Morocco’s food scene is abuzz at the moment and it’s not hard to see where all the buzz is coming from, with new and inspiring restaurants popping up all over the country. Let’s face it, Morocco has always been at the top of the foodie’s must-visit list. But it’s a new wave of fusion cooking and cultural dialogue that’s at the heart of this gastronomy upheaval, and Morocco seems to be waking up to the creative reimagining of traditional dining experiences that are happening in innovative restaurants around the world. best restaurants in Marrakech and beyond, intrepid travelers are looking for great places to eat.
Restaurants across the country are finding their own answers to creating an experience that stays true to Moroccan roots, but with a modern twist – from pop-ups to fine dining to science lab cooking. Morocco’s imperial cities are beginning to offer options that offer something a little different from the traditional, from the creative ‘chefs on sabbatical’ idea behind Resto Numero 7 in Fez to the fusion cuisine at Nomad in Marrakech.
As you might expect, Marrakech is at the forefront of this ever-evolving mix of old and new, which in itself is an exciting reason to visit the iconic red city! So, with that in mind, here’s a short list of where we suggest you stop off when you’re ready to start exploring Morocco’s jewel.
The best restaurants in Marrakech
The Amal women’s restaurant and training center
Amal is a relatively new restaurant that has arrived without much fanfare, but has been the recipient of award after award for its innovative, ethical and creative philosophy. The food is exceptionally fresh and value for money. But one of the most inspiring things about Amal is its story and concept. Amal is the Arabic word for hope, and the restaurant was set up with the primary aim of training disadvantaged women in the skills of catering and hospitality. The menu changes daily according to what’s available in the markets, meaning the women working in the kitchens master a repertoire of dishes, while the principle of keeping things fresh, tasty and simple is central to Amal’s cuisine. Expect traditional Moroccan and fusion dishes such as Moroccan salads, goat cheese platters, gazpacho soups, beef stir-fries, chicken & preserved lemon tagines, sfa or European classics such as foie gras with mashed potatoes and a peppercorn cream sauce. Friday’s special is, of course, couscous.
The best restaurant is in a renovated villa in the Gueliz hospital district, a more modern side of Marrakech that makes for an interesting taxi ride through a new neighborhood en route from the old medina. Inside, the atmosphere is a world away from the hustle and bustle of the streets, while the brightly coloured indoor seating area is a welcome respite from the rain.
Nomads: best Marrakech restaurants
Nomad has perhaps one of the best examples of a modern Moroccan menu in Marrakech at the moment and is a must for any gourmet adventure in the ochre-coloured city. Nomad is causing a bit of a stir in Marrakech’s food scene by fusing traditional local dishes with international cuisine and regularly hosting weekend pop-ups featuring chefs from around the world (including nights by the chefs on sabbatical at Numero 7 in Fez). Think chic and trendy, yet warm and cosy, and prepare seasonal and innovative food, with every dish on the menu having a modern Moroccan twist.
In fact, the main reason why Nomad has created such a buzz is its innovative menu. Creative and dynamic, starters include a delicious shaved cauliflower and fennel salad with fresh herbs and toasted almonds, and a Moroccan pastilla stuffed with spiced vegetables, goat’s cheese, and caramelized tomato confit. The main course is just as tempting. Calamari fresh off the boat from Agadir, marinated in a cumin anchovy, ginger, and harissa sauce, served with braised fennel and cherry tomatoes. If seafood isn’t your thing, how about lamb kebabs with cumin-marinated lamb served with aubergine, olive, and red pepper relish? Any room for dessert? It’s a tough choice. There’s a flourless orange cake with caramelized orange zest and a yogurt panna cotta with whipped cream and hibiscus, glazed with seasonal spiced fruit.
Located in the heart of Marrakech’s souks, the restaurant is tucked away in a discreet corner of Rahba Kadima (Spice Square). The sleek roof terrace, with its stunning views of the spice market and the Medina skyline, is another reason why this place has become such a hotspot. It also comes alive at night (it’s one of the few restaurants in the medina with an alcohol license) when decorative lanterns light up the terrace and cocktails are served.
The Maison Arabe: best Marrakech restaurants
La Maison Arabe is an exquisitely restored home in the heart of the Medina. The house is reminiscent of Morocco’s Almohad era. It is stylishly and lavishly decorated in an authentic Arab and Andalusian style. The restaurant, which is open to guests staying at the house and other travelers alike, offers a unique and refined dining experience. This is classic Marrakech fine dining. It is well suited to those seeking a more traditional dining experience, refined with modern tastes.
Choose to dine beneath a mesmerizing hand-painted zouaké ceiling, surrounded by warm tadelakt walls, or in the flower-filled courtyard garden, which surrounds a picturesque swimming pool and fountain. Dinner is almost always accompanied by Arab-Andalusian music played on lute and guitar. A stroll through the house and gardens, which are open to all, provides a great insight into different periods of Morocco. The Piano Bar has its own intimate setting, where the walls are covered in ‘Havana’ coloured leather panels and a resident pianist plays classic jazz tunes while the barman mixes your favourite drink – all in an ambience reminiscent of a luxurious private club from the 1930s. Guests can enjoy delicious Moroccan and Asian-inspired tapas and canapés before dinner.
Without being too heavy-handed, the menu is exclusively Moroccan. However, international specialties do appear, such as home-made gnocchi as a main course or smoked salmon and cream cheese as a starter. The hotel’s world-famous cooking workshops are available for those who wish to discover the secrets of Moroccan cuisine. Held at the hotel, the workshops are taught by a dada (traditional Moroccan cook) or a chef from our best restaurants in Marrakech.
With the phrase “Latitude 31 is not a Moroccan restaurant…at least not in the conventional way” on the website’s homepage, it’s easy to see the contemporary vibe behind this new establishment. As refreshing as an oasis in the desert, Latitude 31 is an exotic garden space in the old medina. It’s quiet, enclosed dining experience offers artfully presented dishes, constantly surprising guests with modern takes on traditional classics.
At the heart of the menu is a blend of traditional and modern Moroccan cuisine. Preserving traditional recipes is obviously a priority for Latitude 31. However, the chefs have also added a twist to allow guests to discover a new era of Moroccan cuisine. Starters include a trio of gazpacho, a seafood pastilla with fish breadcrumbs, and a trio of briquettes, the signature dish. The main courses continue to offer modern takes on tried and tested classics, such as the house version of Marrakech lamb with raisins, almonds, and honey, roast sea bass with saffron risotto, and chicken medallions stuffed with nuts, red pepper sauce, and olive caramel. Desserts include chocolate fondant, cardamom and amlou flavoured crème brûlée, an assortment of panna cottas, kaab el ghazl (Moroccan almond paste) and sweet pastilla filled with dates, ginger and apple.
The best restaurant is not licensed to serve alcohol, but that just gives the chefs and bartenders another opportunity to get creative, with a range of tasty ‘virgin cocktails’ on the menu, including; Sex on the Beach (a select blend of orange, cranberry and peach juice) and a BoraBora (passion fruit, pineapple and lemon juice).
Cafe Clock
The great diversity for which Morocco is celebrated is embodied by Cafe Clock. With two locations, one in Fez and one in Marrakech, both offer a chilled-out place to kick back, relax, catch up on the latest happenings and dine on decent, honest, home-cooked food. Clock is famous for its camel burger. It offers an interesting mix of simple but well-made dishes, with plenty of vegetarian options.
The myriad of workshops and activities that take place here reflect the creative and social vibe behind the cafe. From cooking classes to traditional storytelling (led by master storyteller Hajj Ahmed), cinema nights to art exhibitions and calligraphy classes, a visit to Cafe Clock is best combined with a workshop or two, making for a great afternoon activity to add to your Marrakech (or Fez) itinerary.
Combining and celebrating the rich traditions and playful manifestations of modern Moroccan culture, Cafe Clock prides itself on this. It is clear that this is a place to enjoy great food in a relaxed and creative atmosphere as soon as you enter and are greeted by the friendly and helpful staff. This is one of the few places in Marrakech where you can meet other travelers and locals alike, with sunny rooftop terraces, libraries, and great spaces for socializing! You are welcome to strike up a conversation with a fellow traveler by chance here. Swap stories and engage in cultural dialogue, indulge in the arts, take part in a group workshop, or just relax with a mint tea on the roof terrace. Whether you come for a workshop or a quick bite to eat, you’ll feel welcome in this friendly space. After seeing the smiles the place seems to bring, you’re sure to join in one way or another in this joyful exchange of ideas, beats, stories, laughter, harmony, and movement.
The Henna Art Cafe
Perfect for a well-deserved break from the hustle and bustle of the Jemma El Fna, Henna Art Cafe is a quirky spot. Easy to find and home to some inspiring artwork to refresh the mind, the cafe is just a 3-minute walk from Marrakech’s most iconic square. Art and creativity are at the heart of the cafe’s philosophy. Henna Art Cafe constantly exhibits and sells artwork by local and international artists. All profits from the sale of artwork, prints, postcards, and handicraft products in the café go directly to the artists, who very often previously had difficulty finding a space to exhibit their work in Marrakech. Lori Gordon, an artist originally from New Orleans, and Rachid Karkouch, a Marrakech native, founded and renovated the café from the ground up. Both Lori and Rachid are very friendly and interesting characters – a visit to the café is worthwhile just to meet them and experience their passion for art and community. The café also has a resident henna artist who will design and apply henna patterns for you while you sit back and enjoy the artwork over freshly squeezed orange juice – a much safer and less stressful way to get your henna done than in the middle of the square!
On many tourist itineraries, Marrakech is an important stop. If you are interested in a non-traditional experience during your visit to Morocco, we can be of assistance! Our team will create a tailor-made itinerary for each guest to ensure that you get to see, do and eat exactly what you want. Give us a call today to get you started on your adventure.
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