Of all the fascinating things you can do in Marrakech, exploring our local cuisine is a must. Moroccan cuisine is full of rich spices, aromatic herbs, and slow-cooked dishes. Every iota of food will blow your mind. There are also many other cuisines you’ll want to sample.
Today we’ll take a look at the best restaurants in Marrakech. Get ready for a wide variety of culinary experiences.
Top 11 Restaurants in Marrakech
I recently went on a mission to find the best places to eat in Marrakech. A couple of friends joined me in exploring everything the city has to offer.
At first, I meticulously researched the various options. Then, I tried them all. From the upscale and trendy to the budget-friendly local options, these are my favorites:
1. Dar es-Salam
📍Location: 170 Riad Zitoun Kedim, Marrakech 40000, Morocco
⌚Hours: 12–11 PM (closed on Tuesdays)
⭐Rating: 4.5 out of 5
Within the enchanting atmosphere of a historic riad, Dar Es-salam is the embodiment of the Moroccan experience. The place is traditionally decorated with ornate ceilings and intricate mosaics. The decor transports diners to the golden age of Morocco.
Yet what truly impressed me was the food. The refined take on Moroccan cuisine is delightful. You can certainly taste that the ingredients are fresh and locally sourced.
Every bite I took added more depth to the culinary experience. Whether it was the fragrant tagine of the delicate pastilla, everything on the menu was hands down delicious.
The service at Dar Es-salam is impeccable. As it’s been open since the 50’s, I’m not surprised. It’s slightly pricey but worth it.
2. Chouf L’Or
📍Location: Marrakesh 40160, Morocco
⌚Hours: 8.30–12.30 AM on Fridays to Sundays, open to 1 AM on Saturdays / 9–12.30 AM Mondays to Thursdays
⭐Rating: 4.8 out of 5
If you’re looking for a more global take on Moroccan food, Chouf L’Or is the place to go. I particularly enjoyed the artful presentation of beautifully cooked Moroccan dishes.
Hint: try the fish pastilla. The menu showcases a delightful selection of seafood dishes, prepared with care and presented with flair.
Yes, the dishes are presented well. But the atmosphere is also spectacular and stylish. It may not be the traditional Moroccan ambiance, but the atmosphere is welcoming and contemporary.
The service staff is professional and attentive as well. I think they enhanced the dining experience significantly.
3. La Grand Brasserie, Royal Mansour
📍Location: Hôtel Royal Mansour, Rue Abou Abbas El Sebti, Marrakech 40000, Morocco
⌚Hours: 7–11 AM, 12:30–10:30 PM
⭐Rating: 4.8 out of 5
It’s no secret that the French left an impact on Moroccan culture and food. La Grand Brasserie is a French fine dining restaurant run by Michelin-starred chef Hélène Darroze.
I highly recommend trying this place for the ambiance and unforgettable dining. The atmosphere is set with elegant furnishing and stunning decor, and staff are beyond professional.
The menu features classic French dishes made with high quality Moroccan ingredients. Delicate, rich, and expertly made, the menu is a symphony of flavors.
I understand that this restaurant is a splurge. But the exceptional quality and impeccable service make it worthwhile. I think it’s the perfect choice for a refined and indulgent dining experience.
4. Sahbi Sahbi
📍Location: 37 Bd el Mansour Eddahbi, Marrakech 40000, Morocco
⌚Hours: 12–3 PM
⭐Rating: 4.3 out of 5
Moving on from upscale dining, Sahbi Sahbi is a warm and inviting glimpse of traditional Moroccan food and hospitality. This is where you’ll get a taste of home cooking with a rustic decor and open kitchen.
Everything about this restaurant feels intimate. The moment I walked in, the scent of tagine and pastilla drew me in. It wasn’t surprising to find out that the chefs were actually a team of home cooks.
Warm hospitality and local culinary traditions are what sets this place apart from the rest of those on this list. It’s not an upscale or high-class restaurant. Yet, its beauty is in the humble flavors and aromas that come together by expert hands.
5. Pétanque Social Club
📍Location: 70 Bd el Mansour Eddahbi, Marrakech 40000, Morocco
⌚Hours: 8.30–1 AM
⭐Rating: 4.2 out of 5
Sometimes, you’ll want to take a step back and relax. Not every dining experience needs to be formal and upscale. That’s when I suggest you have your meal at Pétanque Social Club. It’s a trendy restaurant on a rooftop terrace. You’ve got spectacular views, good Mediterranean food, lush greenery, and a social atmosphere. What else could you ask for?
Oh, there’s so much more here. Comfortable seating, affordable prices, and live music. All that in a piece of architectural wonder. It’s a restored 1930s Pétanque club (that’s a sport, in case you didn’t know).
The staff were more friendly and relaxed than uptight. In other words, this is the ideal spot to unwind and connect with others. It’s great for a brunch or any other easy-going meal. The cocktail list is also diverse and creative.
6. Naima
📍Location: Rue Azbezt, Marrakech 40000 Morocco
⌚Hours: 8 AM–10 PM
⭐Rating: 4.5 out of 5
For a budget-friendly taste of traditional Moroccan food, Naima hits the spot. It’s an intimate restaurant at the heart of Medina. I won’t lie, but this was some of the best couscous I’ve tried in my life.
And I’ve had my fair share of good couscous. They use the traditional method of preparation, which is a lengthy process but the results are far superior.
Naima is the place I go to find authentic Moroccan food and friendly service. The meats and vegetables are fragrant. Everything I ate was superb, to be honest.
Prices here are affordable, but you still get high-quality ingredients prepared with love and care. There are only six tables here, but you’ll want to squeeze yourself in for a meal.
7. Maison Reine
📍Location: 32 bis Rue Fatima Zahra, Marrakech 40000, Morocco
⌚Hours: 12—10 PM (Closed Fridays)
⭐Rating: 4.7 out of 5
When the weather’s nice, I love to have an outdoor meal at Maison Reine. It’s a trendy outdoor space serving Moroccan cuisine with a modern twist. This is actually a concept store, and that’s fairly obvious from the get-go.
Finding the restaurant isn’t easy as the entrance is discreet. Nonetheless, the ambiance is bursting with creativity. It’s a stylish space with a rooftop terrace. There was also an indoor seating area, but the weather was nice, so I stayed on the terrace.
The menu focuses on modern techniques to revitalize traditional Moroccan food. Every dish from the talented chef presented impressed us more than the one before. I particularly enjoyed my spider crab salad.
8. Poka
📍Location: N 149 Residence Soluna, Rue Khalid Ben El Oualid، Marrakech 40000, Morocco
⌚Hours: 12–3 PM, 7 PM–12 AM (Closed Mondays)
⭐Rating: 4.6 out of 5
Wondering where to eat in Marrakech when you want to diverge from Moroccan or Mediterranean flavors? I say head-on to Poka. This Asian-fusion restaurant has a creatively crafted menu and impeccable food.
The stylish interior is adorned with contemporary decor. Still, it’s cozy enough so you can relax as you dine.
Here, you can enjoy classics like sushi rolls. For the more adventurous (like me), try their unique dishes, such as sushi burritos and fried sushi. There’s also something called a salmon pizzette, which blew my mind away.
Although the flavors are simple, everything works well. We also enjoyed fried dumplings, cooked to perfection. The menu suggested sharing the dishes, which is the perfect way to sample all the delicious options.
I know that most people visiting Marrakech want to try traditional food. But when you decide to take a break, this is a unique and flavorful dining experience I highly recommend.
9. Lao Marrakech
📍Location: et 16, benhafssa 14, Rue Oued El Makhazine
⌚Hours: 7 PM–2 AM
⭐Rating: 4.6 out of 5
A decade ago, if you had told anyone that there were so many non-Moroccan cuisine restaurants in Marrakech, no one would have believed you. As the name suggests, Lao Marrakech served up Laotian cuisine. That’s right, at the heart of the historical Daughter of the Desert.
This is one of the top restaurants in Marrakech. It might lure you in by the highly renowned French Chef Phillipe MARC. But I appreciated the chef’s focus on authentic Laotian flavors. He brings French sophistication and Moroccan hospitality together with Asian cuisine.
The menu is full of dishes that seem out of place in the desert: spicy minced meat salad, comforting khao soi (coconut curry noodle soup), and even larb. I was served dishes that were presented well. Honestly, the visual appeal is a nice touch that improved my meal.
The staff were friendly and professional, and I’d say service was exceptional. I also enjoyed the stylish interior and warm atmosphere. Lao Marrakech is a unique dining experience that stands out among the city’s many restaurants.
10. Pointbar
📍Location: 3 bis, Rue Abou Hayan Taouhidi, Marrakech 40000, Morocco
⌚Hours: 5 PM–2 AM
⭐Rating: 4.4 out of 5
When I’m in the mood for trendy international cuisine and stunning panoramic views, this is where I go. Pointbar offers a great atmosphere and excellent food. The live music makes this a great spot for late nights with friend groups.
The menu is quite diverse, with everything from burgers to seafood platters and Asian-inspired dishes. I felt that the menu suited the vibrant atmosphere, and the food was absolutely delicious.
Sure, there’s nothing particularly creative about the menu. But the simple dishes are expertly made and presented well.
Fresh ingredients and delicious food are not the only appeal of Pointbar. The innovative cocktail menu is particularly interesting, setting this restaurant apart. The staff are very attentive and polite, adding to our experience.
Visit Pointbar with friends for a vibrant atmosphere with stunning panoramic views. Order the tapas, share them, and have a round of amazing cocktails.
11. +61
📍Location: 96 Rue Mohammed el Beqal, Marrakech 40000, Morocco
⌚Hours: 2–3 PM, 8–10.30 PM
⭐Rating: 4.7 out of 5
Finally, from one desert(18% for Australia!) country to another, Plus61 is a modern Australian restaurant that I couldn’t recommend enough. The laid-back essence of Australian culture shines through in the vibes here.
The menu offers many options for sharing plates full of bold flavors. As you’d expect from an Australian, there is a strong focus on using seasonal ingredients.
Try the succulent grilled fish or the beef short ribs. From amazing food to expertly crafted cocktails, this menu is mouth-watering. Friendly service and a stylish atmosphere only heightened my gastronomical adventure.
Final Thoughts
Marrakesh offers a wide variety of culinary experiences, catering to every taste and budget. Whether you opt for traditional flavors or the more modern twists, there’s something on this list for you.
You can also find quite a few restaurants that are more adventurous, serving up cuisines from halfway across the world. Regardless of where you dine, bon appetit!