Marcus Addis Restaurant & Sky Bar — Restaurant in Addis Ababa

Well, where should I start. We called in around 6:30pm and asked if there was opening for reservation for 8:00pm. The hostess confirmed that an opening at 8:00 and made our reservation.

I been lucky enough to have dined at two Marus' restaurants named Streetbird before it closed and Red Rooster. Where both of those restaurants were superb both service and food.

So, my expectation at the new Marcus restaurant was at same level; specially when i heard Marcus was in town the same week i was in Addis Ababa.

When we got out of the elevator the view and ambience was 10+. I will compare it to "Top Of The World" restaurant in Vegas....great view. The place looked fresh, clean with enough staff running around accommodating sitting customers. So, our expectation was even heightened.

We requested a booth since there were 6 of us which they accommodated. The friendly waiter came and introduced himself and asked for our drinks; which we asked for few more minutes. He came back after 15 min....that should have been our clue #1. But we were having a good time and deciding what to order we didn't mind.

Once our waiter came...we ordered both drinks and our meal at the same time. Clue #2 ....It took over 30 minutes to get our drinks...the restaurant was only half full so i was getting irritated why it takes that long to get drinks. The waiter apologized and got our drinks.

We had ordered 2 ordered of "Steak of the day" which was filet Mignon. Both steaks were ordered medium rear. One order of grilled Salmon, one order of the Tagliatelle and one order of butter roasted chicken and lamb rigatoni.

After 1 full hour later our meal came.When i complained why it took so long....the waiter stated the menu was fairly new and the cooks were not fully familiarized with the menu yet. Clue # 3.

My wife and her brother had both ordered the steak where her brother's steak had came with the rest of the food my wife did not. So, 5 of us got our meal and we started to wait for my wife steak to come....but she insisted to start eating. My cousin who had ordered the Tagliatelle requested Parmesan cheese when the meal was delivered....so we decided to wait for my wife meal and the cheese.

After a full 10 min waiting and arguing with my wife...5 of us decided to start eating our meal. My chicken was bland and dry, my sister-inlaw did like the salmon but she stated it was good but nothing to bragg about. My wife brother stated the steak was also bland and was just average....him being local he had better steaks....my cousin got tired of waiting for the cheese and started eating. Again he stated the sauce was "OK" at best but the teff taglitelle didnt' taste as he had hoped.

As most of us were almost done with our meal....our waiter brought my wife steak. By this point...i was beyond disappointed and just wanted to leave. When my wife started eating her steak...it was cold. The waiter or waitress had forgetton about it and stayed on the chef counter for at least 20 min before they brought it. I tasted it just to confirm. I got up to complain and someone run to us to ask us what happened. We told him about the steak...which he promised he would get a new one in 10 min. Which they did....a well done steak. They took back my wife steak and cooked it back and brought it to us.

My wife decided she doesn't want to eat and we all wanted to leave. I asked for the bill to a different waiter....and when the bill came with the new waiter....our original waiter came with the Parmesan cheese....i am not kidding.

We left very disappointed and never to return.

If you are going for the view to have drinks. It is worth it. But i wouldn't suggest anything...

One would think that a reservation is straightforward…

I cannot speak for the food yet, but the reservation part is not very accommodating. About 4 weeks ago I ordered a table for a birthday. By now I had 5 calls, emails, some urging (!) me to order a menu. Honestly speaking, it is a bit outdated to have the same dish for everyone with 0 flexibility.

I understand that one cannot have a private space and order à la carte. We settled for that and I confirmed it long ago.

It is not wise to call me the day of my reservation to suggest for the 4th time that we take a menu in order to get a private room. I felt pressured and the restaurant comes across as very desperate. The better move here is to just offer the private room for the birthday (it is a Wednesday and obviously still available). Any restaurant that seeks to be in the top category would have done this and easily scored a good review. It’s not like we wouldn’t spend any money. We are 10 for a birthday. We were actually planning to come for drinks at the bar prior to dining.

On a side note: I did not order a birthday cake because one of my invitees had done so for his wife. It was not ready, then hastily put together, and name spelled wrong. Word travels.

Lastly, the restaurant had many possibilities to ask a deposit a - why last minute? Just give me the full picture on the first call or by email.

This is really not a nice treatment of me as a customer. I was waiting for you to send me the information for the deposit, and I called to follow up.

I was hoping to have a nice day, which ends with a nice dinner. Now you have put me in a situation where I don’t know the status of my reservation. Without the payment info I cannot make the deposit. I believe that it was very unnecessary to create this last minute uncertainty on a day that should be just good.

Needless to say that nobody is looking forward to spending top dollar when the situation presents itself like this.

I do hope you understand how this is neither nice nor adequate in your...

Marcus Addis Restaurant & Sky Bar offers an exceptional dining experience that goes beyond expectations. Nestled in the heart of Addis Ababa, the panoramic views from the Sky Bar are nothing short of breathtaking, providing a picturesque backdrop for a memorable meal.

The ambiance is a perfect blend of sophistication and warmth, with stylish decor complementing the stunning vistas. The attentive and friendly staff contribute to a welcoming atmosphere, ensuring guests feel well taken care of from the moment they step in.

The menu at Marcus Addis boasts a diverse selection, catering to various tastes. From local Ethiopian delicacies to international flavors, each dish is meticulously crafted with fresh and high-quality ingredients. The chef's expertise shines through, delivering a culinary journey that tantalizes the taste buds.

During my visit, I had the pleasure of trying Dubs and Durkosh, and it was a gastronomic delight. The flavors were well-balanced, and the presentation showcased the chef's attention to detail. The extensive beverage menu, including signature cocktails and a curated wine list, complemented the dining experience perfectly.

What sets Marcus Addis apart is not just the food and ambiance but also the commitment to exceptional service. The staff is knowledgeable about the menu, providing insightful recommendations and ensuring a seamless dining experience. The pacing of the courses was spot-on, allowing for a leisurely and enjoyable meal.

Whether you're celebrating a special occasion or looking for a refined dining experience, Marcus Addis Restaurant & Sky Bar exceeds expectations. It's a testament to the culinary scene in Addis Ababa, offering a blend of local flavors and global sophistication. I wholeheartedly recommend Marcus Addis to anyone seeking a top-tier restaurant experience...