Moroccan cuisine is a result of centuries of diverse influences: Arabian spice traders introduced tagines; Jewish Moors contributed their unique preserving techniques; French protectorate introduced cafes. Together, these elements blended to produce powerful yet savoury flavor combinations and paradoxical sweet-and-savoury dishes like phyllo pastry filled with cinnamon or slow-cooked pigeon coated in icing sugar for dessert dishes like these.
1. La Mamounia
At the center of Marrakech lies La Mamounia Hotel – an icon since 1923 when Winston Churchill declared it to be “the loveliest spot in all the world”. When its renovation project concluded in 2009 and it reopened again as a major draw for travellers eager to see it all over again, La Mamounia once more became even more desirable among discerning visitors eager to make time to visit it.
The hotel’s four restaurants showcase the best of Morocco using ingredients sourced partly from its kitchen garden–Chef Fabrice and his team grow 100 large branches of mint daily, harvest a hundred or so kilos of oranges weekly and squeeze 300 kilos of fresh lemons every day to use in cocktails, tagines and more. Le Marocain stands out as Le Hotel de Morocco’s flagship, boasting dining rooms that feel straight out of a fairy tale and offering traditional Moroccan flavors blended with innovative techniques and modern interpretations.
French-born New York chef Jean-Georges Vongerichten runs L’Asiatique, featuring steamed dumplings, Vietnamese curry or mussel-topped cod; Pavilion de la Piscine serves up breakfast and lunch buffet with Italian influences including pizzas; Le Marocain at Le Mamounia offers magical dining moments created with passion by one of its culinary masters.
2. Le Tobsil
Le Tobsil represents refined Moroccan cuisine. Since it opened a year and a half ago in a renovated house in the old medina, its cuisine has quickly become beloved among locals, returning tourists, French expats and French ex-pats alike. Traditional tajines, couscous and fish dishes feature on its menu along with its iconic pistachio creme brulee; on-site bread production completes this exquisite dining experience.
Le Tobsil offers a memorable dining experience in Marrakech’s less touristy northern district, and guests are led by an cloaked guide down a narrow, winding alley and through a secret door to find this stylish sanctuary resembling ancient travelers inns with high ceilings and multi-levels spaces. Following an aperitif on its terrace overlooking a giant candelabra, guests enjoy their night meal accompanied by traditional Gnawa music.
This charming modern brasserie serves a menu inspired by Morocco, Algeria and Tunisia. Set within the former sorting office of an old post office building with comfortable rust colored leather sofas and table seating both inside and outside on their courtyard terrace, they also serve breakfast and lunch service – with exceptional food quality that won’t overbear service levels; all for an evening that promises elegance and romance in Marrakech.
3. La Poste
Visit Marrakech without visiting one of its great culinary institutions: Grand Cafe de la Poste. Though unassuming from the outside, its architecture belies its true culinary magic: enter its doors to be transported back in time to 1920s brasserie where legendary names such as artist Jacques Majorelle (of Majorelle Gardens fame) dined at its tables.
A grand staircase leads to red couches, leather armchairs and striped fabric stools arranged around red hued high ceilings with classic checkered marble floors that give this room an Roaring Twenties aesthetic. Palm fronds and fresh flowers add further color and quixotic charm.
The menu boasts a blend of French and Moroccan dishes. Baked camembert and onion soup make delicious starters; lamb shank and monkfish carpaccio should not be missed for main courses. Furthermore, this restaurant is well known for their cocktails such as Gin Fizz and Mojito which should definitely not be missed out!
Service at this restaurant is unmatched, and diners are welcomed with warm bread and wine before ordering their meal. Perfect for both lunch and dinner service is available here at slightly higher-than-average prices, providing diners with an unforgettable experience that is well worth their while.
4. Azar
This fine dining restaurant in Morocco provides an unforgettable dining experience, taking you on a culinary journey through their cuisine. Their menu fuses Moroccan and Mediterranean fare into signature dishes like roast chicken with wild thyme, olives, and an exceptional salad featuring goat cheese from locally produced herds as well as citrus herb vinaigrette dressing.
At this opulent restaurant, attention to detail creates an atmosphere that is both luxurious and authentically cultural. Quilted wall details, fringe lampshades and various rugs give it a cozy ambiance, while dim lighting highlights its lavish decor that features red drapes and wrought iron candelabras adorning tables.
Azar Restaurant in Gueliz is an enjoyable restaurant offering Moroccan, Lebanese and Mediterranean cuisines as well as live entertainment from talented belly dancers. Indulge yourself with delicious Moroccan, Lebanese and Mediterranean treats at Azar! This lively eatery boasts delicious food served up alongside breathtaking belly dancers!
Although there are many excellent restaurants in the Medina, we advise avoiding eating from street carts that dot its square. Although tempting, their foods do not meet the same quality and care as restaurants listed above. If necessary, Patisserie Prince just off of it offers great cookies and pastries!
