5 Best Restaurants in Fez and the Middle Atlas, Morocco

Head to this cupboard-size restaurant for outstanding Moroccan cheap eats, perhaps freshly made bread and thick harira soup, a plate of grilled brochettes, or fluffy couscous. Portions are generous, and a full meal will cost less than a cup of coffee back home. It’s vegetarian and vegan friendly, too.

A five-minute walk to the left inside Bab Mansour, this graceful medina space with intricate carvings, giant picture windows, and terraces overlooking the Boufekrane River and Ville Nouvelle is a good place to enjoy authentic Moroccan specialties. The menu is classic Moroccan, with highly recommended pastilla (a house specialty), tender grilled lamb, spicy beef brochettes, and mouthwatering fish tagines. Local Moroccans regularly line up and wait for choice seating on the panoramic rooftop terrace. Prices are a steal for the experience and quality of cooking. Alcohol is served.

Need a break from couscous? This chain of French restaurants provides some of the best traditional cuisine in town. Le Relais de Paris offers a prix-fixe and à la carte menu in a relaxing atmosphere overlooking Mt. Zerhoun and a lovely garden. Gastronomic delights on offer include classic steak frites, braised lamb, eggplant-and-goat-cheese lasagna, and addictive chocolate profiteroles.

Seek out this lovely family-run restaurant in the heart of the medina serving incredibly delicious cuisine with warm smiles in an authentic traditional atmosphere. The selection of Moroccan salads, spicy harira soup, and couscous or tagine are part of a set menu that finishes off with mint tea and honey-laden pastries. As an added bonus the prices are attractively low.

Traditional Moroccan fare—choose from an à la carte or set menu—is prepared with fresh produce from the souk and served at candlelit tables in this riad’s pretty courtyard. Typical dishes include hearty harira, an array of salads, and tasty tagines. Nonguests are welcome to drop in and enjoy the Moroccan afternoon tea but should book in advance for dinner. No alcohol is served.