Marrakech, the vibrant heart of Morocco, is a culinary paradise that offers an array of delectable dining options. Whether you’re a traveler seeking authentic Moroccan cuisine or a food enthusiast looking for chic and innovative spots, the Medina of Marrakech has something for everyone. In this article, we’ll explore the 12 best lunch restaurants in Marrakech for 2024, guiding you through a gastronomic journey that will tantalize your taste buds and immerse you in the rich flavors of this enchanting city.
Best Marrakesh lunch spots
1. Nomad
Location: Rahba Kedima
Price Range: ££ (Moderate)
Must-Try Dishes: Agadir calamari with anchovy and ginger harissa, lavender and Atlas Mountain honey panna cotta
Nomad has become synonymous with Marrakech’s modern culinary scene since its opening in 2014. Nestled in the heart of the spice square, this multilevel restaurant represents the city’s transformation into a stylish dining destination. Created by local restaurateur Kamal Laftimi and restaurant designer Sebastian de Gzell, Nomad offers a stunning rooftop experience that cascades over the vibrant Rahba Lakdima square. The restaurant’s design is nothing short of magical, with fairy lights and cozy djellaba-style blankets creating an enchanting atmosphere. Its contemporary approach to Moroccan cuisine sets it apart, offering innovative dishes that respect traditional flavors while introducing modern twists. The rooftop provides breathtaking views of the Medina and distant Atlas Mountains, making it an ideal lunch spot for those seeking both culinary excellence and visual splendor. Despite not serving alcohol, Nomad remains incredibly popular, so advance booking is strongly recommended.
2. Le Jardin
Location: Sidi Abdelaziz Price Range: £ (Budget-Friendly) Must-Try Dishes: Grilled lamb chops with parsley pesto, marinated Essaouira sardines with guacamole
A verdant oasis in the heart of the Medina, Le Jardin is more than just a restaurant—it’s a sensory experience that transports diners into a lush, green sanctuary. Located in a 16th-century building, the restaurant features an enchanting courtyard filled with a lemon tree and surrounded by emerald zellij tiling. The interior is a celebration of freshness, with every element designed to evoke a sense of natural beauty. Culinary offerings are equally vibrant, featuring light and imaginative dishes that play with classic Moroccan recipes. Vegetarian options receive special attention, with creative plates that blend local ingredients and international influences. European touches are evident in dishes like broccoli pesto rigatoni verde, while traditional Moroccan flavors shine through in options like lamb chops with innovative pestos. The atmosphere is relaxed and inviting, making it perfect for a leisurely lunch away from the bustling Medina streets.
3. La Famille
Location: Riad Zitoun Jdid Price Range: £ (Budget-Friendly) Must-Try Dishes: Daily changing semolina salads, herb-pesto focaccia pizzas
La Famille is a vegetarian and vegan haven that offers a tranquil escape from Marrakech’s energetic streets. Tucked away in a discreet alleyway, the restaurant features a serene garden setting that immediately soothes visitors. Natural materials, neutral shades, and exposed brick create an earthy atmosphere that perfectly complements its health-conscious menu. The restaurant is known for its daily changing menu that focuses on fresh, seasonal ingredients, offering dishes like semolina salads, herb-pesto focaccia pizzas, and fresh pastas. Jazz music often plays in the background, adding to the relaxed ambiance. Locals particularly love the homemade cakes, making it a favorite among both tourists and residents. The attached accessories boutique provides an additional point of interest, allowing diners to browse unique items after their meal. With its commitment to clean eating and peaceful atmosphere, La Famille represents a modern approach to Moroccan dining that celebrates fresh, inventive cuisine.
4. Café Clock
Location: Kasbah Price Range: £ (Budget-Friendly) Must-Try Dishes: Camel burger with spiced ketchup, fruit-laden pancake stacks
A cultural institution imported from Fez, Café Clock is far more than just a restaurant; it’s a vibrant community space that captures the spirit of Moroccan hospitality. Spread across multiple rooms and terraces in the southern Medina, it offers a comfortable, lived-in atmosphere that encourages visitors to linger. The menu is a creative fusion of Moroccan classics and Western-influenced dishes, catering to health-conscious diners. Its signature camel burger with spiced ketchup has become legendary among travelers, while the menu also includes child-friendly options and hearty breakfast dishes like fruit-laden pancake stacks. Beyond food, Café Clock distinguishes itself through a robust program of cultural activities, including live music, cooking workshops, calligraphy classes, and baking sessions. This makes it an ideal lunch spot for those wanting to immerse themselves in local culture while enjoying innovative cuisine.
5. L’Mida
Location: Rahba Kedima Price Range: £ (Budget-Friendly) Must-Try Dishes: Berber gnocchi with beurre noisette, beetroot and orange blossom salad, vegan couscous
L’Mida represents a contemporary love letter to Moroccan cuisine, created by Belgium-Moroccan chef Nargisse Benkabbou. Perched on a rooftop beneath wicker lanterns and Mediterranean-style umbrellas, the restaurant offers a unique dining experience that reimagines home-cooked Moroccan dishes. Though the chef is based in London, her executive menu design reflects deeply personal culinary memories. The restaurant takes traditional recipes and transforms them with creative, unexpected twists. Diners can expect innovative plates that challenge and celebrate Moroccan culinary traditions, such as Berber gnocchi with beurre noisette and vegan couscous. The rooftop setting provides a stunning backdrop, making lunch here not just a meal, but a gastronomic journey through modern Moroccan flavors.
6. Naranj
Location: Riad Zitoun Jdid Price Range: £ (Budget-Friendly) Must-Try Dishes: Falafel wraps, hummus, mezze platters, kibbeh
Naranj offers a delightful Lebanese culinary experience in the heart of Marrakech, providing a refreshing alternative to traditional Moroccan cuisine. Located just south of Djemaa el-Fna, the restaurant features a charming upstairs balcony with a wooden canopy and wicker lampshades. Its menu is a celebration of Middle Eastern flavors, perfect for those seeking a break from tagines and couscous. Diners can enjoy an array of mezze platters, crisp cheese briouates, and various dips and wraps. The virgin mojito is a popular accompaniment, making it an ideal spot for a light, flavorful lunch. The restaurant attracts a hip, casual crowd and offers a relaxed atmosphere that makes lingering over a meal a genuine pleasure.
7. Amal Women’s Training Center
Location: Gueliz Price Range: £ (Budget-Friendly) Must-Try Dishes: Rotating selection of Moroccan classics, tagines, kebabs
More than just a restaurant, the Amal Center is a powerful social enterprise dedicated to empowering disadvantaged women through culinary and hospitality training. Located in the Gueliz district, this non-profit organization offers a casual courtyard restaurant where many of its students work and gain practical experience. The menu features a rotating selection of traditional Moroccan dishes, including hearty tagines and kebabs, alongside occasional international options. Homemade fresh mint lemonade adds a refreshing touch to the meal. Beyond serving delicious food, Amal provides critical job skills and economic opportunities for women in Marrakech. A second location in Targa offers cooking and baking classes in a beautiful garden villa, making it not just a lunch destination but a meaningful culinary experience that supports community development.
8. Terrasse des Épices
Location: Near Spice Souks Price Range: ££ (Moderate) Must-Try Dishes: Lamb tagine with prunes and almonds, panoramic Medina views
Situated near the iconic spice markets, Terrasse des Épices offers more than just a meal—it provides a complete sensory experience of Marrakech. Positioned on the rooftop of a former spice warehouse, the restaurant delivers spectacular 360-degree views of the Medina’s intricate layout. The menu beautifully blends traditional Moroccan dishes with modern interpretations, all infused with the aromatic spices that make the city famous. Their lamb tagine with prunes and almonds is particularly celebrated, showcasing the depth and complexity of Moroccan cuisine. The spacious terrace, with comfortable seating and shaded areas, creates an ideal setting for a leisurely lunch. Whether you’re seeking to escape the bustling market below or wanting to immerse yourself in local flavors, Terrasse des Épices offers a perfect blend of atmosphere and culinary excellence.
9. Le Foundouk
Location: Kat Ben Nahid Price Range: ££ (Moderate) Must-Try Dishes: Confit leg of lamb with garlic, saffron and quince, chicken pastilla with almonds
Le Foundouk transforms a lunch experience into a romantic culinary journey through Moroccan cuisine. Located in the atmospheric Kat Ben Nahid area, this restaurant is renowned for its moody, candlelit ambiance and unique dining concept. What sets Le Foundouk apart is its innovative approach, offering two completely separate menus—one Moroccan and one international—allowing diners ultimate flexibility. However, the Moroccan menu truly shines, presenting classic dishes with sophisticated twists. The restaurant’s ground-floor bar (a rarity in the Medina) and romantic rooftop terrace add to its allure. Signature dishes like confit leg of lamb with garlic, saffron, and quince exemplify the kitchen’s ability to elevate traditional recipes. Its popularity among couples makes it an exceptional lunch destination for those seeking both culinary excellence and romantic atmosphere.
10. Al Fassia
Location: Gueliz Price Range: ££ (Moderate) Must-Try Dishes: Traditional Moroccan classics
A true Marrakech institution, Al Fassia stands out not just for its exceptional cuisine but also for its significant social impact. Established over 30 years ago, it was pioneering in being the first Moroccan restaurant to employ only women, a tradition continued by the founder’s daughters, Saida and Myra Chab. The restaurant has attracted international attention, even featuring on BBC2’s “Remarkable Places to Eat” with Fred Sirieix and Andi Oliver. Its low-lit interior and starched waiter service create an authentic dining experience that attracts a large local crowd—so much so that booking is absolutely essential. The Moroccan classics served here are considered among the best in the country, offering diners a genuine taste of local culinary traditions. Its enduring popularity and commitment to showcasing women’s culinary expertise make it more than just a restaurant—it’s a cultural landmark.
11. I Limoni
Location: Riad Laarouss Price Range: £ (Budget-Friendly) Must-Try Dishes: Ravioli limoni, wood-fired pizzas
Tucked in the far north of the Medina, I Limoni offers a delightful Italian escape within a traditional Moroccan riad. The restaurant’s courtyard garden, dominated by a large lemon tree, creates a unique dining atmosphere enhanced by gentle jazz music floating through the arches. Owned by an Italian, the restaurant has become a favorite among diners seeking comfort food with a Mediterranean touch. While Marrakech is known for tagines and couscous, I Limoni specializes in large plates of comforting pasta and wood-fired pizzas. The signature dish, ravioli limoni, perfectly encapsulates the restaurant’s philosophy—handmade pasta pockets stuffed with ricotta, parmesan, mint, and lemon zest. It’s a testament to Marrakech’s culinary diversity, offering a slice of Italy in the heart of Morocco.
12. +61
Location: Gueliz Price Range: ££ (Moderate) Must-Try Dishes: Seasonal farm-to-fork cuisine with global influences
+61 represents a bold culinary experiment in Marrakech, bringing an Australian-inspired dining concept to Morocco. Co-owned by designer Cassandra Karinsky and Nomad entrepreneur Sebastian de Gzell, the restaurant aims to capture the relaxed, sophisticated dining style of Sydney. Its minimalist interior stands in striking contrast to traditional Moroccan restaurant designs. The menu is a carefully curated journey through global flavors, incorporating Middle Eastern, European, and South Asian influences while maintaining a strict commitment to locally-sourced, bio-organic ingredients. The seasonal menu changes regularly, ensuring each visit offers a unique gastronomic experience. Perfect for those seeking a sophisticated, stylish lunch that goes beyond traditional boundaries, +61 offers a contemporary dining experience that reflects Marrakech’s evolving culinary landscape.
What traditional Moroccan dishes should I try at lunch?
When dining in Marrakech, it’s essential to sample some of the traditional Moroccan dishes that form the cornerstone of the local cuisine. Start with a warming bowl of harira, a hearty soup often served to break the fast during Ramadan. For the main course, tagines are a must-try; these slow-cooked stews come in various combinations, with lamb and prunes or chicken with preserved lemon and olives being popular choices. Couscous, the national dish of Morocco, is another staple that’s often served on Fridays and special occasions. Don’t miss out on pastilla, a savory-sweet pastry traditionally made with pigeon but now often prepared with chicken. For a lighter option, try a refreshing Moroccan salad with tomatoes, cucumbers, and onions, dressed with a zesty combination of lemon juice and olive oil.
Which restaurants serve the best tagines in Marrakech?
Tagines are an integral part of Moroccan cuisine, and finding the best in Marrakech is a delightful quest for any food lover. Terrasse des Épices, located near the spice souks, is renowned for its flavorful tagines that showcase the rich spices of Morocco. Their lamb tagine with prunes and almonds is particularly praised by travelers. Another excellent option is Naranj, which offers a unique fusion of Moroccan and Lebanese cuisines. Their tagines often incorporate unexpected ingredients, creating exciting flavor profiles that still honor the traditional cooking method. For a more upscale experience, the restaurant at La Maison Arabe serves exquisite tagines in the elegant setting of their hotel gardens, providing a perfect blend of fine dining and authentic Moroccan flavors.
Are there any vegan lunch options in Marrakech?
While traditional Moroccan cuisine can be challenging for vegans, Marrakech has seen an increase in vegan-friendly options in recent years. Earth Cafe, located in the heart of the Medina, is a popular spot for vegan diners. They offer a range of plant-based dishes, including vegan tagines, hearty lentil soups, and innovative salads that incorporate superfoods like quinoa and chia seeds. Another excellent option is Henna Art Cafe, which, in addition to being a cultural hub, serves a variety of vegan dishes inspired by both Moroccan and international cuisines. Their vegan couscous and vegetable tagines are particularly noteworthy. For those staying in Gueliz, Cold Press Juice Marrakech offers a selection of vegan salads, smoothie bowls, and raw desserts, perfect for a light and healthy lunch option.
Are there any lunch deals or set menus in Marrakech restaurants?
Many restaurants in Marrakech offer lunch deals or set menus that provide excellent value for money. Cafe Clock, known for its fusion cuisine, offers a reasonably priced set lunch menu that includes a main course, dessert, and drink. This is a great way to sample their innovative takes on Moroccan classics without overspending. In the Gueliz district, some modern cafes and restaurants offer business lunch menus that typically include a starter, main course, and coffee at a fixed price. These deals are popular among locals and provide a good opportunity to try a variety of dishes. Even some of the more upscale restaurants in riads offer set lunch menus that are more affordable than their dinner options. These usually need to be booked in advance but can be a great way to experience fine Moroccan cuisine at a fraction of the dinner price. Keep an eye out for “formule dejeuner” or “menu du jour” options in restaurants across the city for the best lunch deals.