Sounds Of The Souks

Category: Food and Drink.

An exploration of The Red City known as Marrakech.

The best places for dining out in Marrakech.

  • Healthy Juice And Smoothies In Marrakech.

    Marrakech is a smoothie lover’s dream come true

    Image by Freebird Tracey.

    One of the most refreshing, healthy drinks in and around the medina, smoothies can be found everywhere in Marrakesh.

    Using the freshest fruit from the local market and packed with nutritional goodness, smoothies are the perfect start to the day.

    I regularly choose the detoxifying smoothie for its positive health benefits and as a pick me up after a long, hot day exploring the medina.

    Literally, everything goes into making a perfect smoothie, and in Marrakech, they seem to have perfected the art.

    Fresh fruit, dried nuts, spiralina, cucumber, avocado, berries, banana, and spinach are just some of the ingredients that go into making the perfect smoothie.

    Pomegranate juice is refreshing in a hot climate like Marrakech.
    Fresh strawberries for sale in the medina.

    Fresh juice is also a popular choice amongst tourists who need something to quench their thirst in the heat of the day.

    Freshly squeezed lemon juice is tangy and exhilarating.

    Served with fresh mint, it’s both aromatic and tasty.

    Orange juice made from the oranges on the trees around the medina is a breakfast staple.

    It is sunshine in a glass.

    My absolute favourite juice was the freshly squeezed pomegranate juice.

    It was a refreshing tonic and gave me a burst of energy. 

    I was flagging in the heat during a hike around Ouzoud Waterfall, and it instantly hit the spot.

    Making pomegranate juice at Ouzoud Waterfall.

    The fruit juice vendors in the main square call you over to sample their mango and pineapple juice.

    They offer a selection of different fruits to try, and it’s exciting watching them make it for you.

    They are constantly trying to get your attention and offer you their service. There is so much competition.

    Juice vendors in Jamaa el Fna.

    There are a few places I can recommend…

    Pikala Cafe has an excellent choice of delicious, healthy juices and smoothies.

    ( See my separate post about Pikala Cafe).

    Detox smoothies in Pikala Cafe.

    Also,

    Le Ferme Medina.

    Henna Art Cafe. 

    La Famille (vegetarian restaurant)

    There are also plenty of rooftop restaurants around the main square to enjoy a well-deserved rest whilst sipping a refreshing cold juice or fruit smoothie and watching the action from above.

    It is important to stay hydrated whilst out and about in the medina.

    The temperature is very warm and humid.

    Whilst I can not underestimate the power of a bottle of water and it being a necessity, it’s worth trying the fresh juice as a healthy alternative.

    The vitamins and minerals are necessary to function for the hectic, busy schedule you may have planned.

    Smoothies are a perfect way to give you a boost, and they taste delicious.

    It’s all about balance.

    (more…)

  • Cafe Arabe.

    A popular restaurant where booking a table is recommended.

    Open air seating inside café Arabe

    Cafe Arabe is a popular destination for people looking for Italian and Morroccan cuisine.

    It is open all day serving breakfast, lunch, and dinner.

    The open-air restaurant has a rooftop overlooking the medina and comfortable seating in the patio area.

    The incredible views of the sunset draw people in to enjoy a cocktail on the rooftop, and it gets booked up very quickly.

    I visited initially for a refreshing smoothie and a break from the intensity of the souks and the heat.

    We were given breadsticks and olives to accompany them at no extra charge.

    A  much needed respite from the heat and a refreshing, healthy smoothie.

    I enjoyed looking out over the rooftops of the medina whilst relaxing.

    There was no pressure to order something to eat, which was nice.

    I decided to book a meal for later in the evening because the vibe was good inside the restaurant and the food looked delicious.

    The view from one side of the restaurant to the other.

    One thing I particularly liked was the decor.

    The exotic green colour leading upstairs to the terrace is absolutely stunning.

    This was my favourite part of the restaurant, I could have sat here happily all afternoon.

    The bathroom is very clean and well maintained.

    The striking green colour on the way up to the terrace is beautiful.

    Returning later for a meal, it was incredibly busy, and the service was slower.

    There were people queuing to be seated and waiters rushing about trying to cope with the demand. 

    We ordered pizzas, which were very tasty.

    They took a long time to arrive, and we ended up having a few beers with olives whilst we waited.

    We would have liked a desert, but we didn’t have time to wait for their arrival, so we decided to try again another day when it’s less busy.

    We tried booking a table for the following evening but it was full.

    I would suggest booking a few days in advance as Cafe Arabe appears to be very popular with tourists in the medina.

    The prices are average considering the proximity to Jamaa El Fna, and the food was fairly decent.

    It was a little bit too busy for me, and not surprisingly, the waiters appeared to be slightly under pressure.

    There were a few discrepancies with my bill, which took ages to rectify. However, it didn’t spoil the overall enjoyment of our dining experience.

    I would certainly come back just for a cold beer and to watch the sunset on the rooftop.

    Cafe Arabe  is open daily from 10.00am-12.00am

    The address is,

    184 Rue Mouassine

    Marrakech 40000 Morocco

    I would recommend booking a table for around 6.00pm this is the best time to come before it gets too busy.

    (more…)

  • Limoni Italian Restaurant.

    A little slice of Italy in Marrakesh

    Limoni italian restaurant is an excellent choice for diners who fancy a change from traditional Morroccan food.

    They serve both authentic Italian cuisine and traditional Morroccan food.

    The surroundings are incredibly pretty, with lemon and orange trees in the courtyard and lovely little lanterns hanging from them.

    There is also a rooftop area and outdoor seating.

    I chose a margarita pizza which was cooked to perfection. The base tasted really authentic.

    I had a tirimisu for dessert, and that was also delicious.

    At Limoni, they serve alcoholic beverages, including cocktails, wines, and spirits.

    We finished our meal with a limoncello to celebrate our wonderful trip to Marrakech.

    A toast to good health and happiness.

    There is a fireplace for cooler evenings during the winter months and outdoor seating.

    It is recommended to book as the restaurant can get busy.

    The address is,

    40 Rue Diour Saboun

    Marrakech 40000 Morrocco

    Limoni Italian restaurant is suitable for people with limited mobility and wheelchair users.

    They also have vegetarian and vegan options available on the menu.

    They do excellent pasta dishes, and apparently, the camel hamburger is quite popular.

    All the meals are reasonably priced and have good value for money.

    The courtyard inside Pepe Nero.

    It was a nice dining experience at Limoni. Although it was quite busy, it felt intimate and  relaxed without being pretentious.

    From the outside, it appears rather unassuming.

    Once you enter inside, it is spacious and inviting.

    At the moment, it is temporarily closed.

    (more…)

  • Jamaa El Fna At Night.

    The main square comes alive in the evening.

    Images by Freebird Tracey.

    If you think it’s a busy place during the daytime, be prepared for a surprise once the sun begins to set.

    Gone are the snake charmers and chained monkies to be replaced with food vendors and henna ladies, street musicians, and dancers.

    Enjoying some performers in the square.

    The scene is organised chaos and a sensory overload.

    The sights, sounds, and smells are not for the faint-hearted.

    This is where people come together to meet each other, eat traditional street food, and sip mint tea and freshly squeezed juice.

    The atmosphere is electric and vibrates with a magnetic energy.

    Street vendors pursue potential customers with menus as they try to navigate their way through the crowds.

    Sometimes, they can be very persistent, and you can feel somewhat intimidated.

    The scene is very intense yet magical and exciting.

    I really enjoyed myself, but other people say that they felt slightly overwhelmed.

    It is unlike anything else you may have experienced.

    There is so much to see. There are games being played, and a few little scams take place to trick you into coughing up a few dirhams.

    Locals hang around, chat with each other, or play with a football close to the walls of the medina.

    Sugarcane is sold from vending carts.

    Bemused onlookers sit observing everything outside restaurants or from the rooftops in the square as the mosque rings out the call to prayer.

    As the sun sets, the crowds flock, and the atmosphere becomes intense and electrifying.

    The square is transformed into a social hub where anything and everything takes place.

    As night falls, the square comes alive.

    It’s an incredible experience.

    The bright lights dazzle from the food vendors, and beautiful Morroccan lamps for sale on blankets light the way, giving off a wonderful glow.

    The aroma of sheeps head cooking floats through the air.

    Tourists tempted to try a bowl of snails queue to sample this culinary delight.

    Drums beat, belly dancers perform to curious onlookers and acrobats show off their skills to the crowds.

    From restaurant windows around the square, you can watch from a safe distance,  but you can not escape the craziness.

    It magnetises you.

    The sheer madness, a complete assault on the senses in every way possible.

    View from the window of a restaurant, overlooking Jamaa El Fna/image Freebird Tracey.

    It’s as though the whole of Morrocco has come out to play, and they are determined to have a good time.

    Jamaa El Fna at night is truly a spectacle to behold.

    It’s lively, colourful, aromatic, and noisy.

    Be sure to visit and become a part of what makes Marrakech so unique.

    It’s certainly an eye-opener.

    Although it’s mostly safe around the square, exercise the usual caution in large crowded areas and try to avoid obvious scams.

    (more…)

  • Kabana Rooftop Bar.

    Kabana Rooftop Bar is a lively, popular place serving a wide range of cocktails and other alcoholic beverages.

    Image by Freebird Tracey.

    They also have a good selection of dishes on the menu to suit all palates.

    You enter the bar via steps, and from the road, it looks rather unassuming.

    Entrance to Kabana rooftop bar.

    Once inside, it’s tastefully decorated with lanterns hanging everywhere and music playing on a large television screen.

    It’s a very busy venue, and booking is essential to be guaranteed a seat.

    The bar is huge, and you can either sit inside or outside, where most people prefer to hang out.

    Selection of alcoholic beverages at the bar.

    I took my son for his birthday meal and he chose the steak. He said it was cooked to perfection.

    Other people had mixed reviews, saying waiting times were long and that it was pricey for food and drinks.

    The food is Mediterranean inspired, and they also have a sushi menu.

    It was always full, and on the occasions we simply visited for cocktails, we couldn’t always be guaranteed a seat on the rooftop for a cocktail.

    However, after waiting for approximately 30 minutes inside the bar area, we eventually got a place.

    There is table service.

    The unisex bathroom is a treat,  beautifully decorated, modern, and traditional.

    Kabana rooftop bar seems to be one of the more popular places for drinks in the medina and lacked authenticity for me.

    The surroundings were nice with plenty of greenery, and the lanterns looked very pretty after dark.

    There is a view of Koutoubia Mosque from the rooftop, but it’s slightly shielded because drinking alcohol with the Mosque in full view is prohibited in Islamic culture.

    View of Koutoubia Mosque.

    Kabana rooftop bar has a very cosmopolitan vibe, attracting all age groups.

    It is situated at the gate of the medina and open daily from,

    11.00am-2.00am

    They play DJ sets, and it’s a  vibrant setting with a more relaxed dress code.

    It is not an intimate place for a romantic meal, in my opinion, and I found it difficult to have a conversation amidst the crowds of people and loud music.

    However, there are plenty of traditional, authentic places in the medina to dine out if you prefer a quieter environment.

    Kabana is a cocktail bar similar to the places in the new town, with the same energy but within walking distance for those people staying in the medina.

    It’s definitely worth a visit.

    The address is,

    Kissariat Ben Khalid R’mila,

    1 Rue Fatima Zahra,

    40000 Marrakech Morocco.

    A refreshing cocktail inside the Kabana rooftop bar.
    (more…)

  • Palais Dar Donab.

    A beautiful, calm environment serving authentic Morroccon food.

    Courtyard of Palais Dar Donab/image Freebird Tracey.

    Palais Dar Donab is a special treat.

    The scent of orange blossom fills the air, and the sound of birds chirping gives a sense of peace and tranquillity whilst dining here.

    This was one of my favourite places to visit and I absolutely loved it here.

    I visited several times, sometimes for a glass of wine during the afternoon and a welcome break from sightseeing.

    Image Freebird Tracey.

    The menu is extensive with food to suit most palates.

    They serve a decent selection of excellent wines and beers.

    I was very satisfied with the quality of food and enjoyed each meal I had in this fine restaurant.

    The vegetable tagine was one of the tastiest I tried in Marrakesh, and the delicious smoothies were all beautifully presented.

    Vegetable tagine with bread and olives.

    Palais Dar Donab is a high-end riad, where guests and visitors alike are welcome to come in and enjoy a quiet break from the busy medina.

    As you relax in the calm, tranquil surroundings, you never feel rushed.

    The gentle sound of the leaves on the trees and the trickling water make dining here a very pleasant experience.

    They are open for lunch aswell as dinner.

    The restaurant is set around a large pool and citrus trees, making it the perfect place for a nice rest.

    Relaxing on the comfortable couches and admiring the intricate craftsmanship inside is a nice way to pass an hour or so.

    I highly recommend trying Palais Dar Donab, not just for the quality of the food and friendly service, but for the peaceful atmosphere.

    You come away feeling recharged and de-stressed.

    You are ready to head back out into Jamaa El Fna and the souks again..

    Enjoying a moment of quiet contemplation.

    Opening hours are,

    Monday-Sunday

    10.00am-10.30pm

    Address is,

    53 Dar el Basha-Bab,

    Doukkala Marrakech, Morocco.

    The restaurant is vegetarian and vegan friendly and accepts credit cards.

    (more…)

  • Zeitoune Cafe.

    Situated in Jamaa El Fna, Zeitoune cafe is the perfect place for a bite to eat.

    The views from the balcony overlook the square, and it’s fun watching the daily activities take place whilst having a spot of lunch.

    The food here was incredibly good, with large portions and varied and interesting choices on the menu.

    The smoothies were gorgeous.

    I enjoyed a hearty salad for lunch and the strawberry smoothie. Also, the obligatory olives are always welcome.

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

    They serve excellent breakfasts with refreshing juices and good coffee, all reasonably priced.

    Delicious pancakes at Zeitoune Cafe.

    Zeitoune is in a strategic location, offering great views, and the service is very good.

    They are open all day until 1.00 am. and serve good cocktails.

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

    They also accept card payments.

    There are vegetarian and vegan options available.

    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

    (more…)

  • Le Marrakchi Restaurant.

    A popular restaurant with views over the Jamaa El Fna

    Image by Freebird Tracey.

    A fine dining experience in tastefully decorated surroundings situated on,

    52 Rue des Banques, Av.

    Jamaa El Fna

    40000 Morocco

    A refreshing cocktail inside Marrakchi Restaurant.

    Le Marrakchi restaurant is beautifully intimate with dim lighting and candles lit on the tables, giving it a warm, cosy glow.

    It’s a popular place to dine in the square, attracting a variety of people, including locals and tourists alike.

    It’s a family-friendly establishment and has vegan options available.

    The whole ambience is very special, and the vibe inside the restaurant is very relaxing despite it being a relatively busy place.

    From the outside, the walls have a wonderful, red glow, which is very atmospheric and inviting.

    Vegetable cous cous in Marrakchi restaurant.

    The food is good, I especially enjoyed the tagines which were served with a spicy, Harissa sauce at the side.

    Service was also good, and the waiters were attentive and friendly.

    The decor was traditionally Morroccan, and it felt cosy and romantic inside.

    They serve alcohol including a wide range of beautifully presented cocktails.

    Marrakchi serves a range of wines and cocktails.

    Prices are average 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 the busy square outside the windows.

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

    There was a good selection of dishes on the menu, and I enjoyed the vegetarian options, including vegetable cous cous, typically eaten on Fridays in Marrakesh.

    The bathroom facilities were excellent and smelt very fragrant.

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

    Opening hours are 12.00-12.00am daily.

    They also offer a takeaway service if you don’t wish to visit in person.

    (more…)

  • Atay And Moroccan Pastries.

    Marrakech is full of delightful little places to sit, and people watch whilst sipping traditional mint tea known as atay.

    A pretty little spot inside the medina.

    The colourful, boho decor and tempting pastries are the perfect way to take a much needed breather from the chaos of the souks.

    Shopping in the medina is a fascinating experience, but it can be overwhelming.

    I found out that taking a break and pacing myself was the best way to thoroughly enjoy my time looking around and navigating the maze of the souks.

    I especially loved the sweets and pastries on offer. They were absolutely delicious and complimented the refreshing mint tea perfectly.

    There were so many to choose from, and I decided to treat myself to a selection of smaller pastries to see which were my favourites.

    A tasty snack inside the medina.

    If you are shopping for gifts or spending time in the colourful, vibrant souks, I would highly recommend that you take some time out to rest and pace yourself.

    Sitting outside a cute little tea shop and sampling something light and tasty is a great way to engage in the culture of Morrocco and its people.

    Enjoying a breather from shopping.

    There are plenty of places offering mint tea and pastries dotted in and around the main square.

    The sweets are an absolute treat, but you will be spoilt for choice.

    The choice of delicious treats on offer in the souks.

    Part of the pleasure of exploring the medina is finding hidden gems where you can sit and gather yourself before venturing further.

    Marrakech is known for its delicious pastries, and they’re a nice snack that won’t spoil your appetite for later in the day.

    Watching the world go by in the medina.

    A few suggestions are,

    . Medina Kawa Marrakech.

    . La Patisserie de la Terracce Spices

    . Boughaz Coffee in the Kasbah.

    Also, check out my blog post about traditional Morroccan mint tea.

    (more…)

  • L’Mdina  Restaurant.

    A great little place serving authentic, good quality food close to Jamaa El Fna.

    Image by Freebird Tracey.

    The meals are good value for money, and there’s a lively atmosphere with live music playing.

    The menu is interesting and varied.

    They serve traditional tangia (tender meat, cooked for hours in an earthenware pot, called a tangier)

    The lamb was cooked to perfection,  succulent and tender, and the aromatic aroma as it was tipped from the tangia onto the plate was mouthwatering.

    The salads are delicious and creative, combining an interesting infusion of flavours.

    I especially enjoyed the vegetable tagine, with root vegetables and chickpeas.

    L’Mdina is a restaurant serving Moroccan, Mediterranean, and international dishes with a traditional gastronomic touch.

    It is located about 2 minutes from the square.

    They also have seating available for people, simply wanting a coffee or just a drink at the bar, whilst listening to some live music.

    The menu is suitable for vegetarians with vegan options also available.

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

    The musicians played a mix of traditional Morroccan music and Latin American.

    They entertained the diners without being too loud, so we were able to engage in conversation.

    It was the perfect dinner setting. A combination of  good food, a nice ambience, as well as being budget friendly.

    Whilst it can get quite busy, I didn’t have to queue long.

    I was happy to be seated outside. It was a nice, warm evening, and I was content feeling the vibe of the restaurant mixed with the magic of the medina during evening time.

    L’Mdina is close enough to the main square for a break from the hustle and bustle, whilst still feeling a part of it.  It’s a place to go for an hour or so to recharge one’s batteries.

    There is a set menu at lunchtime for 85 dirhams, and it’s worth every penny.

    If you want a tasty meal, which is reasonably priced with some entertainment, I recommend giving L’mdina a try.

    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.

    For more information about places to eat, contact me via the email address below;

    tracey.wright1963@googlemail.com
    (more…)