Marrakech, often called the Red City, is not only known for its rich culture, vibrant markets, and historic landmarks but also for its diverse culinary scene.
Whether you're seeking traditional Moroccan fare or international cuisine, Marrakech offers an array of dining options to satisfy all palates (and every budget)!
Join us as we give our honest opinion on three upscale restaurants we tried on a recent trip, along with some top tips on dining out in Marrakech.
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In Marrakech, food prices can vary widely depending on the type of dining experience you’re looking for.
You can find budget-friendly options such as street food stalls and local cafes offering delicious Moroccan cuisine at affordable prices from as low as $5 (£4) per person.
The average cost of food is around $13 (126 MAD) per person, per day.
If you’re looking for delicious food without the high-end prices, Marrakech has endless affordable restaurants and street-food gems. Here are some of the best cheap places to eat in the city:
Café Chez Ahmed (Medina)
Traditional Moroccan dishes for £3–£6.
Snack Adam (near Jemaa el-Fnaa)
Great for grills, sandwiches and smoothies. Meals from £2.50.
Café Baba (Kasbah)
Couscous, tagines and fresh bread from £3–£5.
Tagine: £3–£5
Couscous: £3–£6
Fresh juice: 50p–£1
Sandwiches: £1–£2
On the other hand, there are also upscale restaurants and fine dining establishments that offer a more luxurious experience with higher prices of around £40 per person for a 2 course meal with local wine ($52/510 MAD).
Marrakech is very cheap compared to most tourist destinations in Europe or the United States. You'll find your money goes a long way here.
The main food is tagine. You'll find the flavourful stew of meat and fruit served in a clay pot, in nearly every local restaurant.
Other local delicacies include couscous, pastilla, and various street foods like grilled meats and kebabs.
The city is known for its rich and flavourful dishes that often incorporate a mix of spices and ingredients like dried fruits and nuts.
In simple terms, we just wanted a treat!
The relatively inexpensive prices for high-end restaurant meals in Marrakech, in comparison to those in the UK, influenced our decision to choose some upscale dining experiences that would typically be beyond our budget back home.
We just wanted to experience the best Marrakech had to offer at the same price as a standard meal at home.
With all the options below we highly recommend booking at least a month in advance to guarantee a table.
These are all highly sought after restaurants and rarely have walk in tables available at peak times.
All have websites allow you to book online, making it easy to secure your date with no deposit required.
In comparison to food prices, yes alcohol is expensive in Marrakech. Prices obviously vary from establishment-to-establishment but for example, an average bottle of wine will set you back anything between 150 MAD-800 MAD in a mid-range restaurant.
Alcohol is more expensive in Morocco due to licensing rules. Here’s what to expect:
Beer Prices
Local beer (Casablanca, Flag): 35–70 MAD (£2.80–£5.50)
Imported beer: 60–90 MAD (£4.70–£7.10)
In luxury hotels/rooftops: 90–130 MAD (£7–£10)
Wine Prices
Glass of wine: 60–120 MAD (£4.50–£9)
Bottle: 150–800 MAD (£12–£63)
Located in the heart of the bustling Medina, Dar Rooftop Restaurant offers a charming and romantic setting for a memorable dining experience.
With incredible panoramic views of the city and the Atlas Mountains, this rooftop restaurant provides the perfect backdrop for enjoying classic Moroccan dishes with a modern twist.
From fragrant tagines to succulent couscous, the culinary creations at Dar are a true celebration of local flavours.
Starters £8-£10 ($10.50-$13)
Mains £11-£24 ($14-$31)
Desserts £6-11 ($8-$14)
The food here was incredible! Everything was so fresh and served with a smile and the view, well that was amazing too and I can see why booking is essential for this rooftop terrace especially at sunset.
We started with a portion of flavourful 'BBQ Chicken Wings' before moving on to the 'Chiche Brochette Poulet Marino Sauce Yaourt' - a dish of succulent chicken skewers accompanied by the most delicious homemade wedges.
We'd spotted the dish on the table next to us and asked the diners what it was as it looked delicious!
The total bill, including drinks, came to a reasonable £62.50. Overall, a fantastic culinary adventure that left us looking forward to our next visit.
For those craving Italian cuisine in Marrakech, La Trattoria is a must-visit. Located in the sophisticated Gueliz neighbourhood, this cosy restaurant exudes an inviting ambiance and serves up a delectable array of authentic Italian dishes.
One of Yves Saint Laurent’s most frequented establishments, they offer freshly-made pastas to indulgent desserts, La Trattoria offers a delightful culinary journey through the diverse regions of Italy, all within the enchanting surroundings of Marrakech.
Starters £10-£14 ($13-$18)
Mains £11-£26 ($14-$34)
Desserts £6-£9 ($8-$12)
The atmosphere here was just out of this world, food wasn't too bad either!
But honestly, the feel of this place totally made it. From pulling up in our car to the walk to be seated, this whole place is breath taking without the price tag to match.
My husband had the 'Agnello Brasato', a braised lamb shank served on a perfectly seasoned risotto that beautifully blended Italian and Moroccan flavours. In contrast, I opted for the classic yet comforting choice of 'Traditional Lasagne'.
For dessert, I indulged in the heavenly 'Melting Cappuccino Foam' - a delightful mix of confit pear, baked chocolate, and vanilla ice cream. Meanwhile, my husband enjoyed the 'Panna Cotta Brulee' Style paired with refreshing raspberry sorbet.
The total bill of £90, inclusive of wine and beers, felt like a fair price for the exquisite meal and memorable experience we had.
La Trattoria truly exceeded our expectations and left us looking forward to our next visit.
On our final night, we visited Nobu Roof Top restaurant. Elevating Marrakech's dining scene to new heights, Nobu Rooftop Restaurant seamlessly blends Japanese culinary traditions with a touch of local inspiration.
Owned by Robert De Nero, this esteemed restaurant promises an unforgettable dining experience.
The Rooftop Garden, with a circular pool deck, restaurant and 360 degree panoramic terrace, offers undeniably the best vistas of the city and Atlas Mountain range.
The Rooftop Garden oozes chic exclusivity, featuring internationally renowned DJ’s and local artists, this is the place to enjoy a cocktail and soak up the vibes, savouring Mediterranean Moroccan cuisine.
Starters £10-£16 ($13-$21)
Mains £11-£70 ($14-$90)
Desserts £3-£10 ($4-$13)
With Nobu we found the food and service not as favourable as the other two restaurants' we visited. Now I'm not saying there was anything particularly bad to report.
The service was a little slow and it was hard to get the waiters attention to refill drinks and get the bill. The food wasn't as hot as I'd of liked, I chose the mushroom risotto and by the time it had reached the table it had semi set.
I think because we had two incredible experiences at Dar Dar and La Trattoria, we were expecting the same, certainly as Nobu was the most expensive of the restaurants we visited. Would I return? Most definitely! The atmosphere and views of Marrakech at night were insane, even if the food and service was a little lacklustre.
Best Local Restaurants in Marrakech (Authentic & Affordable)
If you want a truly Moroccan dining experience, try these local favourites:
⭐ Restaurant El Bahja (Gueliz)
A local institution — great tagines & couscous from £3–£5.
⭐ Café Clock (Kasbah)
Cultural hub with Moroccan fusion dishes.
⭐ Chez Brahim (Medina)
Affordable grills & salads from £4–£7.
⭐ Restaurant Imlil (Medina)
Good portions, low prices and quick service.
Dar Dar – best overall
Kabana – lively, modern
El Fenn Rooftop – stunning views
La Trattoria
Nobu
Comptoir Darna
Snack Adam
Henna Café
Amal Women’s Centre
Café Chez Ahmed
Café Clock
Restaurant El Bahja
In a city renowned for its captivating blend of tradition and modernity, these restaurants encapsulate the essence of Marrakech's culinary diversity.
Whether you're in the mood for traditional Moroccan fare, authentic Italian flavours or Mediterranean cuisine, these dining establishments are sure to leave a lasting impression on your palate and provide a memorable addition to your trip.
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