Breakfast in Marrakech: What To Eat and Where To Eat it

Start your day in Marrakech with a delicious breakfast
Start your day in Marrakech with a delicious breakfast | © Michele D'Ottavio / Alamy Stock Photo
Amanda Ponzio-Mouttaki

With dreamy rooftops and nearly year-round sunshine, Marrakech is the ideal place to linger over a long brunch. Whether you’re after scrambled eggs and toast with a view or barbecued lobsters served poolside, there are delectable brunch spots to suit every budget in the Red City.

It’s not uncommon in Morocco to have a second breakfast. The first is more of a warm-up for the main event and usually comprises a bit of mint tea and bread with olive oil at home. The second breakfast is when the fun starts, and is usually something much heartier such as stewed beans drizzled with olive oil and cumin.

However, for visitors to the city you’re more likely to discover that the first meal of the day – in hotels and restaurants at least – is a much more extravagant affair. Instead of simple foods, breakfast here tends to be a spread of pastries, breads, pancakes, jams, yogurt, eggs and, of course, coffee and tea.

Make sure not miss the traditional eggs with khlii, a type of dried beef or mutton that tastes a bit like jerky, or the sfinge, which are puffy fried doughnuts that are typically smothered in honey or powdered sugar.

1. The Selman for brunch with a side of horsemanship

Hotel

The Selman hosts one of the best Sunday brunches in Marrakech
© Selman Marrakech

This might be one of the more expensive brunches in Marrakech, but it’s an event in itself. Located in the Selman, a five-star property on the outskirts of the city, the weekly brunch shows take place every Sunday. Guests are treated to an extravagant spread, consisting of items including grilled lobster and a dessert buffet. But the highlight of this event is the 30-minute horse show of its famous Arabian stallions, where equestrian trainers show off the majestic physiques of these distinguished breeds. Reservations are highly encouraged.

2. Fine Mama? for a traditional Moroccan breakfast near the Jemaa el-Fna

Restaurant, Moroccan

Located close to the Jemaa el-Fna, Fine Mama? (which translates to Where’s Mama?) is one of the more traditional spots on this list. The signature selection on its menu is the Moroccan breakfast/brunch. You’ll get a little bit of everything, including traditional Moroccan breakfast foods such as b’ssara (a fava bean soup) and addis (a stewed lentil dish), as well as beghrir (semolina pancakes), eggs and fresh-pressed juices.

3. Gaia for vegan pancakes and smoothie bowls on Saturdays

Restaurant, Vegetarian, Vegan

Options for vegetarians can be few and far between in Marrakech, but Gaia fills the gap with its reasonably priced Saturday vegan brunch. The smoothie bowl and vegan pancakes are particularly good and are rounded out with seasonal tartines, salads and house-made sweets. Even non-vegetarians will be satisfied.

4. Zeitoun Café for breakfasts that fill you up for less than 60 Morrocan dirhams

Restaurant, Moroccan

Zeitoun Café serves a cheap and cheerful brunch across three locations in Marrakech
Courtesy of Zeitoun Café

With three different locations around Marrakech, Zeitoun Café is a great spot if you’re looking for breakfast for under 60 Moroccan dirhams (£4.75) per person. Choose from a basic Marrakechi menu with a hot drink and two types of Moroccan bread or plump for crepes, orange juice and a hot drink – and that’s just the start! Beef up your brunch with à la carte items such as cheese, eggs and jam.

5. Le Warner for a generously sized brunch

Diner, American, Vegan, Vegetarian, Fast Food

Head to Le Warner for American breakfast classics
Courtesy of Le Warner
A 1950s Americana-themed dinner in Marrakech? Yes, it exists! Brunch options range from 35 dirhams (£2.77) to 95 dirhams (£7.52), and the serving sizes stay true to their USA roots. Meals come with items such as french toast, chicken fingers, cheese and meats, eggs cooked to order and a selection of beverages. Try the indulgent bubble waffle, which comes drenched in chocolate and caramel sauce and topped with seasonal fruit, popcorn and chantilly cream.

6. Pâtisserie Amandine for the best pastries in Marrakech

Bakery, Patisserie, Cafe, Moroccan, Fast Food, Vegan, Vegetarian, Pastries, Dessert

Treat yourself at Pâtisserie Amandine
Courtesy of Pâtisserie Amandine
This bakery is located in the centre of Marrakech, in the buzzing neighbourhood of Gueliz. At Pâtisserie Amandine, you can choose from a variety of cakes and biscuits and, of course, accompany them with a beverage of your choice, including the popular Moroccan mint tea.

7. Bacha Coffee for old-world ambience in the Medina

Cafe, Moroccan

Bacha Coffee is renowned for its orange blossom churros
Courtesy of Bacha Coffee

Housed inside the Dar el Bacha Museum of Confluences, Bacha is one of the hottest new spots in the city. With more than 100 varieties of coffee and a menu that spans 13 pages, this is the place to take fussy eaters. The orange blossom churros with dipping chocolate are sinfully delicious. Prices are slightly more expensive than at other places, but the ambience more than makes up for it.

8. Le Kilim for breakfast classics in Gueliz

Restaurant, Moroccan

Le Kilim, located in the Gueliz neighbourhood, flips a mean pancake
Courtesy of Le Kilim

If you’re in the Gueliz neighbourhood and looking for a good breakfast, try Le Kilim. Inside, you’ll find that kilim red rugs dominate the decor. The menu comprises all the classics, including eggs benedict, pancakes and shakshuka with peppers, onions and tomatoes. Brunch is served daily until 11.30am.

9. The Royal Mansour for the signature cheese cart and dessert library

Resort, Spa Hotel, Hotel, Riad

The Royal Mansour
Courtesy of The Royal Mansour / Expedia
It’s one of the most expensive brunches in Marrakech (1,200 dirhams (£95.30) per person), but if you’re looking for great food in a beautiful setting, the Royal Mansour is definitely worth considering. Served every Sunday from September through June, this brunch features seafood specialities such as lobster, sushi, oysters and sea urchins. Though it may be tempting to gorge yourself on the main course, make sure you leave room for the cheese cart and the signature dessert library.

10. MOD Milano 1933 for Italian flavours and seasonal dishes

Restaurant, Moroccan, Italian

MOD Milano 1933, Marrakesh

MOD Milano prides itself on serving fresh, seasonal dishes with Italian flair. Choose from a variety of salads, cheeses and hot meals. There’s also an extensive wine and cocktail menu if you’re after a boozy affair. Its brunch takes place on the terrace every Sunday from 12pm-4pm and costs around 320 dirhams (£25) per person.

11. News Café for first-class food in the heart of L’Hivernage

Cafe, Patisserie, Restaurant, Italian, French

L’Hivernage isn’t really on the radar for most travellers visiting Marrakech – it’s a neighbourhood that’s mostly populated with high-end hotels. But if you happen to find yourself in the area, News Café is an affordable breakfast stop that offers both a set menu and à la carte brunch options. The bircher muesli, not often found on menus in Marrakech, can be paired with a wide range of mixed milk and fruit drinks – try it with avocado and milk or make up your own combination.

12. 16 Café for people-watching over a coffee on Marrakech Plaza

Cafe, Restaurant, Moroccan, Pastries, French

Set in the most central part of Gueliz on Marrakech Plaza, 16 Café is a great place to pick up a coffee and a croissant. Indoor and outdoor seating means that you can enjoy the ambience no matter the weather. Set breakfast/brunch menus start at 35 dirhams (£2.77) and go up to 95 dirhams (£7.52), making it an affordable choice. If you’d rather make up your own spread, the à la carte menu offers items including pancakes, pastries and eggs.

13. MY Kechmara for an all-you-can-eat Sunday brunch

Restaurant, Moroccan

Kechmara restaurant
© Tim E White / Alamy Stock Photo

MY Kechmara puts on a mean Sunday brunch spread. And the best thing about it is that you can enjoy as much of it as you can stomach. Come on a Sunday morning from 10am to maximise your time at the buffet table, which finishes at 4pm. The meal costs 195 dirhams (£15.44) per person and includes sushi, sweet pastries, savoury mains and a mixture of seasonal specials. Wash it all down with fresh juice, coffee or a glass of champagne.

14. SOME – Slow Concept Store for those after a healthy start to the day

Restaurant, Moroccan

Located in an unassuming villa converted into a shop and garden restaurant, SOME serves delicious plant-based dishes for breakfast and lunch. Its special brunch menu includes a mixture of sweet and savoury options alongside coffee or tea. Its cakes are especially tasty, so make sure to leave room or take one to go. Prices are under 100 dirhams (£7.92) per person.

15. Kabana for late risers seeking brunch in the Medina

Restaurant, Moroccan

Kabana puts on brunch dishes that run the gamut from healthy to downright dirty. Conscious diners can tuck into the apple porridge, while ravenous eaters can dig into the Kabana bacon cheeseburger. There’s also a range of sushi, pork and alcohol on the menu. Kabana starts serving from 12pm every day besides Sunday, when brunch runs from 11am until 6pm. Prices are in line with similar restaurants; however, if you’re after alcoholic drinks do note alcohol is expensive in Morocco.

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