Jemaa el-Fna square is one of the most extraordinary places in the world to experience Moroccan food. As night falls, the square transforms into an open-air food theatre: grilled meats, slow-simmered tagines, snail soup, fresh orange juice. Experiencing this at least once during a stay in Marrakech is a must.
Street Food Safety and Hygiene Tips
Always choose the busiest stalls, where food is cooked to order right in front of you rather than prepared in advance. Take note of general cleanliness and ingredient freshness. Drink sealed bottled water rather than tap water, and start gently if your stomach isn't used to local spices.
Rooftops, Restaurants, and Dishes Not to Miss
The rooftop terraces lining Jemaa el-Fna offer a great sunset view. In the narrow streets nearby, you'll find a wide range of more formal restaurants. Several dishes are worth trying: tagine, Friday couscous, sweet-and-savory pastilla, hearty harira, and melt-in-the-mouth mechoui.
Our riad, Riad Dar Kawkawa, just a 3-minute walk from the square in Hay Laksour, is an ideal base for exploring all these options on foot.