Tag: morocco

An exploration of The Red City known as Marrakech.
  • MO’S MO’S RESTAURANT.

    Mo Mo’s restaurant is a colourful and tastefully decorated restaurant in the medina.

    Inside, the tables are set with attractive earthenware, and there is so much to catch your eye.

    Images by Freebird Tracey.

    The rooftop is very popular and the perfect place to watch the sun set over the medina.

    The atmosphere is tranquil despite the popularity of this relatively new restaurant.

    Image by Freebird Tracey.

    I only had a drink because the opening time for serving dinner was 6.00pm, and the tables were filling up rapidly.

    The waiters were very busy seating everyone, and I didn’t have time to wait for all the orders to be taken.

    However, the food on the menu looked interesting and moderately priced, so I shall return in the near future to sample some of it.

    Image by Freebird Tracey.

    Mo Mo’s is popular with all age groups, and there is plenty of space inside and out to accommodate a large number of people.

    I sat on the rooftop watching the sunset over Koutoubia Mosque before heading inside, where it was less busy to admire the quirky, vibrant decor.

    There is certainly plenty to look at, and it’s very instagrammable.

    People were taking photos of the fascinating decor. It’s quite different from other places in the medina, yet still exudes the same charm.

    Mo Mo’s serve Mediterranean food alongside traditional Moroccan specialities.

    Some reviews say that the menu is limited, but they enjoyed the food and rated it as high quality.

    The breakfast is an innovative take on a full English breakfast served in a tagine.

    I can vouch for the drinks.

    They were beautifully presented and fresh, and there was a good choice.

    I had a lovely smoothie and I could taste each individual fruit, it was very healthy.

    Image by Freebird Tracey.

    If you’re looking for somewhere with an explosion of colour, traditional yet with a modern twist, this is the perfect place.

    It is exciting and classy at the same time.

    I will definitely be returning to try the dishes on the menu..

    Mo Mo’s is open daily from 11.00am to 12.00am

    The address is;

    1 Riad Zitoun, Lakdim, Marrakech 40000 Morocco.

    For more information, contact me via the email address below;

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  • 1112 MORROCCAN TEA HOUSE.

    1112 Morroccan Tea House is absolutely stunning.

    It 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.

    They serve breakfast and lunch.

    The food is nicely presented with table service, tasty and varied.

    There is a selection of light snacks available on the menu also.

    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 have been 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 for sitting and reflecting on the past history of the importance of tea in Morrocco.

    There are interesting facts about the introduction of tea into Morocco and 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 worthwhile taking a look around this exquisite riad and savouring the whole experience.

    Images by Freebird Tracey.

    Situated close to Ben Youssef, the address is;

    12 Place De La Kissariat, Ben Youssef,

    Marrakech.

    It is open for breakfast and lunch.

    Image by Freebird Tracey.

    For more details,

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  • LA FERME MEDINA.

    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.

    Images by Freebird Tracey.

    Not only is it a restaurant serving delicious food, but it is a beautiful place to stay with really nice rooms.

    All of the rooms have balconies looking down on the jungle below and are beautifully furnished.

    I only ate here.

    I thoroughly enjoyed sitting in such a tranquil environment, looking down from my table above the beautiful 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 very good.

    The waiters were friendly and attentive.

    After a busy morning shopping in the maze of  souks and dodging motorcycles, it was lovely to just sit in peace.

    You could be forgiven for thinking you’d been transported to a completely different place altogether.

    I chose the avocado toast, followed by a delicious cheesecake.

    My brunch was tasty, filling, and nicely presented.

    Attention to detail is everything here..

    Image by Freebird Tracey.

    The address for La Ferme medina is;

    236 Rue Riad Laarous

    Marrakech 40000 Morocco.

    Opening times are,

    7.00am until 22.00pm

    They serve breakfast, brunch, and dinner.

    There is live music playing most evenings

    Food is organically produced and dedicated to animal care.

    The restaurant also serves vegetarian, vegan, and halal dishes.

    Image by Freebird Tracey.

    For more information about places to eat in Marrakesh,

    Contact me via the email address below..

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  • RIAD ZOUHOUR.

    Riad Zouhour is an absolutely charming riad in the medina.

    It is visually stunning  with  blue and white zellige tiles and exotic plants.

    Intricately carved wooden doors and ornate traditional window frames.

    Interior courtyard of riad Zouhour/images Freebird Tracey.

    The rooftop is an oasis of wonderful flowers and tropical plants, with plenty of places to sit and admire the beautiful surroundings.

    There is also a small pool for cooling off in.

    Rooftop of riad Zouhour/images Freebird Tracey.

    The rooms are spacious and beautifully decorated in a traditional yet modern style, with large private bathrooms containing nice fragrant products for use in the shower.

    A room in riad Zouhour/ images Freebird Tracey.

    The food is also very good.

    I loved the vegetable tagine and seasonal salad that I had served to me on arrival at the riad.

    My flight had been delayed, yet it was still hot and beautifully presented despite the time of night I eventually arrived.

    The staff are attentive and kind, going out of their way to make you feel welcome.

    Nothing is any trouble, and the overall atmosphere is relaxed and professional.

    The riad exudes luxury, yet it’s affordable and in a strategic location close to the centre of all the action.

    Riad Zouhour is a popular riad and gets booked up quickly, so booking in advance is recommended.

    As with most riads in the medina, they can also organise tours and excursions for you.

    The address is;

    33 Derb Snane,

    Medina 40000

    Marrakech Morocco.

    Check-in time is,

    00:00 until 23.30 hours.

    Check-out time is,

    5.00 until 00:00

    This is a riad I would highly recommend.

    I enjoyed my stay here, and I wouldn’t hesitate to go back.

    I loved the views from the rooftop, the pretty flowers and plants, and the overall treatment of the guests.

    It truly is a gem in the busy medina, a haven of peace and tranquillity.

    It is beautifully restored, and cleanliness is a priority here..

    For more details about places to stay in Marrakesh, contact me via the email address below:

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  • FOOD YOU SHOULD TRY IN MARRAKECH.

    Marrakech is a culinary delight for all foodies out there.

    The streets are abundant with fresh, seasonal vegetables and fruit.

    Herbs and spices galore.

    The aromatic aroma of street food fills the air, tempting the tastebuds.

    Fine restaurants with impeccable service, in beautiful surroundings, call out to you to come inside and sample their cuisine.

    But where do you start?

    What do you order?

    If you’re anything like me, you may want to fully immerse yourself in the culture of places you’re visiting.

    I particularly enjoy sampling the signature dishes of a region and eating the same food that locals do.

    It’s a way to get to know the culture, and food is a big part of life in Morrocco.

    The locals are very hospitable people and often invite tourists home for a meal with their family.

    With an overwhelming choice of food to choose from,  you may need a little help to decide what to try..

    Images by Freebird Tracey.

    The two most popular dishes in Marrakesh are tagine and couscous.

    Tagine is the name of the clay or ceramic pot that the dish is cooked in.

    It consists of layers of fresh vegetables,with meat in the centre.

    Chicken or lamb is the most popular.

    Often, dates, olives, fresh lemon, and spices are added for flavour, and everyone has their own personal recipe for making a tagine.

    Chicken tagine/image Freebird Tracey.

    Couscous is a grain made from semolina and served with meat and vegetables.

    It is eaten religiously on Fridays.

    In Jamaa El Fna, you will find sheeps head and snails for sale.

    Tourists are targeted by street food vendors to try snails, and those who actually do say that they quite enjoyed the experience.

    Apparently, broth they’re cooked in is quite tasty, and although it’s an unusual tasting dish, it’s not inedible.

    Sheeps head is for the brave amongst us, but it appears to be popular in the main square and a regular sight on display.

    The locals sit at street stalls eagerly munching on the spit roasted mutton, enjoying every morsel.

    Snails in a broth/image Freebird Tracey.

    Every dish is served with traditional bread in Marrakech. It is freshly baked each morning and delicious served warm.

    Tangier is also a popular dish.

    It is meat (usually lamb), cooked very slowly in the embers of the local hammam.

    Traditionally, the tangier is taken to the hammam early in the morning and left to cook throughout the day.

    It is then collected and served for dinner with vegetables or bread.

    The meat is incredibly tender and falls off the bone.

    Tangier cooking in the Hammam/image Freebird Tracey.

    There are plenty of street food vendors in the medina, tucked away in the souks.

    They serve really good quality food and it’s cheap.

    There is a row of street food vendors who only sell tangiers, and this is very popular with locals and tourists alike.

    Image by Freebird Tracey.

    Taking a street food tour is a great way to get to try the best places. There are several tours available during the daytime or evening.

    Street food vendor in the medina/image by Freebird Tracey.

    Marrakech caters to vegetarians and vegans also, with a good choice of quality food including excellent salads, delicious vegetable tagine and couscous.

    Images by Freebird Tracey.

    Several Italian restaurants in the medina offer excellent pizzas and pasta dishes if you fancy a change from morroccan food.

    Olives are served with tea and other beverages as a complimentary side.

    They can be spicy or plain, always fresh, and the perfect aperitif.

    They are deliciously fresh when bought straight from the vendors themselves.

    Complimentary olives/image Freebird Tracey.

    The sweets and pastries in Marrakech are incredibly good, and the desserts served after the main course of a meal are beautiful.

    The choice on most menus is really good and varied.

    There’s no point watching your waistline here..

    Dates are hugely popular, and  medjool dates are known as ‘ fruits of the King’, so make sure to try some.

    You won’t be disappointed.

    Fresh fruit is for sale everywhere around the medina and incorporated into tantalising sweet dishes that make your mouth water.

    NB: I have a separate post about smoothies and juices in Marrakesh.

    Beautiful cheesecake and sweets in Marrakesh/image Freebird Tracey.

    Marrakech is a dream come true for people who love their food.

    With so much to choose from and so many different dishes and flavours to try, you would need months to eat your way through it all.

    Not only is there a great variety of interesting and tasty food, but it’s beautifully presented too.

    Imagine sitting in the most beautiful setting, next to exotic plants, and trickling fountains.

    That’s my experience of eating in Marrakesh..

    112 Tea House/image Freebird Tracey.

    For more information on places to dine, use the email address below.

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  • RIAD BOHEMIAN JUNGLE.

    The Bohemian Jungle is a beautifully choreographed riad, close to the spice square in Marrakech.

    It exudes charm and authenticity.

    The interior decor is simply captivating, with several tastily put-together nooks and crannies to sit and take in its splendour.

    Interior of the Bohemian Jungle/ Images Freebird Tracey.

    The little pool in the centre of the courtyard is ideal for cooling off in.

    The green tiles and exotic plants make it a stunning focal point of the riad.

    Interior pool/images Freebird Tracey.

    The rooftop is magical. Surrounded by pretty, draping flowers, plants, and lanterns.

    There are several areas to hang out in.

    A balinese bed for relaxing on and a cerise, romantic boudoir area, where the staff play traditional tuareg music.

    There are areas to catch a spot of sunshine and places to sit where you are shaded.

    This is perfect for when the hot morroccan sun reaches its highest temperature in the day.

    Photos of the rooftop at the Bohemian Jungle/image Freebird Tracey.

    The staff are relaxed and friendly, and the vibe is laid back and chilled.

    The riad is run by three professional, yet charismatic young men from the Sahara region.

    Their knowledge of the area is invaluable, and they enjoy sharing a little piece of their fascinating culture with guests.

    The breakfasts are varied and wholesome, consisting of a mix of traditional pancakes, honey, and jam.

    Fresh bread, fruit, yoghurt, and eggs.

    Fresh orange juice and coffee.

    Image Freebird Tracey.

    When you arrive at the riad, you are treated to the complimentary mint tea and biscuits, whilst you are given useful advice and a map to help you navigate the souks.

    This is helpful for finding your way back to the riad.

    The fragrance inside is intoxicating.

    Orange blossom and cinnamon oil gently floats on the air, the lamps glow, and  Berber music plays subtly in the background.

    I never wanted to leave..

    I was so happy sitting in the riad, taking in the beauty and experiencing the wonder of such a magnificent place..

    Riad Bohemian Jungle gets booked up quickly.

    If you are looking for TVs and a modern approach to your trip to Marrakech, you won’t find it here.

    Riad Bohemian Jungle is all about experiencing true, authentic riad culture, lost in time with the distant echos of camel traders and a strong spirit of the past.

    It is close to the Madrasa Ben Youssef, Marrakech museum, and several nice shops and restaurants.

    The address is;

    Derb al Maada

    Hay azbezte

    39 Medina, Medina 40030

    Marrakech, Morrocco.

    Excursions to the Sahara desert and other popular places of interest can also be arranged by this riad.

    They are good value for money and well organised.

    Enjoying a moment of tranquillity at the Bohemian Jungle.
    Sunrise from the rooftop of the Bohemian Jungle/image Freebird Tracey.
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  • DOES MARRAKECH CATER FOR VEGETARIANS AND VEGANS?

    Whilst it’s true that Marrakech is a meat eaters’ paradise, there are plenty of great restaurants and cafes serving vegetarian and vegan food.

    Not being a meat eater myself, I was initially concerned that I’d spend my time in Marrakesh living off the delicious olives on sale in the souks.

    I was pleasantly surprised.

    There are a number of restaurants popping up that serve only vegetarian and vegan food.

    One I highly recommend is La  Famille.

    Run solely by women,and in an outdoor setting, the food was incredibly good.

    Lunch at La Famille.

    There are also plenty of choices for non meat eaters on the menu in most eateries around the medina.

    Sumptuous vegetable tagine, vegetable couscous, salads, and pasta dishes, to name just a few.

    I never had a problem sourcing tasty and beautifully prepared meals whilst staying in Marrakesh.

    The little cafes tucked away in the souks were slightly less accommodating, but if it’s a quick snack you’re looking for, the fresh olives and delicious pastries are a wonderful treat.

    The abundance of seasonal vegetables, freshly cooked, were mouth wateringly delightful.

    Vegetable tagine with olives and egg plant.

    Harissa soup was also a favourite, deliciously tasty, served with traditional Morroccan bread.

    Harissa soup.

    I highly recommend trying the soup.

    Some restaurants serve healthy brunch, I loved the avocado toast at La Ferme.

    Avocado toast beautiful presented at La Ferme Medina.

    Please don’t be put off visiting Marrakech because you consider it to be a meat eaters paradise only.

    By doing a little bit of research before travelling, you will find a good selection of fine restaurants and cafes serving authentic and traditional Morroccan cuisine that don’t include animal products.

    A few I recommend are;

    La Famille

    La Ferme

    Enjoy your meal, veggie lovers.

    Mandala Society.

    Broc The Kasbah.

    Palais Donab also does a lovely vegetable tagine, and it’s a beautiful place to have lunch or dinner.

    NB. See my separate post about Palais Dar Donab.

    Write down the restaurants you wish to try before travelling, including the address and opening times to save wandering around in the heat and getting tired.

    Bon appetite.

    Colourful, healthy salad in the medina.
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  • LIMONI ITALIAN RESTAURANT

    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 surroundings are incredibly pretty, with lemon and orange trees in the courtyard and lovely little lanterns hanging from them.

    There is also a rooftop area and outdoor seating.

    I chose a margarita pizza which was cooked to perfection. The base tasted really authentic.

    I had a tirimisu for dessert, and that was also delicious.

    At Limoni, they serve alcoholic beverages, including cocktails, wines, and spirits.

    We finished our meal with a limoncello to celebrate our wonderful trip to Marrakech.

    A toast to good health and happiness.

    There is a fireplace for cooler evenings during the winter months and outdoor seating.

    It is recommended to book as the restaurant can get busy.

    The address is,

    40 Rue Diour Saboun

    Marrakech 40000 Morrocco

    Limoni Italian restaurant is suitable for people with limited mobility and wheelchair users.

    They also have vegetarian and vegan options available on the menu.

    They do excellent pasta dishes, and apparently, the camel hamburger is quite popular.

    All the meals are reasonably priced and have good value for money.

    The courtyard inside Pepe Nero.

    It was a nice dining experience at Limoni. Although it was quite busy, it felt intimate and  relaxed without being pretentious.

    From the outside, it appears rather unassuming.

    Once you enter inside, it is spacious and inviting.

    At the moment, it is temporarily closed.

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  • PALAIS DAR DONAB

    A beautiful, calm environment serving authentic Morroccon food.

    Courtyard of Palais Dar Donab/image Freebird Tracey.

    Palais Dar Donab is a special treat.

    The scent of orange blossom fills the air, and the sound of birds chirping gives a sense of peace and tranquillity whilst dining here.

    This was one of my favourite places to visit and I absolutely loved it here.

    I visited several times, sometimes for a glass of wine during the afternoon and a welcome break from sightseeing.

    Image Freebird Tracey.

    The menu is extensive with food to suit most palates.

    They serve a decent selection of excellent wines and beers.

    I was very satisfied with the quality of food and enjoyed each meal I had in this fine restaurant.

    The vegetable tagine was one of the tastiest I tried in Marrakesh, and the delicious smoothies were all beautifully presented.

    Vegetable tagine with bread and olives.

    Palais Dar Donab is a high-end riad, where guests and visitors alike are welcome to come in and enjoy a quiet break from the busy medina.

    As you relax in the calm, tranquil surroundings, you never feel rushed.

    The gentle sound of the leaves on the trees and the trickling water make dining here a very pleasant experience.

    They are open for lunch aswell as dinner.

    The restaurant is set around a large pool and citrus trees, making it the perfect place for a nice rest.

    Relaxing on the comfortable couches and admiring the intricate craftsmanship inside is a nice way to pass an hour or so.

    I highly recommend trying Palais Dar Donab, not just for the quality of the food and friendly service, but for the peaceful atmosphere.

    You come away feeling recharged and de-stressed.

    You are ready to head back out into Jamaa El Fna and the souks again..

    Enjoying a moment of quiet contemplation.

    Opening hours are,

    Monday-Sunday

    10.00am-10.30pm

    Address is,

    53 Dar el Basha-Bab,

    Doukkala Marrakech, Morocco.

    The restaurant is vegetarian and vegan friendly and accepts credit cards.

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  • ZEITOUNE CAFE.

    Situated in Jamaa El Fna, Zeitoune cafe is the perfect place for a bite to eat.

    The views from the balcony overlook the square, and it’s fun watching the daily activities take place whilst having a spot of lunch.

    The food here was incredibly good, with large portions and varied and interesting choices on the menu.

    The smoothies were gorgeous.

    I enjoyed a hearty salad for lunch and the strawberry smoothie. Also, the obligatory olives are always welcome.

    The lamb tagine with dried fruits was a  popular choice amongst diners.

    They serve excellent breakfasts with refreshing juices and good coffee, all reasonably priced.

    Delicious pancakes at Zeitoune Cafe.

    Zeitoune is in a strategic location, offering great views, and the service is very good.

    They are open all day until 1.00 am. and serve good cocktails.

    They do not accept reservations, so it’s first come, first served.

    They also accept card payments.

    There are vegetarian and vegan options available.

    There are steps up to the balcony and upper floors, but for people with limited mobility, there is outdoor seating available.

    Zeitoune Cafes’ address is,

    107 Place Jamaa El Fnaa

    40000 Morocco

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