Kasbah Moroccan Cafe — Restaurant in Portland

Somewhere between the gentrified ghosts of Old Town Portland and the soft rattle of the MAX gliding past NW Davis, you’ll find a gate swung open—not just to a restaurant, but to another continent entirely. The Kasbah Moroccan Café doesn’t shout for your attention. It lures you in with the subtle confidence of a place that knows it’s the real deal.

Step inside and the air shifts. The walls are dressed in terracotta and story. Ornate lamps throw honey-colored light across empty tables that somehow feel full—with memory, with family, with meals that meant something. You half expect a Berber grandmother to walk out from the back and scold you for not calling home more often.

Then comes the food.

Makouda. Three golden potato cakes bathed in a tomato sauce that’s equal parts comfort and fire. They’re topped with olives and parsley, kissed with harissa, and carry that soulful whisper of cumin and paprika that tells you: someone in the kitchen isn’t cooking for Yelp reviews—they’re cooking to remember who they are.

You eat it slowly. You let the flavors linger. Because this isn’t a place for speed. This is a place to let time melt into mint tea.

And oh, that tea. Served in a silver pot on a hammered tray like it was poured by the very hands of tradition itself. Sweet, sharp, and steaming, it’s the kind of drink that feels medicinal in the way only grandmothers and ancient mountain herbs can be.

You sip. You exhale. You notice Naji, the owner, slipping between tables with the ease of someone who doesn’t need to explain why this place exists—his presence says it all: this is love, poured into walls, simmered in saucepans, served in glasses etched with memory.

Portland has plenty of spots where you can eat. But not many where you can...

Overall Thoughts: The 5 star reviews don’t lie; this spot is seriously incredible. The stuffed batbot sandwich was among the best sandwiches I’ve ever had and the iced Moroccan mint tea was a fantastic pairing. This is a spot that makes me upset that I don’t live in/closer to Portland. It’s counter service, and the staff/owner are super friendly and the food comes out quickly. The prices are very reasonable given the quality and portions. There isn’t a ton of seating inside, but it was pretty much empty when I went in for lunch on a Thursday. The interior is decorated nicely and patriotically, with beautiful tiles and flags adorning the walls.

Food I tried: Stuffed Batbot Sandwich with Yellow Split Pea Soup (5/5): This is no doubt among the best sandwiches I’ve ever eaten. The bread is wonderful, springey and spongey. The kefta patty is delicious-- juicy with robust flavors and without even a tinge of dryness. I loved the warm, lightly runny egg and cheese paired with the cold, crispy veggies. The soup was also hearty and creamy with delicious hints of smokey paprika. You can really taste the olive oil layer on top which added a rich, earthy flavor to it. It’s large and filling, and more than worth the money.

Iced Moroccan Mint Tea (4.8/5): So refreshing and tasty! It was sweeter than expected, but delicious with hints of minty flavor. It was the perfect, light palette cleanser between bites of my savory, rich sandwich and soup. —

Price (relative to peers): 4.6/5 Food: 4.9/5 Ambience: 4.9/5 Service: 5/5 Overall...

As a Moroccan, I am always on the lookout for authentic Moroccan food, and I can confidently say that Kasbah Moroccan Cafe in Portland is a gem! I stumbled upon this place during my vacation in Portland, and it was like being transported back to Morocco with every bite.

The food is exceptional—rich in flavor, perfectly spiced, and true to the authentic Moroccan taste I grew up with. The tagines were perfectly cooked, with tender meat and vegetables infused with warm spices. The couscous was fluffy and flavorful, and the fresh Moroccan mint tea was an absolute delight, just like home.

Chef Naji was incredibly welcoming and friendly, taking the time to greet us and ensure we felt at home. His passion for Moroccan cuisine truly shines through in every dish. It’s rare to find such warm hospitality paired with food that feels so authentic.

The atmosphere is cozy and inviting, with beautiful Moroccan decor that adds to the experience. The staff were kind, attentive, and eager to ensure a wonderful dining experience.

If you’re looking for an authentic taste of Morocco in Portland, Kasbah Moroccan Cafe is a must-visit. I will definitely be coming back on...