The Sound Of The Souks

Category: Best places to eat in Marrakech

Exploring The Red City Of Marrakech.

  • La Fountaine Des Espices.

    A vibrant restaurant near the Secret Garden.

    Image by Freebird Tracey.

    If you’re looking for an authentic place to eat in the medina, I recommend trying La Fountaine des Espices.

    I stumbled across this place by accident one evening, and  I was very impressed. The food was excellent, and the interior decor was refined and tasteful. I loved the  colourful, boho vibe in the entrance and how the restaurant opens up into a neutral elegant space. The rooftop is charming with plants and Cacti in large clay pots.

    Images by Freebird Tracey.

    I visited this strategically located restaurant a few times. It’s a great place to go for an afternoon drink and to enjoy some sunshine on the rooftop.

    The restaurant serves traditional Morroccan food. It tastes authentic, like having a meal cooked by a local family. There is plenty of choice on the menu, and each dish is beautifully presented.  I highly recommend the smoothies. I had the detox smoothie with apple, green lemon, celery, cucumber, and turmeric. It tasted delicious.

    On one occasion, I chose the vegetable tagine, and it was cooked to perfection. Service was quick, and the waiters were very attentive. They regularly checked that I was happy. On another occasion, I tried the pastilla, and I loved it.

    Images by Freebird Tracey.

    Fountaine des Espices is near the Secret Garden. The colourful entrance leads you upstairs to the tastefully furnished dining area. This is the most popular place for an evening meal. The vibrantly coloured areas are ideal for lunchtime.

    Images by Freebird Tracey.

    If you’re looking for a nice meal in a peaceful, relaxing environment, I highly recommend Fountaine des Espices. It’s particularly nice during the evening. Candles flickering on the tables, give off a nice romantic ambience whilst your dining.

    Fountaine des Espices is a welcome break from the busy souks.The address is 131 Rue Mouassine, and it’s open from 10.00 am until 12.00 am. The busiest time is 3.00 pm.

    Image by Freebird Tracey.
    tracey.wright1963@googlemail.com
    (more…)

  • Henna Art Cafe.

    A restaurant where you can get genuine henna tattoos.

    Image by Freebird Tracey.

    The first place I go when I arrive in the medina is Henna Art Cafe. It’s the perfect spot to refuel myself after the flight and long queues in the 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 great 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, 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 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 also available.

    There is free WiFi, and it’s a  popular restaurant with digital nomads. It’s a friendly place and a good introduction to the medina without being 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 also does a nice fragrant tagine. 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 meal and a rest at Henna Art Cafe, I’m always ready to tackle the challenge of trying to locate my riad. My battery has recharged. I have begun to acclimatise to the change of temperature between my own country and North Africa.

    Image by Freebird Tracey.

    I have a soft spot for this quirky little cafe. Henna Art Cafe was the first place I ate in the medina in 2022. I was eased into the culture change with a bowl of harissa soup and some traditional Morroccan bread.

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

    Image by Freebird Tracey.
    tracey.wright1963@googlemail.com
    (more…)

  • Fluffys.

    An international Dessert Cafe Inside Medina Mall.

    Image by Freebird Tracey.

    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.

    Image by Freebird Tracey.
    tracey.wright1963@googlemail.com
    (more…)