Essaouira Restaurant Guide: Where to Eat in Morocco’s Coastal City
Essaouira, a charming coastal city in Morocco, is famous for its picturesque old town, ancient ramparts, and bustling port. But perhaps one of the city’s most underrated draws is its food scene. From traditional Moroccan cuisine to international dishes, Essaouira has plenty to offer foodies of all tastes and backgrounds. In this guide, we’ll take a closer look at some of the best restaurants in Essaouira and what makes them so special.
1. Elizir
If you’re looking for a fine dining experience in Essaouira, look no further than Elizir. This elegant restaurant, located in a renovated 18th-century building in the heart of the medina, offers a contemporary twist on traditional Moroccan cuisine. With dishes like lamb tagine with prunes and almonds and seared sea bass with orange and fennel, Elizir’s menu is a celebration of local flavors and ingredients. The restaurant’s stylish decor, attentive service, and impressive wine list make it the perfect spot for a romantic dinner or a special occasion.
2. Taros
Taros is a beloved Essaouira institution, known for its creative international cuisine, stunning rooftop terrace, and vibrant atmosphere. The restaurant’s menu is a fusion of Moroccan, Mediterranean, and Asian influences, with dishes like grilled octopus with harissa and chickpea puree and lamb chops with fig and honey glaze. But Taros is more than just a restaurant – it’s also a popular bar and music venue, with live music performances and DJ sets throughout the week.
3. La Table by Madada
Located in the heart of the Essaouira medina, La Table by Madada is a charming restaurant that combines traditional Moroccan design with a modern twist. The menu features a mix of Moroccan and Mediterranean dishes, with a focus on fresh seafood and locally sourced ingredients. Don’t miss the grilled sardines or the calamari with harissa and preserved lemon. The restaurant’s cozy atmosphere and friendly service make it a great spot for a relaxed lunch or dinner.
4. Lalla Mira
For a taste of traditional Moroccan cuisine, head to Lalla Mira, a family-run restaurant located in the heart of the Essaouira medina. The menu is a celebration of classic Moroccan dishes, with specialties like tagine with chicken and preserved lemon, couscous with lamb, and harira soup. The restaurant’s colorful decor, warm atmosphere, and friendly service make it a popular spot with both locals and tourists alike.
5. Gusto Italia
Craving Italian food? Head to Gusto Italia, a cozy restaurant located just outside the Essaouira medina. The menu features classic Italian dishes like pasta alla carbonara, pizza margherita, and tiramisu, as well as a selection of Moroccan-inspired dishes. The restaurant’s intimate atmosphere, friendly service, and affordable prices make it a great option for a casual dinner or lunch.
6. La Fromagerie
Cheese lovers, rejoice – La Fromagerie is Essaouira’s premier cheese shop and restaurant. The menu features a wide selection of cheese boards, charcuterie plates, and other French-inspired dishes, as well as a carefully curated wine list. The restaurant’s cozy decor and friendly service make it a great spot for a relaxed meal with friends.
7. O’Bleu Mogador
O’Bleu Mogador is a trendy restaurant located in the heart of Essaouira’s medina. The menu features a mix of Moroccan and international dishes, with a focus on fresh seafood and locally sourced ingredients. The restaurant’s modern decor, lively atmosphere, and friendly service make it
Essaouira restaurants
If you’re looking for an authentic Moroccan dining experience, Essaouira restaurants will not disappoint. The city has a wide range of restaurants, cafes, and street food stalls that offer traditional Moroccan cuisine as well as international dishes.
One of the best places to start your culinary journey is the Essaouira Medina, which is filled with food vendors selling freshly cooked food, such as grilled fish, tagines, and Moroccan sweets. You can find all sorts of delicacies here, from savory to sweet, all cooked to perfection.
For a more upscale dining experience, head to the Skala de la Ville area of the medina, where you can find a range of restaurants serving international cuisine. You can find French, Italian, and even Japanese restaurants in Essaouira, so there’s something for everyone.
If you’re looking for a true Moroccan fine-dining experience, head to the famous Taros restaurant. It’s located in a beautiful old riad, and its menu features traditional Moroccan dishes with a modern twist. The restaurant also boasts a rooftop terrace with stunning views of the city.
For seafood lovers, Essaouira is the place to be. The city is famous for its fresh seafood, and there are several seafood restaurants along the coast that serve everything from grilled sardines to lobster. One of the most popular seafood restaurants in Essaouira is the Chez Sam seafood restaurant, which is located on the beach.
Overall, Essaouira is a food lover’s paradise, with a wide range of dining options to suit every taste and budget. Whether you’re looking for traditional Moroccan cuisine, international dishes, or fresh seafood, Essaouira restaurants will not disappoint.