I think this location was better when it was under a different name, that was a long time ago, don't remember the old name but I believe it was different. Maybe that or the quality has just changed over the years. Honestly, this place is over priced for the quality, I would suggest going up or down the road for better, more economical Mediterranean options. read more

1 star service, 3.5 star food. Our party of six ordered, a veggie ghalaba, a falafel plate, a mousaka, and a vegetarian platter (hommous, baba ghanooj, tabbouli, falafel, grape leaves, mjadra, and spinach pies). These dishes came with 4 soups or side salads- we got soups, and ordered a greek salad for the remaining 2 to share. The soup is very bland-- pretty much just lentils. The rest of the food was tasty. The falafel was pleasantly crispy but still moist inside. The pickles that came with it were really good too-- the cucumber pickles were quite mustardy, and there were also pickled radishes. The veggie ghalaba was well-cooked- the veggies were cooked through but still crisp, and had a nice bit of char/sear on them. The mousaka was not what I expected- the menu descriped layers of eggplant with some other ingredients, what came out was basically a spiced eggplant and tomato stew, served with rice. The vegetarian platter is apparently meant for two- comes with 2 grape leaves, 2 falafel, 2 spinach pies, 2 soup/salads- but it would probably be too much food for two people. The spinach pie was the most disappointing thing- bland, soft (felt microwaved), just really blah. Everything else on the platter was good. One quarrel I had was that this platter is largely dips, and they didn't bring more bread to go with it. The garlic spread and bread that were served to the table at the beginning were really tasty. Service, on the other hand, was really horrible. There were only 2 servers for the whole restaurant, which makes slow service understandable-but it felt like we were the only table getting slow service, and I don't think we did anything to be designated 'that' table. I ordered an iced tea and two other members of the party ordered juices when we arrived, and we also asked for 6 waters. 5 waters arrived relatively promptly. The sixth never arrived, despite our repeated requests. My iced tea showed up after the appetizers, just before the main course. The juices arrived when we were halfway through our food. The waiter kept walking past when we tried to get his attention, and serving the other tables around us. We asked about that sixth water literally every time he came to our table and it never came. That's just unacceptable to me. read more

Pictures from Lebanon, touches of Tunisia, the taste of the Mediterranean - in a suburb of Michigan! I may never quite remember to look up if Marsa is a real French word, but I know I'll never quite forget the great food experience at this modest yet amazing restaurant. Amazing since every morsel of the fare was incredible - my favorites - the spicy hummus, filafels, tabbouleh and the mjadra. All but the latter were part of a generous appetizer platter - hands down the best bang for the buck! Interestingly, we learnt the owners don't have a liquor license, but the paucity of options for an oenophile was more than amply made up for by the plenitude for the gastronome! For my part, I loved my fresh fruit beverage that blended with the rest of my healthy but hearty dinner. For anyone that can do justice to a baklava or the ome ali after a two course dinner at LaMarsa, bless your capacious breadbasket!! read more

Basically, someone re-opened La Shish and renamed it La Marsa. I don't even care if these dudes also fund Hezbollah - that's how good it is. That's how good it is. read more

La Marsa what a great place,the food its finger licking good. The litle bread fresh from fire stove its so good,yea thanks for the garlic it keps your muscles in shape,chicken its tasty fresh im adicted to la marsa read more

I went to lunch there for the first time today after it was suggested by a coworker. The bread and garlic spread was AMAZING. The beef kabob was over cooked (med-well and I ordered med-rare) all except for one of the end pieces that was completely raw in the middle... How do you get all med-well except for one when all are cooked on the same stick??? I was still pretty hopefully about this place even after the meat issue, BUT then I went to the bathroom and first appearance it seemed nice and clean. After walking in the stall, I looked down and something was moving on the floor!! At first I was thinking "Ok it is just a spider about the size of a dime", well I was wrong... After stumbling around trying to kill it, I noticed it was a medium sized COCKROACH!!!!!!!!!!!! I just about threw up all over the stall. I could have looked past the meat, but that was NASTY!! I WILL NOT STEP FOOT BACK IN THIS RESTAURANT. If there is cockroaches in the restroom, I don't even want to think about the kitchen!! read more

Compared to many Mediterranean cuisine around this town, I found the taste to be bland. Lamb kabob was undercooked. Shish Kabob was better. The breads were smaller but not very soft. People were warm and friendly but we had to go chase the servers to place the order since nobody came to table. I might consider going back one more time to try their other foods but not planning to be back anytime soon. read more

We typically order from La Marsa Express, which is the takeout location, right next to the main restaurant. The food is the same as in the sit-down restaurant - prepared in the same kitchen, so my review will cover the food quality, but will not delve into the dine-in restaurant's customer service, ambiance, etc. La Marsa offers some good, freshly-made Middle Eastern food. Although they don't offer anything really out-of the-ordinary, their menu covers all the standards: kebabs, shwarma, hummous, pita, falafal, kibbeh, kafta, lentil soup, fattoush, stuffed grape leaves, baba gannoush, baklava, meat pies and spinach pies, koshary, ghallaba, tabbouli, etc. The food sometimes seems a bit too salty to us, especially the kebabs, but not enough for us to look for another place to order from. :) However, others may not notice this....we are a family that doesn't use any salt at home on our food, so we may be more sensitive to it. My favorites at La Marsa are the kafta kebabs, the baked kibbeh, the lentil soup, and the koshary (with the lamb on top). My husband likes the kebabs and the hummous with pita. I do not care overmuch for the shwarma, falafal, and grape leaves at La Marsa....they are just 'meh', IMHO. If I could, I would give La Marsa a solid 3.5.....for the most part, it is good food (and makes a nice change from other dining choices in the area), but there is still something missing for me. I think part of the problem is that La Marsa offers the EXACT same menu choices as all the other Middle Eastern restaurants in Macomb and Oakland counties....there doesn't seem to be any variation on the theme, no quest to serve a great regional or ethnic dish that you might not find at another restaurant. read more

I purchased a Groupon twice for this location, and both times were great. They have great service and good food. Free side of garlic sauce with warm homemade bread when you sit down, plus! Granted, I haven't been to too many Arabic restaurants but never had garlic sauce that didn't come with a charge. I am a creature of habit so I usually order the mango smoothie and shish tawook sandwiches. Great! Also, I tried the shish tawook entree with a cup of lentil soup and a side of rice. The manager came by our table and checked up on us. La Marsa meets all of my criteria for a good restaurant: good food at decent prices, good portion size, and great service. This is my go to place whenever I am craving Arabic food! read more

The food here is really tasty. I love venturing out to new places and trying new food, however when I'm at a place like this... I always start off with the chicken schwarma. And this place did not disappoint. The pita bread is top notch, and their hummus and garlic sauce is just the perfect touch. I will be returning there for a full dinner sometime soon. Nummy nummy! read more

La Marsa is great! Fresh, fresh salads, zesty mediterranean food. This restaurant does the best middle eastern food in metro. We went for lunch last week, had the lunch special with shish tawook and a fatoosh side salad. I also did a takeout falafel and everything was A OK with that as well. The decor is the same as it was when it was La Shish. Attentive waiters and quick lunch service. We were very pleased. This was my first trip back since the name change and we will definitely go back! read more

The only reason I didn't give it 5 stars is that the service can be a little off at times but I lobe this place. Been eating there for years and the food is always perfect! They are one of the only places that serves koshray! Or other Egyptian specialties. Truly one of the best places for Mediterranean food. read more

Sooo good. The fresh hummus and pita are so good, soft warm and flavorful. The falafel wraps were great, tabbouli and fattoush salad were amazing. The best and not least, the garlic sauce was on point and worth all the mouthwash you'll have to do afterwards. Great prices! Recommend. read more

Came in to make a quick takeout order and the check out guy saw me yawning. He asked if I was tired and I said I woke up with a little cold. The manager overheard and offered me a fresh squeezed juice, on the house. Thoughtfulness like that makes up for the premium prices. The food is excellent and the portions are large. I always get the basics - lentil soup, tabouleh and hommus - and I haven't found anywhere that does it better! read more

I enjoy La Marsa but is seems to be getting worse for me every visit. Hummus and Garlic sauce are excellent but the Shawarma has been dry and flavorless the last few times ive eaten there. Service is good but inconsistent. read more

They start you off just right. The pita bread and garlic dip (toum) is amazing. I could come here and eat just that! We are not talking about your typical coney island pita bread that is delivered out of a Sysco truck or shipping box. We are talking about freshly made pita pockets that are baked in a woodstone oven right before your very eyes. Nothing is fake about this stuff. The garlic dip is freshly made here because from time to time the degree of garlic taste can change. It's still so yummy, even if it isn't consistent every time. The dragon breath effect is worth it. Just make sure you have some Orbit or Trident around. The fattoush tawook salad literally has to be one of the best salads in the metro area. The dressing, the toasted pita chips and marinated chicken is like heaven to the taste buds. They are very generous with the cucumbers too. The service is always friendly and efficient. I can say that I am not disappointed with anything I have tried at this location, Bloomfield or Farmington. They make a solid rice almond salad and tabouli too. I have tried other Middle Eastern places in the area and nothing quite compares to La Marsa. They hooked me to Middle Eastern / Mediterranean cuisine, and I think they are truly of definition of what it is. They set a high standard for all the other places to follow. That is for sure. read more

Great food and great service. The chicken kofta is excellent and for the lunch special it cost $11.65, plus they give you a ton of food. I go there at least once a week and look forward to it each and every time. Try it, you'll love it! read more

The food here was poor at best! The chicken dish was not cooked - it was raw! Raw poultry is awful and a possible health risk. The prices were unreasonable - especially considering the poor quality. The service wasn't much better. Do not recommend at all!!! read more

Went here accidentally because of miscommunication. Thank goodness we did because this place is amazing. We got the buffet which was great. The food was hot and plentiful. The staff was very nice and professional. The restaurant is clean and decorated nicely. I sent a photo of all the food on our table to a couple of friends. They were impressed and we have plans to go there next week. Very highly recommend this place. read more

Great food, fantastic service and reasonable prices. We eat here regularly, everything is always fresh and prepared expertly.

I placed an online order several hours in advance today. I arrived a couple minutes after the requested time and the order wasn't ready. I was told to wait in my car and the food would be brought out when it was ready. After 40 minutes of waiting in my car watching about fifteen other customers pick up their food, I went in to find mine sitting on the counter. I was assured it had just come out of the kitchen. I mentioned that the foil pan of rice didn't feel very warm, but again I was told it had just come out, and that's how warm the rice and shwarma should be. I opened a shish kabob and found it tp be virtually cold and overcooked. Checked the salad and it was room temperature. But those pita sure were hot. I went back in and told the guy at the counter it was unacceptably cold. This time he told me that the order had been ready, but he had to wait for the bread. So none of the fifteen orderers I watched go out while mine sat getting cold (and I sat wasting my time) had bread? read more

The food was decent. The waiter was a bit untrained. He screwed up the order but pretended nothing was wrong. We liked the ambiance, the booths are very comfortable. The entrees can be pricey, I'd recommend the Lentil Soup and the Wraps. read more

I would like to thank the staff for their customer service, they are the best ever in the town, tbh I've never seen such a professionally staff like them. Halima , Lolita and the manager Great staff , great service read more

New ownership or management since my last visit months back. Bad news friends. Hard bread and now it's even tinier. The guy even looked back at me as he was loading the bread and whispering to one of too many coworkers crowding the front of house almost like... "well hopefully this guy won't know its old and dried out". Anyway really disappointing. read more

This is my first time eating Mediterranean food. It was really good. I will be back again.

Phenomenal meal. We loved the home made pita. It was so fresh and warm, I could have made a meal from that alone. The Schwarma pita was on point. The kids meal chicken tenders seemed like Tyson baked nuggets and they were really crunchy. I loved them but my kid didn't like it but she ate all the fries and a good chunk of the hummus. I highly recommend La Marsa to anyone. read more

La Marsa used to be a wonderful experience, however this restaurant has really gone downhill. Twice this week, we ordered dinner. First meal, they forgot to include one of the dishes we ordered. After consuming the meal, my husband and I experienced stomach discomfort. Second meal, we decided to try a different entree. Again, we both experienced stomach discomfort. In addition, it is obvious that La Marsa has a different chef, or chefs. The food simply does not taste the same. Also, if you order online, add an additional thirty minutes to your pickup time. The food is NEVER ready when you arrive to pick-up your meal. I used to love eating at La Marsa; unfortunately no more. I think I will get my medterranean urges from Lebanse Grill and give my stomach a break. read more

It's still great after all these years. The Baba has an incredible smokey flavor that is absent from some competitors and that lemon squab is to die for. Their tabouli has just the right amount of lemon. Their food is really just the best. The owner was very accommodating and kind to my 91 year old godfather. They were very attentive to his special needs. I still love it! read more

Had lunch here with a couple friends on a Sunday afternoon. When most of the restaurants in downtown RO are slammed for brunch, this place was essentially empty. However it was not reflective of the food or experience I had there. They start everyone out with pita bread and toum (delicious garlic ambrosia). This is real stone fired pita, not the garbage other places cut into triangles and put into plastic bags. There were three of us and we ordered the sampler platter. It could have served six people easily. It had an array of mezze including dips, grape leaves, falafel, etc. It also comes with various chicken and lamb cuts as well. At $31 this is a bargain if you have a lot of people or want a ton of leftovers. It is one of the last remaining spots in downtown RO for Middle Eastern food, and at these prices and quality I'm not surprised. read more

The hummus, the baba ganoush, and the felafels are all terrific. If you want to feed a la Man vs Food, get the sampler for 2, but is really big enough for 4. Don't forget to start with the crushed lentil soup with a generous squeeze of lemon. read more

We went in and were ignored for about 20 minutes by the waiting stuff. Others came and were seated after us and received their food in that time. They also brought us the wrong food when the food was finally brought to us. Very disappointing. read more

I'd say it's solid decent middle eastern restaurant. Outstanding - no. Worth going back to - yes. The server was not exactly stellar, but she was all right. For me the best part of the meal was my babaghanouzh. It was very good. The bread, even though it was made on site, was not nearly as good. I also got a Lamb Shwarma sandwich. It was so so. The meat was a bit too finely chopped, I would have preferred more things on it (cucumber, pickle, more sauce, onion, more tomato - etc). The garlic spread that came with the pita bread was probably my second favorite thing - it was SUPER garlicky though - be preparred. I had a smoothy and - it was weak - meh. So - go, but don't be shocked by large swaths of mediocrity. read more

Went on a Saturday afternoon around 4pm based on a groupon that I bought online. Walked and was promptly seated. Appeared only about 2 - 3 other tables. Only 2 waiters on duty. Service was a bit slow, but the food made up for it. Ordered up a Shish Tawook entrée with Salad and Grilled Veggies. Good size chicken breast chunks and Veggies. Will probably go again when in the area. read more

Stopped by this place for lunch with my family. Overall, decor and atmosphere were more fancy than anticipated, but outdated. Service was ok. Waitress did not check in very often. Portions were very large. 2-3 moderately hungry people could easily share an entree. Food was good overall, nothing show stopping, it was on par with other Lebanese restaurants. I've been to many Mediterranean restaurants, and this place was very overpriced. There's a hefty gratuity charge for 6 people or more, which is unreasonable seeing as most small parties are about that size. Anyways, all in all, I won't be running back to this place. read more

I walked into La Marsa on a Tuesday at 4PM with a carry out order for 55 people and cringed as I asked to pick up the order at 6PM. To my surprise they accommodated graciously. La Marsa is my go to Middle Eastern Restaurant for out of town guest and clients. We had people in for a conference from east coast and west coast and needed a quick dinner option. La Marsa was a hit. Food was hot and Lisa who took helped us out ordering for 55 people was sooooooo very helpful. Thanks La Maras -- everyone enjoyed your delicious food. read more

The food is very good and you get huge portions. Prices aren't bad. Only complaint is that the service wasn't very good the few times we've been there. read more

Wow. Just stumbled in here for lunch based on the Yelp reviews. They are absolutely correct. This place has fantastic food. The starter bread and dip is excellent all on its own. The lentil soup is delicate and tasty. The potassium juice is really refreshing. And the kabobs. What can I say? They are great. read more

The food was delicious and the service was so great! Sid (our server) was so helpful in recommending some great vegetarian options. It's definitely one of my favorite places to eat, I highly recommend it! read more

So the service was alright nothing special. The Meat Pastry appetizer was very bad. The bread on the meat pastry was soggy as if they just microwaved a left over. Also the Shawarma sandwiches are a hit or miss here. One day the sandwich is good quality but majority of the time the sandwich comes out very poorly. Would recommend their quality to be more consistent. I am not sure if people in Troy knows good quality of arabic food but having spent good time around Dearborn this resteraunt is definately poor. Also it be nice if they stop spraying windex so close to where people are eating. read more

Really enjoyed the moussaka. if you just order moussaka, it's the vegetarian version, but I recommend adding some meat to it. It was a good portion for me so I had leftovers for the next day. Husband loves the shih tawook (chicken with a citrus flavor), he gets it all the time. Love the bread & garlic dip, so glad it comes complementary! read more