This year, Morocco is classified as the second-best gastronomy cuisine in the world. Moroccan cuisine has been considered one of the most diverse in the world since ancient times.
The reason is due to Morocco’s interaction with the outside world for centuries, as it is a mixture of Amazigh, Arab, and Maghreb cuisine in the Middle East, the Mediterranean, and Africa. You cannot go to Morocco without tasting its delicious cuisine. This country is filled with flavors and spices that you cannot skip once you are there.
From tea mints to some of the most delectable Tajines and Couscous, you will have many things to try on your passage to Morocco. In this article, you will find some of the most recommendable restaurants you should try whilst visiting Marrakech, Casablanca, Chefchaouen and Tanger.
Where to find the best food in Marrakech
1. Dar Essalam
An authentic restaurant with several years of perfectly preserved stories, the Dar Essalam is the heart of the medina where tradition and modernity merge. Winston Churchill, Charles Trenet, and Alfred Hitchcock enjoyed the refinements of Moroccan cuisine, with oriental songs and dances. Change of scenery guaranteed.
To serve you better, the restaurant has several rooms adapted to demand, each with its architectural particularity and history. The restaurant possesses different salon for different purposes. For instance, the salon K’Dim is the oldest and most refined, dating from the 17th century, it is exceptional both by its great standards of Islamic art and by the richness of its ceilings and doors. For example, Alfred Hitchcock’s film «The man who knew too much» was shot.
2. La cantine des gazelles
An excellent attraction for visitors who eat here after a long walk. Moroccan cuisine led by a great chef is wonderful here. You can eat a tasty tajine here. It’s a great idea to order a perfect delectable. You should try delicious mojitos and their coffee.
A well-placed restaurant that you can access by any transport. Imagine combining a delicious dish with a cute staff, this is exactly what this place offers you. A nice decor and a quiet atmosphere allow guests to relax. The prices are affordable in this restaurant.
3. Zeitoun
A panoramic terrace, where you can enjoy the Jemâa el Fna square while enjoying mint tea, fresh fruit juice, or ice cream. This restaurant is a privileged place for tourists, but its cuisine and atmosphere are sought after by the Marrakchi. Moreover, it is famous in Jemaa El Fna and it’s a great spot for Instagram pictures at sunset.
Moroccan cuisine, in the purest tradition, that you can enjoy throughout the day.
4. Nomad
Nomad is a modern Moroccan restaurant, located in the heart of the Medina at Rahba Kedima Square. Furthermore, it has a rooftop bar and is a great spot to take some pictures as it offers a great view over the Medina. Nomad restaurant offers both traditional and international food revisited the Moroccan way.
With very tasty food and drinks, great service, and a lovely ambiance, it is no surprise that Nomad is a popular Marrakech rooftop. Reservations are highly recommended, thus make sure to ask for a spot on the top terrace.
5. Café des épices
Known by travelers from all over the world, Café des épices is the must-see spot in the heart of Marrakech’s souks. Nestled in one of the typical squares of the medina, the Café was a pioneer of the new Marrakechie kitchen scene, offering simple cuisine and refreshing drinks at any time of my day, from breakfast to dinner.
Where to find best food in Casablanca
1. Cabestan
The Cabestan has left its mark for decades thanks to its culinary tradition and unparalleled service. This sublime landscape of the Atlantic Ocean and the Casablanca coast makes the Cabestan Ocean View a timeless, mythical, and unmissable place.
It quickly became the meeting place for artists, politicians, businessmen, and crowned heads from all horizons.
2. La Sqala
Founded in 2002 and located behind the walls of the old medina in a fortified bastion of the seventeenth century, the Moorish restaurant-café is open every day of the week.
Moreover, La Sqala offers typical Moroccan cuisine with fresh and high-quality products as well as a living space and cultural entertainment, where everyone can enjoy the sumptuous Andalusian garden and attend an oriental music recital.
Furthermore, it has become a meeting place for Casablanca and tourists in search of calm and serenity, in the heart of the historic district of the Medina of Casablanca.
3. Dar Dada
This gem is located a few steps from the “Arsa” garden in the medina, Dar Dada Casablanca is a restaurant that promises many surprises. Nestled in a charming riad, it values the Moroccan tradition.
Dar Dada Casablanca takes us, from the outset, on a journey through time. Featuring an authentic fountain with patinated zelliges, the entrance provides a traditional welcome with a glass of tea.
3. Gatsby
When you are at Gatsby, you can enjoy the extraordinary view from there. Quick service is always a pleasure. In this place, you can enjoy a delightful atmosphere and modern decor. The delicious dishes are at an affordable price.
4. Le Medina
For lovers of Moroccan food, it is the place to be tajines and Moroccan dishes are tasty and the produce is fresh. Moroccan salads (of all kinds) are available every day. A favorite for mint tea and orange blossom Jawhara: a pure olfactory journey that will make you come back very often.
Where to eat in Tanger
1. Cafe Hafa
If you want to have some Moroccan mint tea with a great view, Café Hafa is the place to be. This legendary coffee shop is located in Tangier, Morocco, on a cliff overlooking Tangier Bay.
Located on a cliff, Café Hafa offers a magnificent view over the ocean. Its location, atmosphere, and famous mint tea have attracted many visitors.
2. El Tangerino
Located on a cliff, Café Hafa offers magnificent views of the ocean. Its location, atmosphere and famous mint tea have attracted many visitors.
The menu includes many wonderful dishes of Spanish, prepared from the best types of fish and vegetables. For instance, seafood platter consisting of shrimp, calamari, and fried sardines served with lemons, a delicious Spanish paella consisting of rice, seafood, Spanish sausage, and spices, shrimp dishes with tomato sauce, and grilled sea bream dish served with vegetables, in addition to Spanish tapas appetizers. This restaurant is famous for its beautiful elegant classic seats with a distinctive modern touch of subdued lighting and beautiful decorations.
3. Saveur du poisson
One of the most authentic restaurants in Tangier. Besides, this place was created in 1993, since then, Hassan and his father Mohamed Balhadj liven up the place. It’s very original menu around a fish grilled over a wood fire (wolf, turbot, soil, Saint-Pierre) with fish and barley soup, fresh spinach with seafood and to finish the «honeymoon cake» with strawberries, pomegranates, figs… a delicacy. It is all watered down by the “magic drink” based on fruit: grapes, figs, locust beans, quince…
4. Las Chiqas Concept Store
Located at the gates of the Tangier Kasbah, Las Chicas is an atypical place that opened its doors in 2012. Ayda Diouri and Yasmine Durner, the two friends behind this project, combining design and craftsmanship, were and remain determined to support the “made in Morocco”.
In this space, we find everything but above all beautiful, unusual, all signed by young Moroccan designers. And if you ever want to take a gourmet break, stop by the tearoom upstairs to drink juice, nibble on a “lalla croque” or “sidi”, taste the delicious dish of the day or the homemade desserts.
6. Le salon bleu
The restaurant Le Salon Bleu is part of the Dar Nour guest house. The property overlooks the town and the bay of Tangiers. The restaurant is a small maritime house offering Mediterranean and Moroccan cuisine. The Salon Bleu is ideal for lunch on the terraces, tea with friends in the lounges, or dinner with fish and tagine in front of the Sultan’s palace.
In addition, the menu is rich and varied, it offers fresh, new, and sometimes unexpected flavors such as the mint pea salad or the calamari tagine with candied tomatoes. The atmosphere is relaxing and family. The quality/price ratio is very interesting.
Where to eat in Chefchaouen
1. Morisco
The Morisco is the restaurant that has the most beautiful high aerial terrace directly on the square of Chefchaouen. The terrace, where one climbs by an internal staircase, is dominant on the kasbah, on the second level of the house. The meat tagine was with a good piece of lamb: what to eat. Efficient and friendly service.
2. Café Clock
Cross- Cultural Cafe in the medina of Chefchaouen serving Camel Burgers, Tagines, Salads, Milkshakes and great Coffee. Live Music, Cooking School, Calligraphy,