The 12 best restaurants in Marrakech

‘Soulmates’ is a modern Moroccan restaurant that celebrate the role of the ‘dada’, the much-loved Moroccan home cook, who is represented here by a collective of female chefs chosen for the breadth of their knowledge of regional dishes. They work in a central, open kitchen in a contemporary dining room designed by Studio KO which embraces you with its burnt umber tones and natural materials that honour Moroccan craftsmanship in cutting-edge style. Food here is deeply traditional but executed in sophisticated style by some very experienced cooks.  

Price: High-end

The faded blue door with peeling paint overhung by a froth of jasmine gives no clue to the huge garden that hides behind it replete with a vintage pétanque court and adjoining 1930s clubhouse. It’s a piece of Marrakech history rescued by Kamal Laftimi, restauranteur extraordinaire, and revived in superb vintage style by Ibizan design duo Diego & Alexeja. Now PSC is the go-to place for families, cocktail hounds and gangs of friends who come to dine on pizza and fab fusion food beneath the magnolia tree, hang at the bar with a Saharan spritz or test their pétanque skills on the storied terrain. 

Price: Mid-range

This small terrace restaurant near the Bab Doukkala mosque is the creation of talented Naëlle. It’s chic blue-and-white decor and vintage crockery is reminiscent of her South of France background, which also influences the delicious vegetable-forward menu. Deceptively simple dishes such as heart of lettuce drenched in dressing and topped with pistachio dust are absolutely delicious. And, be sure to save space for her fabulous desserts like the towering grapefruit pavlova. Downstairs there’s a small concept store with a carefully curated collection of vintage Moroccan clothes and Naëlle’s own chic designs. 

Price: Affordable

One of the hottest spots in Gueliz is Cassie Karinsky’s bright, modern Medi-Moroccan fusion restaurant +61. Here organic, market-fresh ingredients are front and centre in dishes that play subtle herb and spice combinations. The results are simple dishes with sophisticated, punchy flavours. Don’t miss the delicate marinated sardines, the black rice and crab croquettes and the crowd-pleasing schnitzel with a super fresh mountain of shredded coleslaw. 

Price: Mid-range

This fabulous old-school palace restaurant is set in a huge riad beautifully designed by famed interiors designer Bill Willis (who decorated the homes of many Marrakech celebrities in the 1970s). It was one of the first Medina addresses to offer a fixed-price, multi-course gastronomic Moroccan diffa (feast) and 20 years on its lost none of its glamour. Take an aperitif to Dar Yacout’s panoramic roof terrace or the glowing first floor salon where musicians skilfully play the oud, then settle down for an extravagant feast in one of the lavishly decorated dining rooms where you’ll be served an array of salads, a richly flavoured tagine, couscous, sweet bastilla and finally tea and Moroccan cookies.

Price: High-end

This smart Lebanese restaurant in the up-and-coming Riad Zitoun el Jdid is done out in kilim textiles and hand-cut lanterns and wouldn’t look out of place in Beirut. Naranj’s owners emigrated here by way of Vienna and consider it a matter of pride to showcase the best Lebanese cuisine. The kibbeh and chicken salad are excellent, as is the fatet batinjan (aubergine covered in spicy mincemeat, yoghurt and pita chips). A decent selection of mezze and salads makes this a good option for vegetarians. Portions are large, so consider sharing. 

Price: Mid-range

Probably the medina’s buzziest dining venue, Nomad’s towering rooftop is in constant high demand, so reserve ahead if you want to be sure of a seat at sunset. The décor is playful and stylish, with colourful woollen cushions and carpets nodding to the building’s previous life as a carpet shop. The menu has a Medi-Moroccan slant, with highlights including the likes of cumin-slathered calamari from Agadir, organic chicken marinated in sweet harissa and crunchy cauliflower and fennel salad.

Price: Mid-range

You’ll find this chic French bistro down a quiet street in the new town, Gueliz. It serves a reasonably priced three-course lunch menu featuring seasonal plates, while at dinner, there’s an à la carte menu of French classics, including steak with béarnaise sauce, fillet of bream in beurre blanc with courgettes and rack of lamb with green beans. From time to time, Le Petit Cornichon hosts set dinners with wine tastings – check their Facebook page for details.

Price: High-end

Likely the best home-cooked meal you’ll eat in Marrakech is served at the Amal Centre, a social cooperative that supports and trains disadvantaged women. Amal’s menu includes Moroccan dishes that you won’t find in many restaurants as they’re heart-warming, homely favourites. Try one of the salads like the one with lentils, cauliflower and leeks, or the truly excellent fish tagine or super traditional Friday couscous. Prices are low and there are crèche facilities ensuring the dining room is a happy mix of locals and savvy travellers.

Price: Bargain

If you’re after a glimpse of Marrakchi society, book in for the Sunday buffet lunch at La Mamounia’s poolside Pavilion restaurant. Here the city’s great and good sit sipping glasses of gris (Moroccan rosé) and fanning themselves beneath parasols while other folks frolic in the pool. It’s far from cheap, but the all-you-can-eat buffet includes a never-ending spread of salads, tagines, seafood, roast meats, dips, raw veg, savoury and sweet pastries, ice cream, fruit and dessert. Dress smart-casual, or you may be turned away at the gate.

Price: Blowout