Outside the Medina in Marrakech's trendier Gueliz neighborhood, the owners of Le Comptoir debut a provocative dining room to compliment their existing tourist hotspot just outside the city walls. Divided between a full-service restaurant and lively late-night bar, the architectural space makes use of local artists to create a designer bohemia of eating and drinking. The brasserie is lined in a long leather banquette under a carved sandstone wall of intricate flower detailing opposite minimalist tulip chairs on a swivel base. Lighter marble floors add an element of datedness with unexpected design elements like a cylinder-encased hostess podium and decal artwork of medina locals along the bathroom corridor.
The Food
A modern Lebanese menu is a welcome addition to the local food landscape heavy on new Moroccan and French cuisine. First course options like a simple lemony hummus, eggplant caviar and mint tabbouleh leave ample appetite for portions of rotisserie chicken, grilled lamb brochettes and shrimp skewers. A selection of tomato and cheese flatbreads offer a heaver snack for those not looking to commit to the 2 or 3 course tasting menu that’s quite filling and time consuming.
Last Word
The owners of Le Comptoir debut a Lebanese brasserie and wine bar in Marrakech’s Gueliz.
