Dining al fresco in Marrakech

28 Jun Dining al fresco in Marrakech

Summertime and the living is easy. At least that’s how we’re feeling at Riad 72. Days are longer. Evenings are warmer and drinks are colder.

So when we renovated the riad last year, an expanding dining area on the rooftop terrace was vital. With stunning views of the old Marrakech medina and surrounded by mosques big and small for the magical feeling as the muezzin calls the prayer, our rooftop terrace is a popular spot for dining al fresco.

With a menu blending Mediterranean flavours with traditional Moroccan cuisine, our creative menu is changing regularly depending on what’s in season.

When we’re not in the riad, we enjoy heading out to the following restaurants for al fresco dining in the Marrakech medina.

 Dar Zellij
This traditional riad-style restaurant serving traditional Moroccan cuisine, is open to the skies in traditional style. Grab a table on the courtyard after starting with a sunset drink on the rooftop terrace and dine under the orange trees in this centuries-old building.

Latitude 31
Just steps from Riad 72 and with an innovative menu, this restaurant is trendy and fun both in menu and décor. Dine in the courtyard of the riad or seek shelter from the sun in one of the dining areas off the large courtyard. From start to finish this restaurant tempts our taste buds: the amuse-bouche are a welcome treat while the desserts are delightful!

Zwin Zwin Café
With lovely views over a Glaoui palace, this little café has a simple menu and refreshing fruit juices. Head up to the rooftop terrace for great views of the Badii Palace in the distance as the storks fly overhead. Best for lunch or light dinners as the menu is not too complex.

Nomad 
With stunning views of the spice square, Rabha Kdima, and its sister restaurant Cafe des Epices, Nomad serves up a modern take on the Moroccan cuisine, but also in serving ware and the décor. It’s clean and fresh and perfect for lunch, dinner, or just an afternoon drink.

Le Jardin
Tucked in an old riad not far from Riad Due, Le Jardin is one of our favourite places to escape the hustle and bustle of the Marrakech medina. Whether for a coffee in one of the cozy corners, lunch on the shady patio or dinner up on the rooftop terrace, the menu here features great light Moroccan dishes.

 Jemaa el Fna stall #14
We cannot forget the famous stall #14 in Jemaa el Fna, also known as the best place for calamari in town. It may not be fancy dining, but the experience is local and the food finger-licking good. Order a side of zaalouk (eggplant dip) and tomato sauce to accompany your freshly fried calamari.