Food & Culture Guide to Marrakech, Morocco

Marrakech is a city one can’t really get bored of, ranging from its hammams, to its colorful souks, the countryside, dunes and more. But first, get to know the city from the inside. Take time to explore the souks within the medina to buy local leather goods and spices. 

Plan a visit to the Yves Saint Laurent Museum and nearby Jardin Majorelle for a religious fashion experience and true aesthetic pleasure. As the sun is close to setting, head out to Djemaa El Fna to sit at one of the cafes above the square for a great view of the commotion below. 

When heading out of the city, consider camel rides or a good local driver that can take you around the Sahara. Another option is seeing the countryside from a hot air balloon, offering whooping vistas of the horizon. An active option also includes hiking to the Ouzoud Waterfalls and enjoying lunch in the country. 

Finally, after much exploring, a visit to the hamman is in store, or perhaps a pool day at the Royal Mansour (if you’re not already staying there.) Make a visit to Medersa Ben Youssef and the Bahia Palace to get a sense of the grand architecture and artistry of Morocco. 

And just before you fly back, spend some time at the Beldi Country Club for some lunch, poolside relaxing and last minute shopping.

Food: 

Le Tobsil: A classic Moroccan restaurant featuring delicious local fare within an old riad. 

Pepe Nero: An Italian transplant in a Moroccan garden featuring delicious pasta and wine options. 

Nomad: One of the best restaurants in Marrakech, this space is a destination in of itself for its rooftop space with swoon-worthy views of the entire city.  

Epicurien: Refined cuisine and craft cocktails in Marrakech. 

Le Trou Au Mur: Open for lunch and dinner, this luxury restaurant takes a fine dining spin on Moroccan cuisine. 

Naranj: A spacious Lebanese restaurant with extensive mezze platters for all the hummus lovers out there.  

Al Fassia: Located in a beautiful boutique hotel, this restaurant serves Morrocan food and many sharing plates within a traditional style interior.

Limoni: This lemon garden restaurant transports one directly to Capri with it’s Italian-inspired decor, and pastas, pizzas and other delicacies from the region. 

Le Petit Cornichon: Craving French cuisine? This hip restaurant is owned by an ex-chef from Le Bernardin, featuring exquisite French-style dishes. Don’t miss out on the tarte au citron! 

Coffee & drinks:

Cafe Des Epices: This burnt-orange-colored cafe is perfect for an afternoon delight featuring drinks and sweet desserts. 

Le Jardin: Mixing Moroccan design and European glamor, this cafe marked with emerald green tiles and a green interior is as if a secret garden getaway within the medina. 

Grand Cafe de la Poste: Glitz and glamor come alive in this cocktail bar made for romantic evening chats and a nightcap. 

Barometre: Looking for inventful cocktails? This mixology center of Marrakech features some of the most beautiful and creative cocktails I’ve ever seen, and if you get hungry, their food is incredible as well.