Get ready to rock the kasbah at new Moroccan restaurant in Exeter

The look and feel of an authentic Moroccan eatery is being recreated in Exeter with the opening of new fusion restaurant, Casa Maroc.

What was the former Bombay Bills Indian restaurant on Bartholomew Street East, has been transformed into a contemporary Moroccan and Mediterranean inspired restaurant, with a retro Italian themed dining space to enjoy home-made pizzas, and a sumptuously decorated harem and kasbah for the full Moroccan experience.

The 100-seat restaurant is the brainchild of Mario Souyha and Manuela Tarquini who have more than 15 years restaurant experience, having run Italian and North African restaurants in the past, both in Exeter and Torquay.

Manuela, also a fashion designer, admits her love of textiles and design have come in useful when creating the new themed restaurant.

“I am very familiar with all things North African, Mario, my partner, is from Tunisia and this has certainly helped me immerse myself in the culture, colours, fabrics and food and so putting together the creative footprint for the restaurant was great fun. Although I love all areas of the restaurant - from the retro inspired Piazza with photos of Italian fashion designers from the 1950’s, to the low-level seating area, my favourite part of the restaurant has to be the kasbah with its colourful drapes adorning the ceiling, luxurious fabrics and seductive lighting provided by the Moroccan lanterns,” says Manuela.

“This private dining area has been transformed into a really intimate space. This room, and the harem located at the opposite end of the building, lend themselves to great social experiences for groups of diners. In Morocco and the Mediterranean, eating is a very social experience and so the round tables, when filled with delicious tapas and mezze will encourage people to share the food and hopefully talk about the authentic dishes they are sampling.”

And with the Mediterranean weather we have been experiencing lately, it would not take a massive leap of imagination to think you had been transported to an exotic location abroad – especially as diners can also sit on colourful beanbags on the terrace outside and try fruit shisha, a traditional North African pastime.
Mario and Manuela state they have been careful to create a menu where there is ‘something for everyone’.

Manuela comments: “Italian food is incredibly popular so in addition to offering a selection of home-made pizzas, we also offer traditional mouth-watering Moroccan dishes such as tajines and cous cous. Tapas and mezze is also available – this is great for people who want to try lots of different dishes and they are also great for couples and groups to share.”

“As well as people coming for the food, we want people to come for the atmosphere and overall experience provided at Casa Maroc. Our philosophy is ‘delicious food, luscious interiors and great atmosphere’ and we are hoping Casa Maroc will be well received,” Manuela adds.

Over the coming months, Mario and Manuela also intend to develop the basement bar, which can seat a further 60, into a live music and entertainment venue.
Manuela comments: “There is so much potential to do something really exciting with the basement area. We plan to carry on the Moroccan theme with colourful drapes, luxurious fabrics and lanterns as this will help create a really special atmosphere. The space will be flexible enough to function as both an entertainment venue as well as for dining experiences. In fact, we have already taken our first Christmas party booking which is really encouraging!”

Professional belly dancing will also feature at the fusion restaurant and diners will be treated to performances at various junctures (see website for further dates).
For more information about Casa Maroc, please visit www.casamaroc.co.uk or call 01392 498181.

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