Morocco and Marrakesh have been at the forefront of African cuisine for centuries. The country's former French colonists have left a notable mark on the culinary personality of Moroccan cuisine. With the influence of French techniques and dishes combined with local ingredients, many restaurants offer unique dishes and dining experiences. Check out our line-up of some of the best eateries in the city sure to be a holiday highlight.
Local cuisine
Moroccans are famous for their excellent cuisine and there are many places to eat across the city. Local food tends to be a mix between Arabic and French and is often extremely spicy. A wide variety of meat and fish accompany most meals, although being predominantly Muslim population pork generally is not on offer. You can get excellent food at souks (markets) at very competitive prices, and everything is there to be haggled for.
Located in the Derb L'Hotel, the Riad Kniza Restaurant has a superb menu filled with local favourites and classic dishes that span cultures. This restaurant comes highly rated for its food, wine menu and service. While it has a reputation of higher than average prices, the food is twist on rustic meals. Don't be alarmed if someone from the restaurant comes out to the street to greet you. Many service-based businesses in Marrakesh escort you in from outside and vice versa.
Al Fassia Aguedal, a casual restaurant is open for dinner service and late into the night, is great for dates and meals with friends. Staffed with an attentive team, the restaurant has a great, friendly ambiance. Best of all, the prices in this establishment are quite affordable. This will not be one of the restaurants where you have to watch your bill to make sure you're not getting overcharged.
Catering to a wide audience, the Souk Kafe has a menu filled with Moroccan classics, steaks and even vegetarian options. In a city that is dominated by tagines, Souk Kafe is a popular choice with tourists who want a little bit of everything, not just local food. There is dining space on their rooftop terrace but it requires a walk up numerous steep steps to get there. Once on the rooftop however, there are spectacular views of Marrakesh's minarets and skyline.
The Restaurant of La Maison Arabe, housed inside a local hotel, is a wonderful choice for Moroccan cuisine. The price tag of this eatery is not the most affordable in the area, due in part to being located in a hotel, but the menu and courses are exquisite. Considered one of the best restaurants in the city, it is well reviewed for business, romantic or family meals. And with hours that include breakfast through dinner and delivery options, this restaurant is also convenient with a holiday schedule.
Similarly, another restaurant open late is Azar, a lovely option. With a slightly more expensive menu, this restaurant is open for lunch and dinner with late hours as well. The menu features Moroccan classics and others from the Mediterranean and Middle East as well.
One last elegant option to enjoy a traditional Moroccan meal is Libzar. With fair prices when compared to European menus, this fine dining restaurant stands out against others in the area. They cater to a wide variety of customers including families, groups or couples. It is best to take reservations because this eatery has a reputation that keeps it busy. And unlike many other fine dining establishments, this restaurant offers generous portions so if you have a refrigerator in your hotel room; you'll be able to plan on leftovers.
French cuisine
If you would like a taste of traditional European cuisine while in Marrakesh, the Patisserie Amandine Marrakech is a classic café and tea room. Even if you get dinner from another restaurant, you can stop into the Patisserie and stop for a slice of Moroccan or French cake and a cup of coffee. And despite the gourmet presentation and classic flavours, this café has affordable prices so you won't feel guilty about both money and calories at the same time. There is even a small menu of sandwiches and small entrees if you would like to enjoy a complete meal here.
L'Annexe is a fine example of French cuisine getting more popular and winning fans in this tourist destination. Also considered one of the best restaurants in the city, this eatery has quintessentially classic French dishes like duck confit, rabbit terrine and others that are bound to please you and your party. The French menu makes this a lovely restaurant to have a date or quiet night with loved ones.
Another fantastic restaurant is the Un Dejeuner a Marrakech. Popular with couples, business travellers and families alike, this restaurant is also open from breakfast through late dinners. Their menu includes options that range from Moroccan classics to European favourites so there is something for everyone here. The restaurant also enjoys a reputation as one of the most transparent in the area. What that means is travellers feel like they can trust the staff and bills here at this restaurant, there are no hidden fees or inflated costs for tourists.
The Chez Mado restaurant has a wide variety of menu options that will please even families and picky eaters. Despite its distance from the sea, Chez Mado showcases a French bistro menu complete with seafood options fresh from the Atlantic. The menu is complemented by splendid décor and a positive ambiance due in part from its energetic and passionate staff.
One popular and affordable option for dining in Marrakesh is Cheese Me. This unique restaurant offers fun twists on classic flavours but focuses on excellent cheeses. The owner takes pride in his restaurant which is a welcomed change of pace from the Moroccan and French eateries that are sprinkled across Marrakesh. There is a large variety of wines to choose from to complement your meal.
For a more formal dining experience, make reservations at Les Jardins de la Medina. This French and Moroccan restaurant has an exquisite ambiance combined with gourmet dishes. Located in a garden with a small pool, this restaurant has ambiance that appeals to romantic dinners, friendly get-togethers or even business negotiations. This restaurant can be hard to find but worth the exploration. Ask your hotel staff for a map or directions before you head to dinner and you won't have any problem.
Best of the rest
Regarded a hidden treasure in Marrakesh, the Pause Gourmande has a varied and interesting menu. The restaurant has a menu with international and local influence with specialty in pizzas. Many travellers rave about this restaurant because of its friendly staff and low prices, two things that do not go hand-in-hand in this popular tourist city. If you are dining late in the evening, it is best to give them a call and see how late they are open. They have shorter hours than the average restaurant.
One popular French and Italian restaurant in the area is Le Chat Qui Rit. This eatery is open for breakfast, lunch and dinner with hours open late into the night. A welcomed reprieve from the sea of Moroccan and French restaurants in the area, this restaurant has a large menu including some exotic options like elephant, if you're feeling brave. The excellent service at this restaurant is coupled with attentive service and ownership, making it a must-do while in Marrakesh.
While you enjoy your holiday in northern Africa, there is no better way to cool off than with refreshing gelato. At the Panna Gusto Italiano, owners have been making homemade gelato for years and take pride in sourcing local, fresh ingredients wherever possible. Because the gelato is made with fresh ingredients, you won't see any gelato that even features produce that is not in season. While it may be difficult to find, you can plan on only spending a little to enjoy cold gelato on a hot day.
I Limoni is a quaint, hip Italian restaurant in the heart of Marrakesh. If you've grown wary of tagines after an extended holiday, make reservations at this modern eatery. They have outdoor seating in their courtyard but the outside is charmingly decorated with western artistic posters. Quite a walk off of the beaten path, if you'd like to dine here, be sure to get directions or a map from your hotel staff to save you some time.
One of the finest restaurants in Marrakesh is the Gastro MK. This fusion restaurant blends traditional French cooking and flavour combinations with Moroccan ingredients and heritage. It's a great way to explore Moroccan cuisine if you are a little pickier or hesitant about exploring new foods. Gastro MK serves gourmet food and drinks so you can expect to pay a little bit more for a meal here. If you are interested in dining here, you will need to make reservations in advance. Gastro MK has only ten seats so getting a spot reserved is mandatory.
Another exquisite restaurant to dine in while in Marrakesh is Pepenero. This boutique restaurant offers Italian and Moroccan cuisine for meals that you'll never forget. The chef developed a menu that allows you explore either cuisine at dinner. So whether you'd like an authentic, local meal or traditional Italian cuisine, there is something for everyone at this restaurant.
If you would rather try something a little bit more adventurous, make reservations at the Amaia Restaurant, which has a menu that foodies will love. This eatery has fusion dishes with influences from across Asia, Mediterranean Europe and beyond all made with Moroccan ingredients. If you are not particularly brave when looking at a menu, fret not. Not every dish is challenging but all of the menu prices are affordable. So feel free to order a few plates to share and see what items you like best.
For vegetarian diners, picking the right restaurant can be tricky, even in countries like Morocco. La Cuisine de Mona caters to vegetarians with an energetic, vibrant menu that will please even picky carnivores. Open for breakfast through dinner, La Cuisine de Mona has classics like tagines and cous cous but also other Middle Eastern classics like hummus and falafel. Like many restaurants that aim to please vegetarians, the kitchen is flexible if you have special requests. But unlike many Middle Eastern restaurants, this one serves alcohol.
Another European option while in Marrakesh is the Ultimo Baccio. This Italian restaurant is both wonderfully affordable and rife with familiar, delicious dishes. Open from breakfast through dinner and available for delivery, this restaurant is both flexible and a breath of fresh air from the plethora of French and Moroccan eateries. Classics including gnocchi, pizza and fresh breads are made daily.