Travellers are intrigued by the real hustle and bustle of Marrakesh’s medina, the surfing towns of Agadir, the architecture of Casablanca, and, most importantly, the diverse flavours of the food. Gastronomy tourism now makes up a significant portion of Morocco’s tourism, with food-focused travellers typically spending 25-30% more than traditional visitors(1).
This hidden gem of food spots is rising in interest. In fact, searches for “typical Moroccan dishes” are up 150% in the past year and “Moroccan recipes” searches have increased by 80% in the last three months alone (2). This surge reflects a growing appetite for bold flavours and the vibrant traditions that make Moroccan cuisine so distinctive.
To help travellers make the most of Morocco’s culinary scene, Katie Evans, Product Manager at Destination2, has partnered with celebrity chef and nutritionist Yure Piers to craft the ultimate Moroccan food guide, from must-visit restaurants to recreating authentic dishes at home.
From tagines to homegrown spices like ras-el-hanout, to cooking methods such as Tangia, Moroccan food is not only known for its natural flavours, but health benefits too. Traditional Moroccan mint tea oozes with benefits from immune support to digestive relief(3), and the high selenium content in couscous acts as a great antioxidant (4).
Yure Piers adds, “The beauty of Moroccan cooking is that the healthy part is built in, not bolted on. Couscous is a light, easily digestible base that won’t leave you sluggish. Ras el hanout is a blend of warming spices. Often cumin, coriander, cinnamon, ginger and more, many of which have genuine anti-inflammatory properties. Add in the chickpeas, olive oil, herbs and citrus that run through so many dishes, and you’ve got food that’s naturally high in fibre, plant protein and good fats.”
See the itinerary below, including seven must-try restaurants from fine-dining in Marrakech to sea-front restaurants in Casablanca:
- Amandine – Marrakesh
When to visit: Start the day with a mint tea served from an ornate metal teapot with a gazelle horn, sweet pastry and medjool dates.
Menu highlights: Kaab el ghazal (gazelle horns made of almond paste), halwa chebakia (sesame cookies with honey), mhencha (an almond-paste swirl wrapped in filo and honey) and orange and cardamon ghriba.
Amandine Bakery sits in Gueliz, the modern downtown district of Marrakesh. In this ‘new town,’ known for its broad boulevards, you can wander out with a pastry in hand and make your way toward Le Jardin Majorelle and the Yves Saint Laurent Museum, where vibrant gardens and fashion history await.
Katie says, “One of my favourite parts of the Moroccan culture is their welcoming hospitality. Pastries are served as a welcome sign to guests, usually paired with a frothy, fresh Moroccan mint tea. Seeing how intricately made they all are helps you enjoy them even more.”
- Nomad – Marrakesh
When to visit: Lunch or sunset, take respite from the sun and busy souks with a Moroccan virgin bloody mary.
Menu highlights: Dukkha-glazed cauliflower and grilled lamb chops
Nomad Marrakech sits above the lively Rahba Kedima (Spice Square) in the heart of the Medina, tucked inside a converted multi‑story former carpet shop. The rooftop terraces overlook the maze of market streets and offer sweeping views of the old city and, on clear days, the Atlas Mountains.
Katie explains, “Nomad’s menu is a modern, creative take on Moroccan cuisine, mixing local flavours with Mediterranean and Middle Eastern influences. The music and chilled atmosphere match the menu; you can easily spend a couple of hours here as a great escape from the busy medina.”
- Dar Yacout – Marrakesh
When to visit: Enjoy dinner in the riad’s candlelit rooms.
Menu highlights: Royal couscous and Moroccan salads
Ideally set in the heart of the Marrakech medina, Dar Yacout is an unmissable stop for food-lovers. For the full experience, begin with a drink on the roof terrace, then walk downstairs to enjoy the flavours of the dishes either inside the riad or out on the patio.
Katie describes, “Everything feels intentionally immersive at Dar Yacout. The lighting, the pacing, the architecture, the sense of being tucked inside a private riad rather than a restaurant, creates an experience like no other.”
- Comptoir Darna – Marrakesh
When to visit: Late to enjoy the shows after dinner.
Menu highlights: Kefta tagine, whole seabream with chermoula
Comptoir Darna has been an important nightlife venue in Marrakesh since 1999. It’s located in the city’s most upscale and lively neighbourhoods just west of the Medina.
Katie adds, “A short walk from the medina and in an exciting area of the new town, this is one of those places that hits you with atmosphere the second you walk in. The dancers weave through the tables, the music keeps building, and before you know it, you’re clapping along or even standing up to join the fun.”
- Le Jasmine – Casablanca
When to visit: A date night in the evening to soak in the intimate dining and 3 courses of Moroccan cuisine.
Menu highlights: Fish tagine
Le Jasmine is an elegant Moroccan fine‑dining restaurant located inside the boutique Hôtel Particulier Le Doge in Casablanca’s historic Art Deco district, set on the quiet Rue du Docteur Veyre near the city centre, offering an intimate atmosphere with traditional Moroccan cuisine in a beautifully preserved 1930s setting.
Katie reveals, “What I love about Le Jasmine is the intimate setting of only 7 tables, all the details are so thought out, from the hand-painted tableware to the Moroccan wine pairings.”
- Le Cabestan – Casablanca
When to visit: at sunset to watch the bright orange sun over the Atlantic Ocean.
Menu highlights: Aubergine grilled over a wood-fire with za’atar, tahini and fresh herbs
Perched on La Corniche, La Cabestan has been a go-to spot since 1927, offering unparalleled views of the Atlantic Ocean.
Katie recommends, “Starting your night watching the sunset over the Atlantic, taking in the views and enjoying the fresh Mediterranean-influenced menu. Stay for innovative cocktails and the DJ creating a clublike feel.”
- Umia – Essaouira
When to visit: In the evening to enjoy a shared dinner with friends, to try the full mix of Mediterranean-Moroccan dishes.
Menu highlights: Lamb confit with polenta and black olives, calamari with quinoa
Located in Essaouira, Morocco’s “windy city”, is Umia, a stylish Mediterranean fusion-driven restaurant.
Yure explains why lamb is so loved in Morocco, “Lamb carries spice better than almost any other meat. It’s rich enough to stand up to a bold ras el hanout without being overwhelmed. The traditional tangia method, where lamb is cooked slowly for hours in a clay urn, is all about patience and transformation. Tough cuts turn meltingly tender, and the spices work their way deep into the meat. It’s a brilliant reminder that great cooking is often about time, not technique.”
Katie suggests, “When travelling to Agadir or the west coast of Morocco, find time to take in the coastal towns like Essaouira, wander through the fragrant spice market and make pit stops for flavourful dishes and local wine.”
Sources
1. https://www.travelnewshub.com/lifestyle/restaurants-dining/the-rise-of-gastronomy-tourism-in-morocco/
2. Google search trends 24/06/2026
3. https://ods.od.nih.gov/factsheets/Selenium-HealthProfessional/
4. https://finestorganictea.co.uk/blogs/organic-tea-blog/the-essence-of-moroccan-mint-tea-culture-benefits-and-side-effects
