Marrakech, a city that pulsates with the energy of a thousand spices, offers a culinary landscape as diverse and vibrant as its bustling souks and tranquil gardens. Dining in Marrakech is a testament to the city’s ability to blend the traditional with the contemporary, offering an array of dining experiences that cater to every palate. From the aromatic tagines served in the intimate courtyards of centuries-old riads to the chic, modern eateries that showcase the innovative spirit of Moroccan cuisine, Marrakech’s dining scene is a feast for the senses. Whether it’s savouring a meal under the stars or indulging in a fusion feast that bridges continents, dining in Marrakech is an unforgettable adventure that mirrors the city’s exotic charm and cosmopolitan ethos. Here are our favourite restaurants right now to eat at in the city.
Petanque Social Club
Petanque Social Club, unveiled in Gueliz, Marrakech’s historic French Quarter, is Kamal Laftimi’s latest endeavor, known for his ventures like Le Jardin and Nomad. It blends international cuisine with a unique flair, set within a space designed by DiegoandAlexeja Art & Design Studio. Their design, inspired by the original club from the 1930s and infused with contemporary Marrakech culture, offers a modern twist. The club serves as a vibrant meeting point for artists, dancers, and life enthusiasts, featuring both indoor and outdoor spaces for diverse gatherings as well as a fantastic food and drink across their restaurant and cocktail bar.
La Trattoria
La Trattoria is one of Marrakech’s oldest international restaurants, designed by Bill Willis and located in one of the few remaining Art Deco villas in the city in the city’s Gueliz, districty. The restaurant includes a cocktail bar, dining room, and courtyard where tables are arranged around a large swimming pool. Throughout the restaurant, vintage Western style mixes with traditional Moroccan details. Enjoy classic Italian dishes, especially seafood spaghetti and fish, but whatever you choose, don’t skip the tiramisu for dessert and make sure you bring a camera as this restaurant really offers the wow factor!
Plus61
Blending the minimalist aesthetic of +61 with the vibrant essence of Marrakesh is exactly what co-founder Cassandra Karinsky, a Sydney-origin designer who joined forces with Nomad entrepreneur Sebastian de Gzell to inaugurate this restaurant in the Gueliz district has achieved. Their vision was to encapsulate the Australian lifestyle’s essence in their dining establishment, aiming for a relaxed, upscale dining ambience rather than a casual beach vibe. The cuisine, influenced by Middle Eastern, European, and South Asian traditions, focuses on a concise, seasonally changing menu. Emphasizing collaboration with local, bio-organic producers, the chefs ensure a commitment to quality and sustainability.
Dar Yacout
Dar Yacout is a landmark restaurant in Marrakesh. It was amongst the first restaurants created around thirty years ago in the medina by Mohamed Zkhiri. Behind a large wooden door, you enter another world – the decor is enchanting with its private rooms and breathtaking panoramic view from the terrace overlooking the medina and the Koutoubia mosque of Marrakesh. Traditional Moroccan gastronomic cuisine with a menu incorporating an amazing succession of flavours feels never-ending as course after course is presented, while traditional live Moroccan music plays in the background serenading you in what is an unforgettable experience.
Le Trou Au Mur
If you are not staying in Jonathan and James Wix’s glorious Riad Farnatchi (see below) then pop across the road from the hotel to their restaurant Le Trou Au Mur and you won’t be disappointed. Open for lunch and dinner this destination restaurant is chic, the service is flawless and the food is beautiful. Located in an old riad in one of the oldest parts of the Medina, you can dine on the rooftop in the warmer months and head to the first-floor restaurant during the cooler days. The restaurant uses a traditional clay mechoui oven to create many of the mouth-watering traditional Moroccan menu options. Our favourite dishes are the Moroccan Salad and Tihane for starters and the Lamb Shoulder and traditional Offal Medley for mains and if you want something closer to home they also offer a range of International dishes too.
Nomad
Nomad opened in 2014 by Kamal Laftimi and Sebastian de Gzell in an old carpet store off the famed Rahba Lakdima spice square and the restaurant is a hit with tourists visiting the city. With a strong emphasis on fresh local produce and ample variety for vegetarians, pescatarians, and carnivores alike, the lively restaurant serves simple “Modern Moroccan” cuisine and revisions of traditional local cuisine and international dishes with a Moroccan twist. Spread over four floors, make sure you get a table on the top floor of the roof for the most incredible sunset views over Marrakech.
L’Italien by Jean-Georges at La Mamounia
L’Italien by Jean-Georges at La Mamounia offers a refined dining experience, embodying the charm and elegance of Italian cuisine with a touch of the local ambience. The restaurant’s design, envisioned by Patrick Jouin and Sangit Manku, transports guests to a Roman trattoria through its light-filled winter garden, playful decor, and almond green tones. The menu, rich with sun-drenched flavours, features a wide array of Italian dishes, from wood-fired pizzas and pastas to gourmet desserts by Pierre Hermé, complemented by a fine selection of Italian wines. While the setting allows diners to enjoy the spectacle of meals prepared on a central island, blending indoor comfort with the natural beauty of its garden terrace
La Villa des Orangers
Located in the heart of Marrakech’s Medina, La Villa des Orangers offers a serene retreat as a luxurious 5-star hotel, complemented by its gourmet restaurant. Guests can enjoy dining amidst orange trees or by the pool, indulging in a culinary journey from East to West with French, Mediterranean, and Moroccan influences. The hotel itself, a traditional Moroccan riad transformed into a haven of tranquility, provides an authentic experience with modern comforts, reflecting the spirit of Moroccan culture.