Where to Eat in Essaouira? Discover the Best Restaurants
Written on : 07 May 2021 By : Laura Wendy Harders López
Towering walls, white and blue façades, creamy-sand beaches, the blowing of the trade winds; Essaouira, best known as the Bride of the Atlantic, is a beautiful Moroccan town steeped in history that seems to have got lost in time. It also boasts excellent gastronomy, with an emphasis on seafood and fish. One of the best ways to get acquainted with the culture is by trying their local cuisines. That's why Villanovo has put together a list of the best restaurants in Essaouira for you to enjoy a pleasant meal in a lovely setting. Bon appétit!
La Table by Madada consists of a restaurant, lounge bar and a cooking atelier, located in a district steeped in history, in the heart of the old Portuguese medina. Offering an intimate and cosy atmosphere in an elegant Moroccan-styled dining area, one can enjoy a wide range of tapas and dishes. Its menu combines traditional Moroccan with French and Spanish cuisines, strongly emphasising high-quality fish and seafood dishes. Some of their most highly-acclaimed meals are the octopus carpaccio with ginger and lime, along with the lobster salad. Maximum attention to detail has been paid, such as their live music shows with local artists, all of them carefully selected and in keeping with the restaurant's concept.
Address: 7 Rue Youssef El Fassi, Esauira 44000 Marruecos Telephone: +212 5244-75512
Le Cosy
In the famous Taros building of Essaouira, you'll find Le Cosy, a French bistro-restaurant with a Moroccan influence that lives up to its name. It boasts an elegant but intimate atmosphere, with a menu that includes delicious Moroccan and Mediterranean cuisines such as seafood cassolette, crab ravioli, goat tagine and oysters. Its star dessert being the orange soufflé.
The staff have also been highly commended for being very professional, friendly and fun. Le Cosy also holds live music with local artists, singing in French or Arabic.
Address: Place Moulay Hassan - 2 rue Skala 1st floor Taros Café Restaurant, Essaouira 44000 Telephone: +212 611-886971
Taro's
One of the few places in the city where they serve alcohol, Taro's is the most popular bar-terrace in Essaouira to enjoy daily live music whilst savouring delicious seafood and fish. It's a perfect place to relax to the sound of the sea and admire the panoramic city views and the Atlantic ocean. It boasts different-storey terraces where one can get carried away by the bohemian essence of Essaouira whilst enjoying an international atmosphere. Housed in the same building, people dining at Le Cosy restaurant usually head up to Taro's for drinks and enjoy live music performances, such as Berber shows.
Address: Place Moulay Hassan, Essaouira 44000 Telephone: +212 5244-76407
L'Heure Bleue Palais
L'Heure Bleue Palais is one of the most exclusive restaurants in Essaouira. Maximum attention to detail has been placed on this gem, with an elegant and oriental atmosphere reminiscent of a palace. Its menu proposes a wide range of sophisticated local cuisines such as delicious couscous. Their chef Ahmed also opens its kitchen for cookery classes, where he shares his special recipes and culinary tips with guests. One can head up to its panoramic roof terrace that features a swimming pool and breathtaking views of the Old town at sunset. On weekends they hold special theme nights where the atmosphere becomes more festive, and menus are continually renewed for guests to discover new flavours.
Address: 2 Rue Ibn Batouta Bab Marrakech, Essaouira Telephone: +212 5247-83434
Zahra's Grill
At the end of Essaouira's promenade, located on the top floor of Riad Zahra, you will find Zahra's Grill. This restaurant brings you the catch of the day from the ocean to your table. Specialised in delicious fish and seafood dishes from mussels, razor-clams, lobster, spiny lobster, sea bass to monkish, octopus and much more, one will enjoy excellent cuisine in a pleasant and peaceful setting. It boasts a cosy and beautiful interior with views of the riad's swimming pool and Essaouira's beach. The staff are very friendly, warm, and professional.
Situated in a peaceful rural setting sits La Fromagerie, a Moroccan-style restaurant and artisanal cheese factory that specialises in delicious sheep cheeses. Their menu offers full-course meals serving 5-6 dishes that include different-flavoured artisan cheeses with other Moroccan cuisines such as tajines, salads, and sardines. The restaurant is set up in a lovely chalet with camels at the entrance. Upon arrival, you'll be greeted by owner Abderazzak, a friendly man with a passion for philosophy and cheese, that will kindly explain each dish composition and process. It has tastefully decorated dining areas and an inner courtyard to disconnect from the hustle and bustle of the Moroccan medinas.
Address: Route Cotiere de Safi 44000 Essaouira Telephone: +212 607-250751
Le Clé de Voute
Le Clé de Voute serves a wide variety of typical Moroccan cuisines. With its hearty and plentiful courses, it's recommended to attend with an empty stomach. Their dishes are meticulously prepared and beautifully displayed, offering a mix of mouth-watering flavours. Among customers' favourites are the Lamb with fez and caramelized pears, Monkfish with garlic cream and Safran, and Ravioli with crabs. The dining area is tastefully decorated and boasts a cosy and intimate atmosphere, with an efficient and friendly service.
Address: 76, rue derb Lallouj, Essaouira 44000 Telephone: +212 604-127905
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