My wife and I saved this restaurant for our last night in Marrakech. We made a reservation the day before after finding the Pepe Nero by following their white on black restaurant signs from Jemaa el Fna. Arrived at 7.30pm and our initial impresssions were in line with the previous favourable Trip Advisor reviews. A beautiful amazing restaurant with wall to wall mosaic and a fountain with rose petals in the middle. Declining a starter, we were given a complimentary drink and entree as I ordered the fillet of beef (160 Dhr) with my wife, the chicken tortellini (130 Dhr). These main meals arrived at 8pm and were superb. The attentive waiter ensured our glasses were continually topped up. This was proving to be the perfect end to our holiday.
BUT THEN after we'd eaten, it all changed. The restaurant filled up with other diners and we wondered if those diners shown into the alcoves at the side of the restaurant were Pepe Nero hotel guests. It was clear that the few waiters on duty that night were now rushed off their feet. As a consequence, we were IGNORED. With empty plates and drink glasses in front of us, 30 minutes and more passed by without a glance from our previously attentive waiter. We decided now to decline a desert and ask for the bill. The waiter did not offer to tempt us with either the desert menu or further drinks. Expecting to receive the bill, two side plates were placed in front us without a word said. A further 10 minutes passed and a plate of complimentary sweet pastry saviories arrived. Nice touch but not expected and we'd had no drink to go with them. The bill eventually arrived and we left the restaurant feeling deflated and disappointed, wondering why it had gone all so wrong for us.

Marrakesh can be rather exhausting, especially in the Medina. This is a nice treat for the weary trekker. Extremely good service, liquor, beer, wine, English spoken, beatiful surroundings and a full menu without couscous or tagine. Actually, the very small Moroccan menu includes a few, as well as the divine pigeon pastilla, a royal dish of Morocco done here beautifully. If you came to Marrakesh and only ate here, you would be making a big mistake. However, it is a wonderful break.

The food was excellent. We both chose from the Moroccan menu & had soup starter followed by the slow cooked lamb shoulder. Both tasted fantastic & were presented perfectly. The complimentary glass of prosecco, duck & potato appetizer, & sweet biscuits with our coffees, were all nice touches. All served by attentive waiting staff. The restaurant itself is set in a beautiful riad courtyard.
If this restaurant was in Paris or London I would be giving it a 5 rating, what makes it a tricky review for me is that I felt the restaurant lacked a Moroccan vibrancy. It seemed to be trying to create a Bogart/Casablanca atmosphere, right down to the 40's & 50's background music. There were no locals eating on the evening we were there, possibly deterred by the prices. Our meal, which also included one glass of beer & a bottle of water, came to 60 Euros.
As mentioned by previous reviewers Pepe Nero is tucked away down the back streets. That said, it is well signposted from Djemaa el-Fna once you find Rue des Banques. Although, I must admit we did feel a little intimidated walking through the narrow alleys in the dark after our meal.

The food tasted good and we enjoyed the pleasant service. A place to recommend. The prices was average and we experience value for money