The Sound Of The Souks

Tag: morocco

Exploring The Red City Of Marrakech.

  • 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.

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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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  • 1112 Morroccan Tea House.

    The first Moroccan tea house in Marrakesh.

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    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..

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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.

    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.

    Next time, I may even try the Hammam.

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  • 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.

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  • Mo Mo’s Restaurant.

    A quirky restaurant with views over Jamaa El Fna.

    Image by Freebird Tracey.

    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.

    Image by Freebird Tracey.

    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.

    The restaurant accepts card payments.

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  • Le Salama Restaurant.

    A restaurant with live entertainment.

    Image by Freebird Tracey.

    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.

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  • L’Mdina  Restaurant.

    A restaurant close to the main square.

    Image by Freebird Tracey.

    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

    Image by Freebird Tracey.

    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.

    Image by Freebird Tracey.

    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.

    Image by Freebird Tracey.

    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.

    Image by Freebird Tracey.

    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.

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  • Pepe Nero Italian Restaurant.

    An Italian restaurant in the medina.

    Image by Freebird Tracey.

    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.

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  • Krepchy.

    A 5* restaurant in the kasbah.

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    Krepchy in the Kasbah was a lucky find. I wanted to try somewhere that cooked breakfast as an alternative to eating in my riad.

    At Krepchy, there is a good choice, and everything is freshly cooked to order. I was pleasantly surprised by how perfect the waffles were. They were filling, too. Breakfast at Krepchy really set me up for the day.

    I enjoyed a pot of mint atay sat outside, chatting with the local people. It was an authentic experience away from the touristic side of Marrakech.

    Images by Freebird Tracey.

    The atmosphere was relaxing and the staff were friendly. They interacted with customers and made sure they were looked after.

    The interior decor of this cosy establishment is pleasing. Amazigh artefacts hang from the walls, and colourful Berber rugs are strewn along the floor. It is inviting and warm.

    Images by Freebird Tracey.

    Krepchy has been awarded 5* by Tripadvisor, and it’s not hard to see why.

    They serve breakfast, lunch, and dinner, becoming quite busy during peak times. There’s a good menu with several choices available, including dishes suitable for vegetarian and vegans.

    Image by Freebird Tracey.

    Krepchy is a traditional Morroccon restaurant, popular with tourists and locals alike. The food is competitively priced and ideal for travellers on a budget. For a glimpse into real life in Marrakech, this is one place you’ll find it.

    Hours of opening are from 8.00 am. until 1.30 am.The address is Sidi Belabed, Route, Marrakech 40014.

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