Our top six favourite places to eat in Marrakech
Marrakech’s heady, fast-evolving food scene is often tinged with Italian and French influence; its cafes and restaurants set in stunning historic courtyards or atop roof terraces with far-reaching city and mountain views. Satvada Retreats co-founders Darren Cooper and Lucia Cockcroft pick out six of their favourite places to eat in Marrakech!
We have been lucky enough to travel to Morocco regularly, both for leisure and to host our beloved Marrakech yoga retreats, over 15 years.
Yet the frisson of arriving at the Red City never lessens: we remain captivated by the colour and carnival of the ancient Medina; the luminous winter light; the warmth and welcome of the people; the sheer ‘otherness’ of this quintessential desert city an easy three-hour plane hop from the UK.
And then there’s food! Marrakech's exciting restaurant scene has changed dramatically in the years we have been visiting. It’s dynamic, exciting and fast-evolving: you’ll find a cuisine fresh, local and rich in flavour, constantly increasingly tinged with other influences, notably Italian and French.
More than any other place we know, eating out in Marrakech’s is defined by setting as much as by content: cafes and restaurants are typically housed in stunning hidden Riads with breathtaking roof terraces. Eating out here can be tinged with an exotic sense of place, history and adventure!
Frequently, our yoga retreat guests will tag extra days onto their trip , and we’re often asked for culinary recommendations! Our top tip is always this: head up to the city’s wonderful restaurant roof terraces where spectacular city and mountain views await.
In no way definitive or exhaustive, and likely to be constantly changing, here’s a current list of our favourite places to eat in Marrakech:
The Moorish Marrakech - Several years in the making, this new (as of 2023), super-stylish restaurant is arranged over over several floors. Two out of the three owners are Greek, so expect tasty, beautifully presented salad options as well as great coffee and cake!
Le Jardin Marrakech - Dine in a lush courtyard garden sprinkled with fairy lights in the shadow of a stunning 16th century Riad. The magical setting epitomises the blend of Moroccan and European chic that Marrakech now pulls off with aplomb. Expect a menu serving both Moroccan and European cuisine. Also: a great rage of cocktails!
Les Jardins de Bela at the beautiful central hotel Jardin de la Koutobia. It will suit if you like your meals with a little spice, fancy a change from tagines or a spot of fine dining!
Cafe Bazaar - Near the Bab Laksour gate, this is one of our perennial favourite Marrakech restaurants. Again, head up to the beautiful terrace with its views across to the Atlas Mountains. You’ll find Moroccan fare served with a smile, and with contemporary flair.
Dar Cherifa - A favourite of ours for lunch (it’s closed in the evening) this beautiful old Riad serves traditional Moroccan cuisine with a modern twist. The absolutely stunning downstairs courtyard hosts regular art exhibitions.
Cafe de la Poste - Tucked away in Marrakech’s busy new town this is a classic colonial-style cafe housed in an old post office. Come here for a cool breathing space, a coffee, lunch or ice cream!
Join us on retreat in Morocco or the UK:
Family-owned Satvada Retreats has 15 years’ experience creating and hosting accessible yoga, mindfulness and walking holidays in Morocco and the UK. We specialise in small group trips set in family-run Riads and hand-picked hotels. Yoga is mindfully taught and accessible for most. Our next Morocco yoga and walking retreat runs over New Year 2024/5. Take a peek here!