Koya Restaurant & Lounge — Restaurant in Marrakesh Prefecture

I booked a table at Koya to celebrate my birthday with family, expecting an elegant and refined dining experience, but what unfolded was a deeply unsettling evening marked by hypocrisy, poor service, and unprofessional conduct. At the recommendation of one of the waiters, I ordered a glass of Domaine de Sahari dry rosé, trusting his guidance as I had specifically requested a dry wine. To my shock, when I asked for a second glass, I was refused on the grounds that I am Muslim and should therefore wait until midnight to order more. Not only was this intrusive and inappropriate, but I had never disclosed my religion to anyone. To assume and then enforce a personal belief system onto a guest, particularly under such hypocritical pretences, is both discriminatory and completely unacceptable.

The ambiance initially held promise. The music was tasteful and the setting stylish. But that quickly faded. The service was slow and disorganised. I was left waiting far too long between courses and I felt watched and judged by the owner throughout, creating an atmosphere of unease rather than hospitality.

As for the food, it was anything but exceptional. What was presented as refined cuisine was in truth remarkably mediocre. Having dined at high calibre establishments globally, I can confidently say Koya fell drastically short both in flavour and presentation.

What truly alarmed me was what followed. The next day I was severely unwell. I was completely bed bound and unable to lift a finger. I suspect the local wine, which tasted diluted, was adulterated with chemicals or handled with little regard for quality or health standards. For a restaurant branding itself as upscale, this was not only shocking but dangerous.

Koya is a textbook example of style over substance. It is a superficial façade attempting to mask inconsistency, pretension, and a lack of genuine hospitality. I left not only disappointed but disrespected and unwell. I would strongly advise others to reconsider before...

I had the pleasure of dining at Koya Restaurant recently, and I must say, the experience was elevated to an exceptional level by our hostess, Hasnaa. From the moment we entered, Hasnaa greeted us with a warm and inviting smile, making us feel welcomed and valued. Her attentiveness was noteworthy; she made sure that our table was perfectly set and that we were comfortable throughout our stay. Shout out to her and the staff.

Cocktails: Koya’s cocktail menu is both inventive and delightful, featuring a mix of classic and contemporary creations. The bartenders at Koya are known for their skill in blending unique ingredients to craft drinks that are not only visually appealing but also bursting with flavor. Whether you prefer something light and fruity or a drink with a bit more punch, the cocktail selection is designed to complement the dining experience perfectly.

Food: The cuisine at Koya is a celebration of modern culinary techniques combined with traditional flavors. The menu typically features a range of dishes that are both innovative and comforting. From fresh seafood to expertly grilled meats and beautifully assembled plates of vegetables, each dish is prepared with meticulous attention to detail. The flavors are bold and the presentations are artful, often making each plate look as good as it tastes.

Entertainment: Koya doesn’t just stop at food and drinks; the entertainment is also a key part of the experience. Depending on the night, guests might enjoy live music ranging from jazz to more contemporary styles, enhancing the lively and sophisticated atmosphere of the restaurant. The entertainment is thoughtfully selected to complement the ambiance, providing a perfect backdrop for an enjoyable evening out.

Overall, Koya offers a complete sensory experience, where the cocktails, food, and entertainment all come together to create a memorable outing. Whether you’re there for a special occasion or a casual night out, Koya aims to impress with its dynamic...

We came here to celebrate my husband's birthday. The ambience is modern and nice, the restaurant very large and although it was empty, we were seated into a tiny corner with little light and felt cramped in. The service was friendly and swift but we felt like there were a lot of staff members just standing around, talking to each other and joking around in front of the guest. Of course we were early in the evening but perhaps the staff could have congregated in the back of house while waiting for guests. I generally have no problem with staff standing and waiting but I noticed a few male staff members having fun, grabbing each other and even unbuttoning one team members shirt all the way so he was bare chested for a moment while everyone, him included, laughed and he did not seem in a hurry to close his shirt again. I felt this a little bit out of place in a restaurant where a Sprite cost me 100Dhs (10 Euro)!!! The food was tasty but the portions were too small (we ordered very pricey main curses) and we left the restaurant feeling like we had not had a good meal. At the price we paid, this will definitely NOT entice us to come back. What broke the camel's back though, was that when we got our quite hefty bill, we were told after an unsuccessful try, that the card machine was not working and we should go to the nearby bank ( it was still 38 Degrees Celsius outside) and get cash. I expressed my frustration, causing the team to make an effort and a few minutes later the machine worked again. Things can happen but the way it was brought across to us with very little regret about inconveniencing us, while jus opting for their easiest solution instead of really making an effort to get the machine working, made me dislike the ending of the evening. Unfortunately this restaurant will not really be on my top list of...