Where to Eat in the Marrakech Medina

Last Updated on 25th January 2026 by Jessie

A list of the best places to eat and drink in the Marrakech medina – for all budgets and appetites.

Whilst sleuthing for the best places to eat in Marrakech myself, I’ve come across many a blog post recommending swanky Western joints in Gueliz and other popular neighbourhoods. But not much advice in the way of cheap, authentic Moroccan eateries within the medina. 

As a first-timer spending a few days in Marrakech, you really want to be living and breathing all things medina. The best thing to do in Marrakech is simply wander around and soak up the chaos. There’s no time for venturing out into the ‘burbs. Particularly when it takes a good 15 minutes (and many a wrong turn) to navigate your way to the edge of the city walls. 

Thus, as a cosplay royal taste tester, I took it as my civic duty to scout out the best cafes and restaurants in the Marrakech medina and deliver them to you, the good people. So here is my tried and tested guide to the best coffee spots, full Moroccan breakfasts, sneaky beers and authentic feasts in the medina.

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Where to Get Coffee in the Marrakech Medina

If you’re after a proper espresso coffee, your two best options are Simple Specialty Coffee and Kesh Cup. Simple is takeaway only, with a couple of wooden stools on the pavement. It’s situated on a swanky strip in the medina, alongside a number of fancy boutiques. They also serve a couple of matcha variations, if that’s your thing. 

Kesh Cup is deeper inside the labyrinth of the medina, beside Terrasse des Épices. Whilst small, Kesh Cup does have a bit of seating room inside. They also offer a number of juice and smoothie options. 

Note that specialty coffee comes at a price hike in Morocco. A flat white will set you back 30dh (€3) at Kesh Cup and 35dh (€3.50) at Simple. Both offer non-dairy milk alternatives for an extra 5dh. Whereas, a nous-nous (half coffee, half milk) at a standard Moroccan cafe should cost no more than 20dh (€2).

For something a little funkier, there are a few spots in the Marrakech medina selling ‘sand coffee’. It’s a bit of a tourist novelty, but also pretty cool – a traditional Saharan method in which a pot of spiced coffee is gently warmed in hot sand. If you’re intrigued, check out Chez Bismillah or Magic Coffee. Both have cosy little cafe nooks, perfect for resting your legs for a spell. 

Where to Get Breakfast in the Marrakech Medina

The first port of call for breakfast in Marrakech is always your hostel or riad. Most accommodations include a complimentary breakfast or offer it as an add-on for 50-70dh. The hotel’s morning fare tends to be just as good as what you’d find at most cafes. With a traditional Moroccan breaky usually consisting of msemen, baghrir, eggs, spreads and a hot bevvy.

If your hostel has skimped on the brekky, I recommend seeking out a crémerie or patisserie like Cafe et Patisserie Nawal. These are the no-frills local cafes in which you will find the freshest harcha bread and the tastiest Berber omelettes. I had an omelette and mint tea at Nawal for 35dh (€3.50). 

It’s hard to find cafes and restaurants in the medina that are open before 10am. Which is a shame, because quiet early morning strolls are such an idyllic way to experience the city centre before the overwhelm commences. For the early risers, treat yourself to some msemen and coffee at Amina Ben Youssef, or let your nose lead you to the nearest msemen hole-in-the-wall. 

Where to Go for Lunch in the Marrakech Medina

I find that all I do in Marrakech is eat, walk and shop. So, to switch things up a little between your morning and evening sit-down feasts, I recommend finding something quick and light for lunch. Sabich is one such place that ticks all the boxes. They specialise in Middle Eastern-style stuffed pita sandwiches with tahini sauce and homemade pickles. Super tasty. 

Foundouk Gargaa sits on the outer edge of the medina and makes fresh, msemen wraps with your choice of filling. Cafe Des Épices is a little on the pricier side, but if you’re looking for somewhere to chill and reset for a bit, they’ve got a really nice rooftop with views of the square below. They also have solid WiFi for anyone needing to get a little work done mid-trip. 

Where to Go For Dinner in the Marrakech Medina

Chez Brahim is, without a doubt, the best place to go for dinner in the medina. They’ve got the grooviest, colourful tiled decor, with live Gnaoua music and cosy candlelit booths. The menu is reasonably priced, serving bang-on Moroccan cuisine. We had zalouk, vegetarian pastilla and beef couscous, and everything was 10/10 – would eat there many times again. 

Dar Chef, Dabachi Chez Cherif and Dar L’hssira are other great options for good quality, fair-priced Moroccan cuisine. Jemaa El Fnaa (the main square) is fun to check out for all its chaotic energy, but I don’t recommend eating there. You can find far better value restaurants deeper in the medina. 

For those on a budget, try Hamid’s Moroccan Diner, Yamy’s or Food Fatima. Moroccan mixte tacos (a very distant relation to the Mexican signature dish) is my go-to penny-saver meal. It consists of chicken, kefta and sausage (I know, I’m asking for a funky belly), salad, and chips inside a toasted wrap. So good. Lentils, beans or harira soup are other great budget-friendly options. 

Tanjia – spiced meat stew slow-cooked in a terracotta pot – is a speciality dish from the Marrakech region. Try it at Terrasse Bakchich. It’s super tasty, but make sure you get a Moroccan salad with it to cut through the rich meatiness. If slow-cooked meat is your jam, then make sure you head to Mechoui, where they slow-roast whole lambs for hours in an underground oven. Get there early in the evening so you don’t miss out. 

Where to Go For a Drink in the Marrakech Medina

Alcohol in the Marrakech medina (and Moroccan bars generally) tends to be expensive. For a cheap beer, head to Le Salama for their very generous happy hours (from 12 – 6.30pm). The food is overpriced, but you can get two beers or wines for 70dh (€7). 

To wine and dine without breaking the bank, I recommend Bazaar Cafe. You can fill up on some decent tapas or Moroccan food, grab a 60dh (€6) glass of wine, and watch the sunset from the rooftop. 

Or if money ain’t an issue, head to La Pergola for some live jazz music while you live large on their swanky rooftop terrace. A bottle of wine will set you back at least 265dh (€26.50), but they do stock better vinos than most other venues in the medina.

Bon appetit.

Marrakech is undeniably incredible, but if you’re looking for somewhere a little gentler on the senses, I suggest making your way out to the coast and spending a few days in Essaouira. 

For more Moroccan travel tips, check out:

• Marrakech Medina Travel Guide
• Ouarzazate Guide
• 3-Day Essaouira Travel Itinerary
• Best Cafes and Restaurants in Tamraght
• Bars and Nightlife in Taghazout

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.