The Sound Of The Souks

Category: Best places to eat in Marrakech

Exploring The Red City Of Marrakech.

  • Medina Mall Marrakech.

    An artisanal mall in the medina.

    Image by Freebird Tracey.

    Medina Mall Marrakech is a unique shopping experience in the medina. Inside the mall, you will find a selection of  concept boutiques. These intriguing shops stock cosmetics, pottery, leather goods, traditional textiles, and handcrafted pieces. Local artisans create pieces using age-old techniques reflecting Moroccan heritage.

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    There are craft shops where you can learn ancient skills from local artisans, including Berber women. Retailers collaborate with local Berber women, giving them their independence and a sustainable livelihood. This allows them to provide for their families and the local community. Everything on sale in Medina Mall promotes eco-conscious craftsmanship. In turn, this supports local communities, including women’s cooperatives.

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    In addition to a selection of shops selling high-quality products, there are a number of restaurants located in Medina Mall. Fluffys, the popular international dessert restaurant, is on the first floor.

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    Medina Mall offers a relaxed shopping experience. The English speaking saleswomen ensure an easy shopping experience for tourists. Visitors can choose from handcrafted pieces by local artisans or contemporary items. The mall sells a range of high-quality products not found in the souks. It’s a good place to purchase souvenirs and grab a bite to eat. You may even learn a few ancient crafting techniques during your visit

    The address for Medina Mall is Arsat Maach, 91 Hommane Fetouaki Marrakech 40000 Morocco. Opening times are 9.00 am until 1.00 am daily.

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  • Place Des Ferblantiers.

    Visiting Tinsmiths Square in the Mellah.

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    Tinsmiths Square is located to the south of Jamaa El Fna. It is within the Mellah, the oldest Jewish quarter of Marrakech. This quieter area of Marrakech is often overlooked by tourists.

    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 vibrant area with lots of spice shops, cafes, and restaurants with rooftop terraces. Shops sell intricately carved items made in small workshops. There are several benches around the square to sit and take in the sights and sounds and a fountain in the centre. Fun games occasionally take place, and the square also hosts events.

    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.

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

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    I was spoilt for choice with all the fragrant spice shops in the square selling everything from eucalyptus to argan oil. The friendly vendors happily educate you on what each remedy is used for and what the different types of tea are good for. Browsing leisurely around the spice shops is an explosion of colour and pungent aromas.

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    If you want a slower, less touristic place to spend a few hours, don’t miss out on visiting Tinsmiths Square. There are a few budget restaurants, and Medina Mall, which is home to the popular Fluffys dessert cafe, is close to the square.

    Tinsmiths Square is an exciting area of Marrakech, and you can get taxis from the taxi rank near the roundabout to get to other areas of the city from here.

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  • The Spice Square.

    Visit the apothecary of Marrakech.

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    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, dried 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,  straw hats, baby tortoises, and shops selling Amazigh jewellery ,Tuareg leather amulets and beautiful throws and wall hangings. It is a vibrant, colourful market with a less frantic pace than Jamaa El Fna.

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    The Spice Square is home to popular restaurants like Cafe Des Espices and Nomad, a well-known restaurant amongst tourists who flock to watch the setting sun from the rooftop terrace.

    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. The smells and colours are heady, as friendly vendors demonstrate the benefits of eucalyptus and other herbal remedies to the tourists.

    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 relaxed, more laid-back atmosphere.

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    As you meander your way through the busy Semmarine souk, it suddenly opens up to this feast of exotic colours that seem to appear out of nowhere. You will be greeted by a display of tantalising and pungent aromas that have become the essence of Marrakech.

    There are a few budget cafes around the spice square that are ideal spots for a pot of mint tea whilst sitting in the sunshine absorbing this sensual experience.

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  • Le Marrakchi Restaurant.

    A restaurant with views over Jamaa El Fna

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    Le Marrakchi is a popular restaurant facing the main square. It is a fine dining experience in tasteful surroundings. It is situated on 52 Rue des Banques, Av.Jamaa El Fna40000 Morocco

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    Inside the restaurant, the atmosphere is intimate. The lighting is dim, and candles flicker on the tables, giving off a warm, cosy glow.

    It’s a busy place attracting a lot of tourists because it’s one of the few places selling alcohol in the square. It is constantly buzzing with energy, but it’s a relaxing experience, and you never feel pressured.

    The decor is traditionally Morroccan,with lamps and deep red couches. There is intricate tilework on the walls, and the windows overlook the main square.

    This is a family-friendly establishment.There is a good selection of dishes on the menu, including couscous, traditionally served on Fridays in Marrakesh. 

    I had vegetable tagine accompanied by a spicy Harissa sauce. The staff were professional, and the service was quick. The food was incredibly tasty.

    It’s impossible to mistake Le Marrakchi. The outside walls take on a wonderful red glow, which can be seen right across the square.

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    At Le Marrakchi, you can call in for cocktails, and you are under no obligation to dine there. Prices are competitive for a licenced restaurant close to Jamaa El Fna.

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    I visited several times. The atmosphere was nice, I really enjoyed hearing the sound of life rising up from the square. The mystical call to prayer added to the ambience.

    I never felt rushed despite the fact that the restaurant was busy. I was able to sit and relax with a margarita.

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

    There are stairs to climb to reach the restaurant. Therefore, it’s probably not ideal for people with mobility issues.However, there is an outside seating area

    Opening hours for Le Marrakchi restaurant are 12.00-12.00 am daily. They also offer a takeaway service.

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  • Cafe Clock.

    A cross-cultural cafe chain in the Kasbah.

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    Cafe Clock is a cultural hub based in Fes, Marrakech, and Chefchouen. It was founded by Mike Richardson when he visited Fes in 2006 and fell in love with the ancient city. It was named after the centuries old water clock situated on the facing wall of the Bou Inania Madrasa.

    Cafe Clock is now a buzzing hub of culture where you can sample its famous camel burgers. This lively space in the Kasbah district was once an old school house. It has since been converted and is renowned for its storytelling and live music events.

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    Cafe Clock is popular with young Moroccans learning the ancient traditional art of storytelling and travellers who are curious. There is nice energy here, and it’s a great place to come and chill.

    At Cafe Clock, you can take  cookery classes. You will be taken to the local markets to buy fresh ingredients before learning how to make a traditional Morroccan dish.

    The interior of Cafe Clock has been decorated by local artists who have added their own unique touch.Colourful vintage berber cushions and thrifted whimsical finds are displayed around a large open fire place. There is a homely atmosphere at Cafe Clock.

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    I visited during December, and it was cold outside. Sitting next to the roaring fire, listening to a live acoustic guitar made me feel warm and cosy.

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    The menu is good and offers an interesting choice for vegetarians and vegans.I particularly recommend the falafel Super Bowl and vegetable pastilla.

    If you’re travelling around Morocco, Cafe Clock is also extending its empire into other areas like Chefchouen.

    Opening times for Cafe Clock are 9.00 am until 11.00pm daily. The address is 224 Derb Chtouka, Marrakech.

    Cafe Clock is a popular cultural space dedicated to keeping the ancient culture of Marrakech alive. Whether it’s traditional gnawa musicians or the best raconteurs in Marrakech, you can expect an entertaining experience here.

    Cafe Clock is also open for breakfast, with a good variety of choices on the menu.

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  • Zeitoune Cafe.

    A restaurant on the main square.

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    The view from the balcony of Zeitoune cafe overlooks the busy main square. This is one of the highlights of dining here. It’s fun watching daily life take place from above all the action. You can hear the drumming and gnawa music from the heartbeat of the city.

    Video by Freebird Tracey.

    The food here is good, and portions are large. There are a variety of choices on the menu, including vegetarian and vegan options. I enjoyed a hearty salad for lunch and  a delicious strawberry smoothie.The obligatory olives, which come with a meal in Marrakech, were very welcome.The lamb tagine with dried fruits is a  popular choice amongst diners at this restaurant.

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    Zeitoune Cafe serves an excellent breakfast with a selection of refreshing juices and good coffee. Meals are competitively priced considering the location overlooking the main square.

    It gets busy at sunset as tourists flock to watch the sun setting behind the Koutoubia mosque. Getting a table at  this time of evening may be difficult.They do not accept reservations, so it’s first come, first served.

    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.

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

    Zeitoune Cafes’ address is 107 Place Jamaa El Fnaa 40000 Morocco.

    There is also a Zeitoune Cafe in the kasbah. The colourful outside seating is a good place to people watch in the sunshine.It is located opposite the mosque.

    Zeitoune Cafe accepts credit card payments, too.

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  • Malah Cafe Restaurant.

    A budget friendly restaurant in the Mellah.

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    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.

    Melah Cafe restaurant is one of the many places to stop for a drink or a bite to eat. The food served here is traditional morroccan and international cuisine. I had a panini and fries with a smoothie. It was much cheaper in comparison to the main square. The portion was large, and the food was tasty.

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    There is plenty to see around Mallah Cafe restaurant. Shaded under a large umbrella, I watched stray cats wandering to and fro across the square. Occasionally, there are events taking place here. The area is also pedestrianised.

    Image by Freebird Tracey.

    I enjoy spending time in Tinsmiths Square. It’s not as busy as other places around the medina. Finding an outdoor place to eat where I can watch things going on is a bonus. Malah Cafe restaurant is budget friendly too, which is another plus.

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

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    Opening times are 8.30am until 11.00pm.The address is 23 Place des Ferblantiers

    The Mellah is home to a huge selection of herbs and spices. Don’t forget to check them out whilst visiting Tinsmiths Square.

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  • Bacha Coffee.

    A dream for coffee lovers in Marrakech.

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    With over 200 different coffees to choose from, Bacha Coffee is a coffee lovers paradise.

    From the flamboyant interior with tiled floors and exotic plants to the finely dressed waiters in their elegant uniforms, Bacha Coffee is an experience.

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    A visit to Bacha Coffee is a treat. You have to wait for a table, but you can look around the museum whilst you wait. The gardens and architecture are lovely, and time passes quickly. You are given a bleeper to notify you when your table is ready.

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    Once seated inside, you can take your time to paw over the menu. There are over 200 coffees from all corners of the world. The menu is descriptive, and the hardest part is choosing.

    I decided to try a Caribbean coffee from the Blue Mountains. It was smooth and aromatic with a subtly sweet flavour.

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    The coffee is accompanied by fresh cream, chocolate chips, and vanilla pods to enhance the taste. I had a slice of cake, which was delicately spiced and complimented the coffee perfectly. My tastebuds were in heaven.

    I wish to try every coffee on the menu, so I’ve promised myself I will go back again until I have. That’s a lot of visits to Bacha Coffee.

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    The only downside to Bacha Coffee is that the queues are long. I suggest arriving at 9.30 before they open and joining the queue outside. It’s worth the wait. The breakfast is excellent.

    Bacha Coffee is worth visiting  to capture perfect Instagram photos regardless of the excellent food and coffee.

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    There is a shop where you can purchase coffee and the cups and saucers used in the restaurant. They also sell the containers they use for condiments, amongst other things. These make the perfect gift for someone special.

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    The opening hours are Tuesday-Sunday 10.00am-6.00pm

    The address is Dar el Bacha, Rte Sidi Abdelaziz Marrakech 40000 Morocco

    Bacha Coffee is in a nice area of Marrakech surrounded by plenty of shops and good restaurants. I enjoyed my visits. The service is impeccable, and the coffee speaks for itself.

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  • Restaurant Le Jardin Ben Youssef.

    A pretty garden restaurant near Ben Youssef Madrasa.

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    This garden restaurant was a lucky find whilst I was trying to find the Museum of Perfume in the medina.

    Located within a space dedicated to female artisans,  this cooperative is a lovely place to have lunch. Blossoms of pretty flowers fill a large  courtyard garden. Plants and an attractive water feature make it feel peaceful and relaxing. It’s the perfect atmosphere to enjoy some ‘Me Time’.

    Despite it being the middle of December, the flowers were in full bloom. I could only imagine how beautiful it would look in the spring.

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    I ordered a vegetable tagine with a fruit smoothie, and the food was delicious.

    Friendly cats snoozed in the flower beds, and birds sang in the trees. The sun shone, and I was in my element sitting amongst a sea of pretty colours. The restaurant is a hidden gem, but I doubt it will be a secret for long.

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    The restaurant attracts tourists and locals alike and serves traditional Morroccan cuisine and European food. Prices are very reasonable and ideal for travellers on a tighter budget. The menu caters to vegetarians and vegans also. It is open daily from 9.30 until 10.00 and you can find it at Amsefah,Rte Sidi Abdelaziz.

    The restaurant is a garden with no indoor seating, so do check the weather forecast for rain before arriving.

    I loved relaxing at Le Jardin Ben Youssef. I will make a point of eating here each time I visit Marrakech. The staff were welcoming, and I felt perfectly comfortable sitting by myself. I enjoyed the peaceful setting away from the busy crowds. The secluded garden with its flora and fauna was just what I needed.

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  • Pikala Cafe.

    A cafe for cycling enthusiasts 

    Pikala Cafe has a quirky, boho vibe. Amongst others, it attracts coworkers and health-conscious people. If you are brave, you can also hire bicycles here for the day to cycle around Marrakech.

    Pikala Cafe supports local youth by offering bicycle education and tours around the city. Profits support the Pikala Foundation, which fund bicycle projects and provide young locals with education and job opportunities.

    It’s a socially conscious cafe and cultural space serving vegetarian and vegan options. The breakfasts here are delicious, and they also do an assortment of snacks and healthy smoothies.

    The place itself is very pretty, with plenty of nooks to sit and relax in, including a nice rooftop. Being an open-air cafe, it is perfect when the heat becomes stifling in Marrakech. There are areas in the shade.

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    I had the detox smoothie, and it was invigorating. I also opted for a bowl of lentil soup, which was really tasty. The bread was so fresh.

    On a separate occasion, I tried the freshly squeezed lemonade. It was zesty and tangy, giving me the boost I needed for tackling the busy souks.

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    Pikola Cafe attracts a lot of fitness enthusiasts and is a really cool place to hang out. The food is the highlight. Ingredients are always fresh. Therefore, the quality of the food and drink is of a high standard. Popular dishes  include baghrir pancakes and pitta bowls.

    If you’re looking for a bite to eat and a cool place to relax, Pikala Cafe is definitely worth checking out. They also have free WiFi.

    Pikala Cafe opens from 9.00 am. daily and closes at 5.00pm. On Thursdays, Fridays,and Saturdays, it closes at 10.00pm. The address is 139 Arset, Aouzal Road, Marrakech 40000 Morocco.

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