Marrakech is a city of souks, spices, and sensational food. A place where the scents of cumin and coriander waft through the air and tagines are as ubiquitous as the hustle and bustle of the Medina. If you’re in need of a weekend escape that’s equal parts adventure and indulgence, then Marrakech is the perfect destination. And let’s be real, the only thing better than exploring the souks and getting lost in the Medina is stuffing your face with some of the most amazing food in the world.
But where to start?
Fear not, fellow foodies! I’ve got you covered with a list of some of the best places to eat in Marrakech.
From breakfast to dinner, I’ve got the inside scoop on where to go to satisfy your taste buds.
El Fenn
No visit to Marrakech is complete without experiencing the city’s incredible breakfast culture, and El Fenn is one of the best places to start your day. Although I have to warn you that the service can be quite slow so don’t be in a rush if you go (I promise it’s worth the wait).
This luxurious riad hotel, nestled in the heart of the Medina, offers a sumptuous breakfast spread that includes traditional Moroccan pancakes, pastries, fresh fruits, yogurts, and eggs cooked to order. Served in the stunning rooftop with a backdrop of the Atlas Mountains, El Fenn’s breakfast is a feast for the senses. Plus, if you’re looking for a little extra indulgence, you can enjoy a glass of bubbly with your meal.
El Fenn
Derb Moulay Abdullah Ben Hezzian, 2, Marrakesh 40000, Morocco
Breakfast from 8 a.m. onwards
Breakfast offerings range from 13 euros to 60 euros
L’Mida
Located in the heart of the Medina, L’Mida is a modern Moroccan restaurant that serves a fusion of traditional and contemporary dishes. The restaurant’s decor is sleek and modern, with a minimalist color scheme that allows the food to take center stage. Some of the standout dishes include the braised lamb shank with honey and spices, the slow-cooked beef cheeks with a confit of onions, and the chickpea and vegetable tagine. The restaurant also offers a selection of Moroccan wines and cocktails, making it an excellent spot for an evening meal.
L’Mida
78 bis Derb Nkhel Rahba Kdima, Marrakesh 40030, Morocco
Open from noon until 10:30 p.m. everyday
Prices range from 6 euros to 13 euros
Le Jardin
Le Jardin is a beautiful oasis in the middle of Marrakech’s bustling Medina. This lush garden restaurant is set in a stunning courtyard, with tables nestled among orange trees, palms, and cacti. The menu features
traditional Moroccan cuisine, including tagines, couscous, and grilled meats. Don’t miss the chicken tagine with preserved lemons and olives, which is a house specialty.
Le Jardin is an ideal spot for a leisurely lunch, with plenty of shade to escape the heat of the sun. Beware though, they don’t sell alcohol.
Le Jardin
32 Souk Jeld Sidi Abdelaziz, Marrakesh 40000, Morocco
Open from 10 a.m. until 11 p.m. everyday
Prices range from 2 euros to 12 euros
La Terrasse des Épices
La Terrasse des Épices is a rooftop restaurant located in the heart of the Medina, offering panoramic views of Marrakech’s old city. The menu features a range of traditional Moroccan dishes, including tagines, couscous, and grilled meats. The standout dish is the seafood pastilla, a savory pie filled with spiced fish and seafood.
The restaurant also has an extensive wine list, with a selection of Moroccan and French wines to choose from. The rooftop terrace is the perfect place to watch the sunset over the Medina while enjoying a delicious meal, and I have honestly rarely seen waiting staff so competent and energetic.
La Terrasse des Épices
Sidi Abdel Aziz، 15 souk cherifia, Marrakesh 40000, Morocco
Open from 12-5pm, 6:30 p.m. – midnight everyday.
Prices range from 5 euros to 15 euros
Sahbi Sahbi
Sahbi Sahbi is a small restaurant located in the heart of Marrakech’s Gueliz neighborhood, run exclusively by women, from the kitchen to the waiting staff. The menu features a range of Moroccan and Mediterranean dishes including grilled meats, seafood, and pasta, and it was the most savoury food I ate whilst in Marrakech.
The standout dish is the grilled lamb chops, which are perfectly cooked and seasoned with Moroccan spices. The restaurant also has a great selection of cocktails and wines, making it an excellent spot for a night out. The atmosphere is cozy and intimate, with incredibly friendly staff who are happy to offer recommendations.
Sahbi Sahbi
37 Bd el Mansour Eddahbi, Marrakech 40000, Morocco
Open from 7:30 p.m. until 1 a.m., closed on Mondays
Prices: Variable
I think I’ve convinced you that it’s time to spice things up (pun intended) with a weekend in Marrakech. It is less authentic than it was 10 years ago, but it remains a vibrant and exhilarating place.
This city is a breath of fresh air, but instead of oxygen, you get a whiff of exotic spices and tantalizing aromas. The food alone is reason enough to visit, with its rich flavors and bold spices that will make your taste buds dance.
So if you’re looking for a weekend of adventure, flavor, and a whole lot of fun, Marrakech is waiting for you with open arms – and a steaming cup of mint tea.
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Charlotte Laborie grew up in England, Belgium and Switzerland. Charlotte then moved to Paris and graduated from Sciences Po Paris. She is still based in Paris, where she works in marketing.
