Marrakech Dining
The city is experiencing a serious boom when it comes to dining options, which makes for a splendid conundrum for visitors. Traditionally, Marrakech has offered only Middle Eastern and some European cuisine—or a fusion of the two)—but today’s diners can sample haute cuisine from around the world. Moroccan food is deceptively simple; it tastes rich, yet it’s typically created from everyday vegetables and grains. The difference lies in the low and slow cooking technique and the masterful blend of spices Moroccans use. The classic tajine is a prime example. Both the name of the country’s most popular meal (a kind of stew) and the specialized cooking equipment it’s created in, tajines have a vegetable base—some are completely vegetarian—and then have chicken or lamb mixed in as an accent. Find lovely tajines at Al Fassia, where the sisters who own the restaurant have recreated family recipes, including a variety of meat and vegetarian tajnes. Restaurant Beyrouth’s flamboyant chef-owner has mastered tajines, as well as an eclectic menu of couscous and pizza, of all things. Restaurant Al Bahja in Medina is where the locals go for delicious tajine; it’s not fancy, but it’s superb. Sweets are very popular in Marrakech, though not necessarily the same kinds of things Westerners are used to seeing. Instead of dense chocolate brownies and slabs of cheesecake at the end of dinner, it’s rose-scented pastries and honeyed concoctions eaten between meals. Adamo in Ville Nouvelle is arguably the best patisserie in the city, with a shop full of gorgeous tarts, flaky croissants, and luscious cookies. Patisserie des Princes is another renowned pastry shop, featuring an abundance of little cookies and cakes nearly wrapped in beautiful ribbon. The Habouss in Ouarzazate is famed for its wide selection of pastries sold by weight; the best are the ones with dates and nuts hiding inside. Though surrounding countries tend to go for strong coffee and British-style tea, Marrakech residents drink mint tea morning, noon, and night. Whether you’re browsing in a shop or an invited guest in someone’s home, you’re practically guaranteed to be offered sweet mint tea. This green tea-spearmint leaf blend, which is brewed in a special pot as part of an elaborate ceremony, can be found in places such as Café des Epices in Medina, which, in tribute to its name, not only serves superb mint tea but spiced teas as well. Even if you’re not staying at the hotel, head over to Riad 5 Sens to sample some of their mint tea, which gets rave reviews from everyone who takes a sip. Indulge in upscale dining at these hot spots, known for their fabulous food and phenomenal ambience:
Café Arabe
184, Rue Mouassine, Médina, Marrakech
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Can cannelloni and couscous co-exist side by side? They can at the unique Café Arabe, an Italian-Moroccan fusion restaurant that also boasts a fine selection of wines and some of the best desserts in the city. Among the several dining and relaxing areas is a shaded terrace strewn with cushions, ideal for a tart and mint tea. Dar Moha
81 Rue Dar el Bacha, Marrakech
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Certainly one of the highlights of the haute cuisine dining experience in Marrakech, this Moroccan fusion restaurant in the Medina takes a traditional favourite and gives it a fresh twist—like a classic couscous topped with pumpkin. Dar Moha then gives diners a difficult choice: elegant interior tables or romantic outdoor tables. Le Comptoir
Echchouada Avenue, Wintering, Marrakech
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Exquisitely trendy, Le Comptoir is definitely the place to see and be seen. But its eclectic French-Moroccan menu—created from fresh produce and dynamic flavours—is truly a gourmet delight, and the ambience is dramatic and seductive. No wonder it’s a huge draw for international glitterati. Le Grand Cafe
Corner of Boulevard El Mansour Eddahbi and Ave Imam Malik, Gueliz, Marrakech
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Originally built as a post office (hence the name), this Ville Nouvelle restaurant presents a menu that was created by a French chef with input from the Moroccan chef who now runs the kitchen. The resulting dishes include highlights like chicken with olives and lamb with potato gratin–all served within an atmospheric old mansion. Le Marrakchi
52 Rue des Banques, just off Djemâa El Fna, Marrakech
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Given a prime location in a corner of the Jemaa el-Fna, many diners likely believe the main draw of Le Marrakchi is the perfect view of the square. But this mosaic-decorated restaurant also is famed for its romantic dinners featuring a menu of Moroccan dishes that are both familiar and fresh, accompanied by an impressive selection of local wines. Narwama
30 Rue Koutoubia, Marrakech
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The gourmet Thai and Moroccan food at Narwama is always something to write home about—the tajines and curries are especially noteworthy—but the ambience is simply unbeatable. Housed in what used to be a UNESCO World Heritage building, the restaurant features a romantic courtyard with the added hip touch of international music piped in. Tachibana
38 Route de Bab Ksiba, Kasbah, Marrakech
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There’s something almost surreal about eating sushi in the Medina area of Marrakech, but this superior Japanese restaurant is the real deal. The décor is a nice blend of Asian and Moroccan, but the menu offers traditional favourites such as sashimi and tempura, as well as innovative dishes like green tea ravioli. | 
