Moroccan cuisine is world famous, with tajines, couscous and shakshuka immediately coming to mind. With with no shortage of restaurants in Marrakech, finding a spot for lunch can be overwhelming. With a range of cheap eats to high-end restaurants with prices to match, finding a place to eat where the quality matches the price can also be a challenge. We have selected our favourite stops in the city of Marrakech for those dining on a budget.
Kech Burger
Restaurant, Moroccan
When you’re ready to take a break from traditional Moroccan food and crave something more international, grab a table at the street-side Kech Burger. Locals know this is the place to go for burgers that are both cheap and quick but equally serve quality street food.
Bejganni
Restaurant, Moroccan
Ask any taxi driver to take you to Bejganni in Gueliz and they will immediately know where you want to go! Perhaps the best-known street grill in the new city, Bejgouni is known for its mixed grill and tajines. Order a plate of chips, fresh tomato salad and a bottle of a Coca-Cola for a true Marrakech experience. Just don’t be surprised if you have to wait for a table – nothing fancy but it’s where all the locals head!
Jemaa el Fna
A visit to Marrakech would be incomplete without dining in Jemaa el Fna at least once. Your options include a popular stall serving mouth-watering fish and chips, while Aicha at stall #1 serves a bit of everything including tajines, mixed grill, and couscous. While the dining is outdoor, this is a great time to soak up the nighttime ambiance. Just remember not to go too early as the best food is served later in the night.
Amal Centre
The women serving and preparing the delicious home-cooked Moroccan cuisine at the Amal Centre are part of an initiative to help women who face challenges, such as illiteracy and poverty, to support themselves and their families. The restaurant is open daily for lunch, either in the garden or the renovated villa, serving Moroccan cuisine as well as a few international dishes. Head here on Fridays for couscous when the restaurant is often at capacity and reservations are highly recommended.
Head on up to the rooftop terrace of this three-storey restaurant on the bustling corner of Rues Douar Graoua and Riad Zitoun Jdid for a bit of calm in the heart of the medina. The French-style menu here is reasonably priced, the coffee is wonderful and the desserts are delicious. Equally, as important, the restaurant is clean and the furnishings comfortable, perfect for relaxing with a mid-afternoon coffee or tea.
Atay Café Food
Bar, Cafe, Moroccan
Somewhat hidden in the medina, Café Atay provides a welcome retreat in the heart of the old city. The rooftop is cozy and simple with stunning views of the medina while the interior spaces are colourful and modern. The menu features reasonably priced Moroccan food – the perfect opportunity to try a kefta and egg tajine or pastille. If you haven’t tried briouates, you may wish to start with an order.
La Crèperie
Creperie, Moroccan
Located near the French Institute and French lycée Victor Hugo, La Creperie serves up a range of sweet and savoury crepes, which are served to guests on the outdoor patio. The French owner from Bretagne creates the ambiance inside with memorabilia from this region and a wide variety of crepes are available, including the Popeye with spinach and cheese, the Pont-Aven with Roquefort sauce, sour cream and crushed walnuts, and even the La Bretonne du Sud with chicken, peppers, onions and cheese.