If you’re wondering what to eat in Marrakech, you’re not alone. Moroccan food is a whole adventure – a mix of spices, warmth, and history in every bite. Whether you’re eating at a street food stall in Jemaa el-Fnaa or sitting on a rooftop with views of the medina, the flavors will blow your mind.
We spent 3 days walking (and tasting) our way through the red city, and here’s our personal list of must-try Moroccan dishes – with tips on where to find the most delicious and authentic ones.
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Main dishes
Tagine – The Iconic Moroccan Dish
A slow-cooked stew usually made with chicken, beef, or lamb, combined with vegetables, olives, and Moroccan spices. It’s cooked and served in a cone-shaped clay pot (also called tagine), which keeps all the flavors inside.
Where to try it
- Nomad – A modern rooftop restaurant in the Medina with a cool vibe and delicious chicken lemon tagine. Great views too!
- Restaurant Le Grand Bazar Marrakech – Super famous for its lamb tagine. Casual, affordable, and full of locals.
Couscous – Friday Favorite
Steamed semolina grains topped with meat (usually lamb or chicken) and a mix of vegetables in a spiced broth. Traditionally served on Fridays.
Where to try it
- Dar Chef – Cute hidden gem in the medina, known for traditional Friday couscous and cooking classes.
- Le Bistro Arabe – A chic Moroccan jazz restaurant in the heart of the Medina, where live music and elegant cuisine come together for a magical night out.
Harira – Morocco’s Favorite Soup
A rich tomato-based soup with lentils, chickpeas, rice or noodles, and meat (often lamb). It’s especially popular during Ramadan to break the fast.
Where to try it
- Mechoui Alley Food Stalls – Street-style harira, cheap and tasty. Great for an authentic local experience.
- Zeitoun Café – More touristy but great views of Jemaa el-Fnaa and consistent quality.
Tanjia – The Marrakech Specialty
Slow-cooked beef or lamb, marinated with garlic, cumin, preserved lemon, and saffron, traditionally cooked in clay jars in communal ovens. Only found in Marrakech!
Where to try it
- Tanjia Secrets – You guessed it, it’s their specialty. Cozy decor and very juicy meat.
- Dar Yacout – A bit more upscale, but they serve an amazing tanjia as part of a multi-course Moroccan dinner.
Pastilla (Bastilla)
A super unique Moroccan dish that blends sweet and savory in one crispy pie. Traditionally made with shredded chicken or pigeon, wrapped in thin pastry, and topped with powdered sugar and cinnamon.
Inside, you’ll taste a mix of spices, almonds, and a hint of sweetness – it sounds strange, but it works so well.
There’s also a sweet version with milk and almonds, but it’s harder to find.
Where to try it
- Al Fassia Gueliz – A local favorite, known for its authentic and beautifully made pastilla.
- Chez Brahim Restaurant – cozy and affordable spot near Jemaa el-Fnaa, often accompanied by live music in the evenings.
Moroccan Pancakes (Baghrir & Msemen)
Moroccans know how to do pancakes right. There are two types you’ll often see:
- Baghrir – also called “thousand-hole pancakes”, they’re light and spongy with tons of tiny holes that soak up butter and honey like a dream. Usually eaten for breakfast or as a sweet snack.
- Msemen – square-shaped, flaky layered pancakes that can be either sweet or savory. Most often, you’ll get them with honey, but some places also fill them with cheese or meat.
Where to try them
- Hamid’s Moroccan Diner – A local hidden gem where you can enjoy freshly made msemen and baghrir served with honey and amlou, all at super friendly prices just steps from the Medina.
- Bacha Coffee House – Fancy spot for breakfast with a Moroccan twist – great baghrir and even better coffee.
Zaalouk – A Flavour Bomb Side Dish
A smoky eggplant and tomato salad, served warm or cold, usually with fresh bread. A must-have side with any meal!
Where to try it
- Le Jardin – Chic hidden courtyard in the medina. Their zaalouk is perfectly seasoned.
- Cafe Des Épices – Great spot to rest with small plates and mint tea. Try their zaalouk with olive oil drizzle.
Bonus: Moroccan Desserts You Have to Try
Chebakia
Sweet, crunchy, and sticky – these flower-shaped pastries are deep-fried, then soaked in honey and sprinkled with sesame seeds. Super popular during Ramadan, but you can find them all year round. A must-try if you’ve got a sweet tooth!
Where to try it
- Pâtisserie Corne de Gazelle – A legendary Moroccan bakery known for its handmade sweets, including amazing chebakia.
- Al Jawda Pâtisserie – A locals’ favorite with a huge variety of traditional Moroccan treats (chebakia included!).
Sellou (Sfouf)
A super nutritious dessert/snack, made from roasted flour, ground almonds, sesame seeds, and honey. It’s usually eaten during Ramadan or after childbirth, but you can taste it year-round. It looks like a crumble but melts in your mouth!
Where to try it
- Pâtisserie Belkabir – Traditional pastry shop known for quality ingredients and rich Moroccan flavors.
- Henna Art Café – A relaxed café where you can try authentic Moroccan treats in a cozy setting.
Amlou – The Moroccan Nutella
This dreamy spread is made from roasted almonds, argan oil, and honey – kind of like a Moroccan Nutella, but without the sugar crash. It’s rich, nutty, slightly sweet, and usually served with bread or msemen pancakes. You’ll find it at breakfast, as a snack, or even at the end of a meal.
Where to try it
- Café Clock – Great for traditional meets modern Moroccan vibes. Order msemen with amlou and mint tea for a perfect combo.
- Atay Café – Cozy rooftop spot where you can enjoy amlou with a view and some homemade Moroccan treats.
Bonus: Drinks You Shouldn’t Miss
Mint Tea (The Moroccan Whiskey)
Green tea with LOTS of mint and sugar – it’s more than a drink, it’s a ritual.
Fresh Orange Juice
The stalls on Jemaa el-Fnaa serve it all day. Refreshing and super cheap.
Just make sure to ask for it without ice, as the ice might be made from tap water, which could upset your stomach due to different bacteria.
Where to try drinks
- La Pergola – A lush rooftop garden bar known for its live jazz nights, creative cocktails, and relaxed boho vibe – perfect for unwinding after a day in the medina.
- Juice stalls in Jemaa el-Fnaa – Look for stall #43 or #5. Always fresh, and you can even ask for no sugar.
Practical Tips for Eating in Marrakech
- Tap water is not drinkable – always go for bottled.
- Ask for no sugar in juices and tea if you prefer it less sweet.
- Avoid restaurants with pushy hosts waving menus – look for locals or check Google reviews first.
- Fridays are for couscous, and it’s worth planning your lunch around it.
- Want to avoid tummy troubles? Go easy on street food your first day.
And for the full experience, book a dinner at a restaurant with a traditional Moroccan show – the atmosphere with live music, belly dancers, and gnawa performers is unforgettable.
Try Dar Essalam, a legendary spot featured in an old James Bond movie, or Le Tanjia, which combines tasty food with rooftop views and lively performances.
Want to taste it all without the guesswork? We also highly recommend booking a food tour with a local guide – it’s the best way to discover safe, authentic spots and hidden gems you’d probably miss on your own. Here some suggestions with excellent reviews:
And if you’re up for something more hands-on, book a Moroccan cooking class – it’s a fun and delicious way to learn the secrets behind your favorite dishes and bring the flavors of Marrakech home with you.
Planning Your Trip?
If you’re hungry for more than food, don’t miss our other Marrakech guides:
👉 Marrakech 3-Day Itinerary – The perfect way to combine food, culture, and relaxation.
👉 Top Marrakech Day Excursions – From the Atlas Mountains to desert sunsets.
👉 What to Wear in Marrakech – Dress tips to feel comfortable and respectful in every setting.
Final Thoughts
Marrakech is a dream for food lovers, and with this guide, you’ll never have to wonder what to eat in Marrakech again. From tagines to tea, every bite tells a story. So go explore, taste, and let the spices guide your adventure.
Let us know what your favorite dish was – or tag us on Instagram @the.nomadic.hearts 🧡