Where to Eat in Marrakech, Morocco

From pavement cafés to sunny rooftop terraces, Marrakech is home to a wealth of tempting places to eat, with menus offering a feast of globally inspired flavours alongside home-cooked heritage dishes

Flaky pastries chased with refreshing mint tea; hearty tagines zinged up with candied lemon; couscous infused with herbs and plump apricots: the Marrakech dining scene offers a true melting pot of Arabic, African and French flavours, with dazzling offerings from further afield, too (try Plus61 for local ingredients served on an Aussie-inspired menu). From street-food stalls to rooftop terraces via under-the-radar eateries, the city's main currency is tableside hospitality. Here's where to get your fill.

A lamb chop dish at Nomad restaurant, Marrakech

restaurant

Nomad

Situated just off spice square Rahba Lakdima, Nomad café is spread across four floors, but it's the terraces (particularly at sunset) you'll want to make a beeline for. With views of the surrounding medina and the Atlas Mountains, dining spots don't come much better - or buzzier - than this. Formerly an old carpet store, the building's interiors nod to its past, with colourful woollen cushions and carpets peppered throughout. Expect modern Moroccan food, with standout dishes including the organic chicken marinated in sweet harissa, and a hibiscus-infused panna cotta (the perfect pud).

Address

1 Derb Aarjane, 40000

The red and white interiors of Le Kilim's dining room

restaurant

Le Kilim

Le Kilim, in happening Guéliz, is open daily from 8am to 1am. Red zellige tiles dominate the space, with woven lamps and copper touches adding further decoration, while design details (cushions and stools, for example) dotted throughout nod to 21st-century Moroccan craftsmanship. Food-wise, there's the traditional breakfast - the shakshuka and pancakes stuffed with ricotta are both great - with lunchtime bringing the likes of falafel sandwiches, and a tagine of chicken with candied lemon. We like it most come suppertime, though, for its relaxed ambience and the artistic crowd that rocks up for an evening meal and some great vin.

Address

36 Angle Tarik Bnou, Ziad et Rue de la Liberté, 40000

Candy-striped terrace seating
Photo credit: Daniel Hack / El Fenn

restaurant

El Fenn

El Fenn is a must-visit when in Marrakech, whether you're planning on bedding down there or just passing through. Come golden hour, head out onto the vast rooftop terrace and lap up views of the Koutoubia Mosque, mojito in hand. The bar and restaurant are accessible to non-residents, with meals, bar snacks and drinks available from noon until 10pm. Mediterranean-Moroccan menus are based on what's in season, and the jewel-coloured dining space is a real knockout in itself. High above the medina, it's an enchanting setting, where low-key romance is served on tap as twinkling stars kick in come nightfall.

Address

2 Derb Moulay Abdullah Ben Hezzian, 40000

Female staff at Amal Women's Training Center

restaurant

Amal Women’s Training Centre

For lunchtime traditional couscous with a social conscience, head here. With a philanthropic mission as its guiding light, this popular Guéliz eatery serves up an ever-changing menu of Moroccan dishes in a simple, no-frills dining space. Order a creamy vegetarian tagine with a cup of homemade lemonade and you'll be supporting the livelihoods of the women working in the kitchen (and on the dining room floor, too). The organisation trains women with income insecurity in culinary skills and restaurant management, as well as providing language lessons.

Address

Rue Allal Ben Ahmed et Rue Ibn Sina, 40000

Main photo credit: Mitchell van Voorbergen / El Fenn

Discover More
Marrakech Flair: A City for the Senses