The Best Places To Eat Seafood In Marrakech
Though Marrakech is essentially located in the desert – albeit at the foothills of the Atlas Mountains – its proximity to the Atlantic Coast, just two hours away, means that daily fresh fish deliveries are possible. With new restaurants opening featuring seafood menus and experiences, travellers no longer need to travel to nearby Essaouira for fresh seafood or to Oualidia for the renowned oysters. We’ve rounded up our favorite seafood restaurants in Marrakech, ranging from informal street eats to fine dining establishments.
Krita
Also known as stall number 14 in Jemaa el Fna, Krita is the place where locals head for fresh fish in the medina. Trading on their reputation, the stall opens only if fresh fish is delivered daily. And fresh it is. Cooked over vats of oil heated by propane tanks and served informally to diners at the stall, the white fish, shrimp and calamari are some of the best in town. In fact, at weekends the stall is so popular it’s often difficult to get a seat. Thankfully the guys are prepared to offer take-away fish and chips for those who prefer to head back home.
Al Bahriya
Restaurant, Seafood
Al Bahriya is nothing fancy, but it is the go-to spot for fresh seafood platters in the heart of Gueliz, Marrakech’s new town. Locals flock here for mixed platters of shrimp, calamari and grilled fish that are prepared in a clean kitchen and fresh oil. Just don’t expect fine dining – most dishes are eaten directly with the hands, with paper napkins provided to wipe away excess grease, and the bones cleared just in time for the next diners to take their places at the canteen-style seating.
Katsura
Restaurant, Japanese
The Japanese-Thai restaurant Katsura in the heart of Gueliz is the place to go for sushi in Marrakech. In addition to serving a wide range of California rolls and other sushi styles, the restaurant also serves chirashi, temaki and sashimi. Grab a group of friends and order a few platters, each reasonably priced. On the Thai menu, wok with gambas and calamari are equally delicious. The restaurant is open for both lunch and dinner, with a closure in between services.
Patron de la Mer
Restaurant, Seafood
Located behind the Royal Tennis Club of Marrakech in the 2 Ciels Hotel, this new addition to the restaurant scene is taking Marrakech by storm. The luxurious French décor and ambiance combined with fresh fish arriving daily from the nearby ports and prepared by gastronomical chefs makes this one fine dining choice. Displayed market-style, diners select the fish that appeals to them and choose how they want it prepared – raw, baked or grilled. But the service doesn’t come cheap.
Chez Mado
Restaurant, French, Seafood
This French-style restaurant in Gueliz serves up some of the best seafood in Marrakech in a fine-dining establishment. The fish and seafood is delivered fresh daily, while the oysters are fresh from coastal Oualidia, just a few hours west of Marrakech. Pick from either a fish dish (sole meunière or seafood linguine to name a couple) or opt for the seafood platter. The wine list here includes French wines, the perfect option for a lovely dinner in the new town.