The traditional Moroccan meal will consist of salads, small briouates (Moroccan pastries that are close to Indian samosas), a meat tagine, couscous dish, and almond pastries for dessert.
Spurge on a table at Le Tobsil, which is in the old section, called the medina. You’ll need to reserve a table ahead of time to get in, but Tobsil is traditoional Moroccan-style restaurant, which serves large, almost copious amounts of food. The atmosphere isn’t to shabby either, as you’ll enjoy a palatial ambiance.
If you’re counting pennies, El Fassia, which is located in a newer section of town is the place to go. It gets rave reviews for the rare a la carte menu, which will allow you to walk out of the restaurant with your pants still buttoned. El Fassia is traditional home cooking with a traditional down-home atmosphere.
Get lost in the “heartbeat of Marrakech,” the Djemâa el Fna, an ancient square with the erratic energy of busy bazaars. Load up on all the Moroccan essentials at the great eateries that line the bazaar. Choose from a wide variety of dishes from kefta (beef patties) and beef brochettes to Moroccan salads and spicy olive supplemented soups. Here’s where you’ll also find yummy fresh squeezed orange juice (Africa has some of the best oranges) and the rather pervasive, but essential, mint tea.
Dar Zelli is a careful and intricately renovated 17th-century mansion, a common practice in North Africa. You’ll be so entranced by your surroundings--the carved cedar ceilings and handmade mosaic tiles--that you might almost forget about the wonderful food. Dar Zelli, like most restaurants in Morocco, specializes in traditional Moroccan food. A multi-course, family-style dinner will put you under about $40-$45.
Casa Lalla is a wonderful restaurant offering a set-price menu of $40 per person. It’s one of the hardest restaurants to get into--only 14 people are served each night--so make your reservation well in advance. Michelin-starred British chef Richard Neat is in charge, so it will be well worth your effort.
If you’ve been eating vegetarian tagine, couscous and brioates for so long that all you’re looking for is a break from the traditional Moroccan fare, make your way to Le Foundouk in the heart of the medina, which serves a delicious selection of French food. You’ll be impressed by the extensive wine menu. Dinner for two with wine will cost between $60 and $80.
Hop in a taxi and head to Bo-Zin (Route de l'Ourika), which is about a 15-minute drive south of the city. Getting out of the city center can bring you a much needed sabbatical from the carnival of the busy medina, and Bo-Zin, with its gorgeous landscape, cactus gardens and outdoor dining is a relaxing option. The menu is almost completely Thai food, but there are a number of traditional Moroccan entries as well.
