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$ | Medina |
It won't win prizes for design, but this cheap joint is perfect for a lunchtime or evening pit stop. Locals and visitors alike frequent this friendly little canteen just on the right before the road opens into Djemâa el Fna. Tagine pots stand two rows deep on the street stall outside, and a barbecue sizzles away. There are much more interesting specialties available on the menu than some of the other little snack-restaurants, including spiced aubergine tagine, sardine tagine, and pastillas. It's cash only and there's no alcohol.
206, Riad Zitoune el Kdim, Marrakesh, Marrakesh-Safi, Morocco
Known For
- <PRO>unconventional range of tagines</PRO>
- <PRO>authentic local street food</PRO>
Restaurant Details
Rate Includes: No credit cards
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$ | Guéliz |
Slightly more elegant than its hole-in-the-wall branch in the souks, Chez Lamine has a reputation for the best mechoui (whole roasted lamb) in town and couscous on Friday. Its street-side tables in Guéliz are regularly filled with Moroccan families on Friday and weekends; there's also inside seating. Apart from mouthwatering tagines, try the restaurant's other specialty, tangia marrakchia (lamb cooked very slowly for hours in earthenware jars). No alcohol.
Rue Ibn Aicha, Marrakesh, Marrakesh-Safi, Morocco
Known For
- <PRO>traditional mechoui (roasted lamb)</PRO>
- <PRO>popular with Moroccan families</PRO>
Restaurant Details
Rate Includes: Closed during Ramadan, No credit cards
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$ | Mellah |
Although the row of severed lambs' heads out front may not be everyone's idea of culinary heaven, Marrakshis love Chez Lamine Hadj Mustapha, and you'd be missing out not to try it. English TV chef Jamie Oliver chose this spit-and-sawdust street restaurant in a filming trip for a gutsy example of Moroccan roast lamb specialty, mechoui—it's served as a simple sandwich or as a laden plateful priced by weight.
Cash only.
18–26, Souk Ablouh, Marrakesh, Marrakesh-Safi, Morocco
Known For
- Authentic Marrakesh cuisine
- Rustic atmosphere
- There's a slightly more elegant outpost in Guéliz
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$$$ | Hivernage |
Snazzy, jazzy, and a little razamatazzy, Le Comptoir is a fusion of bar, club, and restaurant that's been a nighttime draw for hip Marrakshis and visitors since the turn of the 21st century. The restaurant serves Moroccan, international, and Asian dishes; it's expensive, but the main attraction isn't the food, it's the trendy atmosphere and free entertainment---live musicians, belly-dance cabaret (starting at 10:30 pm), and an upstairs DJ spinning chilled-out world-music vibes until 3 am. There's a small dance floor for those who want to swirl to the tunes.
Av. Echouhada, Marrakesh, Marrakesh-Safi, Morocco
Known For
- <PRO>hip and trendy venue</PRO>
- <PRO>live entertainment</PRO>
Restaurant Details
Rate Includes: Credit cards accepted
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$$ | Medina |
An airy 16th-century riad turned café turned library turned art gallery, Dar Cherifa is wonderfully airy spot to take a break from shopping for a pot of mint tea. They also have the occasional cultural evening, including poetry readings, traditional music, and storytelling.
8, Derb Cherfa Lakbir, Marrakesh, Marrakesh-Safi, Morocco
Restaurant Details
Rate Includes: Closed Wed. No dinner
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Recommended Fodor’s Video
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$$$$ | Medina |
You can dine on delicious adaptations of traditional dishes---such as tiny melt-in-the-mouth pastilla (sweet pigeon pie) filled with a vegetable puree---at this lovely restaurant with a reputation for nouvelle cuisine marocaine. Andalusian lutes and Gnaoua music accompany dinner, which is a fixed five-course tasting menu at 530 DH; lunch is à la carte, with a limited menu for children. Alcohol is served.
81, rue Dar el Bacha, Marrakesh, Marrakesh-Safi, Morocco
Known For
- Beautiful courtyard seating
- Modern Moroccan gastronomy
- Serves alcohol
Restaurant Details
Rate Includes: Reservations essential
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$ | Medina |
Vegetarians, vegans, and gluten-free diners may feel unloved in Marrakesh until they get to Earth Café, where they rule the roost. Generous portions are served all day at this wholesome little eatery that's tucked into a side alley near the main square. As you walk through to the seating areas out back you'll be tempted by the aromas swirling up from the open kitchen. Up the winding narrow stairs are cushioned seating alcoves with orange-painted walls and a balcony hung with tropical plants. A beetroot, ginger, and orange juice cocktail will perk you up, or try a satisfying flaky pastry stuffed with goat cheese, pumpkin, spinach, and apple. The only downside is that there isn't an open roof terrace, and as such it gets hot and rather claustrophobic. No alcohol is served, and it's cash only.
2, Derb Zouak, Marrakesh, Marrakesh-Safi, Morocco
Known For
- <PRO>the only place for vegetarians and vegans</PRO>
Restaurant Details
Rate Includes: No credit cards
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$$$$ | Medina |
The menu at the English-owned Gastro MK features exceptionally fine modern-Moroccan cuisine. The menu is a balance of Moroccan and European influences aiming to be light and subtle to tempt those who are "tagined out'"; dishes include cauliflower couscous with raisins and capers or a deconstructed tagine of beef fillet with herb mash and zucchini. A five-course tasting menu (650 DH per person) is available upon request. Complimentary canapés are served 30 minutes before dinner and after-dinner digestifs, cigars, or sheesha pipes can be requested. Arrive early for pre-dinner cocktails on the gorgeous terrace. The Gastro MK is in such high demand that advance bookings and payment of a deposit are essential.
14, Derb Lafkih Sebaii, Marrakesh, Marrakesh-Safi, Morocco
Known For
- <PRO>Moroccan fine dining</PRO>
- <PRO>boutique experience</PRO>
- <PRO>alcohol is served</PRO>
Restaurant Details
Rate Includes: Closed Wed.
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$ | Medina |
To the south of the square, this is a top choice for catching the sunset, but you'll have to compete for elbow room with all the amateur photographers who throng the best spot. Service is slow and soft drinks overpriced—but that's not unexpected for this bird's-eye view.
Marrakesh, Marrakesh-Safi, Morocco
Known For
- Closes relatively early (around 10 pm)
- Great views
- Crowded at prime time
Restaurant Details
Rate Includes: Expect to purchase something to visit the top terrace
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$ | |
If you want to eat with the locals, this is the perfect spot, though be forewarned that the menu is meat-only. Everything is ordered by weight and you'll get side dishes of olives as well as a tomato and onion salad. Expect a crowd around meal times but service and dining are quick.
Rue Beni Marine, Marrakesh, Marrakesh-Safi, Morocco
Known For
- Perfectly charcoal-grilled meats
- A go-to spot for locals
- Unpretentious, quick service
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$ | Guéliz |
This tiny restaurant on a side street of central Guéliz is run by India-native John Jinendrom, who imports spices, like masala, directly from Europe. This means authentic-tasting Indian halal cuisine at local prices, which is a rarity in Marrakesh. The menu offers traditional dishes like butter-chicken curry, but the real house specialty is Masala Dosa, a huge stuffed pancake filled with dhal and your choice of vegetables, meat, or chicken. There are also homemade samosas, naan breads, and Indian ginger milk tea. The setting is very simple with small sidewalk tables perfect for warm weather dining; life-size Bollywood movie-star posters adorn the walls of the often hot and cramped restaurant interior. It's cash only and there's no alcohol.
66, rue Tarik Ibn Ziad, Marrakesh, Marrakesh-Safi, Morocco
Known For
- <PRO>authentic Indian cuisine</PRO>
- <PRO>good value</PRO>
- <PRO>
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$$ | Kasbah |
Perfectly positioned just opposite the entrance to the Saadian tombs, this Spanish-owned café is a welcome retreat for those who find themselves "kasbahed-out" at the end of a trek through the monuments of Marrakesh. The menu features Moroccan standards, as well as pizza, salads, and a cool gazpacho. An ornate Andalusian archway modeled on the mosque at Cordoba opens into a three-level restaurant finished with beige tadlak (a traditional, shiny, smooth effect) walls, wrought-iron balustrades, and bejmat tiling. The prices are steep (pizzas 90 DH, tagines 130 DH), but the food is fresh and well presented, and the shaded terrace has a great view across to the Moulay el Yazid mosque in this up-and-coming area.
Rue de la Kasbah, Marrakesh, Marrakesh-Safi, Morocco
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$$ | Guéliz |
Bistro meets resto in this popular, affordable French eatery at the edge of Guéliz where service is warm and welcoming. The three-course set lunch menus are an exceptional value at 120 DH. In true Parisian style, the menu favors carnivores: foie gras, beefsteaks, braised lamb chops, and confit of duck, for example; homey country dishes such as salade Niçoise or Provençal fish soup, as well as tempting grilled swordfish, red mullet, and tuna might please the rest. There's a good wine list that includes French and Moroccan wines at reasonable prices. Choose the upstairs mezzanine dining area for a more intimate atmosphere; the downstairs bistro-style restaurant gets crowded.
14, rue Moulay Ali, Marrakesh, Marrakesh-Safi, Morocco
Known For
- <PRO>good value</PRO>
- <PRO>bistro-style menu</PRO>
Restaurant Details
Rate Includes: Closed Sat. lunch and Sun. dinner
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$$ | |
Just off the Rehba Kdima ("Spice Souk"), L'Mida is a pleasant spot serving a fresh, modern take on Moroccan flavors. There are plenty of meaty options, but vegetables get the royal treatment in dishes like a seven-vegetable vegan couscous and Amazigh gnocchi with chestnut butter and garlic confit.
78 bis, Derb Nkhal, Marrakesh, Marrakesh-Safi, 40000, Morocco
Known For
- Amazing rooftop views
- Unique desserts
- Modern Moroccan flavors
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$$ | Guéliz |
Parisian Michael Gabbay has been in the bistro business since he was 17 years old. He's brought this expertise and hands-on approach to Marrakesh creating a distinctly urban-styled, modern restaurant that attracts crowds of young Marrakshis as well as tourists and expats. The menu is a carnivore's dream with rib steaks, T-bones, fillets, and Halal "'bacon"' burgers taking pride of place, but there are vegetarian options as well. Check the "'blackboard specials'" as they change daily according to season and the whim of the chef. The hip retro-style 1950s industrial decor together with the deliciously meaty menu and live music on Friday and Saturday evenings means the place is packed, so it's best to book a table; lunchtime is best for families. Alcohol is served.
Rue Ibn Hanbal, Marrakesh, Marrakesh-Safi, Morocco
Known For
- <PRO>T-bone steaks and halal "bacon" burgers</PRO>
- <PRO>live music Friday and Saturday evenings</PRO>
- <PRO>lively atmosphere</PRO>
Restaurant Details
Rate Includes: No lunch weekends
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$$ | Guéliz |
Just beyond the fringes of Guéliz, this tiny Lebanese restaurant is a winner on all counts, serving tasty Lebanese food, with a warm welcome in a quirky, colorful setting. The fresh meze platters include hummus, tabbouleh, baba ghanoush, marinated chicken wings, stuffed Lebanese bread, and shawarma.
115b, Quartier el Ghoul, Marrakesh, Marrakesh-Safi, Morocco
Known For
- Good-value food but pricey drinks
- Cheerful ambience
- Nice garden
Restaurant Details
Rate Includes: Closed Sun.
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$$ | Medina |
In a tiny garden, off one of the medina's main shopping streets, the French owner serves a constantly changing menu derived from fresh local ingredients; think enormous main-course salads or pizzettas topped with anything from carrots and apples to raspberries, mint, and beetroot. Homemade cakes, fresh-brewed coffee, and freshly squeezed juices are served through the afternoon.
Come early as the main dish of the day usually sells out.
42, Riad Zitoun Jdid, Marrakesh, Marrakesh-Safi, Morocco
Known For
- Charming garden space
- Creative food
- No alcohol
Restaurant Details
Rate Includes: Closed Mon. No dinner
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$$$ | Guéliz |
The tables at this ever-popular Italian spot are tightly packed around the pool area and reservations are recommended if you want to eat the hallmark homemade ravioli and seafood pasta variations. Tapas and pre-dinner drinks can be enjoyed in the lush terrace bar, with jungle foliage in danger of dipping into your aperitif and background music courtesy of the resident pianist. Alcohol is served.
179, rue Mohammed el Béqal, Marrakesh, Marrakesh-Safi, Morocco
Known For
- Homemade pasta
- Relaxed atmosphere
- Beautiful inner garden
Restaurant Details
Rate Includes: Reservations essential
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$ | Guéliz |
This family-run and family-friendly eatery at the edge of Guéliz serves up tasty homemade French-style tarts and quiches, along with daily specials such as moussaka with salad. On Thursday the house special is English-style fish-and-chips, which are possibly the best in town. The French owners, Axel and Charlotte, are both delightful and you'll soon feel like part of the family. Fresh juices, and homemade cakes and desserts such as strawberry gâteau and lemon-meringue pie, are served in huge portions. It's cash only and there's no alcohol.
50, bd. Mohammed VI, Marrakesh, Marrakesh-Safi, Morocco
Known For
- <PRO>homemade quiches and tarts</PRO>
- <PRO>friendly service</PRO>
- <PRO>family-friendly</PRO>
Restaurant Details
Rate Includes: Closed Sun., no dinner
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$$ | Medina |
This French-run restaurant hidden at the souk's northern tip is regularly booked with upscale tourists and expats, and the candlelit roof terrace is a popular spot for balmy summer nights or predinner cocktails. The menu features traditional Moroccan fare as well as lighter international dishes such as sea-bass fillet served in a clam sauce, or vegetarian risotto. Originally an inn for passing merchants and their mounts, this three-story restored foundouk has a lot of original architectural features: solid old wooden beams, carved cedar ceilings, and wrought-iron balustrades around a central patio that opens to the sky, and it's decorated with statues and masks gathered from across West Africa. The ground-floor bar is open to nondiners.
As you approach on foot or from your taxi drop-off, avoid the insistent locals who will offer to "guide"' you to the restaurant; instead, look for the uniformed restaurant staff bearing lanterns, who will walk you to the restaurant (tip them 20 DH).
55, Souk Hal Fassi, Marrakesh, Marrakesh-Safi, Morocco
Known For
- Filled with character in a historic setting
- Intriguing international cuisine
- Serves alcohol
Restaurant Details
Rate Includes: Closed Wed. No lunch, Reservations essential