Local food and dining

Restaurant portion sizes in Morocco are generally large; sharing a single main dish between two people is common practice. Tajine is often reported as more flavorful than couscous, which serves as a staple base.

Culinary note: Camel meat is available in Marrakech. It is often prepared as 'Tangia', a slow-cooked dish in a clay pot requiring 6-8 hours. The meat is darker and has a distinct texture compared to beef. It is commonly served in tajines or with eggs and tomato sauce. Be aware of the difference between slow-cooked fresh meat and jarred preserved meat sold in shops, which is often oilier.

Rick's Cafe in Casablanca (near Casa Port / mosque) offers an atmospheric dining experience inspired by the film. While not exclusively a seafood restaurant, it features refined dishes, including some seafood options. It offers live music from 9 PM. Reservations are highly recommended for tables, but bar seating might be available without advance booking.

Snails are a popular street food in Morocco, typically served in a spicy broth. Quality varies by stall; small portions are usually sufficient for a first tasting.

For dining in Marrakech, La Pergola offers a bar on the top level which typically does not require reservations, especially during the day, providing good views of the musicians. The entrance might differ from Google Maps directions, requiring a detour to the right. The venue is a riad with seating on multiple levels, including a bar area at the top.

Traditional Moroccan couscous is most commonly associated with Friday lunch, following Friday prayers. However, couscous is widely available daily in many tourist cafes and hotel restaurants, allowing visitors to enjoy the dish regardless of the day.

In Fes, Morocco, Berrada Family restaurant is highly recommended for authentic Moroccan cuisine. Located in the Medina, it operates from 10:30 AM to 5:00 PM. The restaurant offers a tasting platter of 6 main dishes, allowing guests to choose their preferred flavors. A popular dish is the beef tagine. The meal typically includes complimentary appetizers, bread, and unlimited mint tea. The cost is approximately 60 MAD (around 500 RUB). Portions are generous, and the service is noted as friendly and welcoming.

Marrakech is known for its vibrant nightlife and dining scene, particularly active after sunset. - **Dining and Entertainment:** The city offers a wide range of restaurants and entertainment options, including places with live music and a lively atmosphere. - **Rooftops:** Marrakech has many popular rooftop venues for dining and drinks. - **Local Advice:** The best way to find current and trending spots is to ask locals, especially staff at hotels or riads, who are usually well-informed about new and established venues. - **Booking:** Popular atmospheric places may require advance reservations.

Harira is a traditional Moroccan soup, often consumed after sunset during Ramadan. It is typically made with tomatoes, lentils, chickpeas, and meat (often lamb), seasoned with spices and herbs. Other Moroccan soups include lentil soup and broth used for cooking snails. While some Moroccan dishes might seem unfamiliar to Western palates, they are an integral part of local cuisine.

In Essaouira, Morocco, cafes near the fish market offer excellent value for seafood. A meal for one person costing approximately 100 MAD (Moroccan Dirhams) can include salads, soda, bread, a large squid, large shrimp, sea bass, and sardines, often in portions too large to finish. It's advisable to confirm prices during the weighing of seafood to ensure fair billing.

The coffee quality in Morocco varies significantly. While espresso and Americano are widely available in cafes, good quality coffee is more common in local establishments rather than tourist-oriented ones or some hotels. Seeking out local cafes or specific coffee chains like Carrion is recommended for a better coffee experience. Traditional Arabic coffee with cardamom is also available.

Le Bistro Arabe in Marrakesh is a recommended dining spot. Reservations can be made in advance via their website without a deposit. Wine prices range from 400-500 MAD per bottle, with main courses costing around 200 MAD. The cuisine was well-received, even preferred by some over Saffron restaurant. The ambiance is also noted as very pleasant, making it a good choice for dinner.

Saffron restaurant in Marrakesh offers a vibrant atmosphere with lively music. Reservations are highly recommended, and dining slots are typically limited to 2 hours, although flexibility may be possible. Wine prices are elevated, with a bottle of 'gris' wine costing between 450-500 MAD, significantly more than supermarket prices (around 120 MAD). While the food quality may be subjective, the ambiance and music are considered exceptional. It's a recommended spot for an enjoyable evening.