Foodie hotspots in the red city

Mesmerising Marrakech. The enchanting medina, known as the 'red city', is a heady mix of colour, chaos and charm.

While hearty tagines and fragrant couscous may be the first things that spring to mind when you think about Moroccan cuisine, there is so much more to discover; the bohemian city's food scene is brighter than ever.

Here are five of our favourite foodie hotspots…

15th March, 2024 | Food & Drink

L'Mida
L'Mida opened just a few months before the pandemic and has already secured its places as one of the medina's top spots. Executive Chef, Nargisse Benkabbou, a Belgian-Moroccan Chef and author of the 'Casablanca: My Moroccan Food' cookbook, has designed a menu that pays homage to the home-cooked dishes she grew up with. Under striped umbrellas and wicker lanterns, feast on creative plates such as Berber Gnocchi and Smoked Zaalouk.

Al Fassia
'You do not visit Morocco, you experience it with Al Fassia'. Booking is essential at this low-lit restaurant, popular for a reason! The Moroccan classics served are some of the best in the country, and, when it opened over 30 years ago, it was the first Moroccan restaurant to employ women. Today its headed by Saida and Myra Chab, the daughters of founder, Mohammed.

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Nomad
Run by Moroccan restauranteur Kamal Laftimi, Nomad cemented Marrakech's reputation as a stylish dining destination when it opened its doors a decade ago. With roof terraces that cascade over the spice square of Rahba Lakdima, and fairy lights and djellaba-style hooded blankets, the charming ambience, paired with a confident and contemporary menu, make for a very special dining experience.

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Amal Center
This non-profit organisation, which trains disadvantaged women in hospitality and culinary skills, serves up fuss-free, tasty eats in a buzzy courtyard restaurant in Gueliz. Think tagines, kebabs and homemade lemonade with fresh mint. Unique and inspiring.

Le Jardin
Another of Kamal Laftimi's babies, this renowned restaurant's interior matches its menu; fresh and zingy. Emerald tiling and a forest of foliage decorate the open-air spaces, and its food is light and imaginative, from lamb chops with parsley pesto to Essaouira sardines with guacamole.