The Sound Of The Souks

Category: Food and Drink.

Exploring The Red City Of Marrakech.

The best places for dining out in Marrakech.

  • Zeitoune Cafe.

    A restaurant on the main square.

    Image by Freebird Tracey.

    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.

    Image by Freebird Tracey.

    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.

    Images by Freebird Tracey.

    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.

    Image by Freebird Tracey.

    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.

    Image by Freebird Tracey.

    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.

    Images by Freebird Tracey.

    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.

    Images by Freebird Tracey.

    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.

    Image by Freebird Tracey.

    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.

    Image by Freebird Tracey.

    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.

    Image by Freebird Tracey.

    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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  • Limoni Italian Restaurant.

    A slice of Italy in Marrakesh.

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    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 restaurant is in a pretty courtyard lined with citrus trees that have star shaped lanterns hanging from them. There’s a European vibe inside the restaurant.

    The food was delicious. I could easily have been mistaken for thinking I was in a restaurant somewhere in Italy.

    I chose a margarita pizza which was cooked to perfection. The base tasted authentic, and the tomato sauce was on point. I had  tirimisu for dessert, and that was also a great choice. Limoni creates excellent pasta dishes, and apparently, the camel burger is quite popular here, too. There are plenty of vegetarian and vegan options available on the menu.

    Images by Freebird Tracey.

    At Limoni, they serve alcoholic beverages, including cocktails, wines, and spirits. I finished my meal with a limoncello, and it was a lovely end to the evening.

    Image by Freebird Tracey.

    Limoni is a popular Italian restaurant. I recommend booking as it can get busy.

    The address is 40 Rue Diour Saboun Marrakech 40000 Morrocco.

    I enjoyed eating at Limoni. It’s a spacious restaurant and the tables are not on top of each other. I liked how the typical Moroccan decor combined well with a Mediterranean flare. There is also a warm fireplace for cool evenings during the winter months.

    If you’ve exhausted every tagine and you want to try something you’re familiar with. Limoni Italian restaurant is a good option. Meals are competitively priced and have good value for money. Portions are a good size, and the food is delicious.

    From outside, the restaurant appears unassuming, but inside, it is elegant and refined without being pretentious.

    There is outdoor seating for people who have limited mobility, and the restaurant is wheelchair friendly.

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  • Restaurant Le Jardin Ben Youssef.

    A pretty garden restaurant near Ben Youssef Madrasa.

    Image by Freebird Tracey.

    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.

    Images by Freebird Tracey.

    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.

    Images by Freebird Tracey.

    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.

    Image by Freebird Tracey.

    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.

    Image by Freebird Tracey.

    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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  • 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.

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  • Cafe Arabe.

    A popular restaurant in the medina.

    Image by Freebird Tracey.

    Cafe Arabe is a popular destination for people looking for Italian and traditional Morroccan cuisine. It is open all day and serves breakfast, lunch, and dinner.

    The open-air restaurant has a rooftop overlooking the medina.The incredible views of the sunset draw people in to enjoy a cocktail.There is also a large patio area with comfortable seating.

    I visited for a break from the intensity of the souks and the heat. I had a fresh fruit smoothie, and I was given breadsticks and olives to accompany it. I enjoyed looking out over the rooftops of the medina. It was a pleasant way to relax and cool down. There was no pressure to order food, and I appreciated the relaxed energy of the restaurant.

    I decided to book a meal for later in the evening. The vibe in the afternoon was good, and the food being served looked delicious.

    Image by Freebird Tracey.

    One thing I particularly liked was the decor. The exotic green colour leading upstairs to the terrace is stunning. This was my favourite part of the restaurant, I could have sat there quite happily. The bathroom is also very clean and well maintained.

    Images by Freebird Tracey.

    Returning later for a meal, it was incredibly busy. The atmosphere felt very different. There were people queuing to be seated and waiters rushing about trying to cope with the demand. 

    I ordered a cold beer with olives whilst waiting for my food order to be taken. I eventually chose a margarita pizza, which turned out to be very nice. I would have liked a desert, but service was slow on this particular evening. The staff appeared to be under considerable pressure. I hoped to try again the following evening, but the restaurant was fully booked.

    I realised booking at least a few days in advance was essential to guarantee a place in this busy restaurant.

    Image by Freebird Tracey.

    My opinion of Cafe Arabe is that the food is good. Prices in the restaurant are average, considering its proximity to Jamaa El Fna. However, in Marrakech, there are so many excellent restaurants to dine in. I personally favour a more peaceful environment for dinner. I will only visit at lunchtime in the future.

    Cafe Arabe is open daily from 10.00am-12.00am, and the address is 184 Rue Mouassine Marrakech 40000 Morocco

    Booking a table for 6.00pm is the best time to come. Before it gets too busy.

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  • La Pergola Rooftop Bar.

    A popular cocktail bar and restaurant in the medina

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    La Pergola rooftop bar is  a little jungle, situated in the medina,close to Jamaa El Fna. It’s a popular restaurant serving food and alcohol, including a wide range of cocktails. The beautiful palm trees that grow from the courtyard of Le Bistro Arabe give it a jungly, exotic vibe.

    Part of Riad Monceau, La Pergola is a busy place, so booking for a meal or cocktails is recommended. It is usually heaving with tourists looking for alcohol near the main square.

    I spent an hour enjoying some peace and tranquillity in the afternoon. It was a quieter time to visit than during the evening.It was very relaxing, sat amidst the exotic palms listening to gentle background music. I enjoyed a fresh smoothie, which came beautifully presented with attention to detail. The energy was completely different from the loud noise and crowds in the evening.

    Image by Freebird Tracey.

    Like most places serving alcohol in the medina, it is quite pricey. That is because Marrakech is a Muslim country, and alcohol is not widely consumed.

    The quirky surroundings of La Pergola make it worth a visit. Although I didn’t try the food, the menu looked very good. I am tempted to go again and indulge myself.

    The  Jazz bar Bistro Arabe is situated below La Pergola in the courtyard of Riad Monceau. They also serve food and alcohol. La Pergola is on the rooftop terrace.

    Images by Freebird Tracey.

    During the evening, you can hear the live jazz band in Le Bistro Arabe below. The atmosphere is lively, and if you haven’t booked, finding a seat is not easy.

    Seating at Le Pergola is on different tiers. There are views across the medina, and you are looking down on the people below. Comfortable couches around the bar attract people to relax with friends and family.

    La Pergola is open daily from noon until 11.00pm. The address is 7/8 Riad Zitoun Lakdim Marrakech 40000 Morrocco.

    There are plenty of shops in the area near La Pergola. It’s close to Dardar rooftop bar and Dar Essalam.

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  • Henna Art Cafe.

    A restaurant where you can get genuine henna tattoos.

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    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.

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    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.

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