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Address: 720 - 11 Ave SW Lower Level Calgary AB CAN T2R 0E4
Tel: 1 403 265-9800
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| "Casbah was great until it wasn't..." |
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by mary (from calgary)
April 2009 - The Casbah was a mixture of delight and disappointment. The decor is rich with colours, patterns and textures, drapery, simulated rock walls, plants, lovely mosaic tiles, archways, iron work, warm lighting and interesting music playing in the background to complete the sensation of being somewhere besides the basement of a building in Calgary. Well done!
The menu was extensive and interesting, with very nice "plain language" explanations of each dish - thank you for this. The prices seem about the same as other restaurants in the same genre. Soups and salads were between 6 - 9 dollars, appetizers around 8 - 10 dollars, and main menu items 9 -25 dollars.
My partner and I split the appetizer special, briouats with Moroccon hot sauce - we chose the shrimp crevette, eggplant blend and spinach blend, all in a light pastry. They were very tasty and aromatic, and a really nice beginning to our meal experience., along with some very nice mint tea. I chose Jibana Tajine as my main meal, a mixture of peas, artichokes and roasted potatoes in saffron sauce and with pieces of preserved lemon ($16) with a side of saffron rice. Although I decided to stick with vegetarian, I had the option of adding dark or white chicken meat, or lamb for another $6 - 9, depending on your choice. I was somewhat disappointed with my meal -I usually love the unique taste sensations that come with Mediterranean food, but in this case the lemon seemed to overpower the other flavours; I wonder if the meal would have been better with a meat to balance the flavours.
I found I couldn't finish the meal because the taste was too overpowering. It was then things went a bit downhill - a group of people sitting very close to us were getting louder and louder, and then they were joined with another person who really amped up the noise...the ambiance that I was enjoying was literally wrecked - I'm happy they were happy (and they weren't being inappropriately rude or anything) but in such close quarters I may as well have been sitting with them; I think they even knew the server and it was all about going to some party/bar after work. I'm sure the server would have tried to fix the meal for me if I had asked - the service was generally great - but I had hit the wall of patience and decided to leave before I got too annoyed.
Overall, I would definitely recommend the restaurant for the ambiance, excellent service, and probably the food, although mine was disappointing...I'd go back though, and try again.
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| "Best Experience" |
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by melissa (from Calgary)
December 2008 - I went to Casbah for a dinner with colleagues. We had a nice sampling of many dishes, most of which I dont know the names of. The food was delicious, The whole experience was amazing. There mint tea is amazing. It's slightly sweet, but very fresh tasting. Was a truly amazing experience.
I would highly recommend The Casbah
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| "Unbelievably great dining experience!!" |
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by Sinclair (from calgary)
October 2008 - I am not the kind of person who normally fills these out but I just had to considering the times I've had there (numerous)and a couple other reviews that people(person) gave this incredible restaurant.
First of all, I can't help but notice two of the reviews being so similar in content. Sounds like the same person trying to give this great place a bad rap.
Secondly I have been back to this restaurant numerous amounts of times since they opened 4 years ago. It is beautifully themed, the Diffa is the only meal I choose because it doesn't get better then that!
The only time I have ever tasted cinnamon was the garnish on my plate of the bastalla. The flavors of the Casbah's food are just as rich and seductive as the restaurant itself. The wait staff is great!! I will go to no other Moroccan restaurant on this planet other then The CASBAH. Go try the experience you will see what I mean. Thank you for reading.
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| "Amazing Night Out" |
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by Mark (from London, UK)
March 2008 - I was truly impressed by this restaurant. I've had Morrocan food both in Europe and here in Canada, and this place was the best yet!
I find that usually in restaurants you have one course that stands out for its deliciousness...but in the Casbah, it was EVERY course (including the mint tea at the end) which stood out!
Truly impressed!
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| "Not Rocked at the Casbah!" |
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by Dani (from Calgary)
February 2008 - I treated my friend to a birthday dinner at The Casbah. We ventured into downtown Calgary to this secluded, underground retreat.
The ambiance was inviting, rich and warm. Burnt tangerine and and rich reds colored the rooms which were draped with thick cuts of dark tapestry curtains. We ordered the Diffa; a crash course through the traditional Moroccan dishes. We were immediately unimpressed with the first course, a bland tomato soup of noodles, lentils and chick peas. (I was mortified when my guest said it tasted like Chef Boyardee.) The second course was a plate of marinated beets, corn and carrots. Subtle hints of cinnamon and the contrast of vinegar made this an unusual and interesting salad. We waited a bit longer for the appy's. We chose the spicy beef sausage in phyllo and the chicken and caramelised onion and almonds in phyllo. The sausage was sweet and hot, but when dipped in the traditional hot sauce, we found we needed to cool off with sips of water. The chicken roll was dusted in cinnamon and icing sugar and was a strange, but flavorful combination.
We waited another 25 minutes for the main courses. We chose two different dishes with the intent to share. First was the cous cous with grilled prawns, lamb, chicken and beef sausage with vegetables. The spices used to grill the prawns and the chicken were pleasant. The dish on it's own was actually quite dry, and would have been served best with a sauce or marinade on the side. Second was a chicken tajine with artichoke, peas roasted potatoes and preserved lemons. We were happy with the tender meat, saffron sauce and the explosion of tang that the lemons produced. The potatoes were also very good. Dessert was a baklava type dish served with frozen strawberry compote and vanilla ice cream. We had the strong, but unique Moroccan coffee to end the meal.
Overall... cinnamon was an over-used spice. The experience was marred by rookie staff, who were not consistent at checking throughout the courses. (Quite mandatory, as water glasses sat empty during the spicy moments) We were only asked once, during the meal, if everything was alright and I believe it was the owner who stopped. We waited 15 minutes after the dessert then had to get up from the table to find someone to bring the bill. For the small size of the restaurant, there was no excuse for the complete lack of attention.
Thank goodness for the ample decorations, and ethnic eye candy! We were distracted enough by the surroundings to shrug off the poor customer service.
We will not return. We do not recommend this establiment to anyone.
Overall value for the experience: very very poor.
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| "Best Moroccan I've had in Canada!!" |
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by Moe (from Montreal)
June 2007 - While in Calgary on business I went to your restaurant for a quick bit to eat, I have never been to a moroccan restaurant in Canada that has ever brought me back to my culture (I have been to many in Toronto and Montreal and both of the other Moroccan restaurants in Calgary too.) But yours Truely brings me back to Morocco. Thankyou Casbah, You have made Morocco proud!!!! As a frequent traveler to Calgary, I'll be seeing you again and you have my vote for "THE" place to dine in Calgary.
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| " Senses Feast, But The Service Was Less Than Desirable." |
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by Danielle Mary (from Calgary)
February 2007 - I Treated my friend to a birthday dinner at this secluded, underground retreat. The ambiance was inviting, rich and warm. We ordered the Diffa; a crash course through the traditional Morrocan dishes. We were immediately unimpressed with the first course, a bland tomato soup of noodles, lentils and chick peas. (I was mortified when my guest said it tasted like Chef Boyardee.) The second course was a plate of marinated beets, corn and carrots. Subtle hints of cinnamon and the contrast of vinegar made this an unsual and interesting salad. We waited a bit longer for the appetizers. We chose the spicy beef sausage in phyllo and the chicken and carmelized onion and almonds in phyllo. The sausage was sweet and hot, but when dipped in the traditional hot sauce, we found we needed to cool off with sips of water. The chicken roll was dusted in cinnamon and icing sugar and was a strange, but flavorful combination. We waited another 15 minutes for the main courses. We chose two different dishes with the intent to share. First was the cous cous with grilled prawns, lamb, chicken and beef sausage with vegtables. The spices used to grill the prawns and the chicken were pleasant. The dish on it's own was actually quite dry, and would have been served best with a sauce or marinade on the side. Second was a chicken tajine with artichoke, peas roasted potatoes and perserved lemons. We were happy with the tender meat, saffron sauce and the explosion of tang that the lemons produced. The potatoes were also very good. Dessert was a baklava type dish served with frozen strawberry compote and vanilla ice cream. We had the strong, but unique Morrocan coffee to end the meal. I also must note, I enjoyed a Ceasar and it was perhaps the best one I have ever come across in Calgary.
Overall... cinnamon was an over-used spice. The experience was marred by rookie staff, who were not very consistant at checking thoughout the courses. (Quite mandatory, as water glasses sat empty during the spicy moments) We were only asked once, during the meal, if everything was alright and I believe it was the owner who stopped. We waited 15 minutes after the dessert then had to get up from the table to find someone to bring the bill. For the small size of the restaurant, there was no excuse for the complete lack of attention. Thank goodness for the ample decorations, and ethnic eye candy! We were distracted enough by the surroundings to shrug off the poor cutomer service.
Total bill: $108.00 (before tip)
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| "Best Gathering for Friends" |
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by Margot (from Calgary, Alberta)
January 2007 - The Casbah is the best place to get together with your friends! The atmosphere is so comfortable, its like being in your own home. The food is beyond excellent. It is more than a dining experience, its a dining event! And there is something for everyone. Ask them about thier buffet! Because of their experience at the Casbah, my friends are still raving about my gathering! Trust me, I have been to the most exclusive restaurants in Australia, New Zealand, the Philipines, Hong Kong and Japan. Only to find the best restaurant is right here at home in Calgary!
M.R. Anderson
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| "Wonderful Experience!" |
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by Tara (from Calgary)
January 2007 - I just wanted write to express how wonderful my experience at the Casbah was. When you first walk into the Casbah you are taken back by the beauty and unique design and it makes you feel welcome and invited. The staff were extremely friendly and took the time to explain each dish that we asked about, it was delicious!! I'm looking forward to booking a party there so all my friends can enjoy the same experience I did.
Thanks again for a wonderful experience!
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| "Awesome Customer Service" |
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by Les (from Nanaimo, B.C.)
December 2006 - The experience was very unique. I don't think we have ever been to a restaurant that had all the memoriabelia regarding the country of the cuisine. The food was very good. Not at all what we would think Moroccan food would taste like. The cuisine was very tasty right down to the delicious desserts served. The waiter(s) (male & female) were very knowledgable about the cuisine. A special plate was given to try some of the menu that we did not know how they tasted. Very good service. I would strongly recommend this restaurant to anybody whom asked me about the experience.
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| "It was beyond "A feast for the Senses" , Exquisit!" |
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by Katie (from Calgary)
November 2006 - We made a reservation not knowing what to expect, once we started our journey down into The Casbah on 11 avenue s.w., we were blown away at the beauty of the interior. We definitly were not in Calgary anymore. Our Moroccan server took the time to explain thouroghly the Moroccan culture, the cuisine along with ediquette. we had The Casbah's Diffa, simply put Tour of Morocco.( 5 couse meal) Which we left in the hands of the Moroccan Chef to create a wonderful entourage of dishes. The server beautifully paired our meal with a rare wine from the foothills of the Altlas in Morocco. I expected the food to be spicey but it was the most flavourfull cuisine I have ever enjoyed. Our main dishes ranged from a sweet and savory Cous cous Fassi with tender medallions of lamb to the robust taste of lemon and olives paired with a hint of sweet peas in the Chicken Jilbana tajine. What an experience, you must escape to The Casbah!!
Katie- Calgary
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| "Absolutely incredible experience!" |
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by D (from Calgary)
October 2005 - Having nothing but a Fast Forward recommendation at our fingertips, we planned a family anniversary dinner at the Casbah and we were overwhelmed by the experience. From the moment we arrived we were treated as guests of the house and we greatly enjoyed the food. We highly recommend the 5 course feast if you have a few hours and a good appetite!
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| Note about The Casbah Reviews: Please note that the above reviews about The Casbah reflect the subjective opinion of individual readers and not the opinion of ReviewBlue.com or its affiliates. If you represent the The Casbah and wish to comment on any of these reviews, we encourage you to use the management response feature. |
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