Best food in Morocco you absolutely MUST try!

Last Updated on March 3, 2026 by Lauren Allen

Morocco is a vibrant country full of culture, beauty and amazing food. Well, if you know where to find it that is! As a traveller, you may want to delve deep into what the country has to offer. This should without a doubt include traditional Moroccan cuisine. In this post, I will share everything you need to know about the best food in Morocco in addition to some of the best restaurants in the country! 

Let’s dive right into this list of Moroccan foods (and drinks) that you MUST try…

Best food in Morocco: 11 Traditional Moroccan foods and drinks to try on your next trip!

Couscous

As the most famous food in Morocco, you can’t visit the country without trying couscous at least once. It’s a weekly tradition for Moroccan families to eat couscous on Fridays after their religious duties. It’s a time when families and loved ones come together to enjoy each other’s company with great food. As such, it’s a must-do if you want to partake in a Moroccan tradition while on your trip and it’s one that I highly recommend! 

Tagine

Another food that you must try in Morocco is tagine. Often served with either lamb, chicken, beef or fish, typical tagine ingredients include fruit, vegetables, spices, tomatoes, garlic and onion.

If you’re not a big fan of meat or fish, you can opt for a traditional vegetable tagine instead. While I much prefer couscous, I’ve had my fair share of delicious tagine while travelling around Morocco! 

Freshly baked bread

As you’re exploring Morocco, you will notice it’s pretty much impossible to visit a restaurant without being served bread upon arrival. The quality of the bread varies, but some restaurants bake the bread extremely well. Just make sure you leave room for what you’ve actually ordered! 

Hummus

A food typical in Middle Eastern countries, hummus is a well-loved healthy dip perfectly paired with bread, vegetables or falafel. Across Morocco, hummus is typically made with a variety of ingredients including chickpeas, olive oil, spices, lemon juice, garlic and sesame seed paste.

Zalouk 

A tasty dip made from aubergine, garlic, tomatoes and spices, zalouk can be served alongside potato, meat or fish dishes. Alternatively, it can be enjoyed solely with bread for a delicious Moroccan snack! 

Shakshuka

Although the origin of shakshuka is argued, there is no denying that it’s a popular dish in Morocco. Commonly made with eggs, tomatoes, spices, onion, peppers and olive oil, it’s a fragrant dish popular amongst locals and travellers.

As well as being particularly healthy, it’s also vegetarian friendly, making it a great option for brunch when served with some fresh Moroccan bread. 

Harira soup 

A traditional hearty soup, you will find harira on the menu at many cafes and restaurants in Morocco. It’s the perfect meal to enjoy if you happen to be visiting Morocco in the shoulder season as it can warm you right up during the chilly evenings. Give it a try and see for yourself! 

Moroccan cookies 

If you have a sweet tooth like me, be sure to try out Moroccan cookies! During my time in Rabat, I stumbled across Café Maure. Not only does this spot boast perhaps the best view in the city, but they also serve an array of delicious Moroccan cookies. They were some of the best I’ve tasted during my travels and I loved them so much, I went back twice! 

If you’re attending a cooking class at Cafe Clock in Fez, you will have the opportunity to bake some Moroccan cookies. Alternatively, you can consider joining a baking class while in the country if that’s something you’d prefer!

Read more: Why you should add Morocco to your bucket list

Popular drinks in Morocco

So we’ve covered food, but what are the most popular drinks in Morocco? 

Mint tea

In my opinion, you can’t visit Morocco without trying mint tea at least once. It’s a symbol of Moroccan hospitality and you will often be served mint tea upon checking in to your riad, arriving at your dessert camp or as you shop in a store. As such, it’s the perfect opportunity to get chatting with the locals as you sip on the most famous drink in Morocco. 

One of my favourite memories from my latest trip was sitting down to drink some mint tea with a store owner. Not only did this owner not harass me into making a purchase, but he offered tips for visiting Morocco and shared restaurant recommendations. It was lovely!

Moroccan spiced coffee

If you prefer coffee, don’t worry. Morocco has you covered! Across the country, spiced coffee is particularly popular. It’s made with dark coffee and yep, you guessed it, spices (shock horror). While you can get a variety of coffees in Morocco, this is one to try for a more cultural experience! 

If you’re looking for a great coffee spot in Marrakech, Cafe Bacha (located inside the Museum of Confluence) is a must-visit! They boast a menu of over 200 coffees or brews to choose from meaning it will be pretty impossible to find one you won’t enjoy.

Freshly squeezed orange juice

Morocco is a hot country which means you will want to hydrate yourself regularly. One of the best ways to do this is by stopping by one of the many orange juice stands as you explore. Freshly squeezed orange juice in Morocco is very refreshing! 

Alternatively, you can try other fruit juices if you’re not a fan of oranges as many juice stands have a mix of fruit on hand to whip up anything you might fancy.

Tips for finding the best places for food in Morocco 

If you want to hit up the very best restaurants in Morocco, take these tips on board: 

• Ask the locals: Asking the local residents where to eat is often a good move. They will share the best places to eat outside of the tourist hot spots and you are likely to find some true hidden gems! 
• Check out reviews: I never used to do this, but trust me when I say that checking the reviews is always a good idea. My top tip is to filter the results by ‘most recent’ to see what previous diners thought of the quality, service and overall vibe of a particular restaurant.
• Look for crowds: If a particular place looks busy, it’s likely because it’s good. If the restaurant can squeeze you in, give it a try!

Should you attend a Moroccan cooking class?

If you’re visiting Morocco for more than a few days, attending a cooking class is a fantastic way to immerse yourself in the local culture. During the class, you will head out into the crazy souks of whichever city you’re visiting and hand-pick the ingredients yourself. Then with guidance, you’ll head back to the kitchen and cook up a storm.

Not only is it an amazing cultural experience, but you’ll get to have a more in-depth conversation with a local. This is a fab way to get an insight into local life!

During my cooking class in Fez, the cook was a woman the same age as me and as nobody else signed up for the cooking class that day, we got to talk a fair bit which I found extremely interesting! 

How long does it take to cook Moroccan food?

It depends on what you are making, but typically, cooking Moroccan food from scratch is not a fast process. If you are considering attending a cooking class, keep in mind that they are typically 4-5 hours long. 

The best cooking classes in Morocco

• Marrakech cooking class with a local Moroccan family 
• Full-day cooking class in the historical gem of Fez
• Traditional Moroccan cooking class with a market visit in Marrakech 
• Family-style Moroccan cooking class in the seaside city of Essaouira 
• Cooking class in a family home in the capital city of Rabat

The best restaurants in Morocco

Le Jardin – Marrakech

As one of the best spots I dined at during my whole month in Morocco, this list would not be complete without recommending Le Jardin. Situated in the heart of the Marrakech medina, this place is a must-try if you are in the red city! 

You can choose from a wide range of dishes such as Moroccan hummus, salads, burgers, sandwiches, tagine and much more. Enjoy as you dine surrounded by greenery and aesthetic decor. 

Aside from amazing food and a beautiful setting, the waiters and waitresses offer some of the best service in the city making it worthy of the top of your restaurant list in Marrakech!

Cafe Arabe – Marrakech

Looking for a tasty breakfast in Marrakech? Then head to Cafe Arabe. They serve up a variety of options depending on how hungry you are. I went for the light option and was still served orange juice, a selection of baked goods, fresh fruit, yoghurt and honey. All of which was incredibly delicious and in fact, the best breakfast I ate in Morocco. In my opinion, this is an ideal spot if you are looking for quality and value for money.

Restaurant Bab Sahra – Fez

If you’re on the hunt for an Instagram-worthy restaurant, look no further than Restaurant Bab Sahra. While service can be a little slow and communication can get challenging, the food was delicious.

Furthermore, the whole restaurant is like a true work of art! You’ll find intricate tile work everywhere which makes for a beautiful setting to enjoy your meal. 

Lastly, there is often live music at the restaurant which means you get to enjoy a traditional Moroccan experience while you dine. How amazing! 

Cafe Clock – Fez, Marrakech and Chefchaouen 

As one of the most popular restaurants in Fez, you simply must try Cafe Clock if you’re in the city. This well-loved establishment has a story that I can relate to. When its owner Mike Richardson visited Morocco’s historical gem back in 2006, he loved the city so much that he made it the home of Cafe Clock.

In recent years, the restaurant has expanded, meaning you can now visit Cafe Clock in Marrakech and the blue city of Chefchaouen.

While the cafe serves an array of delicious foods from salads and tagines to their famous camel burger, that isn’t all they have to offer! Cafe Clock prides itself on offering cultural experiences. They do this through cooking classes, live music, workshops and much more. 

After visiting two of their restaurants and attending a cooking class myself, I can’t recommend Cafe Clock enough! 

Moms Touch – Fez

Another great place to eat in Fez is Mom’s Touch. Situated right in the heart of the medina, it’s in a prime location if you’re hitting up many of the top attractions in the city. Plus, the staff that work here are so super welcoming and friendly that I went back a few times while in the city.

FAQ about food in Morocco 

Is it safe to eat at street food spots?

While exploring Morocco, you may be tempted to stop by a street food stand. If that’s something you want to check off your Moroccan bucket list, go ahead! However, consider looking for a spot that seems popular with locals. That’s typically when you’ve hit the jackpot in terms of tasty food! 

For example, I visited a particular bread stand in Fez while shopping for ingredients during my cooking class. I noticed that it was super popular with the locals and had quite the crowd on a regular occurrence. The bread was so yummy that I went back several times during my time in the city and will 100% go back on any future visits to Fez.

Is the best food in Morocco expensive for tourists?

In short, no. Eating out in Morocco really doesn’t need to be expensive. It’s certainly a lot cheaper than it is in the UK! However, it very much depends on where you go. Some spots are really quite pricey such as the on-site restaurant at Palais Amani or Nur in Fez. 

If you’re looking to keep costs down, just check the menu online beforehand. But don’t be afraid to treat yourself if that’s what you want! Moroccan food is a feast for the senses. 

What is the most delicious Moroccan dish?

This is, of course, a matter of opinion. Personally, I’m a big fan of couscous (especially with raisins). Additionally, hummus is also particularly delicious!

Does Moroccan food cater to vegetarian and vegan people?

Absolutely! Everywhere you go in Morocco, you will be able to find vegetarian or vegan-friendly dishes. While there may only be one or two if you’re in the middle of nowhere or a little off the beaten path, big cities such as Fez and Marrakech have an array of options. 

What is the best city for eating out in Morocco?

In my personal opinion, the best city for eating out in Morocco is Marrakech. As one of the most visited destinations in Morocco, Marrakech has an array of popular cafes and restaurants that are well worth visiting. Not only are there some incredible options in terms of food, but the decor in many of these spots is second to none! 

Things to know before eating out in Morocco?

There are a few things to be aware of before eating out in Morocco. The first one is that while not mandatory, tips are expected if you have enjoyed your meal or service. Secondly, tap water is not drinkable across much of the country. This means that if you’d like to drink water, you’ll need to buy it bottled.

Lastly, I highly recommend booking restaurants in advance. If you don’t, you may be left disappointed when you can’t get a table. A lot of the places that I shared on this list get booked up in advance so make sure you plan and get booked in!

Has this post about the best food in Morocco inspired you to book a visit? Or have you already been and eaten your way around the country? Let me know in the comments section below!