The Sound Of The Souks

Author: Freebird Tracey

Exploring The Red City Of Marrakech.

  • La Ferme Medina.

    A restaurant resembling the garden of Eden in the medina.

    Image by Freebird Tracey.

    Imagine sitting in an oasis, surrounded by tropical plants. The sound of trickling water from a fountain and birds chirping. This is what you will experience when you visit La Ferme medina. The atmosphere is serene and calm, with several cosy nooks to sit and relax in with a delicious meal.

    Images by Freebird Tracey.

    Not only is Le Ferme Medina a restaurant serving excellent food, but it is a beautiful place to stay in the medina. All the rooms have balconies looking down over the jungle below and are tastefully furnished.

    I enjoyed sitting in such a tranquil environment, looking down from my table above the flora and fauna. It felt like an oasis, a welcome retreat from the busy souks and streams of tourists.

    The food was delicious, and the service was excellent. Friendly staff were eager to accommodate all my needs.

    After a busy morning shopping in the souks, it was lovely to relax in such a peaceful garden setting. At Le Ferme Medina, you would be forgiven for thinking you’d been transported to a different place altogether. It felt like an oasis in the middle of nowhere.

    Image by Freebird Tracey.

    For lunch, I chose avocado toast, followed by a delicious cheesecake. It was tasty, filling, and beautifully presented. Attention to detail is everything here at Le Ferme Medina. The food in the restaurant is organically produced and dedicated to animal welfare. This is a bonus if, like me, you’re an animal lover.The restaurant also serves vegetarian,vegan, and halal dishes, catering to everyone’s dietary preferences.

    Images by Freebird Tracey.

    The address for La Ferme medina is 236 Rue Riad Laarous Marrakech 40000 Morocco. The opening times are 7.00 am until 22.00pm. They serve breakfast, brunch, and dinner. There is live traditional Moroccan music most evenings to entertain you during dinner.

    I highly recommend trying Le Ferme medina. The peaceful environment alone is invaluable.I will certainly be back to work my way around the menu. I may even spend a few nights here in this jungle paradise.

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  • Kafe Merstan.

    A restaurant with  spectacular views of the sunset in Marrakesh.

    Image by Freebird Tracey.

    Kafe Merstan restaurant and rooftop terrace is located near the spice square and vegetable market.They serve traditional Morroccan food, and prices are very reasonable. It’s ideal for travellers on a budget. I enjoyed one of the tastiest tagines I’ve had here. The quality of the food was very good.

    Image by Freebird Tracey.

    Kafe Merstan is popular during sunset. Tourists arrive to watch the sun go down from the pretty rooftop. It’s a spectacular view, therefore it can get busy during this time of evening.

    The interior is traditionally decorated with a contemporary, modern twist. Colourful soft furnishings and rattan lampshades give off a homely, boho vibe.

    Images by Freebird Tracey.

    Seating is upstairs on the rooftop, so people with mobility issues may not find it easily accessible.

    Payment is by card or cash downstairs. However, there’s a minimum of 200 MAD for a card payment.

    The address for Kafe Merstan is 2 Souk Chaaria Kast Benahid, Marrakech 40000, it’s open every day from 12.00-10.00. The restaurant is close to Ben Youssef Madrasa and the Museum of Marrakech. It’s in a strategic position if you need a break from sightseeing. I found it to be an ideal spot for lunch due to its close proximity to many attractions.

    Kafe Merstan offers a good selection of vegetarian dishes, including a very tasty vegetable pastilla.

    Kafe Merstan may give you the impression of a no frills restaurant from the entrance. However, the food was good, and it was clean and cosy upstairs.

    I recommend coming to Kafe Merstan to watch the setting sun from the rooftop terrace. Arrive early and get a good seat. It’s one of the best views.

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  • Mo Mo’s Restaurant.

    A quirky restaurant with views over Jamaa El Fna.

    Image by Freebird Tracey.

    Mo Mo’s restaurant is a colourful and tastefully decorated restaurant in the medina. Inside, the tables are decorated with attractive earthenware. There is so much to catch your eye. Mo Mo’s has a mid century feel about it, similar to Tiki style. The colourful interior is vibrant and exciting, with pink and pale blue tones creating a relaxed ambience.

    Images by Freebird Tracey.

    The rooftop is very popular and the perfect place to watch the sun set over the medina. The views across the main square are terrific. You’re able to observe all the action from a distance.

    Image by Freebird Tracey.

    I decided to relax with a drink and watch the setting sun. It was quite spectacular. The opening time for serving dinner was 6.00pm, and the tables were filling up rapidly. The waiters were busy, making the guests feel welcome. It was a great atmosphere.

    Image by Freebird Tracey.

    Mo Mo’s is popular with all age groups. There is plenty of space inside to accommodate a large group of people.

    It’s a whimsical restaurant with plenty to look at. It’s very instagrammable, and guests were taking photos of the fascinating decor.It’s unlike other places in the medina, yet still exudes the same charm. My impression was that it’s modern and elegant, with a touch of chilled, mellow 1960s energy.

    Mo Mo’s serve Mediterranean food alongside traditional Moroccan specialities. Some reviews suggest that the menu is limited. However, people say that they enjoyed the food and rated it as high quality. Mo Mo’s is quite a new restaurant, so the menu may be tweaked to include more dishes eventually. The breakfast is an innovative take on a full English breakfast served in a tagine.

    I can vouch for the drinks. There was a good choice of fresh juices and smoothies available. I had a delicious smoothie, and I could taste each individual fruit they’d used. It was very healthy.

    Image by Freebird Tracey.

    If you’re looking for a restaurant with an explosion of colour. Traditional yet with a modern twist, Mo Mo’s is the perfect place. It is both exciting and elegant at the same time. I will definitely be returning.

    Mo Mo’s is open daily from 11.00am to 12.00am. The address is 1 Riad Zitoun, Lakdim, Marrakech 40000 Morocco.

    The restaurant accepts card payments.

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  • Terrace Bakchich.

    A budget friendly restaurant in the medina

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    This unassuming restaurant cafe in the medina is undoubtedly one of the most popular amongst the locals in Marrakech. The Guardian voted it one of the 10 best places to eat in the medina.

    From the outside, the restaurant looks humble, but the food is another story entirely.

    Image by Freebird Tracey.

    There are a number of excellent tagines on the menu, and most diners come just to sample those. Choose from rabbit, fish, meat, or vegetarian options. They’re all cooked to perfection by the well-known and respected friendly chef.

    This lively little restaurant has almost become an institution in the medina. It’s not just a meal. It’s an experience. For travellers on a budget, the food here is cheap but not at the expense of its quality. It is a  known fact that if a restaurant is full of locals, it must be good.

    Upstairs, there is a small rooftop terrace overlooking the lively alleyways of the souk. It is opposite Chez Bismillah Sand Coffee and impossible to miss with its colourful and quirky interior.

    Image by Freebird Tracey.

    Terrace Bakchich has managed to retain its authenticity amidst the growing tide of tourism. It is not fancy. The food speaks for itself. If you’re looking for good food in an environment that is charming, rustic, and cosy, this place is for you. The experience of eating with the locals is the best way to get to know the culture of the city.

    Terrace Bakchich is close to the vegetable and fruit markets, so ingredients are always fresh.

    Image by Freebird Tracey.

    With the most expensive dish on the menu being 150 dirhams, eating here is kind on the wallet. This leaves you with more money to spend in the souks. The restaurant only accepts cash, so be sure you have some with you if you’re thinking of visiting.

    Terrace Bakchich is near to popular attractions such as Ben Youssef Madrasa and Marrakech Museum. The location is 294 Rue Talaa Marrakech, and opening times are 10.00am until 10.00pm daily. Outdoor seating is available.

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  • Le Salama Restaurant.

    A restaurant with live entertainment.

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    Le Salama is a modern restaurant with a lively atmosphere. There is a popular rooftop area that gets very busy with tourists.I recommend booking in advance. I tried to get a seat, and it was virtually impossible.

    Inside the restaurant, the decor is traditionally Morroccan with an al fresco vibe. There are beautiful plants throughout, and it feels as though you are sitting somewhere in nature.

    There are two bars serving a range of alcoholic and non alcoholic drinks.

    Image by Freebird Tracey.

    I ordered a plate of delicious Morroccan pastries with a cold glass of Casablanca beer. Other diners were enjoying a variety of dishes from the menu. The food looked  appealing. I decided to book a table on the rooftop terrace for the following evening.

    Images by Freebird Tracey.

    At 9.00pm each evening, the entertainment begins. Belly dancers perform around the tables, encouraging diners to participate. It was fun to watch everyone having a good time.

    Video by Freebird Tracey.

    I have to admit that the service was slightly slow. However, it was Ramadan, so exceptions have to be made during this month.

    Being a solo female traveller, I didn’t feel conspicuous at all. The waiters were polite and helpful.  The fact I only ordered dessert and one drink wasn’t an issue. I didn’t feel pressured to leave, and I was free to enjoy the live entertainment.

    Le Salama is steps away from Jamaa El Fna. It’s the perfect place to grab a bite to eat and recharge your batteries. The architecture of the restaurant from outside is interesting.

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    Le Salama can be found on 40 rue des banques, and it’s open until 2.00 a.m. They serve a good range of cocktails and are open for lunch and dinner. They also have a children’s menu.

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  • L’Mdina  Restaurant.

    A restaurant close to the main square.

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    L’Mdina has an interesting menu that includes a good variety of options.

    They serve tangia, which is tender meat cooked for hours in an earthenware pot. The pot, called a tangia, is left  in the embers of the local hammam and collected later in the day. It’s this method of slow cooking that results in the meat falling off the bone. The meat inside is cooked to perfection, succulent, and tender. The fragrant aroma as it is tipped out onto the plate makes your mouth water

    Image by Freebird Tracey.

    I enjoyed the vegetable tagine, with root vegetables and chickpeas. The sauce was delicately spiced, and the vegetables were cooked how I like them.

    The salads at L’Mdina are also delicious. They are created by combining an infusion of delicious flavours together. The result is a colourful, vibrant taste sensation.

    Image by Freebird Tracey.

    L’Mdina serves Moroccan, Mediterranean, and international dishes with a traditional gastronomic touch. It is located about 2 minutes from the square. People are also welcome to have a coffee and listen to some live music without having to dine in the restaurant. The live musicians play a mix of traditional Morroccan and Latin American music. They entertain diners in the background so that it’s still possible to chat

    The restaurant seats 60 people and is beautifully decorated with an authentic Moroccan theme.

    Image by Freebird Tracey.

    The restaurant is a perfect setup. The combination of good food, a relaxing ambience, and the fact that it’s budget friendly makes it a great place to visit.

    It is possible to eat outside on a warm evening. This allows guests to experience the restaurant’s vibe combined with the energy of the main square during the evening. L’Mdina is close enough for a break from the hustle and bustle, whilst still feeling a part of it. 

    There is a set menu at lunchtime for 85 dirhams, and it’s worth every penny. The menu is suitable for vegetarians with vegans also.

    Image by Freebird Tracey.

    If you are looking for live entertainment and good wholesome food, I highly recommend L’mdina.

    The restaurant’s address is 42 rue des banque Marrakech 40000 L’Mdina opens at 12 midday and closes at 23.00. They accept card payments.

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  • Fluffys.

    An international Dessert Cafe Inside Medina Mall.

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    Fluffys is located on the first floor of Medina Mall. It has a Bistro style appearance and serves high-quality food. It’s a great place to eat if you’re looking for somewhere away from the busy touristic areas of the medina. The staff are efficient and quick, and the chef creates his dishes in front of the customers.

    Fluffys is a dessert cafe chain with outlets in other parts of the world. They are popular for their award winning Japanese souffle pancakes, and I can highly recommend them. They come in flavours, including strawberry, macha, tiramisu, pistachio, and creme brulee. I had salted caramel with Moroccan rose flavoured ice cream. It was delicious and such a huge portion that I struggled to finish it.

    Image by Freebird Tracey.

    Inside the restaurant, the decor is modern and contemporary. It was good to sit in a quiet place. I felt cocooned away from the outside mayhem and enjoyed the solitude for a while.

    Images by Freebird Tracey.

    Medina Mall is home to a few upmarket outlets. There are a couple of restaurants, but Fluffys is a favourite of mine. It’s in a slightly quieter area of the medina, not far from Tinsmiths Square. I ate there in the evening and it was not too busy at that time. I think it may get a lot busier during the daytime.

    I ordered a fruit smoothie and a pasta dish. The quality of the food was excellent.

    Images by Freebird Tracey.

    Fluffys is a popular place for breakfast and lunch. However, you don’t need to book. Just show up and wait to be seated. I sat outside the entrance where I could watch the chef preparing the food.

    Image by Freebird Tracey.

    The address for Medina Mall is 91. Hommane Fetouaki Marrakech 40000 Morocco.   Opening hours are from 9.30 until 11.00 daily.

    Fluffys is one of my favourite places in Marrakech. I will be visiting again to work my way through the exciting dessert menu.

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  • Pepe Nero Italian Restaurant.

    An Italian restaurant in the medina.

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    Pepe Nero is a  popular Italian restaurant tucked away on a quiet street in the medina. They also cook delicious Moroccan cuisine.

    Inside the restaurant, there are two pretty courtyards surrounded by lush green foliage and ornate trickling fountains.

    I ate here several times and  enjoyed the food immensely on each occasion. The menu is creative. They prepare interesting pasta dishes suitable for vegetarians. I had pasta with truffle, and it was beautifully presented and cooked to perfection.

    Images by Freebird Tracey.

    The restaurant serves alcohol, including a selection of  good wine, cocktails, and spirits.

    The ambience inside the restaurant is relaxing. It can get livelier in the evening, but it never becomes too noisy. Despite the tempo of the music, I never had to raise my voice to be heard. The atmosphere is still conducive to a romantic, intimate dining experience.

    Pepe Nero is open for lunch and dinner. As well as two courtyards, there is a nice enclosed dining space. Guests can sit inside or around the pool where bougainvillaea drapes down the wall.

    Images by Freebird Tracey.

    The staff at Pepe Nero are professional and friendly. They are knowledgeable about the food on the menu and help you to make the right choice.

    At Pepe Nero, excellent food, elegant surroundings, and friendly service ensure guests receive the perfect dining experience.

    The address is 17 Derb Cherkaoul Marrakech 40000 Morocco. Opening hours for the restaurant are 1.00pm until 4.00pm then, 6.00pm until 11.30 daily.

    There is a small car park close to the restaurant.

    Booking is advisable as this is a popular restaurant and can get busy, especially during the evening.

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  • Krepchy.

    A 5* restaurant in the kasbah.

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    Krepchy in the Kasbah was a lucky find. I wanted to try somewhere that cooked breakfast as an alternative to eating in my riad.

    At Krepchy, there is a good choice, and everything is freshly cooked to order. I was pleasantly surprised by how perfect the waffles were. They were filling, too. Breakfast at Krepchy really set me up for the day.

    I enjoyed a pot of mint atay sat outside, chatting with the local people. It was an authentic experience away from the touristic side of Marrakech.

    Images by Freebird Tracey.

    The atmosphere was relaxing and the staff were friendly. They interacted with customers and made sure they were looked after.

    The interior decor of this cosy establishment is pleasing. Amazigh artefacts hang from the walls, and colourful Berber rugs are strewn along the floor. It is inviting and warm.

    Images by Freebird Tracey.

    Krepchy has been awarded 5* by Tripadvisor, and it’s not hard to see why.

    They serve breakfast, lunch, and dinner, becoming quite busy during peak times. There’s a good menu with several choices available, including dishes suitable for vegetarian and vegans.

    Image by Freebird Tracey.

    Krepchy is a traditional Morroccon restaurant, popular with tourists and locals alike. The food is competitively priced and ideal for travellers on a budget. For a glimpse into real life in Marrakech, this is one place you’ll find it.

    Hours of opening are from 8.00 am. until 1.30 am.The address is Sidi Belabed, Route, Marrakech 40014.

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  • Mandala Society.

    A sustainable restaurant in the medina.

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    I was lucky to stumble across this wonderful little place in the medina. The music they were playing was enough to keep me happy for a while. There is a chilled, boho vibe in Mandala Society. It’s the kind of  environment that attracts all age groups and walks of life.

    The restaurant is dedicated to sourcing local ethically produced food that is organic wherever possible. Sustainability is evident from the natural wood,  soft lighting, and cosy seating inside the restaurant.

    Images by Freebird Tracey.

    I went at lunchtime. It was quite busy, so I sat on the rooftop terrace to eat my food. There are views across the medina, and the energy was good up there.

    I ordered the avocado toast. The creative way that the chef used seasonal fruit  added something special to my meal.

    Image by Freebird Tracey.

    The restaurant is spread across 3 levels. The decor is modern and bright, with a homely welcoming atmosphere.

    The staff are friendly, and the menu includes homemade dishes using ingredients that are ethically sourced.

    I sat listening to music by The Doors, Bob Dylan, and other great artists. It was such a relaxed vibe. I could have hung out on the rooftop terrace for hours quite happily.

    You can find Mandala Society at 159 Rue Riad Zitoun el Jdid,Marrakech 40000. The opening hours are 9.30am to 10.30pm daily.

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