The Top Beachfront Restaurants in Essaouira, Morocco

Boasting magnificent views of the surrounding beautiful waters, Beach and Friends is a restaurant sporting a gorgeous, colorful outdoor seating area, plush sofas and a chic glass wall which shields guests from the soft sea breezes. Serving a selection of pizzas and burgers as well as an array of cocktails, this is a great spot in which to unwind with a margarita after a busy day exploring Essaouira. The establishment often hosts live bands, and the beach sunsets experienced here are out of this world.

Offering a large menu of international cuisine, Ocean Vagabond is a small restaurant located in a pretty garden right next to the beach; an idyll surrounded by lush trees and plants. The interior is designed with a Caribbean theme, featuring rustic wicker furniture and authentic artwork adorning the walls. Guests can enjoy an array of sumptuous meals here, from duck breast with candied mango, to Toulouse sausage and lentils, whilst watching energetic kite surfers, enthusiastic camel riders and wild horses right on the beach.

Not just a luxurious and sophisticated hotel, Sofitel also boasts a first-rate beachfront restaurant, specialising in French cuisine as well as delicious Moroccan fare. Complimentary appetizers here are given to all guests along with crusty bread, and the chicken supreme served with spinach, mashed potato and a mustard sauce is a particular favorite. The architecture of the entire building is visually arresting, featuring intricate designs of a traditional Arabic style. Dine here for a delicious meal, a charming view of the surrounding mountains, and the sound of birds chattering merrily outside.

At Taros Cafe Restaurant visitors can sit on an alluring, airy roof terrace and be amazed by incredible views of the sea. This venue is buzzing with life, serving a variety of cocktails and beers, and hosting live music performances every other day. Fresh fish, sweetbreads and wine are found in abundance here, and a top meal pick is the lobster and pineapple millefeuille, a rich, succulent and definitely moreish choice. This is the place to go for a meal with a rooftop view in Essaouira, and when it gets chilly in the evenings guests are offered vibrantly patterned blankets to stay warm.

Essaouira I ©Médéric/Flickr

A cute, European-style restaurant offering an array of fish dishes, Le Chalet de la Plage boasts a charming terrace overlooking the beach and sea of the city. The portions here are very generous, and the fresh catches, particularly the sole and the sea bass, are always cooked to perfection. Accompany your dinner with a zingy tomato salad, and wash it down with one of the freshly prepared juices made on-site, with flavors including mango, pineapple and passionfruit.