What to Eat in Marrakech: Ultimate Food Adventure
Are you planning a trip to Marrakech and wondering what the best things to eat are? Nestled in the heart of Morocco, Marrakech is a vibrant city bursting with flavours, where every meal feels like an adventure.
I still remember my first proper meal in Marrakech like it was yesterday. The noise of the souks, the scent of spices in the air, and that first spoonful of tagine that basically hugged my soul — unforgettable. Marrakech is one of those places where the food isn’t just food—it’s an entire experience. And if you’re anything like me, you want to eat well when you travel.
In this post, I’ll cover all the incredible things that Marrakech was to offer. So, if you’re wondering what to eat in Marrakech, what’s worth trying, and what’s better left on the plate — welcome to the ultimate food adventure. I’m going to walk you through the dishes I loved, a few surprises, what to avoid, and even share what it’s like eating your way through Marrakech’s famous souks.
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Quick Overview of Marrakech
Before we dive into the best things to eat in Marrakech, I wanted to give you a quick overview of the city — especially if it’s your first time visiting!
Marrakech (sometimes spelled Marrakesh) is located in the western part of Morocco, right at the base of the Atlas Mountains. Known as the “Red City” because of its distinctive terracotta-colored buildings, Marrakech is a feast for the senses — buzzing souks, colorful tiles, fragrant spices, and, of course, unforgettable food.
It’s a lively, sometimes chaotic place, especially around the famous Jemaa el-Fnaa square, where street performers, food vendors, and market stalls fill every inch of space. The energy here is exciting but can feel overwhelming, particularly during peak hours in the evening.
One thing to know: the Medina (old town) of Marrakech is a maze of narrow alleyways. Getting lost is basically part of the experience — but that’s often how you stumble upon the best local food spots. While cars and mopeds whizz around the wider roads, much of the Medina is pedestrian-focused, especially around the souks.
Marrakech is a city that rewards curiosity. Whether you’re wandering through hidden courtyards or tucking into a steaming bowl of tagine at a tiny café, the adventure is always just around the corner.
Eating in Marrakech: What to Expect
Before we start tasting, let’s talk about expectations. Moroccan food is rich, flavorful, and usually comes with a beautiful balance of spices—not necessarily hot, but spiced. Think cinnamon with lamb, cumin in salads, saffron in tagines. It’s this layering of flavors that makes each meal feel special.
But also? Sometimes, it’s going to feel overwhelming—especially if it’s your first visit to Marrakech. Street food, hidden cafés, fancy riad restaurants—it’s a lot in the best possible way.
And speaking of cafés, don’t expect your usual European café culture here (although I found some lovely surprises, more on that soon). Marrakech is lively, colorful, sometimes chaotic—and that energy spills over into its food scene.
The Souk Eating Experience: What It’s Really Like
Eating in the souks is an adventure in itself. The narrow alleys are bursting with stalls selling everything from fresh dates to mysterious jars of preserved lemons.
One of my favorite memories was standing elbow-to-elbow with locals at a tiny food stand, eating bowls of couscous. I’ll be honest—it wasn’t love at first bite for me, but the experience? 10/10. And that’s the thing about Marrakech—half of it is the eating, half is the being there, surrounded by noise, colors, and smells you’ll never forget.
⚠️ What to Avoid in the Souks
- Juice stalls with bright-colored juice (sometimes they add sugar or coloring—stick with the orange juice or look for busy stalls)
- Pre-cooked, reheated meats at quieter food stands — trust me, go fresh or go home
- Random unfamiliar meats unless you really want an adventure (ask first!)
What to Eat in Marrakech: 6 Must Try Specialties for First Time Visitors
Must-Try Foods in Marrakech
Okay, let’s get into the good stuff: what to eat in Marrakech. These are the dishes I tried myself, the ones I still think about, and exactly where I had them — so you know I’m not just copying guidebooks here.
🥘 1. Tagine (Tajine)
No visit to Marrakech is complete without diving into a proper tagine. It’s that bubbling clay pot you’ve seen in all the pictures, but tasting it is something else. One of my favorite meals was at Be Marrakech, a stunning Riad where I stayed.(by the way I definitely recommend staying here, the place is just incredible)
Their chicken tagine with preserved lemon and olives was so tender it practically melted with a fork, and I ate it up on their cozy rooftop surrounded by colorful cushions and terracotta walls. Heaven.
For a sunset moment with your tagine, I also loved Dardar Rooftop — stylish, cool, and with the kind of view that makes you pause mid-bite just to stare at the medina rooftops below.
TIP: I have to tell you that if you will end up loving Tagine so much, like I did, consider taking a class to learn how to prepare it. It is worth it. You will learn all about the ingredients and Moroccan traditions and leave this place not only with great memories, but also with a new cooking recipe. And as a plus you can buy Tagine cooking dishes from all around the souks.
🥧 2. Pastilla (B’stilla)
Pastilla was the dish that completely surprised me. Sweet and savory wrapped in one — thin pastry stuffed with shredded chicken, spiced almonds, and finished off with powdered sugar and cinnamon. It shouldn’t work, but it absolutely does. I tried my first one at Le Jardin, tucked away behind an unassuming door in the medina. You walk in and suddenly you’re in this lush, green courtyard with birds chirping — and then comes the flaky, cinnamon-dusted magic on your plate.
If you see seafood pastilla on a menu (especially at places like Nomad), don’t hesitate. That one’s for adventurous foodies.
🍽 3. Couscous
If there’s a dish that tastes like home-cooked comfort, it’s Moroccan couscous. Traditionally eaten on Fridays, but luckily available for us visitors almost any day, couscous is fluffy, buttery, and usually topped with tender vegetables or slow-cooked meat.
I had the best couscous of my trip at Le Jardin (yes, I went twice — I regret nothing). Sitting under the trees, I ordered the couscous with seven vegetables, and it came with this flavorful broth poured over the top. Rich, filling, and perfect after getting lost in the souks for two hours longer than planned.
Pro tip: Marrakech is packed with incredible places to eat, but don’t leave it all to chance—a lot of the best rooftops and trendy spots require reservations, especially around sunset. Places like Nomad, Dardar, or even Le Jardin can fill up quickly. So if you’ve got your eye on that dreamy rooftop dinner overlooking the medina — book ahead. Totally worth the effort.
🍢 4. Brochettes (Moroccan Kebabs)
Still thinking about what to eat in Marrakech? When you’re wandering the maze that is this city and suddenly realize you’re starving, brochettes are the answer. Grilled lamb, chicken, or beef skewers — smoky, juicy, and usually served with cumin salt on the side for dipping.
I paired mine with a cold drink at Dardar Rooftop (I basically started living there by the end of my trip), where they serve brochettes alongside colorful salads and incredible views over the Kasbah area. There’s nothing like spicy lamb skewers with the call to prayer echoing across the rooftops.
🍬 5. Chebakia
Chebakia became my little obsession. These sesame cookies, fried until golden, then dipped in honey and sprinkled with sesame seeds, are sticky, sweet, and perfect with mint tea. I grabbed handfuls from little stalls in the medina while dodging motorbikes and donkeys.
One of my favorite Marrakech routines? Late afternoon tea and chebakia at Café des Épices, sitting on their rooftop, people-watching while the market below buzzed like an old radio.
🍊 6. Fresh Orange Juice
Marrakech oranges are in a league of their own. I lost count of how many glasses of fresh-squeezed orange juice I had in Jemaa el-Fnaa. Bright, sweet, ice-cold, and costing basically the same as pocket change. After a long afternoon dodging enthusiastic shopkeepers in the souks, this juice tastes like victory.
Let’s Talk About Alcohol in Marrakech
Okay, here’s the deal: Morocco is a Muslim country, so drinking alcohol isn’t part of the regular dining experience—but it’s not banned. You’ll find alcohol in:
- Certain hotels
- Some riad restaurants catering to tourists
- Designated liquor stores in the city (but they’re discreet)
Don’t expect cocktails with your tagine at the local souk. Instead—order a mint tea. Moroccan mint tea is a whole vibe. Sweet, hot, fresh mint, poured with flair from a silver teapot. Honestly? It’s better than wine on a hot Marrakech afternoon.
Cafés in Marrakech: More Than Just Coffee
Let’s get one thing clear: Morocco knows how to do cafés. But don’t expect flat whites or oat milk lattes everywhere. What you’ll get is strong nus-nus (half coffee, half milk), usually served in small glasses. Sit on a terrace, order a nus-nus or mint tea, and just watch the world go by. That’s Marrakech café culture.
One of my favorite spots? Café des Épices — rooftop views, a cozy vibe, and delicious fresh juices alongside the coffee. Perfect place to escape the bustle for an hour.
Still wondering if Marrakech is worth visiting? Find out why that’s a definitely yes in my 10 Reasons to visit Marrakech article.
Things I Wish I’d Known About Eating in Marrakech
Looking back, here’s what I wish someone told me before my first Marrakech food adventure:
- Be adventurous, but don’t be afraid to say no. Locals will offer you tastes of things, but if you’re unsure—just politely smile and decline.
- Ask the price before you order. Especially in the main square—some stalls will “forget” to mention how much that plate of kebabs costs until you’ve eaten half of it.
- Don’t overdo it on the sweets. Moroccan pastries are incredible, but that sugar crash will hit hard under the Marrakech sun.
- Carry small change. Many street stalls won’t have change for large bills.
Final Thoughts: Your Ultimate Food Adventure Awaits
Marrakech isn’t just about ticking dishes off a list—it’s about the experience. The rooftop dinners with sunset views, the hidden cafés behind unmarked doors, the shopkeeper offering you pastries you’ve never heard of before — that’s where the real magic happens. And honestly, that’s what I loved most about eating here: it’s not perfect, it’s not always predictable, but it’s always worth it.
I hope my experience is going to be helpful for planning your trip to Marrakech and beyond. Now that you know all the incredible things that you should try in Marrakech, make sure to check out my guide on Affordable places to visit in Marrakech to continue planning your trip.
And if you want to dive deeper into Morocco or start mapping out your next trip, I’m here for that too. Through Journeyintheclouds, I help travelers build personal, exciting itineraries that go beyond the basics.
Ready for your next adventure? Let’s make it unforgettable.
