Sounds Of The Souks

Category: Best places to eat in Marrakech

An exploration of The Red City known as Marrakech.

  • The Spice Square In Marrakech.

    A vibrant area selling spices and so much more.

    Image by Freebird Tracey.

    The Spice Square, also known as Rahba Kedima, is a smaller market, less densely packed with tourists.

    It is located at the end of Souk Semmarine and a five minute walk from Jamaa El Fna.

    It is here that you will find a wonderful selection of spices, including saffron, cumin, and turmeric.

    The spices are beautifully displayed in pyramids around the square, and the air is fragrant with the scent of incense.

    There are dried herbs, oils, potions, tea, and the traditional Moroccan lip stain.

    The Spice Square is the traditional apothecary of Marrakech and a treasure trove of Moroccan culture.

    In the Spice Square, you will also find hand woven baskets, hats, baby tortoises, and a range of shops selling Amazigh jewellery and other stuff.

    Images by Freebird Tracey.

    It is a vibrant, colourful market with a less frantic pace than Jamaa El Fna.

    It is home to popular restaurants like the Cafe Des Espices, a rooftop restaurant that overlooks the market.

    Nomad is also in close proximity to the Spice Square.

    The Spice Square is not far from the Medersa Ben Youseff and Marrakech museum, so it’s ideal for making it part of your day when visiting both of these attractions.

    Until the 20th century, Rahba Kedima was the cities grain market and the place where slaves were sold.

    It is now the epicentre of the medina where you can pick up the famous Moroccan spice blend ras el hanout and watch the spice sellers who come down from the mountain villages at 4.00 in the afternoon to sell their trade to the professionals.

    The smells and colours are heady with friendly vendors, demonstrating the benefits of eucalyptus.

    The Spice Square is a photogenic place where you will be met with a glimpse of trading traditions from the past.

    It’s the perfect balance between a bustling market experience and a relaxing, more laid-back atmosphere.

    Image by Freebird Tracey.
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  • Place Des Ferblantiers.

    Also known as Tinsmiths Square in the Mellah.

    Image by Freebird Tracey.

    This quieter area of Marrakech is often overlooked by tourists.

    Tinsmiths Square is located to the south of Jamaa El Fna.

    It is within the Mellah, the oldest Jewish quarter of Marrakech.

    It is here that skilled artisans make their wares to sell using traditional methods passed down through generations.

    Beautifully crafted jewellery, lamps, and traditional daggers made from copper and tinplate are skillfully handcrafted in this fascinating area of the city.

    Tinsmiths Square presents a calmer alternative to Jamaa El Fna with palm trees lining the pedestrian friendly walkway.

    It connects the old Jewish district with the Muslim quarter.

    Tinsmiths Square is a colourful, vibrant area with lots of spice shops, rooftop restaurants, and shops selling intricately carved items made in small workshops.

    There are comfortable benches around the square to sit and take in the sights and sounds of authentic life here and a central fountain.

    Cats roam freely across the square and are a popular sight, lazing in the plant pots and flower beds.

    Sometimes, they are quite cheeky and make themselves comfortable on tourist’s laps.

    Image by Freebird Tracey.

    Fun games occasionally take place, and the square sometimes hosts events.

    Place des Ferblantiers is close to popular sightseeing spots like The Bahia Palace, El Badi Palace, and The Saadian Tombs.

    The Kasbah is just a short walk away.

    I love Tinsmiths Square.

    There are some great cafes and restaurants and I have bought some perfect souvenirs here.

    There is a great vibe, and the pace is much more relaxed than in the densely packed medina.

    Video by Freebird Tracey.

    I was spoilt for choice with all the fragrant spice shops selling everything from eucalyptus to argan oil.

    Images by Freebird Tracey.

    I even found a street vendor selling the tastiest dates I’d ever tried.

    If you want a feeling of authentic life in Marrakech and a slower, less touristic place to spend a few hours, don’t miss out on visiting Tinsmiths Square.

    I have featured a few articles in my blog recommending places to dine in this area and places of interest to visit.

    Images by Freebird Tracey.
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  • Malah Cafe Restaurant In The Mellah.

    A budget restaurant in Tinsmiths Square.

    Image by Freebird Tracey.

    Melah Cafe restaurant is located in Place des Ferblantiers, otherwise known as Tinsmiths Square.

    It is in the oldest Jewish quarter of the city towards the south of Jamaa, El Fna.

    This is the area where  artisans make things out of copper and tinplate, using skills passed down from generation to generation.

    There are shops selling traditional daggers, jewellery, tea trays, incense burners, and lamps.

    If you visit the mellah, Melah Cafe restaurant is just one of the many places to stop for a drink or a bite to eat.

    The food served is traditional morroccan and international cuisine.

    I had a really nice sandwich and fries with a refreshing smoothie, and it was very reasonably priced in comparison to the main square.

    Images by Freebird Tracey.

    There is plenty to watch sitting outside shaded under a large umbrella, and lots of cats wander to and fro across the square.

    Image by Freebird Tracey.

    I like spending time here.

    It’s not as busy as other places around the medina and close to attractions like the Saadian Tombs and El Badi Palace.

    The kasbah is a short walk away.

    There is a good selection on the menu at Malah Cafe restaurant, and food suitable for vegetarians and vegans is also available.

    Image by Freebird Tracey.

    Opening times are;

    8.30am until 11.00pm.

    The address is:

    23 Place des Ferblantiers

    The Mellah has a huge selection of herbs and spices. Don’t forget to check out the wonderful selection whilst you are visiting Tinsmiths Square.

    Image by Freebird Tracey.
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  • Fluffys.

    A Great Dessert Cafe  Inside Medina Mall.

    Image by Freebird Tracey.

    Fluffys is located on the first floor of Medina Mall

    It’s a great place to eat if you’re looking for somewhere with a friendly, relaxing atmosphere.

    The staff speak good English and are efficient and quick.

    Fluffys has a Bistro style appearance and serves high-quality food.

    The chef is visible to the guests, and you can watch him creating the dishes in front of you.

    I had a tomato pasta dish, and it was absolutely delicious.

    The pasta was exactly how I liked it and presented beautifully.

    Image by Freebird Tracey.

    My pancake dessert was huge, and I couldn’t finish it.

    It was incredible and unlike anything I’ve had before.

    Inside the restaurant, the decor is modern and contemporary.

    Images by Freebird Tracey.

    The staff were friendly and chatty, they appeared to really enjoy working here.

    It was lovely sitting in a quiet spot, with all the mayhem of the medina outside bustling away as usual.

    I felt quite isolated from it all and enjoyed the escape for a while.

    Medina Mall has some nice, slightly upmarket outlets inside, and there are a couple of restaurants.

    Fluffys was a definite favourite of mine and terrific value for money.

    There is a good selection of food and beverages on the menu, and I chose a fruit smoothie, which was perfect.

    Image by Freebird Tracey.

    Medina Mall is in a slightly quieter area of the medina, not far from Tinsmiths Square.

    Fluffys is popular for breakfast and lunch. However, you don’t need to book.

    Just show up and wait to be seated.

    I arrived early evening and I was seated immediately.

    I chose to sit outside the entrance where I could watch the chef preparing the food.

    Image by Freebird Tracey.

    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.

    Image by Freebird Tracey.

    Medina Mall is on;

    91. Hommane Fetouaki

    Marrakech 40000 Morocco.

    It is open from 9.30 am until 11.00pm daily.

    Fluffys is one of the most exciting places I eaten in.

    The brunch courses look amazing. There are plenty of choices, including dishes suitable for vegetarians.

    I will definitely visit again to work my way through the tantalising menu.

    Image by Freebird Tracey.
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  • Zeitoune Cafe.

    Zeitoune Cafe has a perfect rooftop view across Jamaa El Fna.

    Image by Freebird Tracey.

    The view from the balcony of Zeitoune cafe overlooks the busy main square.

    It’s fun watching daily life take place from above all the action whilst having a spot of lunch.

    You can hear the drumming and gnawa music from what is considered the heartbeat of the city as you relax, away from the crowds of tourists.

    Video by Freebird Tracey.

    The food here is incredibly good, portions are large, and there are a variety of choices on the menu.

    The smoothies were gorgeous.

    I enjoyed a hearty salad for lunch and decided to try a strawberry smoothie.

    Images by Freebird Tracey.

    Also, the obligatory olives, which often come with a meal in Marrakech, were very welcome.

    The lamb tagine with dried fruits is a  popular choice amongst diners here.

    However, if like myself you don’t eat meat, there are vegetarian and vegan options available.

    The breakfast is excellent  with a selection of refreshing juices and good coffee.

    Meals are competitively priced considering the quality of food served and the location overlooking the main square.

    Zeitoune Cafe is in a strategic location.

    It gets busy before sunset as tourists flock to watch the sun setting over the Jamaa El Fna.

    Finding a table during this time of evening might be difficult.

    Zeitoune Cafe is open all day from 9.00 am until 1.00 am, with the exception of Friday and Saturday when they close at 2.00am.

    They do not accept reservations, so it’s first come, first served.

    There are steps up to the balcony and upper floors, but for people with limited mobility, there is outdoor seating available.

    Zeitoune Cafes’ address is,

    107 Place Jamaa El Fnaa

    40000 Morocco

    There is also a Zeitoune Cafe in the kasbah.

    The outside seating is a wonderful place to people watch in the sunshine.

    It is located opposite the mosque.

    Zeitoune Cafe accepts credit card payments, too.

    Image by Freebird Tracey.
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  • Le Marrakchi Restaurant.

    A popular restaurant with views over the Jamaa El Fna

    Image by Freebird Tracey.

    Marrakchi restaurant glows a deep red across the square.

    This popular place facing Jamaa El Fna is a fine dining experience in tastefully decorated surroundings situated on,

    52 Rue des Banques, Av.

    Jamaa El Fna

    40000 Morocco

    Image by Freebird Tracey.

    Inside the restaurant, the feeling is intimate with dim lighting as candles flicker on the tables, giving a warm, cosy glow.

    It’s a busy restaurant  attracting a lot of tourists as it’s one of the few places selling alcohol in the square.

    It’s a family-friendly establishment and has plenty of food choices, including vegetarian and vegan options available.

    The vibe inside the restaurant is very relaxing despite it being a relatively busy place, constantly buzzing with energy.

    Outside, the walls take on a wonderful, red glow, which is very atmospheric and can be seen from across the square.

    Image by Freebird Tracey.

    The food is very good.

    I especially enjoyed the tagine that was accompanied by a spicy, Harissa sauce.

    The staff are attentive, friendly, and professional.

    The decor is traditionally Morroccan, with pretty lamps and comfortable, deep red couches along the windows overlooking the main square. There is also intricate tilework on some of the walls

    Le Marrakchi serves cocktails, and you are welcome to just visit for drinks.

    Image by Freebird Tracey.

    Prices are competitive for a licenced restaurant close to Jamaa El Fna.

    I went back several times because the vibe was very pleasant, and I enjoyed listening to the sounds of Jamaa El Fna outside the windows and the call to prayer.

    I didn’t feel rushed despite the fact that the restaurant was busy and people were coming and going throughout the evening.

    It was a relaxed, dining experience.

    There is a good selection of dishes on the menu, such as couscous, which is traditionally served on Fridays in Marrakesh.

    The bathroom facilities were excellent and fragrantly scented with orange blossom. .

    There are a few steps to climb to get into the restaurant, so it’s probably not ideal for people with mobility issues.

    Opening hours are 12.00-12.00am daily.

    They also offer a takeaway service.

    Image by Freebird Tracey.
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  • Henna Art Cafe.

    A whimsical place for lunch in the medina.

    Image by Freebird Tracey.

    The first place I go after arriving in the medina is Henna Art Cafe.

    It’s the perfect spot to stop and refuel myself after my flight and the long queues at Marrakech Menara airport.

    Henna Art Cafe is a  place where I can familiarise myself with where I am and check Google maps for the location of my riad.

    It’s a quirky place with decent food and the funkiest little bathroom, even if it is a bit of a tight squeeze.

    On the first floor, you can get henna tattoos done, and there are plenty of designs to choose from.

    All are 100% natural, and the henna ladies are very professional.

    I would recommend getting your henna tattoo done in a reputable place like here as opposed to Jamaa El Fna.

    Henna Art Cafe has a really relaxing vibe, and I often stop by to enjoy a meal at lunchtime whilst shopping in the medina.

    It’s also very reasonable if you’re on a tight budget.

    There is a good selection of food on the menu, vegetarian, vegan, and gluten free options are available.

    There is free WiFi, and it’s popular with digital nomads.

    It’s a friendly place and a good introduction to the medina without being too overly stimulating.

    Henna Art Cafe is located in the heart of the medina, just a three minutes stroll down Riad Zeitoun al Kdim from Djemma El Fna.

    It is open 7 days a week from 11 to 8.30 PM.

    During Ramadan, it closes earlier at 5.30 PM.

    I recommend the freshly squeezed lemon juice. It’s tangy and refreshing and packed with vitamin C.

    Henna Art Cafe does a nice fragrant tagine, but if you’ve overdosed on tagine or couscous, there are plenty of other interesting options on the menu.

    Images by Freebird Tracey.

    Payment for your meal is taken downstairs on the way out, and cards are accepted here.

    After a nice meal and a rest at Henna Art Cafe, I’m always ready to tackle the challenge of trying to locate my riad.

    My battery is recharged, and I have begun to climatise to the change of temperature between my own country and that of North Africa.

    Image by Freebird Tracey.

    I have a soft spot for this quirky little cafe.

    Henna Art Cafe was my first introduction to the medina, and I was eased into the cultural change with my first bowl of harissa soup and traditional Morroccan bread.

    I could say this is where my love affair with Marrakech began..

    Image by Freebird Tracey.
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