Where to Eat in Sidi Kaouki, Morocco
Last Updated on 25th January 2026 by Jessie
All the best food and drink recommendations for your surfside holiday in Sidi Kaouki. From cheap, authentic local restaurants, to swankier Euro-style bistros.
Sidi Kaouki is a tiny surf village just south of Essaouira. As far as infrastructure goes, the town consists of one paved road and three tiny mini markets that sell the absolute basics. Yet, among the scattered handful of restaurants and cafes in Sidi Kaouki, you can find everything your belly desires.
There are a few really good cheap eateries, some cosy bistros for something a little more special, authentic Moroccan feasts, and even a couple of spots for a sunset beer. Whatever your proclivity, here’s your complete guide on where to eat in Sidi Kaouki.
Note that there are no ATMs in Sidi Kaouki, and all restaurants take cash only. If flying into Essaouira or Agadir, make sure you get plenty of cash out before heading to Sidi Kaouki.
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Moroccan Travel Essentials
- First and foremost, get travel insurance with SafetyWing. They’re super affordable and one of the few companies that let you buy insurance mid-trip.
- Book the dreamiest Moroccan abode on Booking.com. They’re my go-to for accomodation because you can save loooaads with their loyalty discounts.
- Or if you’re after the one-stop-shop, BookSurfCamps is the best place to find surf camp packages in Morocco.
- Find the best local tours with GetYourGuide. It’s the easiest way to visit places like Paradise Valley or Timlalin Dunes.
- Make sure you’re connected as soon as you get off the plane with Airalo’s Moroccan eSIM.
- Set up a Wise travel card to save on international transaction fees.
- And if you’re working online (or want to watch Netflix in your downtime) I highly recommend getting set up with a SurfShark VPN.
And you’re sorted.
Where to Get Coffee in Sidi Kaouki
The number one criterion for a good coffee spot in Sidi Kaouki is ocean views. There are no specialty coffee stores, the likes of Tamraght or Essaouira, so the quality of coffee itself is pretty standard. Noss-noss (half milk, half coffee) is the Moroccan coffee of choice.
When the weather is good, my top pick for a coffee perch would be La Trattoria, located beside the mausoleum. There are a few cafes and restaurants bunched together here, all with similar menus and subpar reviews. La Trattoria gets my vote simply because it’s the closest to the beach, allowing you the best beach views while you have your morning brew.
Sidi Kaouki Surf Station is the place I frequent most for a pot of mint tea. They have an upstairs balcony that is best poised for surf patrol. This means I can comfortably sit for an hour or so debating whether to get in the water. A pot of tea (with two cubes of sugar, thank you) is 20dh (€2). The wifi is pretty solid, too.
Cafe Solaire takes the cake for best coffee in town. The decked-out van sits beside Ibi Surf School, with a few stools out the front to sit and have a gasbag. The coffee is as good as you’ll get, possibly the cheapest at 15dh (€1.50), and they serve up freshly squeezed orange juice too.
Where to Have Breakfast in Sidi Kaouki
In Morocco, you tend to find the best breakfasts included with your accommodation. Most hostels and home stays serve up the full Moroccan spread, which consists of tea/coffee, orange juice, eggs, msemen, fresh bread and spreads. You’ll be well and truly fuelled for a day in the surf.
If you’re travelling solo, I recommend Dar Iziki. It’s possibly the nicest hostel I’ve ever stayed at in Morocco, and they’ve got a great communal dining nook. For couples, Dar Afoulky is a beautiful little surf house with a funky rooftop terrace. Both do great breakfasts.
For the best Berber omelette in town, hit up Chez Abdoullah. It’s a steal at 25dh (€2.50) and is jam-packed with flavour. Or for the full Moroccan spread, Al Vent serves petit dejeuner for 45dh (€4.50), to be enjoyed on their upstairs terrace overlooking the beach.
Where to Go for Lunch in Sidi Kaouki
Chez Abdoullah is my absolute favourite restaurant in Sidi Kaouki for lunch and dinner. I eat there more days than not whilst in the village. It’s the least pretentious venue in town, yet the food is unsurpassed. The kefta sandwich is my go-to, served with fries and a herby yoghurt sauce. Only 35dh (€3.50), and it never ceases to please my palate. There’s nothing over 65dh (€6.50) on the menu, AND they often give you a complimentary bowl of lentils or beans as an entree. I can’t rate them more highly.
Bam Kaouki is equally impressive, but their menu is a whole different kettle of fish. They specialise in modern street food, with small dishes such as taramasalata, crudo bonito, and octopus croquettes. Food that’s far more akin to a swanky wine bar in Sydney than a beach shack in a small Moroccan surf town. Justifiably, the food is a bit more pricey – but worth every Dirham. Note that Bam Kaouki is open for lunch only.
Where to Go for Dinner in Sidi Kaouki
Chez L’Arbi is the most popular dinner spot in town. The cosy, candlelit den feels like you’re dining in a family home. And the food packs flavour in a way that only a home-cooked meal can. It’s a one-man show in the kitchen, so make sure you drop by early in the afternoon to order ahead for tagines or couscous. Otherwise, you’ll be waiting a good 2 hours for your food. But if you’re prone to spontaneity, don’t fret. L’Arbi serves up complimentary lentils and olives to tide you over while you wait.
Taking a more modern approach, Bistro Kao leans into a bit of French fusion. Dim lights, velvet lounges and jazz music, it’s a good spot for dinner with friends or lovers. I panic ordered the beef Kefta brochettes, and they were super tasty, but the poulpe d’oil (octopus in oil) looks yum as.
But for the best tagines in Sidi Kaouki, you’ve got to check out Local Flavours by Abderrahim. He cooks at Dar Iziki, but you don’t need to be a guest to partake in his dinners. He serves three-course meals for 90-100dh (€9-10), and due to the slow-cooking necessary for a quality tagine, orders must be placed in advance.
Similarly, the restaurant attached to La Maison des Vagues offers a three-course menu of the day for 150dh (€15). As with many Sidi Kaouki restaurants, the French influence is strong. Think sole meunière (lemon butter fish) and crêpes suzette.
Where to Go for a Drink in Sidi Kaouki
Surf Station is the only spot where you can grab an alcoholic drink in the centre of Sidi Kaouki. They serve beer, wine and spirits, best enjoyed watching the sunset from their beachfront balcony. Beyond your hotel/hostel, Surf Station is probably the best opportunity for a little social action.
Your second option for a drink is La Mouette et Les Dromadaires. It’s a luxury hotel just a 10-minute walk north of the village. The oceanfront restaurant is open to the public for lunch and sunset share plates, but dinner is reserved for guests only. The seafood-heavy menu is highly rated, and the wine list is top-notch. This is the best spot in Sidi Kaouki for sunset cocktails or a long, boozy lunch.
For more culinary recommendations, check out:
- Best Restaurants in Essaouira
- Where to Eat in the Marrakech Medina
- Bars and Nightlife in Taghazout
- Best Restaurants in Imsouane
For more Maroc info and a little less of my own opinions, I’ve created a travel wisdom-sharing hub over on Reddit. Join the group here.
