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Often labelled Morocco’s cultural and historical capital, Fes is a city of many treasures, from mosques and madrasas, to the old medina. All this sightseeing is sure to make visitors peckish, so stop off at one of these cafes.

Fes

Café Clock

By far one of the best cafes in this huge city, Café Clock has three floors. Each has its own charm, and various little hideaways within. It is situated in a beautifully decorated, 250-year-old courtyard house. Guests can sit alongside the kitchen on the ground floor while chatting to the friendly staff. Or, for the most popular seating place, head to the roof terrace. From here, the beautiful city views can be enjoyed, in particular the view of the adjacent mosque, as well as the delicious food. Highlights from the menu include the famous camel burger and their popular milkshakes with homemade ice cream. Not only that, Café Clock is a cultural meeting place. It hosts numerous events, from cooking classes to storytelling.

Broadway Café

Cafe, North African

Broadway Café
© Courtesy of Omar at Broadway Café
Situated in the new part of town, opposite the popular Hotel Zalagh, Broadway Café is recommended if you find yourself in the newly developed part of town near the shopping center. Instead of automatically heading to the nearest international fast food chain, walk a little down the road to Broadway Café. Here you will be greeted by very friendly staff, including the family who own the cafe. Omar, the son, is a multilingual and approachable character who will be more than happy to join you for a game of pool inside. If you’re a student, take advantage of their student menu. Enjoy everything from paninis to perfectly sized individual pizzas and apple milkshakes. A safe and friendly choice, Broadway Café is worth the short walk from the shopping center.

Fes Café Restaurant – Jardin des Biehn

Cafe, Restaurant, Moroccan, Vegetarian

Situated in a fantastic and captivating riad in the heart of the old part of Fes, is Fes Café Restaurant. It is a peaceful and tranquil oasis to transport you from the bustling streets of the souks to an elegant and romanticized haven. It is complete with an Andalusian-inspired garden full of flowers and olive trees. This almost biblical setting has a restaurant serving an elegant menu of oriental delights, fusing Moroccan tradition with Mediterranean cuisine. This places stays true to its philosophy of using only the freshest of local products not only from the local markets, but even their own garden. For those guests with special requirements, a vegetarian menu can be prepared to order. If you really fall in love with the food, then you can embark on one of the chef’s cooking courses.

Thami’s

Cafe, Moroccan, Fast Food

Moroccan tagine
© Lghazaouivlad / Wikimedia Commons
If you’re a local, or you’ve spent a great deal of time living in Fes, it’s not uncommon to hear ‘let’s go to Thami’s’. For an experience less on the luxurious tourist side, and for a chance to experience the real Morocco, head to the friendly and inviting Thami’s. Tourists are usually ushered into one of the more expensive restaurants. Instead, follow your explorer heart to the kingdom of street food. It may only consist of a few simple tables and chairs on a street corner, rather than the luxurious riads that are on offer. However, the owner, after whom the cafe is named, is extremely proud of the little place he has built up over the years. He continues to serve cheap and fresh food to all who visit. This man is an extremely kind owner who treats regulars like his family. Going there simply to meet the man is enough of a motivation, but the food is a big factor too. You simply can’t leave Morocco without tasting this typical street cuisine.

The Ruined Garden

Restaurant, Moroccan, African, Mediterranean, Street Food, Vegetarian, Vegan, Gluten-free, Halal

Morocco, Fes, Fes el Bali, Medina, Ruined Garden restaurant customers at outdoor tables
© Neil McAllister / Alamy Stock Photo

A little bit more of a restaurant than a cafe, The Ruined Garden features an extremely romantic ambiance. It is housed in an authentic and historical riad, complete with stunning mosaic floors and enchanting fountains. Guests can head here to enjoy a quick lunch or an elaborate dinner. You can be sure that the food is made from the freshest of local market produce. Dine on anything from a salad to Moroccan delicacies. You can even try out some equivalent street food which can be cooked to order in the enchanting garden. Head here before 7pm for a cafe-like experience and a delightful lunch.

About the author

From her first ever trip to Spain at 10 years old, Rebecca became obsessed with Spanish. This passion for Spanish has since developed into a love for all things language and travel related and has inspired her dream of working for the Foreign Office. Now studying for a degree in Spanish and Arabic, Rebecca has visited Spain over 10 times, and has just spent a year living, studying and teaching in the historic and cultural heart of Morocco, Fes. An adventurous and ambitious individual, Rebecca hates to be stuck in one place for too long, so next stop Nigeria! When not studying, she loves to spend time with her friends and supportive boyfriend and metaphorical rock Ayman, usually smoking shisha, and is passionate about gymnastics.

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