The Sound Of The Souks

Category: places to dine in the medina

Exploring The Red City Of Marrakech.

  • Le Marrakchi Restaurant.

    A restaurant with views over Jamaa El Fna

    Image by Freebird Tracey.

    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

    Image by Freebird Tracey.

    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.

    Image by Freebird Tracey.

    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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  • 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.

    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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  • 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.

    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.

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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.

    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.

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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.

    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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  • 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.

    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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  • 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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  • Les Bains Kenaria.

    A Hammam with a Rooftop Cafe.

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    Les Bains Kenaria has been revived to become a sanctuary in the medina. It’s over 400 years old and has been beautifully preserved and restored. The hammam still uses the ancient Moroccan tradition of heating using the wood fired method.

    Services include newly added thermal rooms, warm baths, cold baths, a jacuzzi style pool, and a massage.

    Les Bains Kenaria is also a rooftop cafe, and this is where my experience here began. I was lured in by the lush tropical plants that spoke to me from the intricately crafted doorway.

    Images by Freebird Tracey.

    I made my way upstairs onto the pretty rooftop and was seated on a colourful couch. The staff were really friendly and courteous, and helped me to choose a vegetarian option from the menu.

    I had one of the most delicious tagines I’ve had in Marrakech.The fresh vegetables included fava beans and olives and tasted absolutely sumptuous. I chose a beet smoothie for the first time. It was quite different from anything I’d had before, and I couldn’t decide if I liked it or not.

    I watched the sun setting as I ate. I could hear the lively sounds of the souk below. It was a lovely atmosphere, and I could see everyday life taking place on the adjacent rooftops.

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    The setting was peaceful, despite it being in the busy medina. There were tourists shopping in the street below. I was still able to enjoy my meal feeling relaxed and stressfree. I took my time and didn’t feel rushed.

    Dining on the rooftop terrace of Les Bains Kenaria was a lovely experience. The food is traditional Morroccan cuisine, and prices are very competitive. There is plenty of choice for lunch and dinner on the menu, and breakfast is also available. The lush plants and comfortable surroundings made it extra special. It was a contrast from the manic rhythm of the street below. This is definitely a place I will visit regularly.

    The opening hours are 9.00 am until 8.00pm daily. The address is Bain Maure, N 132,Marrakech 40040, Morocco.

    Next time, I may even try the Hammam.

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  • Terrace Bakchich.

    A budget friendly restaurant in the medina

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    This unassuming restaurant cafe in the medina is undoubtedly one of the most popular amongst the locals in Marrakech. The Guardian voted it one of the 10 best places to eat in the medina.

    From the outside, the restaurant looks humble, but the food is another story entirely.

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    There are a number of excellent tagines on the menu, and most diners come just to sample those. Choose from rabbit, fish, meat, or vegetarian options. They’re all cooked to perfection by the well-known and respected friendly chef.

    This lively little restaurant has almost become an institution in the medina. It’s not just a meal. It’s an experience. For travellers on a budget, the food here is cheap but not at the expense of its quality. It is a  known fact that if a restaurant is full of locals, it must be good.

    Upstairs, there is a small rooftop terrace overlooking the lively alleyways of the souk. It is opposite Chez Bismillah Sand Coffee and impossible to miss with its colourful and quirky interior.

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    Terrace Bakchich has managed to retain its authenticity amidst the growing tide of tourism. It is not fancy. The food speaks for itself. If you’re looking for good food in an environment that is charming, rustic, and cosy, this place is for you. The experience of eating with the locals is the best way to get to know the culture of the city.

    Terrace Bakchich is close to the vegetable and fruit markets, so ingredients are always fresh.

    Image by Freebird Tracey.

    With the most expensive dish on the menu being 150 dirhams, eating here is kind on the wallet. This leaves you with more money to spend in the souks. The restaurant only accepts cash, so be sure you have some with you if you’re thinking of visiting.

    Terrace Bakchich is near to popular attractions such as Ben Youssef Madrasa and Marrakech Museum. The location is 294 Rue Talaa Marrakech, and opening times are 10.00am until 10.00pm daily. Outdoor seating is available.

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  • Le Salama Restaurant.

    A restaurant with live entertainment.

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    Le Salama is a modern restaurant with a lively atmosphere. There is a popular rooftop area that gets very busy with tourists.I recommend booking in advance. I tried to get a seat, and it was virtually impossible.

    Inside the restaurant, the decor is traditionally Morroccan with an al fresco vibe. There are beautiful plants throughout, and it feels as though you are sitting somewhere in nature.

    There are two bars serving a range of alcoholic and non alcoholic drinks.

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    I ordered a plate of delicious Morroccan pastries with a cold glass of Casablanca beer. Other diners were enjoying a variety of dishes from the menu. The food looked  appealing. I decided to book a table on the rooftop terrace for the following evening.

    Images by Freebird Tracey.

    At 9.00pm each evening, the entertainment begins. Belly dancers perform around the tables, encouraging diners to participate. It was fun to watch everyone having a good time.

    Video by Freebird Tracey.

    I have to admit that the service was slightly slow. However, it was Ramadan, so exceptions have to be made during this month.

    Being a solo female traveller, I didn’t feel conspicuous at all. The waiters were polite and helpful.  The fact I only ordered dessert and one drink wasn’t an issue. I didn’t feel pressured to leave, and I was free to enjoy the live entertainment.

    Le Salama is steps away from Jamaa El Fna. It’s the perfect place to grab a bite to eat and recharge your batteries. The architecture of the restaurant from outside is interesting.

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    Le Salama can be found on 40 rue des banques, and it’s open until 2.00 a.m. They serve a good range of cocktails and are open for lunch and dinner. They also have a children’s menu.

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