CantanzaroCity/Region: Marrakech
One of
Marrakech's most popular eateries, this simply furnished Italian restaurant and pizzeria has a wood-burning oven in an open kitchen, filling the air with delicious Italian aromas. Order a Royal pizza, topped with mince, prawns, mushrooms and ham, or pasta in a creamy tomato and vodka sauce, and feel truly 'royal' as a bow-tied waiter caters to every wish. Save room for the tempting tiramisu, or perhaps the home-style apple crumble? Mmm& Open Monday to Saturday for lunch and dinner. Reservations recommended, alcohol served.
Address: 42 Tarik Ibn Ziyad
NarwamaCity/Region: Marrakech
Narwama is an undeniably
trendy restaurant, offering a mix of world lounge music in a former
UNESCO World Heritage building with a huge central courtyard. This warm and inviting restaurant's name translates to "fire and water" in Arabic, and it serves sumptuous Thai, Moroccan, and Mediterranean dishes. The extensive menu includes nearly 100 dishes. While it's not cheap, there is something for everyone, and the servings are substantial without being too much. Open daily 7pm to 11pm. Reservations recommended, alcohol served.
Address: 30 Koutoubia
Website: www.narwama.bousfiha.com
Café du LivreCity/Region: Marrakech
This bookstore-cum-restaurant has chocolate velvet chairs and comfy lounges; a few strategically placed armchairs entice reader to sit down with coffee and cake, accompanied by free Wi-Fi for laptop users. An open kitchen serves salads, soups, sandwiches and burgers, or mushroom risotto and freshly baked cakes. Indulge in brunch-style breakfasts or an afternoon high tea with complimentary brownies. The tapas plates of hummus, tapenade, aubergine d'caviar and pâté are also good. Open Monday to Saturday, 9.30am to 9pm. Alcohol served.
Address: 44 Tarik ben Ziad
Website: www.cafedulivre.com
AdamoCity/Region: Marrakech
Even with strong competition, this is without a doubt the best patisserie in Marrakech. Although it's only one street back from avenue Mohammed V, only locals seem to know about this little slice of heaven. From freshly baked cookies in glass jars to delicious croissants and tarts, not to mention the bright, colorful and especially creamy gâteaux, this patisserie is too tempting to pass by. With seating both indoors and out, Adamo also offers a choice of coffees, teas, fresh juices, and milkshakes, as well as a tasty selection of ice creams. Open daily from 7.30am to 1pm and 4pm to 9pm. Closed for 3 weeks mid-July to early August.
Address: 44 Tarik ben Ziad
Website: www.traiteur-adamo.com
Dar MohaCity/Region: Marrakech
For one of the city's most distinguished dining experiences, visit this restored riad, the perfect spot for a romantic dinner. The back garden is the best place to eat, its walls decorated in Majorelle Garden blue and encircling a central swimming pool. Candle-lit tables and rose petals accompany a set menu of nouvelle Marocain; familiar meals with a fresh twist. Try the beef tagine with figs and walnuts, cooked with cinnamon and argan oil. Live yet subtle Gnaoua and Andalusian music completes the ambient scene. Open Tuesday to Sunday 12pm to 3pm, 7.30pm 11pm. Reservations recommended, alcohol served.
Address: 81 Dar el Bacha
Website: www.darmoha.ma
TatchibanaCity/Region: Marrakech
There's a slice of
Japan in a quiet corner of the medina's kasbah; peace and tranquility envelope diners at Tatchibana (citrus flower), set down from street level with a curtained entrance. The cuisine is authentic with a pinch of nouvelle. The set lunch and dinner menus aren't cheap but all four courses are generous and delicious. Try sushi nigiri, tempura and teriyaki or, better still, slivers of duck in green-tea ravioli. The menu changes seasonally and vegetarians are catered for on request. Open daily for lunch and dinner, except Tuesdays (dinner only). Closed mid-September to mid-October. Reservations recommended, alcohol served.
Address: 38 Derb Bab Ksiba
Website: www.tatchibana.com
Café des ÉpicesCity/Region: Marrakech
Café des Épices is great for 'people-watching' and
Youness el Ghoul, the owner, obligingly dishes out tasty sandwiches, salads, pastries and information. Spiced teas and coffees round it all off tastefully from the rooftop terrace at sunset. The first-floor chill-out lounge has become a popular spot for local youngsters; the atmosphere is new world, with music to match. Open daily, 8am to 8pm.
Address: Place Rahba Qedima, Medina
Puerto BanusCity/Region: Marrakech
This charming little hacienda is a little off the tourist track but has been popular with locals and visitors alike for many years. There are two dining areas; a tiled patio with wrought-iron chairs, and an indoor area with dark-wood furniture and a warm, homely fireplace. The menu includes the freshest seafood tapas and pastilla, Oualidia oysters and fried fruits de la mer& the list goes on. The reasonably priced lunch menu du jour offers a salad buffet, entrée and dessert. Open daily 12pm to 3pm, 7.30pm to 11pm. Alcohol served.
Address: Rue Ibn Hanbal, Ville Nouvelle
Website: www.restaurant-puertobanus.com
Bistro La SaveurCity/Region: Marrakech
As far as hotel restaurants go, Bistro La Saveur is a cut above the rest. The menu lists a fantastic selection of French, Italian, and Thai cuisine and the service is outstanding. Meat, pasta and seafood are classically predominant in the French and Italian dishes, and the pizzas are made in the restaurant's wood oven. The duck terrine, with pistachios in mustard sauce, is superb. The Thai menu includes all the quintessential favorites from yellow, red and green curries to noodle or rice stir-fries. The three dining areas are modern and welcoming. Open daily for lunch and dinner, alcohol served.
Address: 12 Loubnane, Ville Nouvelle
Website: www.lecaspien-hotel.com
