The real moroccan food experience
Coming to marrakech you are easily overwhelmed by all the restaurants who try to convince you have dinner at their place. Or you checked the web first and were super intrigued by all the super cool looking places, bringing new york vibes. Being there we felt the urge to explore the more authentic traditional morocco rather than being a place which looks like the regular instagram post from every other european city. So this is why we are hitting you up with the inside tips on where to have your real moroccan dinner.
Le Foundok
One of my personal highlights of the trip: A truly authentic Moroccan dining experience in a very special setting, recommended to me by a friend. The restaurant is tucked away in the narrow streets of the medina and you have to know where to look. After knocking on the heavy wooden door, we were greeted with warm napkins to clean our hands, which smelled amazing. Inside the Foundok is decorated in warm colours with lots of red and candles. We were ushered to the mezzanine where we had an amazing view of the open courtyard below. For dinner we ordered tajine and couscous and were really impressed with the taste and good service. Also note that this restaurant serves alcohol, so we enjoyed a nice bottle of wine while watching the other tables around us, which were all full. So be sure to book in advance.
Ksar Essaoussan
Finding the Essassouane is a challenge, at least it was for us. Despite following all the signs in the medina, we ended up in a narrow street that was a dead end. But after asking, we found the heavy wooden door in this dead end and rang the bell. It is amazing how hidden these traditional restaurants are. We suspect that they may have to be closed altogether because they are allowed to serve wine? Inside, Essassouane is really nice, with an open courtyard and alcoves around the perimeter. When we visited in January, the ceiling of the patio was closed, but the atmosphere was still very special. We were the only visitors apart from an English couple and were served very attentively. What is really special about this place is that the menu is fixed. For 450 dirhams you get a huge selection of Moroccan salads on an etagere, which were amazing, and then you choose whether you want tajine or couscous. The portions were huge and the price also includes half a bottle of wine per person and an aperitif, as well as dessert and Moroccan sweets. I would do it again just for the experience.
