Before a trip we do extensive research into where to eat because for us food is a huge part of getting to know a place. Here is our list of where we would eat again in Marrakesh (including some local recommendations – even better!).
We cover where to eat but also ‘what’ to eat. There’s also a bonus suggestion of a foodie related activity whilst in Marrakesh towards the end!
- Where to eat breakfast in Marrakesh
- Where to eat lunch in Marrakesh
- Where to eat dinner in Marrakesh
- Bonus foodie activity
Where to eat Breakfast in Marrakesh
We were lucky enough to have a delicious breakfast included with our stay at Riad El Marah. It was served on the peaceful roof terrace each morning allowing us to sample some local food (and spreads); all homemade! One morning we even had homemade yoghurt with a drizzle of honey. The host would always explain to us what everything was and what it went best with (like their homemade peanut butter).
Here, we also got to try Msemen (Moroccan pancakes) which I was chuffed about having read all about them! The best part was, we never felt rushed and it was a peaceful start to the day. Each day we had a variety of food to try too so it never got boring.
Bacha Coffee
A trip to Bacha coffee is well worth it – it’s both a place for coffee/food and a museum (and a chance to see some mind-blowing Moroccan design). They serve over 200 varieties of coffee from all over the world, and you can get single-origin or expert blends.
It opens every day at 10, but we recommend you get there between 9:30-9:45 because the queue gets huge! We went later in the day earlier on in our trip and were told there was a two hour wait so opted out and returned another day.
The cafe is within the old Dar el Bacha Palace so is a great opportunity to look at traditional Moroccan design. They’ve turned it into a museum with several rooms (including an old Hammam) dedicated to ancient methods of design such as wood carvings.
I actually really enjoyed the museum and didn’t mind the wait for the cafe whatsoever!
Where to eat lunch in Marrakesh
There are loads of quick and easy food on-the-go style lunches available in Marrakesh. However, if you fancy a break from the souks we’ve also got you covered as we found some relaxing rooftop terraces with great views (and food).
Dune Rooftop
We found this one by chance but ended up going back a couple of times we loved it that much. Dune has a stunning view and catches some serious afternoon sun. It was the perfect place to relax on their comfy seating after a busy day.
There is a secret to this one! Once you arrive on their rooftop, look for the hidden stairs going up to a smaller terrace with incredible views stretching to the Atlas Mountains.
We tried the Harira soup, the Cous Cous, the Beef Tangia (all a must when in Morocco), and the krunchy burger. All of it was lovely, and the prices were great too (mains are generally between 70-80 MAD!). They even do a lunch deal of 3 courses for 90MAD (spot this on the blackboard as you come in the main door).
Check out their menu here
Chez Hicham (or any of the sandwich stalls on this row on Derb Dabachi)
Just off Jemaa el-Fnaa square this particular path through the souk is busy with street food stalls. At night, you can barely move through the crowds of locals (a sign of seriously good food).
There are 4/5 stalls in a row serving up these huge bread rolls with a variety of options (meat and veggie options), for just 15 MAD (€1.50).
We shared one for a snack one day and it was jam-packed with flavour. If it wasn’t on our last day, we’d have gone back daily!
Chez Lamine Hadj Mustapha (on Lamb Alley)
We had heard about the lamb in Marrakesh that was slow-roasted underground and we simply had to try it! You’ll find Lamb Alley just off Jamaa el-Fnaa square. You’ll know you’ve hit it when the smell of lamb is wafting through and you see some crowds of locals.
The whole street looks like it feeds into a couple of joint restaurant spaces. We took a table in a beautifully decorated room upstairs. On the way in you’ll see some familiar faces plastered on the visitor photo wall – the likes of Jamie Oliver, and Gorden Ramsey among others!
You order the roasted lamb by the kilo. Not really sure what a whole kilo would look like, we opted for a half kilo between us (we were going to a Hammam afterwards!). This was perfect for lunch and cost us just 130MAD between us.
The lamb comes on the bone, with fresh bread on the side, and the showstopper for me was the cumin and salt rub you can dip the lamb into. I’m salivating just thinking about it!
We tried with forks, but after looking around at the locals it became clear hands were the way; and much more effective at that.
A must-try experience if you’re a meat-eater in Marrakesh.
Taj’in Darna
Our free walking tour guide recommended here for a nice place to eat with a great view of the main square.
We shared the chicken and almond pastilla (you must try this at least once!) and a mixed local starter (including briouates – again a must try).
Where to eat dinner in Marrakesh
L’Mida
We chose to come to L’mida for my birthday meal. It has a stunning roof terrace which has a gorgeous sunset view.
The food is traditional with modern twists and we shared Lamb Tanjia ravioli & cheese briouates to start which were both to die for. We both opted for a spiced burger for our mains.
The food was brilliant and the atmosphere was relaxed – it was definitely one of our favourite spots.
Limoni
When you’ve travelled to Naples you basically have to leave promising it you will never eat and/or recommend a subpar pizza again as long as you live.
Luckily Limoni delivered!
We went here after our trip to the desert as a change and we were bowled over by its picturesque courtyard setting. The pizza (and Calzone) did not disappoint. We highly recommend if you’re in search of international food whilst in Marrakesh.
Cafe de France
Head to Cafe de France in the main square for a stunning sunset view. It gets really busy but you should be able to get a table if you arrive 15-30 minutes earlier.
We enjoyed a juice whilst watching the sunset over the city. We didn’t eat there but would definitely recommend going for a drink at sunset.
Be warned that although the view is well worth it, it does come with some annoying side effects (i.e. people stood up obliviously right in front of your table taking pictures at multiple angles…)
Bonus foodie activity
When we’re away we love to do cooking classes so we can continue to savour the food we’ve loved and also enjoy reminiscing about our trips. We also try our best to travel intentionally and like to seek out local social enterprises to visit.
We did a cooking class at Amal (meaning hope in Arabic) and learnt to make a Lamb Tagine and a Chicken and Almond Pastilla.
Amal gives free culinary training courses to disadvantaged women and supports them to reach their employment goals following this. They also provide vital support to villages following the recent earthquake, and provide employment opportunities for the deaf community.
Part of the way they fund this work is by offering these cooking classes.
It was amazing to hear more about their work. Amal is female-founded and it’s spreading awareness all the time within the community via word of mouth, often by women which I found inspiring.
We spent half a day learning the cooking techniques and I got to cook my tagine in the traditional way outside. The grounds are lovely and relaxed and even complete with their own vegetable and herb garden so you know everything is super fresh. Our teacher even took the time to show us how Moroccan tea is prepared and shared her own stories about her families traditions around tea.
After the class they send out recipes so you can re-create the meals you’ve learnt at home too. Highly recommend!