Dar Zellij: A Moroccan Dining Journey on Al Marjan Island

The first impression of Dar Zellij begins before the food arrives. Moroccan-inspired details set the mood before the aromas of saffron, cinnamon, cumin, orange blossom and slow-cooked lamb begin to tell their own story.

Hosted at Mövenpick Resort Al Marjan Island for summer 2026, Dar Zellij celebrates the generous spirit of Moroccan dining through a special four-course menu created for the Flavours of Ras Al Khaimah series. The experience brings North African culinary traditions together with locally sourced ingredients and Ras Al Khaimah Honey, giving every course a distinctive connection to the emirate.

Moroccan Heritage on Al Marjan Island

Dar Zellij takes its name from zellij, the intricate geometric mosaic tilework closely associated with Moroccan design. The idea of craftsmanship extends naturally to the table, where familiar recipes are presented with care and the meal unfolds at an unhurried pace.

At Mövenpick Resort Al Marjan Island, the summer experience is designed for couples, families, friends and colleagues looking for something beyond an ordinary dinner. It draws on the flavours of northern Morocco and Marrakech while using local produce to connect the menu to Ras Al Khaimah.

A Limited Flavours of Ras Al Khaimah Menu

From 1 July to 30 September 2026, Dar Zellij is also part of Flavours of Ras Al Khaimah, a summer dining trail connecting five restaurants across the emirate. This limited-time experience is hosted at Mövenpick Resort Al Marjan Island and presents Moroccan culinary traditions through locally sourced ingredients and Ras Al Khaimah Honey.

The four-course menu begins with Seafood Chorba Chamalia, a northern Moroccan soup made with locally sourced fish, prawns, calamari and Taliouine saffron. A mini chicken pastilla follows, filled with slow-cooked chicken and toasted almonds, then finished with cinnamon and a light drizzle of Ras Al Khaimah Honey.

For the main course, Tangia Marrakchia delivers slow-cooked lamb seasoned with freshly ground cumin and prepared in a traditional earthenware tangia. Dessert is Jawhara à la Minute: crisp pastry, velvety milk cream, toasted almonds, cinnamon and orange blossom. The meal concludes with a traditional Moroccan mint tea ritual and handcrafted almond delicacies infused with local honey.

Diners can choose the menu on its own or add a series of Moroccan wine pairings. Each visit also earns a stamp in the Flavours of Ras Al Khaimah Dining Passport. Guests who complete all five participating restaurants can enter the campaign’s prize draw.

Local Honey, Moroccan Character

Ras Al Khaimah Honey is the ingredient connecting every restaurant in the summer series. At Dar Zellij, it appears as a delicate accent rather than overwhelming the traditional flavours. It adds a local sweetness to the chicken pastilla and complements the handcrafted almond delicacies served with tea.

The result is a menu that remains recognisably Moroccan while carrying a clear sense of place. Taliouine saffron, cumin, toasted almonds, cinnamon and orange blossom evoke Morocco; local seafood and honey bring the experience back to Ras Al Khaimah.

A Sweet Finish and the Ritual of Tea

The final course, Jawhara à la Minute, layers crisp pastry with velvety milk cream, toasted almonds and cinnamon before being finished with orange blossom and icing sugar. Its contrast of crisp pastry and soft cream makes it a light but memorable close to the four-course journey.

The traditional Moroccan mint tea ritual extends the experience beyond dessert. Served with handcrafted almond delicacies infused with Ras Al Khaimah Honey, it turns the end of the meal into one final expression of hospitality. Guests choosing the enhanced package can also enjoy expertly selected Moroccan wines paired with the courses.

Why Add Dar Zellij to Your Dining List?

Dar Zellij offers more than a themed set menu. Its appeal comes from the complete journey: the warmth of the Moroccan inspiration, the contrast of delicate pastilla and slow-cooked lamb, the local touch of Ras Al Khaimah Honey and the unhurried rhythm of mint tea after dessert.

Available only until 30 September 2026, the experience offers a distinctive North African chapter within Ras Al Khaimah’s summer dining scene. It is well suited to a date night, a relaxed dinner with friends or anyone looking to discover how local ingredients can give a traditional cuisine a fresh sense of place.

Explore more places to eat, stay and experience across Ras Al Khaimah with GoRAK.

Plan Your Visit

• Location: Mövenpick Resort Al Marjan Island, Ras Al Khaimah

• Cuisine: Moroccan

• Experience: Four-course Flavours of Ras Al Khaimah set menu

• Dates: 1 July–30 September 2026

• Availability: Sunday–Thursday, 6:30 PM–11:00 PM

• Four-course menu: AED 249 per person, including the traditional Moroccan tea ritual

• Menu with wine pairing: AED 349 per person, including paired wines and the tea ritual

• Phone: +971 7 246 0000

• Email: reservation.almarjanisland@movenpick.com

• Reservations: Advance booking is recommended

Dates, prices, operating times and menu selections may change. Contact Mövenpick Resort Al Marjan Island for the latest information before visiting.

Frequently Asked Questions

Where is Dar Zellij in Ras Al Khaimah located?

Dar Zellij currently operates as a summer pop-up inside Movenpick Resort Al Marjan Island, on the man-made Al Marjan Island off the RAK coast. It is set to move to Pullman Resort Al Marjan Island when that resort reopens in Q1 2027.

What type of cuisine does Dar Zellij serve?

Dar Zellij serves Moroccan and Mediterranean cuisine, focusing on authentic North African dishes alongside Moroccan teas and shisha.

How much does the Flavours of Ras Al Khaimah set menu cost?

The Flavours of Ras Al Khaimah four-course set menu is AED 249 per person, or AED 349 per person with Moroccan grape pairings. The price includes a traditional mint tea ritual.

What are Dar Zellij's opening hours?

The set menu is served from 6:00pm to 11:00pm, Sunday to Thursday, during the July to September 2026 summer pop-up. Check the official site for current details before visiting.

Is Dar Zellij a permanent restaurant?

Not at its current address. It runs as a limited-time summer pop-up at Movenpick Resort Al Marjan Island and is set to return to Pullman Resort Al Marjan Island upon its reopening in Q1 2027.

Does Dar Zellij offer shisha and Moroccan tea?

Yes. Moroccan teas and shisha are available in the lounge setting, and a traditional mint tea ritual is included with the set menu.

Do I need to book a table at Dar Zellij?

It is strongly recommended. Seating is limited and the pop-up status makes tables popular, so reserve in advance via the official site.