In one part of the room,  raucous laughter breaks out as a belly dancer places a tray of candles on a guest’s head. Elsewhere, a small stream of vodka is poured into a glass to create a quirky cocktail in the form of a watermelon slushy. Others partake in smoking shisha , carved from a pineapple as they billow out clouds of smoke while taking in the festivities before them. Dining at Azar is like entering the belly of a Marrakech’s luxury restaurant culture. Every detail blends together to mesmerize its guests with a quirky and most unforgettable night. 

Azar is a fine dining restaurant in Gueliz, one of the new parts of Marrakech. Inside, guests dine on Levantine, Moroccan and Mediterranean cuisine. It is a place for the curious, those open-minded gourmands in search of decadent flavor pairings and lively entertainment. Every night, guests can expect an unforgettable show of belly dancers who weave in and out of the tables — some even balance a tray of candles on their heads. As visitors stare in awe at their elegance and beauty, some are tempted to join in on the fun as the dancers interact with anyone who is willing to give it a go. As they carefully place the tray on your head, you can’t help but wiggle your hips on beat with the oriental music. It is the perfect way to add an exciting break to the gastro pleasures which you can later return to tucking into.

Fine dining is often synonymous with a minimalistic room, encouraging guests to focus on the dishes so to not get distracted. Azar approaches this differently, creating an interior that resembles an oriental jewel case.

From the extravagant lampshades and mirrored columns to the high ceilings, the restaurant does not shy away from maximalism. It is no wonder it is positioned in Marrakech’s Art Decor neighborhood, Gueliz. This new town was first built as a military camp primarily occupied by the French.

The quarter grew and French influence saw architects creating large avenues and decorative cafes. Travelers and locals alike stroll through the main street, Boulevard Mohammed VI, both during the day and in the evening to admire the Art Deco facades. At Azar, this type of luxurious design-oriented thought process is a top priority. On the other side of the spectrum, the Moroccan cuisine holds true to its tradition. Dishes such as their tagines are cooked in earthenware to hold the unique taste which only comes from prioritizing authenticity. French elegance and historic influence is paired nicely with the rustic heritage and culture that Marrakech serves.

Their tasting menu encompasses what the restaurant is all about, called menu découverte (menu of discovery). From their array of mezzés — dishes which serve as a starter — to a choice between main courses such as a classic chicken tagine or lamb chawarma, Azar ensures that guests can experience a flavorful palette. Their Rikakat mezzé transforms the basic halloumi into a crispy roll which, paired with their chives ensemble, freshens the mouthful and keeps it light. An explosion of flavors comes from another one of their mezzé, an oven-caramelized feta. It is served with confit tomatoes and olives, which pair nicely with the rustic and smoked flavor of the cheese. 

To get everything out of the gastronomic experience, guests should feel obliged to group each ingredient on the fork as a single mouthful. For example, their salmon filet is served with caramelized quince. From an otherwise subtle and typical flavor palate, the dish is elevated with the fresh zing of the fruit and the creamy nature of the labneh — a yoghurt-based sauce. As a more classic option, the beef filet slices get served on a still-hot grill, giving guests the opportunity to savor the food at a leisurely pace. 

As the oriental music gets slightly louder, guests understand that it is time for Azar’s nightly entertainment. Women dressed in bedlah (an outfit which typically constitutes of a fitted top, skirt and hip belt) come out one by one into the dining area. They make their way around the tables, somehow managing to keep a tray of candles balanced on their heads as they move their hips to the beat of the tunes. Clapping ensues as guests get into the rhythm of the show, resulting in an eclectic atmosphere. Whether people are sitting on the restaurant floor, the terrace or the mezzanine, they can’t help but to stop what they are doing to join in on the applause. The belly dancers perform in increments, allowing guests to go back to enjoying their food whilst a new set of music is prepared. 

From Thursday to Saturday, the restaurant also holds a live music oriental show, giving guests the opportunity to discover the world of Arabic music. Given their ability to provide an explosion of flavors through their array of dishes, a tap into the sound l’oud and darbouka music creates a more rounded overall experience. The fine dining affair at Azar is not just limited to their well-researched plates but surpasses expectations by catering to all five senses through their choice of entertainment. 

The crimson interior would complement a traditional desert sunset which can only be expected in the nearby Atlas Mountains. It results in a warm and relaxing atmosphere which, in contrast to the hustle and bustle of the heart of Marrakech, makes Azar a convenient location to end the day.

From the 3D patterns on the velvet walls to the dim lighting, there is constantly a new piece of decor which will catch your eye. The fringe lampshades and quilted wall details juxtapose the polished and simple table set up. The red accent lighting provides the entertainment a theatre-worthy ambience as the belly dancers use the oval-shaped countertop in the middle of the dining area as a temporary stage. Unlike other fine dining restaurants, Azar embraces quirky and flamboyant decor to accentuate a Moroccan-style atmosphere even further.

When it comes down to a fine dining experience, one may expect to be welcomed in a simple and modern room. At Azar, they push for guests to take in the Moroccan experience as much as possible. The music, entertainment, interior design and above all, food, is not left to the imagination. All these details are simultaneously refined and chaotic, ensuring that the night is filled with lively encounters and explored tastes. From big parties to a romantic dinner, the ambience will cater to all culinary fanatics who wish to get to the core of what Marrakech has to offer.