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.
Palais Dar Donab is a treat for visitors to Marrakech. The scent of orange blossom and the sound of birds in the courtyard give you a sense of stillness. This is one of my favourite places to dine, and I absolutely love it here.
It’s a place where you can totally unwind and enjoy the sunny courtyard. Tables are positioned around a large pool, and citrus trees line the courtyard. Pretty flowers add an array of colour.
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The menu is extensive with food to suit all palates.They also serve a selection of excellent wines and beers.
I was really impressed with the quality of the food.The vegetable tagine was one of the tastiest I have tried in Marrakesh. The smoothies were beautifully presented and full of vibrant fruit.
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Palais Dar Donab is also a high-end accommodation. Guests and visitors mingle together, enjoying a quiet break from the busy medina.
The pace is slow and relaxed. The staff are always attentive but allow you to enjoy the peaceful setting without feeling pressured to leave.
The gentle sound of leaves on the trees and the trickle of water make dining here a calm experience. Tangerines drop from the trees, and birds sing happily.
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Palais Dar Donab is an excellent setting for a romantic dinner. Music plays subtly in the background, allowing conversation to flow and creating an atmosphere of intimacy.
Relaxing with a glass of wine, admiring the restaurants fine craftsmanship is a perfect way to recharge your batteries in the afternoon.
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I highly recommend Palais Dar Donab. Not only for the quality of the food or the friendly service, but for the peace and serenity it offers. You come away feeling de-stressed and ready to tackle the overwhelming souks. It’s an oasis in comparison to the over stimulating Jamaa El Fna.
Opening times are Monday-Sunday 10.00am-10.30pm. The address is 53 Dar el Basha-Bab Doukkala Marrakech, Morocco.
The restaurant is vegetarian and vegan friendly and accepts credit card payments.
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.
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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.
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.
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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.
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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.
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.
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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.
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.
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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.
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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.
L’Mdina has an interesting menu that includes a good variety of options.
They serve tangia, which is tender meat cooked for hours in an earthenware pot. The pot, called a tangia, is left in the embers of the local hammam and collected later in the day. It’s this method of slow cooking that results in the meat falling off the bone. The meat inside is cooked to perfection, succulent, and tender. The fragrant aroma as it is tipped out onto the plate makes your mouth water
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I enjoyed the vegetable tagine, with root vegetables and chickpeas. The sauce was delicately spiced, and the vegetables were cooked how I like them.
The salads at L’Mdina are also delicious. They are created by combining an infusion of delicious flavours together. The result is a colourful, vibrant taste sensation.
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L’Mdina serves Moroccan, Mediterranean, and international dishes with a traditional gastronomic touch. It is located about 2 minutes from the square. People are also welcome to have a coffee and listen to some live music without having to dine in the restaurant. The live musicians play a mix of traditional Morroccan and Latin American music. They entertain diners in the background so that it’s still possible to chat
The restaurant seats 60 people and is beautifully decorated with an authentic Moroccan theme.
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The restaurant is a perfect setup. The combination of good food, a relaxing ambience, and the fact that it’s budget friendly makes it a great place to visit.
It is possible to eat outside on a warm evening. This allows guests to experience the restaurant’s vibe combined with the energy of the main square during the evening. L’Mdina is close enough for a break from the hustle and bustle, whilst still feeling a part of it.
There is a set menu at lunchtime for 85 dirhams, and it’s worth every penny. The menu is suitable for vegetarians with vegans also.
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If you are looking for live entertainment and good wholesome food, I highly recommend L’mdina.
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.
The perfect day in Marrakech begins watching the sunrise on a rooftop terrace in my riad. I can hear birds singing in the courtyard below. I hear the sound of the medina as it gradually wakes up and comes back to life. I watch cats prowl along the rooftops. Below me, I hear the clattering of plates as staff prepare breakfast.
A glass of freshly squeezed orange juice hits the spot perfectly. I enjoy a breakfast of msemen pancakes with homemade jam, amlou, and honey.
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After my shower, I head out into the medina for a glass of mint atay. I sit outside a cafe overlooking the main square. I observe the vendors setting up their stalls for the day. The street entertainers are ready to entice crowds of tourists. The local ladies pass by on their way to the market for fresh herbs and spices.
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My next destination is the souks before they get busy. Vendors are eager for their first sale of the day, and bargaining is easier early in the morning. The array of things on offer is a sight to behold.
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Cats gather for a few morsels off the butcher, and locals toss titbits for them to eat. They vye with each other for the perfect spot to laze in the sunshine.
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I check out the Amazigh jewellery, the argan oil, and the beautiful ceramics on display. At the same time, I dodge motorcycles and donkey carts as they make their way through the narrow alleyways. I buy a few souvenirs and then decide it’s time for a light snack.
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A cafe with colourful outdoor seating looks inviting. I order a selection of Morroccan pastries and a pot of mint tea. I sit for a while people watching, enjoying the scenes that are unfolding around me. It’s fascinating watching daily life in the medina. Tourists look in awe at things for sale, and vendors call out to them with friendly banter.
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After recharging my batteries, it’s time to do some sightseeing. I head towards Madrasa Ben Youssef for an opportunity to get some photos of the stunning architecture. I learn the history of one of the most important koranic colleges in Morocco.
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Afterwards, I make my way to the gardens of the Koutoubia Mosque. The medina is getting busy, and I want to sit somewhere less crowded.
I relax amongst the beautiful trees, admiring the most famous landmark in Marrakech. As I sit near the fountain, it feels cool and refreshing as it sprays into the air.
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I treat myself to a sugarcane juice from a vendor. It goes down well, and the day is getting steadily warmer.
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By now, the heat is quite intense, so I return to my riad for a rest. I make my way onto the rooftop terrace to sunbathe and read a book. The call to prayer echos across the medina. It’s a familiar sound that can be heard in Marrakech five times a day.
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Soon, it’s time to get ready for dinner.
I go to La Pergola rooftop bar for a couple of cocktails beforehand. It’s a lively atmosphere. There are people enjoying a drink and chatting with friends.
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Next, it’s time to head towards Jamaa El Fna. The energy is electric. Food vendors are touting for business. There are dancers, drumming, and gambling games. Crowds of tourists gather to witness the spectacle. The smell of food cooking makes me hungry. I decide to find a nice place to dine.
I choose a place that has a rooftop terrace overlooking the square. It’s a perfect spot to watch the sunset. As the sun slowly disappears behind the Koutoubia Mosque, it’s a spectacular sight. Everywhere has a golden glow.
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I order a traditional tagine, which is flavourful and aromatic. I’m tempted by the exotic fruit smoothies on the menu. I treat myself to one containing dried fruit, and it’s delicious.
The evening is still young, so I take a leisurely walk to the kasbah. I spend the rest of my evening at the famous Clock listening to some live music and traditional storytelling.
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After immersing myself in the culture of Morrocco, I head back to my riad. I sit in the peaceful courtyard reflecting on the day I’ve had.
I have learnt some history about the culture of Marrakech. I have tasted delicious food. I watched a beautiful sunset and chatted with friendly locals. I have successfully navigated my way through the souks without getting too lost. I also have some nice souvenirs to take home.
I fall asleep. It’s been a perfect day, and I’m ready to do it all again tomorrow.
Marrakech is a smoothie lover’s dream come true. Smoothies can be found everywhere. They are one of the most vibrant and refreshing drinks in the medina.Using the freshest fruit from the local market and packed with nutritional goodness, smoothies are the perfect start to the day. I regularly enjoy a detoxifying smoothie for its positive health benefits or as a pick me up during the day. There is no shortage of exotic fruits and vegetables in Marrakech. The markets are alive with colour.
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Literally, everything goes into making a delicious 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 healthy ingredients blended together to make a smoothie. There is an abundance of fruit around the medina, so you can expect colourful, fresh ingredients every time.
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Fresh juice is also popular amongst tourists who need something to quench their thirst in the hot African sun. Freshly squeezed lemon juice is tangy and exhilarating. Served with fresh mint, it’s a combination that is both aromatic and refreshing. It’s a taste sensation.
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Orange juice made using freshly picked oranges off trees around the medina is a breakfast staple.It is sunshine in a glass.
Mixed fruit juice is another favourite and sold in the main square. Vendors encourage business with friendly banter. They call tourists over to sample their mango and pineapple juice, and it can be fun to watch them competing for business. On the stalls, they display a selection of exotic fruits. It’s exciting watching them make the juice for you.
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My absolute favourite is freshly squeezed pomegranate juice. It is a refreshing tonic and gives me a boost of energy.
I was flagging in the heat hiking around Ouzoud Waterfall. Freshly squeezed pomegranate juice instantly hit the spot. I soon felt revitalised again.
Sugarcane juice is widely available around the medina, also. You can find vendors near Koutoubia Mosque.
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Here are a few places I recommend to enjoy a refreshing juice or a healthy smoothie..
Le Ferme Medina.
Henna Art Cafe.
La Famille.
Pikala Cafe.
They each have attractive, comfortable surroundings for a break from sightseeing. There are also plenty of rooftop terraces around the medina. These are great places to enjoy sipping a fruit juice or smoothie, watching all the action below. It’s a pleasant way to get some vitamin C.
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It is important to stay hydrated in Marrakech. The temperature can be hot and humid. I can not underestimate the power of a bottle of water, and you should always carry one with you.
For a healthy treat, consider trying a few of the wonderful juices and smoothies available also. The vitamins and minerals are necessary to function during a hectic schedule.Just remember, there may still be high sugar content, so moderation is key. It’s all about balance.
Shopping in the medina is a fascinating experience, but it can be overwhelming at times. I soon realised that taking a regular break and pacing myself was the best way to enjoy the experience.
Navigating the maze of alleyways in the souks is exciting. There is so much more to them than beautiful leather goods and Moroccan lamps, though.
There are delicious sweets and pastries waiting to be sampled. These compliment the taste of traditional mint tea known as atay perfectly.
There are so many different pastries to choose from. I decided to treat myself to a selection to find out which ones are my favourite. I enjoyed the taste of the almond pastries most of all.
Traditional mint tea is very hydrating. Sitting in a colourful, boho nook drinking mint tea is a perfect way to take time out from the hectic rhythm of the souks.
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If you are shopping in the souks, I recommend that you pace yourselves and take some time to enjoy the experience. Sitting outside a cute little tea shop is the perfect way to do that.
There are plenty of places around the medina selling mint tea with traditional sweets and pastries. Part of the pleasure of exploring is finding these hidden gems.
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A few places I recommend are,
Medina Kawa Marrakech.
La Patisserie de la Terracce Spices
Boughaz Coffee in the Kasbah.
Marrakech has an abundant supply of sweets and pastries, and I suggest trying Baclava. It’s a sweet pastry made of layers of flaky phyllo dough filled with chopped nuts like walnuts, pistachios, or almonds. It’s sweetened with honey and flavoured with spices like cinnamon and lemon juice. This was one of my many favourites.
The Sound Of The Souks 