You must not miss the opportunity to eat in our Riads: Riad Papillon and Riad Cinnamon. You can make advance restaurant reservations with your room reservation . Of course there are many other outstanding restaurants in this City which is without question the gastronomic capital of north Africa.
Marrakech is well endowed with world class restaurants. Good as Morrocan cuisine is may guests appreciate the diversity of international cuisine on offer with French, Italian, Thai and Indian food readily available. We have selected a few of our personal favourites for you to look out for.
Within the Medina
Dar Moha
One of our personal favourites and not just because it’s a one minute stroll from Riad Papillion. The service here is excellent and the environment is very beautiful. Check out the amazing little b’hou seat with painted sides and silk covers in amazing bright colours.
Le Marrakchi
Located on the place Jema al Fna. Ask for one of the third floor tables with a fantastic nightime view across the square. One of the things we love about this restaurant is the uniformed security guy who sits or stands outside the groundfloor entrance of the restaurant holding a flaming torch to guide guests upstairs. The food here is traditional Moroccan and is good for tagines. There are very often belly dancers here of very high level of skill and grace, dancing with trays of candles a speciality!
Cafe Arabe
Moroccan cuisine with Italian influence, located a short walk from both Riad Papillon and Riad Cinnamon at the top of Rue Mouassine – the fast route from Dar Basha to the place Jema al Fna. This restaurant is beautiful and has many different spaces so it can be visited several times and you will feel as though you’ve been to different restaurants. Our favourite area is the terrace bar because it has great views and a misting system. The non-alcoholic cocktails are great for lunchtime and they are served with a generous bowl of mixed nuts.
Terrace des Epices
Located on Rue dar Basha, a short stroll from both Riad Papillon and Riad Cinnamon. Opened at the end of 2007 this is the grown up brother of the well established Café des Epices in the heart of the souks. At the time of writing they do not yet have an alcohol license. The Terrace des Epices is a friendly and inexpensive option with a simple Moroccan menu- try the brochette of lamb Eid style. Ask for a private booth.
Rotunda
A cab ride away in the south medina Kasbah district but well worth the detour. Combines outstanding Morroccan cuisine with an international menu put together by Chef Roberto who has cooked for the Moroccan Royal family, Hilary Clinton, Brian Ferry, Sting and many others- look out for the photos in reception featuring Roberto with a galaxy of international celebrities. This is one of the oldest established restaurants in Marrakech, Roberto would excuse us saying it’s a bit shabby chic these days, but charming with it, and the restaurant is stuffed with amazing antiques.
Jema al Fna
Not to forget the square itself, the world’s largest open air barbecue party! Not as cheap as it used to be but you can still eat very well for between five and ten pounds. Dozens of carts piled high with a variety of dishes are hauled into the northern part of the square every evening. Expect competition for your custom to be fierce, although usually good natured. Hygiene is not always to the best western standard (and that’s putting it mildly) standard advice is to stick to items that have been well cooked particularly when selecting meat. Perhaps, best left till the last night before departure from your Marrakesh holidays.
