Kafe Merstan restaurant and rooftop terrace is located near the spice square and vegetable market in the medina.
They serve traditional Morroccan food, and prices are very reasonable.
I had one of the tastiest tagines here, and the overall quality of the food was good.
Image by Freebird Tracey.
It’s popular during sunset, and tourists arrive to watch the sun go down from the rooftop.
It’s quite spectacular and can get quite busy at this time of evening.
The interior is traditional with a fairly modern twist.
Images by Freebird Tracey.
It’s a no frills restaurant, and the price reflects this.
Seating is upstairs on the rooftop, so people with mobility issues may not find it easy.
Payment is by card or cash. However, there’s a minimum of 200 MAD for card payment.
They will accept less but expect a few grumbles of disapproval.
The address for Kafe Merstan is 2 Souk Chaaria Kast Benahid, Marrakech 40000.
Opening hours are 12.00 until
10.00pm.
The restaurant is close to the Madrasa Ben Youssef and Museum of Marrakech, so it’s in a strategic position and ideal for taking a break from sightseeing.
Kafe Merstan offers a good selection of vegetarian dishes, including a very tasty vegetable pastilla.
Image by Freebird Tracey.
For more details about places to eat in Marrakesh, contact me via the email address below;
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:
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.
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. (more…)
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.
Marrakech can get very hot in summer, and temperatures can exeed 40° Celsius.
Even the cooler months can feel very warm and humid, especially walking around the souks and popular points of interest.
Marrakech is also a conservative city with a majority Muslim population.
So, what should you wear to feel comfortable and respectable?
For female visitors, I would suggest palazzo trousers.
These are baggy and flowing, keeping you nice and cool.
They pair well with smart cotton blouses and can be worn underneath a maxi dress.
Lightweight cotton trousers also look smart, and neutral colours give a sophisticated, modest appearance.
Silk (including recycled sari silk) maxi dresses are very versatile and keep you cool. They can be worn with a lightweight pair of palazzo trousers underneath for extra modesty if the dress is thin.
Linen is perfect and always looks polished. It may get slightly creased, so I would suggest bringing along a portable steamer. They’re a life-saver and take up very little space in your suitcase.
However, most accommodations have an iron and laundry service.
Cotton tee-shirts and blouses, paired with a maxi skirt or loose-fitting trousers, are ideal and can look flattering with the right accessories.
Yoga pants are also perfect for a day exploring.
Headscarves are fashionable at the moment and can be used as a head covering whilst visiting some of the religious sights or as a convenient wrap for around the shoulders.
I like to wear turbans to cover my locs.
They keep my head and neck cool at the same time.
Silk scarves roll up really small and fit perfectly in your bag.
Marrakech is definitely more liberal than other morroccan cities. However, exposing too much flesh is definitely frowned upon.
You may attract unwanted attention from males and disapproval from local females spoiling your overall experience and making you feel uncomfortable.
How you present yourself will determine the kind of experience you have in Marrakesh.
In your hotel or riad, it’s perfectly fine to wear shorts and clothing for sunbathing, so pack something for those occasions also.
Males can wear knee-length shorts with linen or cotton short-sleeved shirts to look smart yet casual.
Many restaurants don’t accept men wearing sandals, but smart leather sliders are deemed to be acceptable.
Linen or cotton long trousers for men are ideal and keep the body cool.
Regarding men’s clothing choices, it’s definitely less important than the females.
I wouldn’t advise a male to walk around without a shirt on. That is best left for beach holidays.
So, staying comfortable and cool is the only thing they need to consider.
On the other hand, women are expected to respect the cultural norms of the country unless they’re going to the clubs in the Gueliz or Hivenage part of Marrakech.
This is where the clubs and bars are, and it’s acceptable to dress more glamorously here.
You can still look good in the appropriate clothing.
It’s about choosing nice accessories.
Regarding footwear, there is a lot of walking around the medina, so comfortable footwear is essential.
Trainers, pumps, or sandals are all acceptable.
I took a couple of outfits in my travel bag, and once I arrived, I bought the rest of my clothing in the souks.
It wasn’t too expensive, and I felt as if I blended in with the locals better.
I enjoyed wearing the traditional Moroccan dresses and ethnic style tops and trousers.
Finally, I have never needed to take a warm coat to Marrakech.
I usually take a shawl or cardigan, and it’s always been adequate, even in March.
Depending on what time of year you travel to Marrakech, you may be better thinking in terms of layers.
In winter, the evenings can get chilly.
A trip to Agafay desert can be very blustery, sitting watching the sunset.
A shawl or lightweight hoodie or jumper is perfect to enjoy the experience in the open air.
A thin skin underneath a long dress or trousers is usually enough.
I wore long sleeved tee-shirts underneath my dresses during the evenings.
Keeping your eyes on the weather forecast before travelling will help you to plan accordingly for your trip.
So to sum up,
Wearing comfortable clothing suitable for a day exploring the medina and tourist hot spots is the most important thing to consider.
You will walk a lot, and it can get humid.
To discourage unwanted attention and negative vibes from the locals, female travellers should refrain from dressing too provocatively.
Unless they’re in the bars and clubs, which are more liberally minded.
Choosing natural fibres is the best way to stay cool, and long, loose-fitting garments are ideal because they look modest and feminine.
Turbans are elegant and modest.
Lastly, don’t forget to bring the sunscreen.
You don’t want to walk around looking like a lobster.
Kabana Rooftop Bar is a lively, popular place serving a wide range of cocktails and other alcoholic beverages.
They also have a good selection of dishes on the menu to suit all palates.
You enter the bar via steps, and from the road, it looks rather unassuming.
Entrance to Kabana rooftop bar.
Once inside, it’s tastefully decorated with lanterns hanging everywhere and music playing on a large television screen.
It’s a very busy venue, and booking is essential to be guaranteed a seat.
The bar is huge, and you can either sit inside or outside, where most people prefer to hang out.
Selection of alcoholic beverages at the bar.
I took my son for his birthday meal and he chose the steak. He said it was cooked to perfection.
Other people had mixed reviews, saying waiting times were long and that it was pricey for food and drinks.
The food is Mediterranean inspired, and they also have a sushi menu.
It was always full, and on the occasions we simply visited for cocktails, we couldn’t always be guaranteed a seat on the rooftop for a cocktail.
However, after waiting for approximately 30 minutes inside the bar area, we eventually got a place.
There is table service.
The unisex bathroom is a treat, beautifully decorated, modern, and traditional.
Kabana rooftop bar seems to be one of the more popular places for drinks in the medina and lacked authenticity for me.
The surroundings were nice with plenty of greenery, and the lanterns looked very pretty after dark.
There is a view of Koutoubia Mosque from the rooftop, but it’s slightly shielded because drinking alcohol with the Mosque in full view is prohibited in Islamic culture.
View of Koutoubia Mosque.
Kabana rooftop bar has a very cosmopolitan vibe, attracting all age groups.
It is situated at the gate of the medina and open daily from,
11.00am-2.00am
They play DJ sets, and it’s a vibrant setting with a more relaxed dress code.
It is not an intimate place for a romantic meal, in my opinion, and I found it difficult to have a conversation amidst the crowds of people and loud music.
However, there are plenty of traditional, authentic places in the medina to dine out if you prefer a quieter environment.
Kabana is a cocktail bar similar to the places in the new town, with the same energy but within walking distance for those people staying in the medina.
It’s definitely worth a visit.
The address is,
Kissariat Ben Khalid R’mila,
1 Rue Fatima Zahra,
40000 Marrakech Morocco.
A refreshing cocktail inside the Kabana rooftop bar. (more…)
Marrakech is full of delightful little places to sit, and people watch whilst sipping traditional mint tea.
A pretty little spot inside the medina.
The colourful, boho decor and tempting pastries are the perfect way to take a much needed breather from the chaos of the souks.
Shopping in the medina is a fascinating experience, but it can be overwhelming.
I found out that taking a break and pacing myself was the best way to thoroughly enjoy my time looking around and navigating the maze of the souks.
I especially loved the sweets and pastries on offer. They were absolutely delicious and complimented the refreshing mint tea perfectly.
There were so many to choose from, and I decided to treat myself to a selection of smaller pastries to see which were my favourites.
A tasty snack inside the medina.
If you are shopping for gifts or spending time in the colourful, vibrant souks, I would highly recommend that you take some time out to rest and pace yourself.
Sitting outside a cute little tea shop and sampling something light and tasty is a great way to engage in the culture of Morrocco and its people.
Enjoying a breather from shopping.
There are plenty of places offering mint tea and pastries dotted in and around the main square.
The sweets are an absolute treat, but you will be spoilt for choice.
The choice of delicious treats on offer in the souks.
Part of the pleasure of exploring the medina is finding hidden gems where you can sit and gather yourself before venturing further.
Marrakech is known for its delicious pastries, and they’re a nice snack that won’t spoil your appetite for later in the day.
Watching the world go by in the medina.
A few suggestions are,
. Medina Kawa Marrakech.
. La Patisserie de la Terracce Spices
. Boughaz Coffee in the Kasbah.
Also, check out my blog post about traditional Morroccan mint tea.
Sounds Of The Souks 