TOP LUNCH PLACES IN MARRAKECH MEDINA
There are so many places to stop, eat and take a pause when you’re exploring in Marrakech Medina. Here’s the pick of our favourites for lunch – from a simple bowl of lentils to a more luxe Moroccan feast.
FLOWERS
When you need a break from the bustle of the souks, Flowers is perfect. This open-fire kitchen serves botanical-inspired dishes that showcase Moroccan produce with a global twist. Chef Richard McCormick brings serious credentials (he’s behind one of Europe’s best plant-based restaurants in Finland), but the vibe here is warm and unpretentious. The reclaimed interiors are gorgeous, the sharing plates are generous and flavour-packed, and it’s exactly the kind of spot you stumble upon and immediately want to tell everyone about.
LA FAMILLE
Located about five minutes from Djemaa el Fna on Riad Zitoun Jdid, La Famille has been serving delicious vegetarian food since 2015. The pretty courtyard restaurant is shaded by lemon trees and a team of female chefs prepare a daily-changing roster of everything from freshly made dips and homemade crackers to salads, pastas and focaccia pizzas. There’s also a cute little shop.
FOUNDOUK GARGAA
If you’re lucky, you’ll bag a spot on the terrace underneath the ancient fig tree. But wherever you sit, Gargaa is a calm oasis after the medina bustle. They’re open 10am to 8pm for dishes including great sandwiches, shakshuka and tapas-style dishes. You’ll find Gargaa on Rue de la Koutoubia.
MOMO
If you’re an interiors obsessive, MoMo needs to be on your list. The space alone is worth the visit – think contemporary Moroccan design at its finest – and the two rooftop terraces offer the best views over Jemaa el-Fna. The menu takes classic Moroccan dishes and gives them a fresh, modern update without losing their soul. It’s the kind of place where you’ll be equally torn between photographing your surroundings and your plate, and honestly, both deserve the attention.
L’MIDA
Break for a lunch of reimagined Moroccan dishes created by celebrated food writer Nargisse Benkkabou at this restaurant that overlooks the Place des Épices. Whether you’re eating inside or outside, the styling at L’Mida is gorgeous. Dishes include sea bream poke bowl, bresaola with roasted fennel and seven vegetable couscous.
FATIMA FOOD
If you want to dive into Marrakech’s street food scene then head to Fatima’s place. Her tiny neighbourhood cafe on Dar el Bacha fills each day with the smell of whatever dishes she’s preparing that day such as Moroccan salad, loubya beans, lentils and tagines. It’s simple, local and delicious.
NARANJ
Sometimes you want a break from Moroccan food and Naranj, which serves delicious Middle Eastern dishes, is our pick. Dishes include a mezze sharing plate featuring everything from falafel and muhammara (a roasted red pepper and nut dip) to baba ghanoush, stuffed vine leaves, wraps and slow-roasted lamb. You’ll find it on Riad Zitoun Jedid.
