platter has 4 falafels, sometimes it has 5, sometimes it has 7. Before they opened their Madison Ave location all of the staff were great, very friendly and attentive. Your iced tea glass was never empty. Now it seems all of the great staff has either moved to the newer location or left entirely. The newer staff never refills your glass, never brings the sauces to the table, and sometimes just leaves you sitting there waiting on the check for twenty minutes.
Save yourself the frustration and order takeout.

I really really really want to like this place. The interior is gorgeous, the room is spacious, yummy olive oil (which you can purchase for home use), and the staff is always very friendly. My favorites, the lemonade, the mezze plate, and the chocolate mouse never disappoint, but the main dishes… Somehow I cannot like the meat. It is generally overcooked and dry. I’d really wish they would get someone else to do the meat. Otherwise, offering some more non-​meat dishes would be an option. I really want to be a regular here, so please improve your meat preparation!

This place has good food, but the service is very slow and it seems as if the employees don’t care. I was there about an hour ago and I ordered the couscous with chicken on the menu it said $ 13.95 she brought me the couscous with lamb and I said I didn’t order couscous with lamb and she brought it back to the kitchen. About 7 or 8 minutes later she brought the couscous with chicken. It was a lot of food I couldn’t finish it, but it was good I enjoyed it! When I got the bill she charged me for the lamb couscous which is $ 15.95 and I told her it’s not correct. She told me it’s the same price as the chicken and I showed her on the menu the prices. Whatever she explained to me didn’t make sense to what the menu said and I told her that they needed to change that on the menu because I didn’t understand and she clearly didn’t care that I didn’t understand. She just shook her hands and said «ok» I’ll still be coming to this place but I’ll be more cautious about what I order on the menu. I’m only giving this place 2 stars because I do enjoy their food. I wish I could give more stars, but I did not leave a happy customer because of the service!

Please continue and read story below before dining-​in at Casablanca.
The food here is really tremendous, I can’t praise it enough. It’s cooked perfectly for the most part and seasoned very well. The fresh lemonade and tea is sublime as well.
But this restaurant has a serious problem. I come here mainly to take-​out but will still dine-​in occasionally. The service is beyond bad and depending on your server, can be hostile. And I’m pretty mild when it comes to service as I don’t expect much or even ask much of the server.
What you can always expect: slow, lifeless service, and no refills unless you request one. I’m talking about, you walk in the place and you’re the only patron, yet the glassy eyed guy behind the counter doesn’t really pay you any attention and have to ask him if you can just pick a table yourself. Then a waitress will come out eventually and take your orders. Ration your drinks! That may be the only glass you get, as refills are rare.
When my friend got her plate, it was the wrong order. She asked for chicken and got lamb. No biggie but the waitress actually argued about it and steadfastly claimed that she ordered lamb. Stood there and argued about it, despite the fact that my friend doesn’t eat red meat and wouldn’t order lamb.
When we got the check, the waitress rung her chicken couscous up as lamb couscous, which is a $ 2 difference on the menu. When we protested the error, the waitress FLAT-​OUT LIED about the price being the same on the menu for lamb and chicken. We requested the menu to show her the listed prices. Presented with this damning evidence, the waitress backtracked and gave a convoluted answer about how that chicken was the same price as the lamb. I can’t even properly transcribe it because it made no sense whatsoever.
We paid and we left without further protest. My $ 3 lemonade was not refilled at any moment. This is 4* food if you’re doing takeout and agree on the price. It’s a 1 or 2* experience dining-​in. The service is absolutely reprehensible. It’s a shame because the food is excellent and the décor is exquisite, but the service will let you down every time at Casablanca.

We are from kansas. I wanted to take my friends to an ethnic restaurant and Unilocal reviews on this were good and it was near our hotel. IT WAS WONDERFUL! the friendly proprietor selected four dishes we shared. the tea was great. this place is tops and not to be missed

I’d like to give 2.5 stars based on the descriptions provided by Unilocal (2: Meh, I’ve experienced better; 3: A-​OK). I think I’ve been spoiled by Mediterranean food in Nashville, and that’s the reason for a low star rating. I came here for lunch with parents and wasn’t too impressed. The Casablanca Baba Ghanoush was served on a small plate and it was quite salty for our tastes. It did come with 3 slices of (really good!) pita bread, though. The Moroccan soup was a little disappointing because the description on the menu said there were lentils in the soup — I think there was about 1 tbs or less of lentils in the large size soup we ordered. The vegetarian couscous entrée was also disappointing — it was like the Moroccan soup was poured over a plate of couscous topped with some steamed vegetables (carrots, potato, and sweet potato). We did find the Chicken Shawerma and Poisson fish pita sandwiches to be substantial. The pitas were packed with meat, lettuce, and tomato. These two plates also come with two bottles of sauce to add on your own depending on your liking. I have a feeling that Casablanca’s meat entrees and dishes may yield a more satisfying dining experience, so if I were to go back, I’ll be ordering a meat entrée.

I feel so disappointed in myself for passing by here almost every day and only now trying it for the first time. I went to Casablanca with my SO and very skeptical that a restaurant in Memphis could hold a 4.5 rating with over 200 reviews.
No review could have possibly prepared us for such a great atmosphere, unrivaled service and arguably the best quality Mediterranean food I’ve ever eaten. The owner, Amir, helped us make our selections and everything was fantastic.

I always feel sad when I have to leave a 1-​star review, but between the lackluster food, screaming employees’ children, and terrible service during my visit, it’s a must.
Let’s start with the food: I ordered the lamb and beef shawarma, which came with rice, carrots and potatoes. The vegetables had no taste and the meat was tough and didn’t taste great. To give credit where it’s due, though, their lemonade is amazing.
Either a fellow employee or a friend of the employee (s) was there with his young family, and don’t get me wrong– I absolutely love kids and don’t mind young families going out to eat. However, if your children are yelling, scream-​crying, and running around the restaurant disturbing patrons for more than a half an hour, that is inappropriate and unacceptable and RUDE behavior. I was also appalled that after our bland meal, the husband of this family then stood near the center of the restaurant, chatting with the person in charge (manager or owner, not sure) while his baby was wailing away in his arms. Again, I totally understand that babies cry, but to just stand there and chit-​chat is ridiculous. There were multiple tables of paying patrons, all of us giving each other looks like… what is going on.
To top it off, we had to go up and ask for our check after sitting and waiting more than twenty minutes after finishing our meal. Our waiter never checked on us once. The manager did give a half-​hearted apology for the «noise.»
I had planned on leaving a super generous tip because I was grateful that they were open on Christmas Eve, but tipped only the standard and at that, only because it was Christmas Eve. My husband and I ventured out and were hopeful to find a new, neat restaurant, but will not be returning nor recommending Casablanca to anyone.

Just moving here from Detroit I was missing my middle eastern food so we tried casablanca because the reviews were good, let me start with saying Dearborn MI has the largest population of Arab Americans in the states and every street corner in Dearborn has an authentic restaurant on each corner. I eat several different dishes and I can find most in any middle eastern. At Casablanca they don’t serve any of them. Seriously? not even a rice and almond salad? so I ordered the lamb and hummus dish, I had to ask for pita. Really? what was suppose to be lamb tasted like cheap beef. My husband eats a lamb dish that is sautéed with mushrooms well they don’t have it and can’t make it, but they do serve Philly cheesestake. He orders the Beef & Lamb Shawerma and it was just ok. I would not recommend if you know what good middle eastern food taste like.

Easily forgettable. First, the hummus/​falafel appetizer was weak. The pita was almost hard and crunchy. The falafel was a bit on the greasy side. Waiter suggested the Sharema platter and while it was reasonably tasty, it was presented in a mediocre looking presentation and again, quite forgettable.
I’m not sure how all the high ratings. It wasn’t bad, it just wasn’t that great.

Food is yummy. This was only my second time eating at the restaurant, normally we grab take-​out. Though the food is good, the service was meh. I was sooooooo thirsty, and it took forever to catch our servers eye. And there were only two other couples in there… Also, I’m not sure why a teeny-​tiny cup of hummus is an extra $ 2. That’s excessive. And there are no vegan desserts (I only even mention this bc Casbah has TWO vegan dessert options and they are now my standard of amazingness). I prefer Casbah and wish it was closer

This is perhaps my favorite restaurant (except for the one on Madison just west of the The Square).
I, and my friends, have loved everything we have ever eaten here. I especially love the falafel, hummus, and Baba Ghanoush. Then of course there is the chocolate mousse! Outstanding.
Service is very friendly. Restaurant is clean. Every bite to fir for.
Promise I’m not related or dating anyone working there. Just genuinely in love with the food.

I had no idea this place existed even though I’ve been driving by it for the past few months. Husband and I went in on a Saturday for take-​out lunch since we were wanting halal food.
The owner was one of the nicest people we’ve ever met! He found out we were in a rush because we had perishable groceries in the car and offered to keep them in their fridge for us so we could eat. He talked to us for a while and as we were leaving, handed us two gigantic cups of iced tea so we could try it. I’m not a fan of iced tea (I know, all you southerners are judging me) but it was GOOD. I think it has ginger, honey, and some other stuff but couldn’t tell exactly what.
Food was pretty good; they don’t skimp on the meat, which is nice. My beef/​lamb shawarma was a little oily but still delicious.
We’ll definitely be back! And we found out they opened a location in downtown so we’ll be checking that out soon!

Was not impressed by this place. I was disappointed after seeing all the great reviews.
The wait was very long and only two other people were in the whole restaurant. The food was ok, but did not reflect the praise everyone talked about.
I would of given this place a second shot. Although what really spoiled my dinner was seeing multiple Muslims praying with their carpets to Allah against the wall.
I have no problem with people and their beliefs in silence, but a restaurant is not a place to broadcast it a loud.

Casablanca is one of the best places to eat in Memphis. I can’t wait until the second location opens in midtown. I’ve eaten at Casablanca several times and this is one of the few places I can honestly recommend anything on the menu.
My favorites are the chicken shawarma and the greek salad. The grape leaves and spicy feta are delicious as well. The portions are large and I usually take some of my meal home. This is a wonderful place to go with a group of friends or family.
Their spiced tea is wonderfully refreshing and I always ask for a to go cup.
The service is friendly and quick. If you are looking for a great place for lunch or dinner in east Memphis, I would definitely try Casablanca.

Pretty good. Ate til I could barely breathe. ¹¹⁄₁₀.
Side note, the ginger tea is very strong, not really that into it. But their house hot sauce is amazing so make sure to request it when you order.

This is a small store front restaurant. the food is really good, the décor is very nice and the staff are great. Everything is a bit different. No standard iced tea. Iced tea with spices, sweetened with honey. It’s real good.
The menu is pretty extensive, lots of good stuff on it. We started with the kibbeh as a shared appetizer. very tasty meat, nicely spiced. We had the shawerma platter and moussaka for entrees. We both really enjoyed the food. Again, very good, nicely spiced. Topped off with Baklava for dessert. Again, a little bit different from run of the mill baklava. It was not dripping, it was meaty and tasty. Staff were very friendly, enjoyed chatting with them.
We’ll be back.

How did I miss out on this place so long. Service was great… nice menu; will definitely be back to sample some of their many other delicious menu items but for now I’d like to rave about the plate I ordered this evening; the Hummus with Shawarma for $ 12.
Hummus with your choice of chicken, or beef and lamb, or mixed shawerm. Served with pita bread.
I got the mixed shawarma and it was incredible. The meat was delicious, cooked just right and their hummus was probably the best tasting, creamiest hummus I’ve ever had… an outstanding compliment to the meat. You get more than enough for the price and the two sauces they serve with the meal further elevates this already great dish. They serve the Shawarma with fresh pita bread… don’t be shy; stuff your pita pocket with this deliciousness and pick a sauce, one has a bite to it and get at it! Good stuff. I’ll be back!

I have been incredibly curious about falafel for years and have just now had the chance to try it at Casablanca. All I can say is WOW! I have been craving it ever since!!! This is a small, intimate sort of restaurant. The customers all seemed like regulars. The service was excellent although there was only two visible people on staff. I followed my friend’s lead and ordered tea (hers hot, mine iced). It was absolutely delicious and so refreshing! I have never had anything like it. Our falafel and hummus platter came quickly. I have already mentioned my intense love for the crispy, well seasoned falafel. Now I must say that the hummus was also fantastic. I could have eaten the whole basket of warm pita dipped in that oil laiden hummus! I cannot wait to return and try more!!!

I really wanted to like this place. I did like this place. I just didn’t love this place. The food was great. I highly recommend the baba ghanoush for the appetizer, and I really did love their sauces!
While the food was all very yummy, the service was below average. We basically had to ask for everything. There were a few times where I almost got up myself to fill my water because the sauces were spicy and I was dying. I do love spicy though so maybe that one is partially my fault. I guess you could say the service was absent. Maybe it was a bad day. I’m not one to complain so please don’t see it that way, I just think service can sometimes make or break a place.