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Last updated:
09 April 2010
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Restaurants, cafés
and bars in Essaouira ...
Essaouira is full of characterful restaurants serving good,
freshly cooked, food in interesting surroundings and you should find something to
suit most tastes and budgets within 10 minutes walk of your accommodation.
The restaurants are generally clean with good standards of hygiene and service is
normally excellent. As many of them
are small and have weekly and annual closures it is best to book in advance if
you are keen to try a particular place. Please note that most restaurants do not
accept credit cards – even if they have a sign saying that they do! Apart from
the outdoor cafés which line Place Moulay Hassan, and the more
traditional or budget restaurants, most restaurants serve alcohol, though the
choice in most places is limited. Moroccan
wines come in red, white, rosé and 'gris' (a sort of dark rosé) and range from
drinkable to quite good The local
‘Mogador’ wines from the nearby Val d'Argan Vineyard are among the best in Morocco, though they are relatively
expensive and not often offered on wine lists.
Further down this page
you will find descriptions of just about every named restaurant, café and bar in
town, together with recommendations based on a number of sources, including
word of mouth, the web, guide books and our personal experience.
First, here is a
summary of our personal favourites (the ones we go back to time and time again),
plus others which we and our guests also enjoy. The locations of these are
marked on our map and clicking on
the entry will take you to the description in the main table. For a copy
of the full list in printable form,
click here.
Key to symbols in the listings which follow:
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= Serves breakfast
=
Serves tea, coffee and soft drinks
= Serves hot meals |
= Does takeaways
= Usually takes credit cards
= Sometimes has live music
|
= Serves alcohol with meals
= Serves Alcohol without meals
=
Bring your own alcohol welcome |
Click on photos to enlarge
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AFTASS

Modest café on Place Moulay Hassan serving the standard menu
of French, Moroccan, Italian and seafood dishes.
Address:
Place Moulay Hassan
Cost:
Breakfast: 25 DH, One course: 10 – 45 DH, 3 courses 40 – 60
DH (March 2009) |
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Chez AHMED

The middle café of a group of three with outside seating in
the peaceful former Grain Market. Serves good breakfasts,
juices and lunches including salads, grills, omelettes,
sandwiches and tajines.
Address:
222
Place Marché aux Grains
Cost:
Breakfast: 24 – 35 DH, One course: 24 – 40 DH (March 2010)
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AIGUE MARINE
WiFi
Modern restaurant/pub/tapas
bar just across the road from the beach (about 10 minutes
walk from the medina - beneath La Petite Algue and next door
to Casa Bella). You can eat in the subtly-lit main
restaurant, at counters overlooking the sea or outside.
Specialities include chi’ hiwates (Moroccan tapas), couscous
royale (Friday only) and mechoui (barbecued marinated lamb)
to order. Wines are relatively expensive and not all bottles
(or dishes) on the list may be available. Has live music on
Friday and Saturday from about 23:00 onwards.
Address:
62 Boulevard Mohamed V
Tel:
0 (0 212) 5 24 78 48 28
Website:
www.aiguemarine.ma
Cost:
One course: 40 – 250 DH, tapas: 15 – 70 DH, 3 courses: 110 –
400 DH (March 2009)
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restaurant ALI 
Basic eatery on first floor
gallery overlooking Place Chrib Attay (the one with the
tent). Serves omelettes (including Berber), salads, fish,
tajines and couscous.
Address:
Place Chrib Attay (off Rue Laâlouj)
Cost:
One course: 10 – 30 DH, 3 courses: 35 – 155 DH (April 2008) |
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les ALIZÉS DE MOGADOR

One of the most popular little restaurants in
town, Les Alizés serves hearty portions of delicious
Moroccan home cooking in a cosy, candlelit room. The short
3-course menu is good value, as is the wine, and the
service is relaxed, friendly and efficient. Open daily for
lunch and dinner. Booking is advisable in the evening which,
when busy, has two sittings – about 19:30 and 21:30.
Note: not to be confused with the Atlas Hotel’s Alizés
international restaurant.
Address:
26 Rue Skala
Tel:
0 (0 212) 5 24 47 68 19
Cost:
3 courses: 149 DH (March 2010)
Recommended by:
Time Out 2008, Lonely
Planet 2007, Rough Guide 2007, Footprint Africa 2009,
Michelin 2007, Routard 2010
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APRES CINQ
WiFi
This chic restaurant/bar attached to the Madada Mogador
Hotel has warm stone arches, modern purple and pink décor
with giant lampshades (but subtle lighting!) and a lovely
fireplace. The menu is
mainly modern European with some oriental touches. Open from
12:00 to 23:00. Happy hour 17:00 – 19:00. Closed on
Tuesdays.
Address:
7 Rue Youssef El Fassi
Tel:
0 (0 212) 5 24 47 33 49
Cost:
One course: 60 - 160 DH, 3 courses: 230 - 315 DH (January
2010)
Recommended by:
Lonely Planet 2007, Footprint Africa 2009,
Michelin 2007, Routard 2010
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l'ARBRE BLEU 
Atmospheric little art gallery nestling just inside the
medina's wall close to its eastern bastion. You can have tea
and cakes in the colourful interior surrounded by a good
range of artwork chosen or painted by the welcoming owner,
French artist Monique Favière, The surrounding
Chbanat district, which is off the beaten tourist track, is
well worth a leisurely exploration. Open Monday - Saturday
10:00 - 13:00 and 15:00 - 19:00.
Address:
233 Rue Chbanat
Tel:
0 (0 212) 6 78 57 39 42
Website:
www.moniquefaviere.com |
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les ARCADES

No-nonsense candlelit little
place with low banquette seating from where you can watch
locals promenading along the main street while you eat. Menu
includes Moroccan dishes, fish, pizza, pasta and omelettes.
Address:
Avenue de l’Istiqal
Cost:
Breakfast: 10 – 25 DH, One course: 15 – 65 DH, 3 courses: 60
– 110 (June 2008) |
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les ARCADES DE MOGADOR

Simple café in the garden
outside Hotel Sahara (next to Le Mechouar). Serves snacks,
seafood, Moroccan and Italian dishes.
Address:
Avenue Oqba Ben Nafia
Tel:
0 (0 212) 6 61 93 95 71
Cost:
One course: 10 - 80 DH, 3 courses: 50 – 125 (November 2009)
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Café des ARTS

Deceptively attractive
candelit stairs lead to tiny first and second floor dining
areas with rather odd décor, food and service.
Address:
Avenue de l’Istiqlal
Cost:
One course: 12 – 85 DH, 3 courses: 47 – 145 (March 2009)
Recommended by:
Footprint Africa 2009 |
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ATLAS HOTEL

Large modern hotel opposite
the beach about 20 minutes walk from the medina. Has three
restaurants: Le Sept (by the beach - see separate enty), Les
Alizés and Le Safran.
Address:
Boulevard Mohamed V
- les ALIZÉS (ATLAS HOTEL)
Not to be confused with the
medina’s lovely little Les Alizés de Mogador, this is an
upmarket restaurant serving international cuisine.
Cost:
3 courses: 70 - 180 DH, 3 courses: 240 - 370 DH per person
(March 2009)
- le SAFRAN
Serves Moroccan cuisine in
upmarket surroundings.
Cost:
3 courses: 250 - 350 DH per person (March 2009)
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BAB LAACHOUR

Café/restaurant with nicely situated roof terrace
overlooking Place Moulay Hassan and the sea. Basic cooking
includes Italian and Moroccan dishes, seafood, omelettes,
salads and grills.
Address:
Place Moulay Hassan
Tel:
0 (0 212) 5 24 47 66 70
Cost:
One course: 20 - 400
DH, 3 courses: 45 – 460 DH (April 2009) |
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dar BABA 
First floor restaurant serving
simple Italian food.
Address:
2 Rue de Marrakech
Tel:
0 (0 212) 5 24 47 68 09
Cost:
One course: 35 DH, 3 courses: 105 – 165 DH (June 2008)
Recommended by: Michelin 2007
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café de la BAIE
Popular suntrap by the beach serving panini, omelettes,
crêpes, tajines, salads, pasta and grills. Note: food is only served at set meal times and
alcohol is only available with hot dishes.
Address:
Boulevard d Mohammed V
Tel: 0 (0 212) 5 24 47 40
76
Cost:
Breakfast: 30 DH, One course: 25 - 60 DH, 3 courses: 65 –
130 DH (March 2010)
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BAR 
Simple local drinking den attached to Chalet de la Plage.
Locals tend to congregate inside whilst backpackers gather
at sunset on the small terrace overlooking the beach. Open
until 20:00.
Address:
1 Boulevard Mohammed V (on the south side of Chalet de La
Plage)
Recommended by:
Time Out 2008
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BARAKA
Courtyard restaurant with
shabby-chic décor, a huge fig tree and atmospheric music.
The courtyard is a good place to have lunch on a sunny day
and is nice and sheltered when it is windy. In the evening
there is usually a roaring fire in the restaurant proper.
Food is mainly Moroccan/French.
Address:
113 Rue Mohamed al Qorry
Tel:
0 (0 212) 5 24 47 35 61
Cost:
One course: 30 – 100 DH, Three courses: 105 - 200 DH (May
2009) |
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BELDY

Berber restaurant serving a
good range of tajines, couscous and pastilla as well as set
menus. No alcohol but you can bring your own. Open every
day.
Address:
6 Rue Ibn Toumerte
Tel:
0 (0 212) 5 24 47 67 12
Cost:
One course: 15 - 95 DH, 3 courses: 85 – 150 (March 2010)
Recommended by: Routard 2010 |
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BEN MOSTAFA

Pavement café on Place Moulay Hassan. Serves pizza, pasta,
seafood, Moroccan dishes, omelettes and salads.
Address:
20 Place Moulay Hassan
Tel:
0 (0 212) 6 13 11 70 20
Cost:
Breakfast: 25 – 40 DH, One course: 15 – 80 DH, 3 courses 50
- 150 (March 2010) |
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pâtisserie
la BIENVENU

Elegant little pâtisserie/delicatessen which has a few
interior tables (including a cosy salon area) where you can
have tea or coffee with your gateaux. Also serves breakfast
with a better than usual choice of dishes.
Address:
7 Rue Abdelaziz El Fachtali (Chourej)
Tel:
0 (0 212) 6 12 01 95 80/0
(0 212) 6 77 54 01 19
Cost:
Breakfast: 25 – 35 DH (March 2010) |
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au BONHEUR DES DAMES 
Small French-run café - one of a group of three with outside
seating in the peaceful former Grain Market. A huge
selection of teas, infusions and coffees (including
decaffeinated), interesting fruit and vegetable cocktails,
snacks and icecream are produced in a tiny kiosk and served
at tables outside in the square. Breakfast is a cut above
the average with honey, argan oil and home-made preserves
and Moroccan bread (raïfs). Lunch is a daily-changing menu
of light and tasty dishes such as bruschetta with tapenade
and goats cheese. Closed Sundays.
Address:
Place Marché aux Grains
Tel:
0 (0 212) 5 24 47 59 68
Website:
www.bonheurdesdames-essaouira.com
Cost:
Breakfast: 35 DH, Brunch: 85, One course: 20 - 80 DH, 3
courses: 70 – 205 DH (November
2009)
Recommended by: Routard 2010
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café
BOUAMAMA 
One of several little cafés with outside tables in the
peaceful former grain market. Serves breakfast with more
choice than most, including Moroccan specialities such as
amlou (almond, honey and argan oil paste), M’smen (flaky
pancakes) and crêpes. At lunchtime there are snacks such as
omelettes, salads, grills and tajines.
Address:
Place Marché aux Grains
Cost:
Breakfast: 23 - 40 DH, One course: 20 - 60 (November
2009)
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la CANTINA

Friendly little English-run café with a vaguely Mexican
bias. Vegetarians are well catered for (Steve was a veggie
before he opened the café) but there are also plenty of meat
dishes as well as excellent omelettes. Sharon bakes the
bread and excellent English-style cakes daily. They also do
take-aways. Open 12:00 – about 20:00 every day except
Monday. Sometimes closes in January/February.
Address:
66 Rue Boutouil
Tel:
0 (0 212) 5 24 47 45 15
Cost:
One course: 40 - 60 DH, 3 courses: 95 - 135 DH (November
2009)
Recommended by:
Time Out 2008, Footprint Africa 2009
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CASA BELLA

Contemporary Italian/Moroccan restaurant just across the
road from the beach
(about 10 minutes walk from
the medina – next door to La Petite Algue).
Both the décor and the food are light, fresh and modern.
Also has a few tables outside facing the beach. Open for
coffee and meals 12.00 to 23.00 every day except Monday.
Address:
60 Boulevard Mohammed V
Tel:
0 (0 212) 6 61 47 55 70
Cost:
Breakfast: 50 – 70 DH, One course: 50 - 160 DH, 3 courses:
160 - 300 DH (November 2008)
Recommended by: Routard 2010
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CASA VERA

Large tapas bar/restaurant in
a prime location on Place Moulay Hassan. It is worth a visit
just for the elaborate interior décor which includes a
wealth of traditional techniques offset by modern furniture.
Multilingual waiters serve full meals (Spanish/seafood),
good tapas and drinks. You can also get drinks and tapas on
the modern roof terrace (The Pink Garden) which has amazing
views and live music most evenings. Open 12:00 – 00:00 except
Tuesdays.
Address:
Place Moulay Hassan
Tel:
00 212 (0) 5 24 78 31 05
Cost:
One course: 20 - 160 DH, 3 courses: 75 – 380 (March 2010)
Recommended by: Routard 2010
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CAVERNE ALI BABA 
Deceptively spacious
restaurant (and hotel) at the end of an alley which doubles
as a showroom for for the plate shop next door. Food is
Moroccan, Italian, fish and omelettes.
Address:
29 Avenue de l’Istiqal
Tel:
0 (0 212) 5 24 47 53 54
Cost:
One course, 15 – 80 DH, 3 courses: 65 – 155 DH (June 2008) |
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CHALET DE LA PLAGE/CHEZ JEANNOT 
Long established (1924) and beautifully situated restaurant
with a shady terrace jutting out over the beach (which is
floodlit at night). Specialises in seafood. Gets busy at
lunchtime and seats on the terrace go quickly so it is best
to book if you want to sit there.
Closed Sunday evening and Monday lunchtime. Wine list
includes some local specialities. Also has an open-air café
– see below.
Address:
1 Boulevard Mohammed V
Tel:
0 (0 212) 5 24 47 59 72
Cost:
One course: 45 - 150 DH, 3 courses: 125 - 305 DH (March
2009)
Recommended by:
Time Out 2008, Footprint Africa 2009, Michelin 2007
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CHALET DE LA PLAGE CAFÉ

On the medina side of Chalet de la Plage restaurant is an
open terrace which, on calm days, is a good place for
drinks. There is no menu but you can request a limited range
of dishes for breakfast (and sometimes lunch). The view is great!
Address:
1 Boulevard Mohammed V
Tel:
0 (0 212) 5 24 47 59 72
Cost:
Breakfast: 30 DH (January 2010
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les CHANDELIERS

Popular restaurant opposite the museum serving standard
French, Moroccan, Italian and seafood. Has a lounge/bar
upstairs.
Address:
14 Rue Laâlouj
Tel:
0 (0 212) 5 24 47 58 27
Cost:
One course: 50 – 180 DH, 3 courses: 95 – 355 DH (November
2008)
Recommended by:
Lonely Planet 2007 |
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COIN DES ARTISTES, riad SIDI MAGDOUL
WiFi
Rather esoteric little arts café on the ground floor of a
French-run hotel down a covered alleyway which links the
medina’s two main shopping streets. Has exhibitions and, in
the evenings, a simple menu accompanied by a live music or
other entertainment such as acrobats, or readings from
French literature. Open 12:00 – 22:00 every day except
Monday; evening entertainment from 20:30.
Address:
Rue Sidi Abdessamih
Tel:
0 (0 212) 5 70 24 69 51
Website:
www.lecoineessaouira.com
(and Facebook)
Cost:
One course: 25 – 70 DH, 3 courses: 95 DH (November
2009)
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le COQUILLAGE/RESTAURANT DU PORT

Large restaurant with terrace overlooking the beach. Popular
with coach parties.
Address:
Le Port d'Essaouira
Tel:
0 (0 212) 5 24 47 66 55
Cost:
One course: 60 – 230 DH, 3 courses: 115 - 380 DH (January
2007) |
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the CORNER PUB 
Trendy bar at the back of Le Mechouar restaurant. MTV, loud
music and lighting effects.
Address:
Avenue Oqba Ben Nafia
Tel:
0 (0 212) 5 24 47 58 28 |
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COTÉ PLAGE

Next to the beach opposite Sofitel, by which it is owned.
Continental menu with some good seafood dishes or barbecue
on Sundays. Glass panels protect the outside terrace from
wind.
Address:
Boulevard Mohammed V
Tel:
0 (0 212) 5 24 47 90 00
Cost:
One course: 75 - 195 DH, 3 courses: 235 – 435 (November
2008)
Recommended by:
Time Out 2008, Lonely Planet 2007,
Michelin 2007, Routard 2010 |
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le CRÊPERIE MOGADOR 
Cheerful little crêperie where you can eat at pine tables in
the yellow interior or outside facing Place Chrib Attay (the
one with the tent). Serves a good range of savoury and sweet
crêpes and bolées (pottery bowls) of cider (but no other
alcohol). Open 12:00 – 15:00 and 19:00 – 22:00 except
Fridays.
Address:
Rue Laâlouj
Tel:
0 (0 212) 5 24 78 30 96
Cost:
Crêpes: 20 – 60 DH, ½ jug of cider (Brevage de pommes) 55 DH
(November 2008)
Recommended by: Routard 2010
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DAR JEELING

Basic café with outside tables on a sheltered part of Place
Chrib Attay/El Khaima (the
one with the tent). Serves breakfast, snacks, crêpes etc.
Address:
22 Place Chrib Attay
Tel:
0 (0 212) 6 66 10 10 32
Cost:
One course: 40 - 80 DH, Three courses: 45 - 70 DH (March
2010) |
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le DAUPHIN
Simple little down a covered alleyway which links the
medina’s two main shopping streets. Décor is fairly basic
but the Moroccan home cooking is sound.
Address:
Rue Sidi Abdessamih
Cost:
One course: 15 - 70 DH, Three courses: 50 – 120 DH (April
2009)
Recommended by: Routard 2010 |
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la DÉCOUVERTE WiFi
Tiny French-run restaurant
with just six tables inside and two outside. Serves a simple
menu of mainly Moroccan dishes with an emphasis on fresh
local ingredients. Daily specialities such as royal couscous
with camel meat are advertised on a blackboard at the end of
the lane. Also has vegetarian specialities. Desserts might
include lemon meringue pie or Moroccan pastries. Open 10 am
to 10 pm every day except Saturday. Usually closes in
January.
Address:
8 bis Rue Houmman el Fatouki
Tel:
0 (0 212) 5 24 47 31 58
Website:
www.essaouira-ladecouverte.com
Cost:
One course: 10 – 130 DH, 3 courses: 65 – 185 DH (March 2010)
Recommended by: Footprint Africa 2009 |
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DIABAT Café

Tiny brightly-painted ‘hippy’ café with tables overlooking
the building site which is now Diabat beach (about 3 miles
south of Essaoura, along the beach). Serves tajines etc.
Can also organise camel rides.
Address:
Diabat |
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gelateria DOLCE FREDDO

Café/gelateria on Place Moulay
Hassan. Good for Italian coffee (including decaffinated) and
a range of icecreams. Also offers a limited breakfast menu
(or just order coffee and have a take-away from Patisserie
Driss, followed by a 5 DH juice from the kiosk by the
harbour). Open 07:30 – 22:00 daily.
Address:
25 Place Moulay Hassan
Tel:
0 (0 212) 6 63 57 19 28
Recommended by:
Time Out 2008, Lonely Planet 2007, Rough Guide 2007,
Footprint Africa 2009
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patisserie DRISS

Patisserie founded in 1925. Serves croissants, tarts and
cakes which can be eaten with coffee in the small sheltered
courtyard, one of two picture-lined rooms or taken to one of
the cafés on Place Moulay Hassan. Breakfast (popular with
locals), which includes omelettes and crêpes, can be eaten
in or taken away. Also does pastilla (must be ordered in
advance) and pizza.
Address:
10 Rue El Hajal
Cost:
Breakfast: 19 - 30 DH, pastilla 150 – 270 DH (2 - 6 people),
pizza: 70 – 220 DH (2 – 8 people) (March 2010)Recommended by:
Time Out 2008, Lonely Planet 2007, Rough Guide 2007,
Michelin 2007, Routard 2010 |
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EARTH CAFÉ MARRAKECH

Brightly coloured vegetarian
café with inside and outside seating. Serves a limited
number of rather similar dishes (e.g. stuffed filo pastry,
spring rolls) at Marrakech prices.
Address:
Place Chrib Attai (Place El Khaima)
Cost:
One course: 60 DH (November 2009)
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ELIZIR 
‘Idiosyncratic
cool’ is Time Out 2008’s perfect description of the interior of
this quirky first floor restaurant which the young owner has
decorated with great originality using an eclectic and
quirky range of flea market finds, retro furniture and
modern art.
The short menu features excellent and innovative
Moroccan/Italian style dishes including home-made pasta and
gnocchi. and a popular balsamic steak. Portions,
including the complimentary starter, are generous Cosy fire in winter; roof terrace in summer. Closes for 3
days each month for staff holidays.
Address:
1 Rue d’Agadir Essaouira – Maroc
Tel:
0 (0 212) 5 24 47 21 03
Website:
www.elizir.com
Cost:
One course: 60 - 130 DH, 3 courses: 230 – 255 DH (March
2010)
Recommended by:
Time Out 2008, Footprint Africa 2009,
Routard 2010 |

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ESSALAM 
Popular little terrace
restaurant with small terrace overlooking the lively Place
Moulay Hassan. Budget set meals: soup or salad, then
omelette, fish, couscous or tajine and dessert.
Address:
Place Moulay Hassan
Tel:
0 (0 212) 5 24 47 55 48
Cost:
Breakfast: 15 DH, 3 courses: about 30 - 65 DH (March 2009)
Recommended by:
Rough Guide 2007,
Routard 2010 |
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FANATIC

Former surf-shack recently turned into a smart new
bistro-style café with terrace overlooking the beach. Good
for breakfast or lunch in the sun whilst watching
watersports (equipment hire and lessons available next
door). Food is mainly French/Moroccan cuisine seafood and
grills. Can get very busy at lunch time. Open 08:00 – 23:00
daily.
Address:
Boulevard Mohammed V
Tel:
0 (0 212) 5 24 47 50 08
Cost:
Breakfast: 40 DH, One course: 40 – 210 DH, 3 courses: 135 -
380 DH (March 2010)
Recommended by:
Time Out 2008
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FERDAOUSS

First
floor restaurant well known for good value Moroccan home
cooking. Open 12:30 – 14:30 and 18:30 – 23:00 except
Mondays.
Address:
27 Rue Abdessalam Lebadi
Tel:
0 (0 212) 5 24 47 36 55
Cost:
One course: 35 – 65 DH, 3 courses: 110 DH (March 2010)
Recommended by:
Time Out 2008, Lonely Planet 2007, Footprint Africa 2009,
Michelin 2007, Routard 2010 |
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FOUR (4) SAISONS DE MOGADOR

Narrow restaurant on four floors with a roof terrace
providing an interesting view of Avenue de l’Istiqual, the
medina’s main thoroughfare. The extensive menu includes
pizza (downstairs only), snacks, seafood, pasta and Moroccan
specialities.
Address:
Avenue de l’Istiqal
Cost:
One course: 8 - 75 DH, 3 courses: 38 – 119 (November 2009)
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café de FRANCE

One of the oldest cafés
on Place Moulay Hassan, founded in 1917. Does not do food
at lunchtime. Limited breakfast menu. In the evening, serves
pizza, pasta, seafood, Moroccan dishes, omelettes and salads
.
Address:
Place Moulay Hassan
Cost:
Breakfast: 20 DH, One course: 13 – 40 DH (March 2009) |
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chez FRANÇOISE 
French-run café and tea room
with 2 long banquettes on opposite walls and 8 tiny tables
in between, plus two tables in the road outside. Françoise
serves a simple menu of sweet and savoury tarts, crêpes and
soup.
Address:
1 Rue Hoummam El Fatouaki
Tel:
0 (0 212) 6 68 16 40 87
Cost:
One course: 16 – 65 DH, 3 courses: 90 – 105 DH (April 2008)
Recommended by:
Lonely Planet 2007, Michelin 2007 |
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chez les FRERES
Cheerful and laid back little place run by two enthusiastic
brothers. Freshly-made pizza, pasta and Moroccan dishes
incuding specialities, some of which have to be ordered in
advance. You can eat in the restaurant at traditonal
banquettes and low tables or take away.
Address:
3 Bia, Rue sidi Mgdoul
Tel:
0 (0 212) 5 24 47 58 25 or 0 (0 212) 6 72 38 88 96
Cost:
Breakfast: 20 – 25 DH, One course: 10 - 70 DH, 3 courses: 45
- 120 DH (November 2008) |
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les GARGOTTES (GRILLED SEAFOOD STALLS) 
An L-shaped group of blue and white stalls where you can choose from
displays of freshly-caught seafood then have it expertly
cooked over charcoal and simply served with a bread (and, if
you have a strong constitution, a tasty salad). Our
favourite is the centre stall (Brest Campère, No. 29) – and
if you head diagonally across the gardens to reach it you
can avoid being hassled by the other stallholders as they
compete for your custom. If you are after a cheap lunch
beware of inadvertently choosing prime fish (prices per kg
are fixed and listed on a board at the end of the row so you
may want to check first). For a good value meal specify the
maximum price that you are prepared to pay - 60 DH will buy
quite a feast. Open 11:00 – 16:00 daily.
Address:
Le Port d'Essaouira
Cost:
E.g. Sardines: 3 for 10 DH, mixture: 60 DH, Lobster: 400 DH
per kilo (January 2010)
Recommended by:
Time Out 2008, Lonely Planet 2007, Rough Guide 2007,
Footprint Africa 2009,
Michelin 2007, Routard 2010 |

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le GLACIER

Small café/pizzeria at the
heart of the medina. Good for people-watching from outside
tables which catch the sun at breakfast time. Simple menu of
salads, omelettes, pizza and pasta. Also does take-aways.
Address:
On the corner of Rue Sidi Mohammed Ben Abdelah and Rue
Laâlouj
Cost:
Breakfast: 30 DH, One course: 20 - 65 DH, 3 courses: 55 -
125 DH (January 2010) |
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|
le GRAND LARGE
Atmospheric little tea salon
and restaurant with exposed stone walls and arches. Serves
fish, pizza, tajines and couscous.
Address:
2 Rue Oum Rabia
Tel:
+ 212 (0) 5 24 47 28 66
Website:
www.riadlegrandlarge.com
Cost:
One course: about 80 DH
(November 2007) |
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|
l’HEURE BLEU PALAIS

Upmarket restaurant on the ground floor of the smartest
hotel in town with décor combining riad, colonial and
European country house. Cocktails are served in the
subtly-lit panelled piano bar accompanied by nibbles such as
sushi or tzatziki with crudités. The menu is modern
international cuisine with subtle Moroccan touches. Cooking
is of a very high standard with subtle blending of flavours
and excellent presentation. The hotel also has a pleasant
café/bar by the roof-top pool (the pool is not open to
non-residents) where you can get salads, sandwiches, grills,
ice-cream and drinks.
Open: Main restaurant 19:30 – 22:00, Rooftop café 12:30 –
16:30
Address:
2 Rue Ibn Batouta, Bab Marrakech
Tel: 0 (0 212) 5 24 78 34 34
Website:
www.heure-bleue.com
Cost
(Main restaurant):
One course: 130 – 300 DH, 3 courses: 440 – 815 DH (April
2009)
Cost (Rooftop café): One course: 155- 265 DH, 3 courses: 405 – 555 DH (April 2008)
Recommended by: Routard 2010 |
 
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l’HORLOGE

Outside tables in a small
leafy square surrounded by a display of Moroccan lamps and
rugs from nearby shops. Simple menu consisting of tajines,
couscous and omelettes. Service can be unenthusiastic but
the the Malian music from the CD shop next door is very
atmospheric.
Address:
Place Chefchaouni
Cost:
Breakfast: 15 – 25 DH, One course: 10 – 60 DH (January 2008)
Recommended by:
Lonely Planet 2007,
Michelin 2007, Routard 2010 |
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|
dar al HOUMA

Deceptively spacious candlelit
restaurant amongst the carpet sellers
between Place Moulay Hassan and Place Chefchaouni. Seafood, omelettes, pasta
and Moroccan dishes are served in three fabric-lined rooms
with banquette seating. An alternative budget choice if you
can’t get a table in the popular Laayoune opposite.
Address:
9 Rue El Hajjali
Tel:
0 (0 212) 5 24 78 33 87
Cost:
One course: 10 - 80 DH, 3 courses: 33 - 153 DH (January
2010)
Recommended by:
Footprint Africa 2009 |
 |
|
hotel IBIS, SUD & CIE RESTAURANT

Modern hotel restaurant about 40 minutes walk from the medina. The
minimalist Sud & Cie restaurant serves Moroccan, Lebanese,
Spanish and Italian dishes. The main reason for eating or
drinking here is that it entitles you to use the swimming
pool.
Address:
Route de Marrakech
Tel:
0 (0 212) 5 24 47 92 80 /0 (0 212) 5 24 47 92 81
Cost:
One course: 40 - 120 DH, 3 courses: 130 – 220 DH (May 2009) |
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|
le JOLI COIN 
Popular little café and take-away just round the corner from
Place Moulay Hassan Specialises in take-away pizza, kebabs
and sandwiches.
Address:
21 Rue El Hajjali
Tel:
0 (0 212) 5 24 47 37 94
Cost:
One course: 10 – 40 DH (November 2007)
|
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el KHAIMA

Surprisingly spacious and cosy restaurant based around a
Moroccan tent (El Khaima means The Tent) . Multiligual menu
(with some amusing translations!) includes salads,
omelettes, pizza, seafood and French/Moroccan food
Address:
Place Chrib Attay (off Rue Laâlouj)
Tel:
0 (0 212) 5 24 47 60 52
Cost:
One course: 20 – 120 DH, 3 courses; 65 - 210 DH (November
2008) |
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|
al KHANSAA

Riad recently restored by an
artistic Moroccan family with unnusual and eclectic taste.
The dining area is dominated by a unique fountain sculpture
and fantasy fireplace. Simple set menus with a limited
choice of mainly Moroccan food. Open every day until 23:00.
Address:
60-62 Rue Touahen
Tel:
+ 212 (0) 5 24 47 66 17
Website:
www.hotelriad-alkhansaa.com
Cost:
3 courses: 100 - 150 DH (November 2007) |
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KHAYTARIH

A large modern restaurant just
outside the medina in a modern complex next to Hotel des
Iles. You can have meals in the spacious,
luxuriously-decorated interior or snacks at the comfortable
outside terrace. The rather pretentious menu features
upmarket French-style dishes, mostly seafood.
Address:
Complexe Bin Al Aswar
Tel:
+ 212 (0) 5 24 47 26 63
Cost:
One course: 45 – 300, 3 courses: 175 - 465 DH (November
2009)
|
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Chez KHERFA

Two
entrances lead to this colourful little terrace restaurant
overlooking Derb Laalouj on one side and Place Chrib Attay/El
Khaima on the other. Simple menu of omletettes, pasta,
tajines etc.
Address:
Derb Laalouj
Cost:
Breakfast: 25 - 45 DH, One course: 10 - 60 DH, Three
courses: 35 - 130 DH (March 2010) |
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KM 8 
Surprising oasis 8 km to the south of Essaouira in an
unpreposessing roadside location next to a shop selling cane
and palm rope furniture. Has a lovely courtyard and
excellent French/Moroccan cuisine and seafood. Closed on
Monday.
Address:
Rue d’Agadir Ghazoua
Tel:
0 (0 212) 6 66 25 21 23
Cost:
One course: about 80 DH (November
2007)
Recommended by: Michelin 2007, Routard 2010
|
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LAAYOUNE

Very popular little restaurant among the carpet shops
between Place Moulay Hassan and Place Chefchaouni. Serves
good value Moroccan food, crêpes, omelettes and fish.
Banquette seating with low tables, a relaxed atmosphere and
effcient service. Turnaround is rapid so it is often worth
waiting for a table to became available (but not so good if
you want o make an evening of it).
Address:
4 bis Rue El Hajjali
Tel:
0 (0 212) 5 24 47 46 43
Cost:
One course: 14 – 78 DH, 3 courses: 40 - 126 DH (March
2010)
Recommended by: Rough Guide 2007,
Michelin 2007, Routard 2010 |
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|
LALLA MIRA

Bright yellow restaurant on the ground floor of a German-run
hotel attached to the oldest hammam in town. Serves organic
food from the hotel’s own farm inculding vegetarian and
fish-based 3-course menus, omelettes and tajines. Open 07:30
– 11:00, 12:00 – 14:30 and 19:00 22:00. Booking advisable
for non-residents.
Address:
14 Rue d’Algerie
Tel:
0 (0 212) 5 24 47 50 46
Website:
www.lallamira.net
Cost:
Breakfast: 20 – 60 DH, One course: 6 - 150 DH, 3 courses: 90
- 140 DH (November 2008) |

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la LICORNE 
Spacious restaurant with baronial style Moroccan décor (deep
red tadelakt walls, dark carved wood, exotic lighting). Good
Moroccan/French
cuisine served by charming waitresses. Closed Mondays and
part of January
Address:
26 Rue Skala
Tel: 0 (0 212) 5 24 47 36
25
Website:
www.lalicorne-essaouira.com
Cost:
One course: 45 - 130 DH, 3 courses: 160 – 285 DH (November
2008)
Recommended by: Routard 2010
|
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dar LOUBANE

On the ground floor of an historic mansion with rather
eccentric décor.
French-Moroccan cuisine and
seafood is served in the patio or one of the interior dining
rooms. Booking advisable for the Saturday night Gnaoua
evenings (audience participation expected!). Open 12:00 –
14:30 and 19:00 – 22:00 except Wednesdays.
Address:
24 Rue de Rif
Tel:
0 (0 212) 5 24 47 62 96
Cost:
One course: 45 – 130 DH, 3 courses: 155 – 315 DH (November
2008)
Recommended by:
Rough Guide 2007,
Michelin 2007, Routard 2010 |

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LOUBOU'S

A large modern
restaurant/lounge/nightclub just outside the medina in a
modern complex next to Hotel des Iles. The tables surround
a circular dancefloor with subdued lighting and four screens
showing music videos. Wide curving stairs lead to an
upstairs bar. Drinks, and the food on the short
international menu, are pricey. Has live music every evening
from about 23:00.
Address:
32 lot Complexe Bin Al Aswar
Tel:
+ 212 (0) 5 24 78 48 72
Website:
www.loubousessaouira.com
Cost:
One course: 60 - 175, 3 courses: 235 - 365 DH (November
2009)
|
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riad Al MADINA 
Former hippy café transformed into an attractive and colourful
hotel at the heart of the medina. You can eat in the
attractive courtyard at the centre of the riad or in the
comfortable dining room on two levels. International menu.
Address:
9 Rue Attarine
Tel:
0 (0 212) 5 24 47 59 07
Cost:
One course 40 – 140 DH, 3 courses 130 – 275 DH (April 2009) |
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MAISON DES ARTISTES 
Guesthouse with rather eccentric décor. Lunch or dinner can
be served in the salon or on the terrace overlooking the
ocean. Non-residents need to book and choose their food in
the morning.
Address:
19 Rue Derb Laâlouj
Tel:
0 (0 212) 5 24 47 57 99
Website:
www.maisondesartistes.com
Cost:
3 courses: 190 DH (March 2009) |
 |
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MAISON DU SUD

Deceptively spacious restaurant/hotel/art gallery on the main
pedestrian street just north of Place Moulay Hassan. A basic
3-course set menu is served in a choice of well-furnished
seating areas.
Address:
Avenue Sidi Mohamed Ben Abdalah
Cost:
3 courses: 90 DH (March 2009) |
 |
|
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la MAMA

Small first-floor trattoria/pizzeria/café. Has five tables in the
cosy interior and a few more on the terrace outside.
Friendly atmosphere and tasty Sicilian style cuisine.
Address:
31 Place Chrib Attay
Tel:
0 (0 212) 6 68 16 40 69 or
0 (0 212) 6 77 54 24 86
Cost:
One course: 20 - 100 DH, 3 courses: 90 - 150 DH (March
2010)
|
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il MARE
WiFi
Large café, bar and restaurant on three floors with roof
terraces overlooking the ramparts. Serves seafood, Moroccan,
French and Italian specialities, including wood-fired
pizza. Food is good but relatively expensive. Usually has
live music between 20:00 and 23:00, sometimes followed by a
DJ.
Address:
43 Rue Yamen (Skala)
Tel:
0 (0 212) 5 24 47 64 17
Cost:
One course 60 - 150 DH, 3 courses: 140 - 320 DH (November
2008) Website:
www.ilmaressaouira.com
Recommended by: Routard 2010 |
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café MARRAKECH 
Serves breakfast (including omelettes and crêpes),
Lunch/dinner includes pizza, pasta, seafood, Moroccan
dishes, omelettes and salads.
Address:
Place Moulay Hassan
Cost:
Breakfast: 25 - 40 DH, One course: 10 - 60 DH, 3 courses:
40 – 110 DH (January 2010)
|
 |
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le MECHOUAR

This is probably the most
versatile place in town offering everything from breakfast
to dinner, late night drinks, shisha pipes and live music. You can
dine throughout the day in the large dimly lit dining room or
at tables on the lawn outside. Serves breakfast, lunchtime snacks, tapas and
an evening menu of well-presented
modern French/Moroccan/oriental food, including good tajines. Live music (which can
sometimes be very good) may accompany dinner or else begin
after 23:00 when the better-off locals come to party.
Drinks are available without meals in the restaurant, on the
lawn or in The Corner Pub at the back.
Address:
Avenue Oqba Ben Nafia
Tel:
0 (0 212) 5 24 47 58 28
Website:
www.lemechouar.com
Cost:
Breakfast: 10 - 35 DH, Lunch: 25 - 165, Dinner (3 courses): 170 -
310 DH (March 2010) |

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residence el MEHDI

Deceptively large riad hotel halfway along a covered
alleyway which links the medina’s two main shopping streets.
The ground floor bar, which is open to non-residents, has a
diverse choice of seating areas with décor ranging from
colourful Moroccan to cosy and colonial.
Address:
15 Rue Sidi Abdessamih
Tel:
0 (0 212) 5 44 47 59 43
Website:
www.residenceelmehdi.com
|
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el MENZAH (el MINZAH)
The restaurant, which is situated beneath Palazzo Desdemona,
is in a large room with impressive interlinked stone arches.
The menu is mainly Moroccan/French/Italian with good seafood
specialities. There is a separate TV bar at the back which
can be accessed either through the restaurant or directly
via an unmarked door opposite Aprés Cinq restaurant.
Address:
3 Avenue Okba Ibn Nafia
Tel:
0 (0 212) 5 24 47 53 08
Cost:
One course: 50 – 220 DH, 3 courses: 145 – 325 DH (November
2009)
Recommended by:
Lonely Planet 2007, Footprint Africa 2009,
Routard 2010
|
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chez MERMOZ

Friendly restaurant where
you can eat in the first floor salon, under a ground level
canopy or at a couple of tables outside in Place Chrib
Attay. Menu includes Moroccan food, omelettes and pasta.
Address:
5 Place Chrib Attay (off Rue Laâlouj)
Tel:
0 (0 212) 6 63 49 98 30
Cost:
One course: 15 – 70 DH, 3 courses: 40 – 120 DH (November
2008) |
 |
|
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MIYAME RESTO
A former Koranic school close to the food souks now converted to
a simple little family-run restaurant serving grills, seafood
and excellent tajines, plus couscous on Friday/Saturday. Seats
about 10 people at low tables, plus an extra four by the
entrance. Service is laid-back and friendly. While not everything on the short menu may be available, the
ingredients are fresh and the cooking can be very good indeed.
Booking recommended (as is the apple tart when it is
available!).
Address:
26 Rue Jbala
Tel: 0 (0 212) 6 55 58
79 61/0 (0 212) 6 73 59 11 48
Cost:
One course: 3 - 60 DH, 3 courses: 38 - 105 DH (March 2010)
|
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café/restaurant MOGADOR (BAR MOG)

Well-run little café on the seafront boulevard with inside and
outside eating areas. Popular with locals and tourists alike.
Serves breakfast,Moroccan dishes, seafood, snacks and daily
speicialities.
Address:
Boulevard Mohammed V
Tel:
0 (0 212) 5 24 47 32 36
Cost:
One course: 15 – 180 DH, 3 courses: 65 – 245 DH (November 2009)
|
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MOGADOR GOURMANDE 
Little crêperie/fast food café with a logo which has a
remarkable similarity to MacDonald’s!
Address:
Rue El Hajjali
Cost:
One course: 16 – 42 DH |
 |
|
le MOGADORIEN

Deceptively spacious
restaurant within a building dating back to the 18th
century. Bright banquette seating under stone arches. Moroccan
cuisine and seafood served by friendly, English-speaking
waiters.
Address:
7 Place Chefchaouni
Tel:
0 (0 212) 5 24 47 49 50
or
0 (0 212) 6 61 20 70 57
Website:
www.lemogadorien.c.la
Cost:
One course: 15 – 95 DH, 3 courses: 60 – 185 DH (March 2010) |
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la MOUETTE D’ESSAOUIRA

A sunny café on the harbour
side of Place Moulay Hassan. Menu includes juices, soups,
salads, pizzas, tajines and couscous. Also does take-away
pizza. One of the few places in town to serve good decaffienated
coffee.
Address:
Place Moulay Hassan
Tel:
0 (0 212) 5 24 47 47 05
Cost:
Breakfast: 25 DH, One course: 20 - 50 DH, 3 courses: 45 - 100 DH
(January 2010) |
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dar MOUNIA

Centrally situated hotel with a ground floor restaurant serving
a range of Moroccan, French, Italian and seafood dishes. The
square room is subtly decorated with an array of metal ceiling
lanterns, zelliges and tadelakt.
Address:
2 Rue Laalouj
Tel:
0 (0 212) 5 24 47 29 88
Cost:
One course: 25 - 95 DH, 3 courses: 70 - 200 DH
(March 2010) |
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M’RISTE JOUHAR 
Family-run restaurant serving good Moroccan food, including some interesting
specialities as well as a vegetarian set menu. The mixture of
Moroccan salads for starter is particularly recommended. Elegant
Moroccan décor and friendly service.
Address:
6 Rue Mohamed Diouri (off Derb Laalouj)
Tel:
0 (0 212) 5 24 78 58 54
Cost:
One course: 30 – 70 DH, 3 courses: 80 – 160 (January 2010)
|
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Le NECTAR

Brightly-decorated restaurant
with banquette seating inside or 3 tables outside overlooking El
Khaima (the tent). The menu is the usual mix of seafood,
Moroccan and Italian dishes. Open 11:00 – 15:00 and 19:00 –
23:00h
Address:
14 – 15 Place Chrib Attai/Place El Khaima (off Rue Laâlouj)
Tel:
0 (0 212) 5 24 47 54 85
Cost:
One course: 10 – 95 DH, 3 courses: 40 – 180 DH (November 2009)
|
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OCEAN VAGABOND BEACH CAFÉ

A healthy 30 minute walk down the beach from the medina. Good
for breakfast and relaxed café-style lunches (blackboard
specialities, omelettes, paninis, pizzas, burgers, chips) and
watching, or participating in, watersports (Club Mistral is next
door), horse or camel riding. Sunloungers and deckchairs make
this a wonderfully laid back place to have lunch or a drink –
and the walk is lovely. Open 08:30 – 18:00 daily.
Address:
Boulevard Mohamed V
Tel:
0 (0 212) 5 24 78 39 34
Website:
www.oceanvagabond.com
Cost:
Breakfast: 30 - 50 DH, One course: 20 - 110 DH, 3 courses: 48 -
215 DH (November 2009)
Recommended by:
Lonely Planet 2007, Footprint Africa 2009,
Michelin 2007,
Routard 2010
|

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OCEAN VAGABOND HOTEL 
Serves good, attractively presented, food in a modern
African-themed dining room or in a peaceful garden by the
swimming pool. The menu includes interesting salads, omelettes,
sandwiches, burgers and tajines. Open to non residents from
11:00 to 23:00. Diners can use the pool for free.
Address:
boulevard
Lalla Aïcha
Tel:
0 (0 212) 5 24 47 92 22 Website:
www.oceanvagabond.com
Cost:
One course: 35 – 110 DH, 3 courses: 95 – 230 DH, childrens menu:
70 DH (May 2009)
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OPERA DU SUD

Café/restaurant with tables on Place Moulay as well as a
relatively smart interior. The menu is the
the standard mixture of French, Moroccan, Italian and seafood
dishes.
Address:
12 Place Moulay Hassan
Tel:
0 (0 212) 5 24 47 59 25
Cost:
Breakfast: 20 DH, One course: 15 - 100 DH, 3 courses: 50 - 155
DH (March 2010)
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d’ ORIENT ET D’AILLEURS

A deceptively spacious restaurant with tasteful understated
décor and lighting.
A simple menu of well presented and
expertly cooked
modern French/Moroccan food is served with enthusiasm by the
Swiss/French proprietors,
Liliana and Lawrence.
The three course set menu is particularly good value.
Closed on Saturday.
Address:
67 bis, Rue Touahen
Tel:
0 (0 212) 5 24 47 59 77
Website:
www.dorientetdailleurs.com
Cost:
One course: 30 – 160 DH, 3 courses: 90 – 325 (March 2010)
Recommended by: Routard 2010
|

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dar l’OUSSIA

A large riad-syle hotel with ground floor restaurant and
separate bar. You can also get drinks on the comfortable roof
terrace which has great views of the beach. The elegant vaulted
dining room, which has cosy fires in winter, overlooks the
tranquil courtyard with its flower-filled fountain. The short
menu features mainly international dishes with a slightly
oriental influence. There is couscous and gnawa music on Friday
evenings. Friendly, efficient service.
Address:
Rue Mohamed Ben Masoud
Cost:
One course: 50 - 110, 3 courses: 150 – 340 DH (March 2009)
Recommended by:
Footprint Africa 2009
|

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Le PANORAMIQUE
A healthy 30 minute walk down the beach from the medina this
modern café/restaurant is situated in the café/watersports
complex which is creeping north from Ocean Vagabond Beach Café.
A range of snacks and meals are served in the rather souless
interior, the shady terrace or at incongruous brightly-coloured
plastic chairs and tables in the garden overlooking the beach.
Open 12:00 – 15:00 h and 19:00 - 22:30 h.
Address:
Boulevard Mohamed V
Tel:
0 (0 212) 5 24 78 59 56
Cost:
Breakfast: 20 - 30 DH, One course: 10 - 140 DH, 3 courses: 60 -
205 DH (November 2009)
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PASSAGE 24 
After a 2-year closure, this elegant resturant has reopened with
a new menu of Belgian and seafood specialities. An attractive
door at the end of a little alleyway leads to the ground floor
dining area with tables set around a fountain in the roofed-over
courtyard. The walls are tastefully decorated with well-chosen
modern paintings (some for sale) and stylish lampshades. Open
for lunch and dinner daily except Sunday and sometimes Tuesday.
Address:
24 Rue d’Irak
Tel:
0 (0 212) 5 24 47 33 30
Website:
www.passage24.com
Cost:
One course: 40 - 160 DH, 3 courses: 155 – 390 DH (November 2009)
|
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le PATIO 
Popular restaurant with intimate Moroccan décor, atmospheric
lighting and charming staff. A daily-changing blackboard menu of
modern French/Moroccan specialities, including excellent fish
dishes is brought to each table. Lighting is just a bit too
subtle so it is a good idea to bring a torch to read the menu
and wine list. Open 18:30 – 23:00 every day except Monday. Also
has a small tapas bar (open from 17:30) where you can get a
drink without ordering a full meal.
Address:
28 bis Rue Moulay Rachid
Tel: 0 (0 212) 5 24 47 41 66
Cost:
Tapas: 35 DH, One course: 35 - 150 DH, 3 courses: 195 - 285 DH
(November 2009)
Recommended by:
Time Out 2008, Footprint Africa 2009,
Michelin 2007, Routard 2010 |

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la PETITE ALGUE

Restaurant/café/bar just
across the road from the beach (about 10 minutes walk from the
medina, above Aigue Marine). Has four main areas: a ‘local’
restaurant, a bar with TV, a ‘tourist’ restaurant and an
attractive terrace overlooking the beach (not all are open all
of the time). Serves Moroccan food, seafood and snacks.
Address:
Boulevard Mohamed V
Cost:
One course: 30 - 140 DH, 3 courses: 80 - 270 DH (March 2009) |
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|
la PETITE PERLE D’ESSAOUIRA 
Basic Moroccan food served
at low tables with banquette seating.
Address:
2 Rue Hajjali
Tel:
0 (0 212) 5 24 47 50 50
Cost:
3 courses: 55 - 95 DH (November
2007)
Recommended by:
Rough Guide 2007,
Michelin 2007, Routard 2010 |
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|
RAMSESS

Family-run restaurant
serving French/Moroccan food with a
vaguely Egyption theme. The two lively sisters who serve both
speak excellent English.
Address:
18 Rue Ibn Roch
Tel:
0 (0 212) 5 24 47 21 39
Cost:
3 courses: 125 DH, childrens menu: 70 DH(January 2010) |
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|
la RENCONTRE

Arty restaurant on three
floors with lovely views of the ramparts from its terraces.
Idiosyncratic décor and service but reliable cooking -
breakfast, wood-fired pizza, Moroccan dishes and seafood.
Address:
88 Rue Laâlouj
Tel:
0 (0 212) 5 24 47 66 17
Cost:
Breakfast: 25 - 40 DH, One course: 20 – 80, 3 courses: 75 - 170
DH (May 2009) |
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|
dar SALTANE

Deceptively large café/restaurant with courtyard and fountain.
Good value Moroccan food. Does not serve alcohol but you can
take your own.
Address:
7 Rue Abdellah Chefchaouni
Tel:
0 (0 212) 5 24 47 59 73
Cost:
3 courses:: 58 - 98 DH (November 2007) |
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|
chez SAM

Famous wooden boat-like building jutting out into the harbour
with great views of the fishing fleet. You can eat in the small
enclosed terrace (booking advisable), the cosy 1950s style
ground floor dining room or the more spacious top floor.
No-nonsense cooking, mostly seafood cooked in a variety of ways,
with decent-sized portions. Open 12:00 – 15:30 and 10:00 – 23:30
daily.
Address:
Le port d'Essaouira
Tel:
0 (0 212) 5 24 4762 38
Cost:
One course: 25 - 150, 3 courses: 80 - 250 DH (November
2009)
Recommended by:
Time Out 2008, Rough Guide 2007, Footprint Africa 2009,
Michelin 2007 |
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|
SAMARKAND
Centrally situated restaurant/cocktail lounge on the ground
floor of the upmarket Lotus O Marine hotel not far from Place
Moulay Hassan. The interior is very modern, with black and white
décor and subtle lighting (take a torch to read the menu or
choose before going in from the one at the end of the alley).
Good Mediterranean/Moroccan cuisine. Open daily from 18.00
Address:
9 Rue Abderrahmane Eddakhil Ancienne
Tel:
+ 212 (0) 5 24 47 66 65
Website:
www.riadslotus.com
Cost:
One course: 60 - 170 DH, 3 courses: 205 - 350 DH (April 2009)
Recommended by: Footprint Africa 2009 ,
Routard 2010
|
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le SEVEN (7)
Upmarket beach-side restaurant opposite (and part of) the Atlas
Hotel, a healthy walk along the beach from the medina. The
short, rather unadventurous, menu features mainly seafood, but
you can also get snacks such as pizza, burgers, paninis and club
sandwiches at certain times of day. Friendly, professional
service. A good selection of (expensive) wines. A comfortable
place for a beer at sunset.
Other restaurants at the Atlas Hotel are Le Safran (Moroccan) and
Les Alizés (international) – see separate entries.
Address:
Boulevand Mohammed V
Cost:
One course: 50 - 150 DH, 3 courses: 145 – 270 DH (March 2009)
|
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SICILIA
Friendly pavement café at the top of Place Moulay Hassan. A good
place to people-watch over breakfast or with mint tea/coffee and
a pastry from Patisserie Driss, which is next door.
Address:
Place Moulay Hassan
Cost:
Breakfast: 23 DH (November 2007) |
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|
SILVESTRO 
A small, popular and unpretentious first-floor Italian
restaurant and pizzeria with an open kitchen and friendly
service. The choice of Italian wines make a change from the
usual, very limited, Moroccan list.
Address:
70 Rue Laâlouj
Tel:
0 (0 212) 5 24 47 35 55
Cost:
One course: 40 - 130 DH, 3 courses: 125 - 285 (March
2010)
Recommended by:
Time Out 2008,
Michelin 2007 |
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le SIROCCO

Cosy French-run restaurant decorated in colourful Moroccan
style. The characterful French owners serve excellent food -
mostly French, Moroccan (including good pastilla) and seafood.
Desserts include a sublime chocolate fondant cake. Has live
music or other entertainment on at least one evening a week –
look for a notice on the blackboard outside. Booking advisable
at peak times. Closed Saturdays.
Address:
15 Rue Ibn Rochd
Tel:
0 (0 212) 5 24 47 23 96 or 0 (0 212) 6 61 08 33 72
Cost:
One course: 30 - 320 DH, 3 courses: 115 – 540 (March 2010)
Recommended by: Michelin 2007, Routard 2010
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SOFITEL THALASSA MOGADOR

Large modern hotel opposite the beach about 10 minutes walk from
the medina. You can get drinks at the Mogador Club whisky bar
and La Skala bar in the foyer, plus meals at l’Arganier
restaurant.
See
also Côté Plage.
Address:
Boulevard Mohammed V
Tel:
0 (0 212) 5 24 47 90 00
Website:
www.sofitel.com
Recommended by: Routard 2010
- l’ARGANIER
Serves French food in sophisticated surroundings.
Cost:
One course: 90 – 200 DH, 3 courses: 320 – 515 DH (March 2009) |
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