If you’re anything like me, every travel must come with good food. Wondering where to eat in Marrakech? Then this article is for you. Marrakech has a lot of hidden gems across the city, and it’s just a matter of knowing where to find them. Tucked inside the labyrinth of the medina, you’d find more traditional local eateries and hidden riads, whereas the Gueliz area presents more modern and trendier options. In this article, we’ve rounded up some of the best places to eat in Marrakech, featuring a mix of traditional Moroccan restaurants and modern cafes for your foodie bucket list. For restaurants, reservations are highly recommended to avoid disappointment.
Where to Eat in Marrakech
Sahbi Sahbi
Meaning ‘soul-sisters’ in Moroccan Darija, Sahbi Sahbi is a modern Moroccan restaurant run by an all-women team. The menu features traditional Moroccan cuisine with a contemporary approach, all skillfully prepared in their open kitchen. It is known to have an amazing ambience and beautifully warm interiors with a touch of luxury.
Location: Gueliz
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Al Fassia
Translating as “the women of Fez”, Al Fassia is a women-run restaurant in the Gueliz area of Marrakech. It specialises in regional Moroccan cuisine from Fez, and is particularly well-known for its Pigeon Pastilla and Roast Lamb Shoulder (pre-order required).
Location: Gueliz
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Bacha Coffee House
Bacha Coffee House is known as the most beautiful cafe in Marrakech, located in the beautiful Dar el Bacha Palace. It’s a cafe dedicated to coffee lovers, with over 200 coffee options from 30 producing countries to choose from. Long queues are expected, and it is generally recommended to get there before 10 am to secure a table. You can also pop your name down on the waiting list and then spend some time touring the beautiful gardens at Dar el Bacha Palace while you wait.
Location: Medina (Dar el Bacha Palace)
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1112 Teahouse
This is one for the tea lovers. 1112 Teahouse is Morocco’s first and only teahouse experience, and it is set inside a beautifully restored 18th-century riad near the Madrasa Ben Youssef. There are 12 teas on the menu that are inspired by 12 different regions across Morocco. There’s also a gallery museum section showcasing rare British silverware, Moroccan artisanal pieces, regional tea tools, etc. It’s a beautiful oasis in the medina and definitely worth visiting.
Location: Medina
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Dar Yacout
Dar Yacout is one of the oldest guest tables and most iconic dining venues in Marrakech. It is possibly one of the most romantic restaurants in Marrakech, featuring splendid decor, an elegant atmosphere, and live traditional music. The restaurant is known for its authentic royal Moroccan feasts, starting with a variety of Moroccan salads, followed by glorious main dishes, and desserts to finish.
Location: Medina
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Maison Amaj
If you’re a coffee and pastry lover, then you must check out Maison Amaj. The patisserie is located in Gueliz, with beautiful aesthetics, serving freshly baked pastries, stunning cakes, and specialty coffee. Additionally, they also have a lovely brunch menu.
Location: Gueliz
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Chez Lamine Hadj Mustapha
Nothing puts a stamp of approval on your restaurant more than a visit and praise from Gordon Ramsay himself. Chez Lamine is a legendary local eatery located just off Jemaa el Fna at the Ablouh Kessabine Souk, founded by a former royal chef who served King Hassan II. It’s a meat lover’s place, lamb specifically, renowned for its spit-roasted whole lamb that’s slow-cooked underground, i.e. Mechoui, and their Tangia.
Location: Jemaa el Fna (Ablouh Kessabine Souk)
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Chez Bismilah SAND Coffee
Brewing coffee in hot sand is a technique that originates in Turkey, but there’s a spot in Marrakech that does this exact type of Turkish-style coffee with a Moroccan touch that you ought to try. Chez Bismilah is located at the Semmarine Souk and makes beautiful sand coffee. It uses traditional Saharian coffee and brews it with various spices. It’s a must-try for coffee lovers.
Location: Medina (Semmarine Souk)
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L’mida Rooftop
Rooftop dining in the medina is a bucket list activity when in Marrakech. L’mida is the highest rooftop restaurant in the medina, serving fusion Moroccan food. Even if you’re not hungry, it’s still worthwhile to visit and enjoy the spectacular views of the medina & Atlas mountains in the backdrop with a soothing cup of Moroccan mint tea or L’mida’s signature fruit mocktail in hand.
Location: Medina
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Cafe des Epices
Cafe des Epices is a very popular restaurant in the medina for decades and is particularly known for its beautiful rooftop terrace that overlooks the famous spices square. Their menu features a diverse range of dishes, including traditional Moroccan Beldi breakfast, sandwiches, tagines, mocktails, and fresh juices.
Location: Medina
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Cafe Clock
Have you ever tried a Camel Burger? If you’re down for it, then check out Cafe Clock in Marrakech. They started in Fez, and their popularity allowed them to expand into Marrakech & Chefchaouen. We tried them in Fez, and in my opinion, the camel meat tasted pretty similar to veal or venison, and was leaner to taste compared to beef or lamb.
Location: Kasbah
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Grand Café de la Poste
Built in 1925 as a cafe of a post office, Grand Café de la Poste is going to impress you with its colonial charm. It is a charismatic French brasserie that offers classic French dishes and some local Moroccan favourites.
Location: Gueliz
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La Maison Arabe
The restaurant at the La Maison Arabe hotel has hosted many famous guests, including Winston Churchill, Ernest Hemingway, Jackie Kennedy, Gaulle, the Queen of Denmark, Elizabeth Taylor, and Rita Hayworth. It boasts a seductively romantic setting, with Arab-Andalusian live music played throughout the evening. Its Jazz Bar is particularly renowned, where everyone recommends popping by for a drink before dining.
Location: Medina
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