The Sound Of The Souks

Tag: Marrakech food and dining options

Exploring The Red City Of 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.

    Image by Freebird Tracey.
    (more…)

  • Malah Cafe Restaurant.

    A budget friendly restaurant in the Mellah.

    Image by Freebird Tracey.

    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.

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

  • Limoni Italian Restaurant.

    A slice of Italy in Marrakesh.

    Image by Freebird Tracey.

    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.

    Image by Freebird Tracey.
    (more…)

  • 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.

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

  • 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…)

  • 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.

    Image by Freebird Tracey.
    (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…)

  • 1112 Morroccan Tea House.

    The first Moroccan tea house in Marrakesh.

    Image by Freebird Tracey.

    1112 is the first Moroccan tea house in marrakech, serving 12 teas from the 12 areas of Morrocco. Set inside a former riad, it is a beautiful place to come and sample the 12 delicious teas on offer, along with modern oriental cakes. There is table service, and the food is tasty and varied. There is also a selection of light snacks to accompany your choice of tea.

    Images by Freebird Tracey.

    The name 1112 signifies the date 1700 in the gregorian calendar and is etched into the wooden ceiling of the riad.

    The riad was beautifully restored by a morroccan family who are renowned for their expertise in the restoration of such properties since the 1990s. The architecture is beautiful.  Wooden ceilings, intricate tile work, and exotic plants make it a delightful environment to sit and reflect on the past history of the importance of tea in Morrocco.

    It’s a fascinating tea museum, and there are interesting facts about the introduction of tea into Morocco. There’s also a shop selling nicely packaged tea if you’re looking for a gift to take home with you.

    Images by Freebird Tracey.

    1112 has a nice rooftop. After exploring the museum, it is worth taking a look around this beautifully restored riad.

    Images by Freebird Tracey.

    Situated close to Ben Youssef, the address is 12 Place De La Kissariat, Ben Youssef, Marrakech.

    They are open for breakfast and lunch. It’s a lovely way to begin the day, or take a peaceful break from exploring the busy medina..

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

  • La Ferme Medina.

    A restaurant resembling the garden of Eden in the medina.

    Image by Freebird Tracey.

    Imagine sitting in an oasis, surrounded by tropical plants. The sound of trickling water from a fountain and birds chirping. This is what you will experience when you visit La Ferme medina. The atmosphere is serene and calm, with several cosy nooks to sit and relax in with a delicious meal.

    Images by Freebird Tracey.

    Not only is Le Ferme Medina a restaurant serving excellent food, but it is a beautiful place to stay in the medina. All the rooms have balconies looking down over the jungle below and are tastefully furnished.

    I enjoyed sitting in such a tranquil environment, looking down from my table above the flora and fauna. It felt like an oasis, a welcome retreat from the busy souks and streams of tourists.

    The food was delicious, and the service was excellent. Friendly staff were eager to accommodate all my needs.

    After a busy morning shopping in the souks, it was lovely to relax in such a peaceful garden setting. At Le Ferme Medina, you would be forgiven for thinking you’d been transported to a different place altogether. It felt like an oasis in the middle of nowhere.

    Image by Freebird Tracey.

    For lunch, I chose avocado toast, followed by a delicious cheesecake. It was tasty, filling, and beautifully presented. Attention to detail is everything here at Le Ferme Medina. The food in the restaurant is organically produced and dedicated to animal welfare. This is a bonus if, like me, you’re an animal lover.The restaurant also serves vegetarian,vegan, and halal dishes, catering to everyone’s dietary preferences.

    Images by Freebird Tracey.

    The address for La Ferme medina is 236 Rue Riad Laarous Marrakech 40000 Morocco. The opening times are 7.00 am until 22.00pm. They serve breakfast, brunch, and dinner. There is live traditional Moroccan music most evenings to entertain you during dinner.

    I highly recommend trying Le Ferme medina. The peaceful environment alone is invaluable.I will certainly be back to work my way around the menu. I may even spend a few nights here in this jungle paradise.

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

  • Kafe Merstan.

    A restaurant with  spectacular views of the sunset in Marrakesh.

    Image by Freebird Tracey.

    Kafe Merstan restaurant and rooftop terrace is located near the spice square and vegetable market.They serve traditional Morroccan food, and prices are very reasonable. It’s ideal for travellers on a budget. I enjoyed one of the tastiest tagines I’ve had here. The quality of the food was very good.

    Image by Freebird Tracey.

    Kafe Merstan is popular during sunset. Tourists arrive to watch the sun go down from the pretty rooftop. It’s a spectacular view, therefore it can get busy during this time of evening.

    The interior is traditionally decorated with a contemporary, modern twist. Colourful soft furnishings and rattan lampshades give off a homely, boho vibe.

    Images by Freebird Tracey.

    Seating is upstairs on the rooftop, so people with mobility issues may not find it easily accessible.

    Payment is by card or cash downstairs. However, there’s a minimum of 200 MAD for a card payment.

    The address for Kafe Merstan is 2 Souk Chaaria Kast Benahid, Marrakech 40000, it’s open every day from 12.00-10.00. The restaurant is close to Ben Youssef Madrasa and the Museum of Marrakech. It’s in a strategic position if you need a break from sightseeing. I found it to be an ideal spot for lunch due to its close proximity to many attractions.

    Kafe Merstan offers a good selection of vegetarian dishes, including a very tasty vegetable pastilla.

    Kafe Merstan may give you the impression of a no frills restaurant from the entrance. However, the food was good, and it was clean and cosy upstairs.

    I recommend coming to Kafe Merstan to watch the setting sun from the rooftop terrace. Arrive early and get a good seat. It’s one of the best views.

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