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.
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..
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.
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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.
Image by Freebird Tracey.
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.
A restaurant resembling the garden of Eden in the medina.
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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.
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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.
A restaurant with spectacular views of the sunset in Marrakesh.
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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.
Mo Mo’s restaurant is a colourful and tastefully decorated restaurant in the medina. Inside, the tables are decorated with attractive earthenware. There is so much to catch your eye. Mo Mo’s has a mid century feel about it, similar to Tiki style. The colourful interior is vibrant and exciting, with pink and pale blue tones creating a relaxed ambience.
Images by Freebird Tracey.
The rooftop is very popular and the perfect place to watch the sun set over the medina. The views across the main square are terrific. You’re able to observe all the action from a distance.
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I decided to relax with a drink and watch the setting sun. It was quite spectacular. The opening time for serving dinner was 6.00pm, and the tables were filling up rapidly. The waiters were busy, making the guests feel welcome. It was a great atmosphere.
Image by Freebird Tracey.
Mo Mo’s is popular with all age groups. There is plenty of space inside to accommodate a large group of people.
It’s a whimsical restaurant with plenty to look at. It’s very instagrammable, and guests were taking photos of the fascinating decor.It’s unlike other places in the medina, yet still exudes the same charm. My impression was that it’s modern and elegant, with a touch of chilled, mellow 1960s energy.
Mo Mo’s serve Mediterranean food alongside traditional Moroccan specialities. Some reviews suggest that the menu is limited. However, people say that they enjoyed the food and rated it as high quality. Mo Mo’s is quite a new restaurant, so the menu may be tweaked to include more dishes eventually. The breakfast is an innovative take on a full English breakfast served in a tagine.
I can vouch for the drinks. There was a good choice of fresh juices and smoothies available. I had a delicious smoothie, and I could taste each individual fruit they’d used. It was very healthy.
Image by Freebird Tracey.
If you’re looking for a restaurant with an explosion of colour. Traditional yet with a modern twist, Mo Mo’s is the perfect place. It is both exciting and elegant at the same time. I will definitely be returning.
Mo Mo’s is open daily from 11.00am to 12.00am. The address is 1 Riad Zitoun, Lakdim, Marrakech 40000 Morocco.
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.
Image by Freebird Tracey.
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.
Image by Freebird Tracey.
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.
Pepe Nero is a popular Italian restaurant tucked away on a quiet street in the medina. They also cook delicious Moroccan cuisine.
Inside the restaurant, there are two pretty courtyards surrounded by lush green foliage and ornate trickling fountains.
I ate here several times and enjoyed the food immensely on each occasion. The menu is creative. They prepare interesting pasta dishes suitable for vegetarians. I had pasta with truffle, and it was beautifully presented and cooked to perfection.
Images by Freebird Tracey.
The restaurant serves alcohol, including a selection of good wine, cocktails, and spirits.
The ambience inside the restaurant is relaxing. It can get livelier in the evening, but it never becomes too noisy. Despite the tempo of the music, I never had to raise my voice to be heard. The atmosphere is still conducive to a romantic, intimate dining experience.
Pepe Nero is open for lunch and dinner. As well as two courtyards, there is a nice enclosed dining space. Guests can sit inside or around the pool where bougainvillaea drapes down the wall.
Images by Freebird Tracey.
The staff at Pepe Nero are professional and friendly. They are knowledgeable about the food on the menu and help you to make the right choice.
At Pepe Nero, excellent food, elegant surroundings, and friendly service ensure guests receive the perfect dining experience.
The address is 17 Derb Cherkaoul Marrakech 40000 Morocco. Opening hours for the restaurant are 1.00pm until 4.00pm then, 6.00pm until 11.30 daily.
There is a small car park close to the restaurant.
Booking is advisable as this is a popular restaurant and can get busy, especially during the evening.
I was lucky to stumble across this wonderful little place in the medina. The music they were playing was enough to keep me happy for a while. There is a chilled, boho vibe in Mandala Society. It’s the kind of environment that attracts all age groups and walks of life.
The restaurant is dedicated to sourcing local ethically produced food that is organic wherever possible. Sustainability is evident from the natural wood, soft lighting, and cosy seating inside the restaurant.
Images by Freebird Tracey.
I went at lunchtime. It was quite busy, so I sat on the rooftop terrace to eat my food. There are views across the medina, and the energy was good up there.
I ordered the avocado toast. The creative way that the chef used seasonal fruit added something special to my meal.
Image by Freebird Tracey.
The restaurant is spread across 3 levels. The decor is modern and bright, with a homely welcoming atmosphere.
The staff are friendly, and the menu includes homemade dishes using ingredients that are ethically sourced.
I sat listening to music by The Doors, Bob Dylan, and other great artists. It was such a relaxed vibe. I could have hung out on the rooftop terrace for hours quite happily.
You can find Mandala Society at 159 Rue Riad Zitoun el Jdid,Marrakech 40000. The opening hours are 9.30am to 10.30pm daily.
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.
Image by Freebird Tracey.
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.
Images by Freebird Tracey.
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.
Images by Freebird Tracey.
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.
Images by Freebird Tracey.
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.
Images by Freebird Tracey.
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.
Image by Freebird Tracey.
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.
Image by Freebird Tracey.
I treat myself to a sugarcane juice from a vendor. It goes down well, and the day is getting steadily warmer.
Image by Freebird Tracey.
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.
Image by Freebird Tracey.
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.
Images by Freebird Tracey.
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.
Image by Freebird Tracey.
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.
Image by Freebird Tracey.
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.
The Sound Of The Souks 