Morocco: A foodie's guide to Marrakech

Moroccan cuisine is rooted in the rustic food of the indigenous Berbers, layered on with trading influences from across Arabia and the Mediterranean, and polished up with techniques brought in by French colonialists. Its most well-known dishes are hearty, family fare – tagines, couscous, rich stews, delicate filo pies – with a typical ingredient list including red meats, seafood, dried fruits, and southern vegetables such as olives, bell peppers, artichokes, and potatoes.

Running through every dish is a liberal spray of herbs – parsley, coriander, mint, oregano, sage – and a vibrant, colorful palette of spices – saffron, mint, cinnamon, cumin, paprika, fennel, nutmeg. Spices are intrinsic to Moroccan cuisine, and life in general; spend any time in the souks of Marrakech and you’ll grow accustomed to the sights and smells of spice traders, with their hessian sacks or upturned barrels filled with a rainbow of exotic ingredients.

Eating out is something of an oddity for most Moroccans, with most meals taken at home. Marrakech, with its thriving tourist scene, is an exception however with an excellent array of eateries catering to both budget-conscious street food hounds to fine dining sophisticates – and everything in between.

Your best place to start is at central square Djemaa el Fna, the pulsating heart of the Medina. Especially lively in the evening, the square is a popular hub for entertainment as well as dining. Marvel at musicians, monkey handlers, and snake charmers while strolling a wide range of food stalls featuring aubergine and potato fritters, fried fish, cured Merguez sausages, gently spiced harira soup, and more exotic delights – steamed sheep’s head anyone?! Hygiene standards in the square can be…questionable…so we recommend passing through to soak up the atmosphere before moving on to one of the many excellent cafes or restaurants which line the square and surrounding streets.

Finally, for those looking to top off their visit with the very best high-end dining experience, Marrakech certainly does not disappoint. The city’s best restaurants are usually small, intimate venues so booking in advance is recommended. Al Fassia – run entirely by women – takes Moroccan staples such as bstilla pigeon pie or mechoui leg of lamb and refine to the highest standards. Le Jardin is an oasis of greenery, a chic hideaway that makes a great spot for a refreshing lunch, serving up fusion cuisine and great mojitos. Le Maison Arabe, housed in the famed luxury hotel of the same name, has possibly the city’s dreamiest atmosphere, and down the years has played host to Hemingway, Churchill, and Jackie Kennedy. 

Our tours of Morocco all pass through Marrakech, and our passionate consultants will delight in discussing the many culinary experiences and food-focused hotels on offer throughout the country.