Breakfast in Marrakech: What To Eat and Where To Eat it
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.
Get your appetites ready for these 15 fantastic places to grab breakfast in Marrakech.
The Selman for brunch with a side of horsemanship
Hotel
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.
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.
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.
Zeitoun Café for breakfasts that fill you up for less than 60 Morrocan dirhams
Restaurant, Moroccan
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.
Le Warner for a generously sized brunch
Diner, American, Vegan, Vegetarian, Fast Food
Pâtisserie Amandine for the best pastries in Marrakech
Bakery, Patisserie, Cafe, Moroccan, Fast Food, Vegan, Vegetarian, Pastries, Dessert
Bacha Coffee for old-world ambience in the Medina
Cafe, Moroccan
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.
Le Kilim for breakfast classics in Gueliz
Restaurant, Moroccan
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.
The Royal Mansour for the signature cheese cart and dessert library
Resort, Spa Hotel, Hotel, Riad
MOD Milano 1933 for Italian flavours and seasonal dishes
Restaurant, Moroccan, Italian
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.
News Café for first-class food in the heart of L’Hivernage
Cafe, Patisserie, Restaurant, Italian, French
16 Café for people-watching over a coffee on Marrakech Plaza
Cafe, Restaurant, Moroccan, Pastries, French
MY Kechmara for an all-you-can-eat Sunday brunch
Restaurant, Moroccan
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.
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.
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.