Marrakech, Morocco: Where and What to Eat
Marrakech is a city of contrasts — where ancient souks meet modern luxury, where the scent of spices lingers in the air, and where every meal feels like a ritual. Whether you're sipping mint tea in a hidden riad or indulging in a Michelin-starred tasting menu, the city's food scene is a heady mix of tradition, innovation, and pure indulgence. Here’s your ultimate guide on where to go and what to eat in Marrakech.
For Classic Moroccan Cuisine
1) Al Fassia – The Iconic Women-Run Restaurant
55 Bd Mohamed Zerktouni
alfassia.com
Price Range: 350–500 MAD per person (£28–£40)
Hours: 12:30–14:30, 19:00–22:30 (Closed Mondays)
Booking: Essential
Dietary: Vegetarian/gluten-free options
Dress: Smart casual
A sanctuary of tradition where matriarchs reign over copper pots and clay tagines. The air hums with saffron and slow-cooked secrets, the walls adorned with faded family portraits and hand-stitched textiles. This is Moroccan hospitality at its purest — unhurried, generous, steeped in generations of craft.
What to Order:
Lamb Tagine with Prunes & Almonds – A symphony of sweet caramelised fruit, toasted nuts, and falling-apart meat
Pigeon Pastilla – Crisp filo layers hiding spiced game, dusted with cinnamon like a whispered promise
Insider Tips:
Service Style: Warm, maternal, attentive without intrusion.
Food Quality: Deep, layered flavours — home cooking elevated to art.
Pro Tip: Request a table on the terrace (romantic) or near the Andalusian musicians (live traditional music some nights); dinner gets packed with tourists; lunch (1-3 PM) is calmer, with sunlight streaming through the stained glass; Moroccan wine is decent, but Al Fassia shines with traditional drinks: Atay Nana (mint tea poured dramatically from a silver pot), Avocado Amlou Smoothie (almond, argan oil, honey-unexpectedly delicious); Walk 5 mins to Café de la Renaissance (old-school French café) for a digestif — locals swear by their "Café Marocain" (spiced espresso).
2) Palais Dar Soukkar – A Hidden Medina Jewel
23 Derb Cherkaoui
palaisdarsoukkar.com
Price Range: 400–600 MAD per person (£32–£48)
Hours: 19:00–23:00
Booking: Essential; Request in advance for Dinner
Dietary: Vegetarian options
Dress: Elegant casual
A 17th-century palace where time drips like honey from the cedarwood ceilings. Courtyards flicker with candlelight, reflecting off zellige mosaics in hues of lapis and emerald. The murmur of fountains blends with oud strings — a feast for the senses.
What to Order:
Lamb Tagine with Caramelised Prunes – Slow-cooked with cinnamon, tender enough to melt off the bone
Chicken Pastilla - Crispy, sugar-dusted layers with saffron chicken (better than many restaurants)
Insider Tips:
Service Style: Discreet, almost reverential.
Food Quality: Opulent yet balanced — each spice measured like a poet’s verse.
Pro Tip: They don't promote it, but Dar Soukkar has a private hammam (not the spa-just a steam room), tell reception the night before-cheaper than public hammams (~200 MAD); The terrace is tiny but epic — arrive by 6PM to snag a lounger for sunset over the Kasbah Mosque; The courtyard fountain is Insta-famous, but go at 4 PM-sunlight hits the zellij tiles perfectly, with zero guests around (most are out touring); No official alcohol service, but owner Jean-Pierre sometimes invites guests for wine/whisky tastings in his private salon (hint: show interest in Moroccan architecture to get an invite).
For Contemporary Moroccan Dining
3) Le Jardin – A Lush Oasis in the Medina
32 Souk El Jeld
lejardinmarrakech.com
Price Range: 250–450 MAD per person (£20–£36)
Hours: 12:00–23:00
Booking: Advised for dinner
Dietary: Strong vegetarian selection
Dress: Relaxed chic
A secret Eden where banana leaves brush against turquoise tiles, and sunlight filters through jasmine vines. The air is thick with the scent of orange blossom and charcoal-grilled meats — a place where lunch lingers into twilight.
What to Order:
Avocado & shrimp salad – Fresh, not on the menu; ask for it
Mint lemonade – Served in a copper pot, refillable
Insider Tips:
Service Style: Unhurried, as if time bends to the garden’s rhythm.
Food Quality: Earthy, vibrant — like a souk’s bounty refined.
Pro Tip: Best for lunch (12:30-2:30 PM), sunlight filters through the palm leaves, creating a dreamy glow. Avoid dinner — lighting is romantic but hides the garden's beauty; “The Banana Tree Corner" (far left, near the fountain): Most secluded, with the best photo ops; Borrow a tray, staff will lend a brass tea set as a prop for photos (just ask politely).
4) Azar – Levantine Glamour
Rue Oum Errabia
azarmarrakech.com
Price Range: 300–600 MAD per person (£24–£48)
Hours: 19:00–01:00
Booking: Essential
Dietary: Vegan-friendly mezze
Dress: Glamorous
A Beirut fever dream — low-lit, draped in velvet, with gold-leaf mirrors reflecting the glow of hookah embers. The soundtrack thrums with Arabic electronica, while plates of fiery muhammara and silken hummus arrive in a procession of excess.
What to Order:
Mix Grill Azar – Lamb chops, chicken taouk, kofta; best shared
Hummus Beiruti – Spicier than usual, topped with lamb confit
Insider Tips:
Service Style: Polished but playful — expect cocktail recommendations with a wink.
Food Quality: Bold, unapologetic flavours designed for sharing.
Pro Tip: Post-dinner, migrate to the lounge for shisha under the stars; Try the “Marrakech Mule" (ginger, saffron, vodka) or “Azar Spritz" (Aperol with pomegranate) or “Lebanese Wine" (they sometimes have Château Musar hidden away); Late-night fruit platter (often given if you’re still there past 1 AM); Mention a special occasion (birthday/anniversary) — they often upgrade seating or send free dessert.
For Luxury Dining
5) L’mdina – Rooftop Serenity
14 Rue Moulay Ali
lmdinamarrakech.com
Price Range: 500–900 MAD per person (£40–£72)
Hours: 18:30–23:30
Booking: Essential
Dietary: Pescatarian highlights
Dress: Elegant
A celestial perch above the medina’s chaos, where the call to prayer mingles with clinking wine glasses. White linens billow in the breeze, and the sky melts from apricot to indigo as the Atlas Mountains fade into shadow.
What to Order:
Saffron & Seafood Pastilla – A twist on the classic, must order 24h ahead
Berber Lamb Chops – Not on the menu, ask for them with honey-glazed figs
Insider Tips:
Service Style: Impeccable, as if trained by silent-film stars.
Food Quality: Haute Moroccan — every grain of spice accounted for.
Pro Tip: Get there 30 minutes before sunset (check exact time online). The terrace fills fast, and the Atlas Mountains glow pink.; opt for wine pairing (their sommelier is brilliant); Ask for “Moroccan Whisky" (not whisky — actually a spiced fig liqueur) or “Maghreb Mule" (ginger, mint, and argan oil — uniquely Moroccan).
For Contemporary Moroccan Dining
6) Pepe Nero – Italian Soul, Moroccan Spice
Derb Cherkaoui, Rue de la Kasbah
pepenero-marrakech.com
Price Range: 400–700 MAD per person (£32–£56)
Hours: 19:00–23:30 (Closed Sundays)
Booking: Recommended
Dietary: Handmade pastas, vegetarian-friendly
Dress: Smart casual
A candlelit den where Tuscan simplicity meets Moroccan fire. Exposed brick arches frame shelves of Negronis and local olive oils, while the open kitchen sends forth ribbons of handmade pappardelle kissed by harissa. The scent of wood smoke and rosemary hangs heavy — a Mediterranean dream with a desert heartbeat.
What to Order:
Truffle Tajarin – Thin pasta with wild mushrooms, ask for extra truffle shavings (pair with a Barolo)
Osso Buco alla Milanese – 48-hour braised veal, best shared
Insider Tips:
Service Style: Warm, knowledgeable — sommeliers guide you through Moroccan Syrahs.
Food Quality: Rustic elegance, each dish a love letter to two cuisines.
Pro Tip: The chef’s counter offers front-row seats to pasta artistry; The semi-private wine cellar table for groups (must request in advance); Ask for the “Sommelier’s Secret Picks" – They hide rare Moroccan Domaine de Sahari bottles; Post-dinner limoncello (complimentary if you befriend the waitstaff)
7) Narwama – A Nighttime Enchantment
Rue Ibn Toumert, Hivernage
narwama.com
Price Range: 600–1,200 MAD per person (£48–£97)
Hours: 19:00–02:00
Booking: Essential
Dietary: Limited vegetarian options
Dress: Glamorous (think silk kaftans and tailored blazers)
A subterranean lair where Art Deco meets Arabian Nights. Gold-leaf ceilings drip with crystal chandeliers, and velvet banquettes cradle Marrakech’s glitterati. The menu is a crescendo — raw bar jewels, Wagyu seared over almond wood, desserts that glow like embers.
What to Order:
Bluefin Tuna Tartare with Avocado Mousse – Silken cubes laced with yuzu, a citrus sting cutting through richness.
Duck Magret with Fig Reduction – Crisp-skinned, blushing rare, the fruit’s honeyed depth balancing gaminess.
Insider Tips:
Service Style: Impeccable but theatrical — dishes arrive under cloches with a flourish.
Food Quality: Decadent, designed for Instagram and the palate alike.
Pro Tip: Ask for the ‘Chef’s Selection’, a personalised tasting menu that isn’t advertised, if you're feeling adventurous, tell them your preferences and let them surprise you; ask a staff member discreetly if the rooftop terrace is open, it's a quieter and moodier vibe with great views over the medina.
For Rooftop Romance
8) Rooftop Garden – Sky-High Serenity
Hotel & Spa Riad El Walaa, Derb Sidi Moussa
riadelwalaa.com
Price Range: 200–400 MAD per person (£48–£97)
Hours: 10:00–22:00
Booking: Walk-ins welcome
Dietary: Fresh juices, light bites
Dress: Bohemian chic
A floating paradise where bougainvillaea spills over whitewashed walls, and the call to prayer echoes across the medina’s rooftops. Wicker chairs sink into plush cushions, and mint tea arrives in hammered silver pots — a sanctuary for sunset dreamers.
What to Order:
Berber Omelette – Fluffy eggs with herbs, only at breakfast
Pomegranate Mojito – Not on the menu, but they’ll make it
Insider Tips:
Service Style: Gentle, unhurried — staff move like whispers.
Food Quality: Simple, fresh, designed to complement the view.
Pro Tip: Arrive at 5 PM to watch storks circle the Koutoubia minaret; reserve a day ahead; sunset is prime time; Free garden tour—ask about the medicinal herbs growing on-site (thyme, mint, sage).
For Hidden Medina Feasts
9) Dar Zellij – A Time Capsule of Taste
14 Kaa Sour, Medina
darzellij.com
Price Range: 350–550 MAD per person (£28–£44)
Hours: 19:00–23:00
Booking: Essential
Dietary: Traditional vegetarian tagines
Dress: Elegant modest
A 300-year-old riad where geometric tilework tells stories of dynasties past. Courtyard palms stretch toward the skylight, and copper lanterns cast lace shadows on linen-draped tables. The menu is a parchment scroll of ancestral recipes — each dish a whispered heirloom.
What to Order:
Lamb Mechoui – Slow-roasted for 12 hours, order 24h ahead
Pigeon Pastilla – Their signature, but ask for extra cinnamon dusting
Insider Tips:
Service Style: Graceful, almost ceremonial — dishes arrive under engraved domes.
Food Quality: Unchanged for generations — this is history you can taste.
Pro Tip: Request the alcove table beneath the stained-glass window; avoid The upstairs tables — less atmospheric, hotter in summer; Rooftop access (after dinner, climb up for stargazing with tea)
For Bohemian Bites
10) Bazaar Café – A Mosaic of Flavours
Rue Riad Zitoun Jdid
bazarcafe.com
Price Range: 100–250 MAD per person (£8–£20)
Hours: 09:00–22:00
Booking: Walk-ins only
Dietary: Vegan-friendly tagines
Dress: Casual (linen shirts, sandals)
A kaleidoscope of colour — ceramic plates stacked high, walls plastered with vintage postcards, and a terrace strung with fairy lights. The hum of travellers swapping tales blends with the sizzle of halloumi on the grill.
What to Order:
Avocado & Prawn Salad – Fresh, huge portion
Lemon Chicken Tagine – Secretly their best dish, ask for extra olives if you like them
Insider Tips:
Service Style: Friendly chaos—orders might arrive in haphazard joy.
Food Quality: Hearty, honest, like a home kitchen in the souk.
Pro Tip: The rooftop corner at golden hour is prime for people-watching.
For Moroccan Fine Dining with a Twist
11) Le Trou au Mur – A Hidden Medina Gem
22 Derb El Ferrane, Azbezt
letrouaumur.com
Price Range: 300–600 MAD per person (£24–£48)
Hours: 12:00–15:00, 19:00–23:00
Booking: Recommended for dinner
Dietary: Vegetarian options available
Dress: Smart casual
Tucked behind an unassuming blue door, this riad reveals a sun-dappled courtyard where citrus trees brush against terracotta walls. The menu reinvents Moroccan classics with French flair — think pigeon pastilla with foie gras or lamb tagine with black truffle. The vibe is effortlessly chic, with jazz floating through the arches.
What to Order:
Pigeon Pastilla with Orange Blossom – Lighter than traditional versions
Zaalouk Vol-au-Vent – Eggplant mousse in puff pastry, off-menu appetizer
Insider Tips:
Service Style: Attentive yet unobtrusive—staff glide between tables like shadows.
Food Quality: Bold flavors with polished presentation.
Pro Tip: The terrace table under the olive tree is perfect for a moonlit dinner; Post-meal rosewater hand-washing ritual (a lovely traditional touch)
For a Modern Moroccan Brunch
12) Café des Épices – The Spiced Heart of the Medina
75 Rahba Lakdima
cafedesepices.ma
Price Range: 80–200 MAD per person (£6–£16)
Hours: 08:00–22:00
Booking: Walk-ins only
Dietary: Fresh juices, vegetarian tagines
Dress: Relaxed boho
Perched above the spice market, this rooftop café is a riot of colour — turquoise stools, saffron-yellow walls, and baskets of dried rose petals. The scent of cumin and cinnamon drifts up from the souk below as you sip on ginger-infused orange juice. The menu is light and vibrant, perfect for a midday pause.
What to Order:
Avocado & Feta Toast – Sprinkled with za'atar and drizzled with argan oil.
Moroccan Pancakes with Honey – Fluffy msemen served with almond butter and fresh figs.
Ginger-Citrus Juice – Their signature refresher
Insider Tips:
Service Style: Casual and cheerful—expect a wait during peak hours.
Food Quality: Fresh, simple, bursting with local flavors.
Pro Tip: Come at 10 AM to beat the crowds and watch the square come alive; Upper Terrace – Fewer tourists, better breeze (stairs in back); Free spice sniffing – Ask to smell their ras el hanout or saffron from the market below; Bring cash – Credit cards accepted, but smaller bills avoid hassle.
For a Secret Garden Lunch
13) Le Salama – A Floral Oasis
40 Rue des Banques
lesalamamarrakech.com
Price Range: 250–500 MAD per person (£20–£40)
Hours: 12:00–23:00
Booking: Recommended for lunch
Dietary: Vegan mezze options
Dress: Elegant resort wear
A hidden courtyard where bougainvillea cascades over white arches and fountains trickle into mosaic pools. The menu blends Moroccan and Lebanese flavours — mezze platters piled high with smoky baba ghanoush and delicate cheese sambousek. By night, the space transforms into a glamorous lounge with live Arabic music.
What to Order:
Grilled Halloumi with Pomegranate – Salty cheese meets tart jewels of fruit.
Lamb Kofta with Tahini – Spiced minced meat, charred to perfection.
Insider Tips:
Service Style: Smooth and polished—dishes arrive like edible art.
Food Quality: Bright, zesty, designed for sharing.
Pro Tip: The garden corner near the jasmine tree is the most romantic spot.
For a Taste of the Atlas Mountains
14) Kasbah du Toubkal – A High-Altitude Feast
Imlil Valley
kasbahdutoubkal.com
Price Range: 200–400 MAD per person (£16–£32)
Hours: 08:00–21:00
Booking: Essential (day trip from Marrakech)
Dietary: Hearty Berber vegetarian options
Dress: Hiking chic (think layers and sturdy shoes)
Nestled in the foothills of the High Atlas, this mountain retreat serves Berber feasts on a sunlit terrace with jaw-dropping valley views. The food is rustic and generous — clay tagines simmered over open fires, flatbreads baked in earthen ovens. The air is crisp, scented with wild thyme and wood smoke.
What to Order:
Berber Omelette with Tomato Jam – Eggs whipped with herbs, served with a sweet-spicy condiment.
Chicken Tagine with Walnuts – A nutty, golden stew that clings to the ribs.
Insider Tips:
Service Style: Warm and familial — staff feel like long-lost cousins.
Food Quality: Wholesome, hearty, made for mountain appetites.
Pro Tip: Hike to Tizi Oussem village beforehand to work up an appetite.
For a Night of Moroccan Glamour
15) Comptoir Darna – The Red City’s Most Iconic Nightspot
Avenue Echouhada, Hivernage
comptoirdarna.com
Price Range: 400–800 MAD
Hours: 19:00–02:00
Booking: Essential (weeks ahead for weekends)
Dietary: Limited vegetarian options
Dress: Dress to impress (sparkles, silks, sharp suits)
A temple of decadence where belly dancers weave between tables and the air thrums with live Gnawa music. The dining room is a fantasy of ruby-red drapes and low brass tables, while the menu offers rich, theatrical dishes designed for sharing. After dinner, the space morphs into a dance floor — champagne flows, hips sway, and the night stretches into dawn.
What to Order:
Camel Meatballs in Tomato Sauce – Tender, spiced, a conversation starter.
Chocolate Fondant with Orange Blossom Ice Cream – Molten centre meets floral chill.
Insider Tips:
Service Style: Flashy but efficient — waiters navigate the chaos with grace.
Food Quality: Indulgent, flavorful, meant for feasting.
Pro Tip: Book the 10 PM seating to catch the full spectacle.
Whether you're savouring a decadent meal in a palace courtyard or enjoying the warmth of freshly made msemen from a street vendor, Marrakech's food scene promises a sensory journey unlike any other. From the bustling souks to elegant restaurants, each bite tells a story. Embrace the flavours, the textures, and the culture — happy dining!