What to eat Marrakech? culinary specialties and gastronomy

Most establishments open for lunch from 12pm to 3pm, and in the evening from 7pm to 11pm. But it all depends on their category. As the city is very touristy, many of them are open all week long.

You can have lunch for less than €10 in a small neighborhood restaurant serving a local dish of the day. Establishments offering international cuisine (Japanese, Italian, etc.) charge prices closer to the French range. Credit cards are accepted almost everywhere, but always bring cash for the simpler places, such as Place Jemaâ el Fna or the small, popular restaurants.

In some of the local gargotes, as soon as you're seated, small plates of olives, bread and even a bottle of water are placed in front of you: beware, everything has to be paid for and is displayed on the obligatory menus. Refuse if this is not your choice. Generally speaking, if you're satisfied with the service, it's customary to leave around 10% of the total bill.

Don't be surprised to see Moroccans eating with their fingers instead of a fork, whether the tagine is communal or individual. Similarly, couscous is traditionally eaten with a spoon. To try it is to adopt it.

If you're tempted by the communal dish experience, or if you're a guest in a family home, remember to use your right hand only.

Children are welcome in all our establishments, some of which offer a special children's menu.

Morocco passed a law banning smoking in public places two decades ago, but it is not enforced. Traditionally, people still enjoy smoking on café terraces.

There are plenty of touts in the main square, and this can be confusing at times. Don't be impressed by their insistence or malice, and choose to sit wherever you like. The "gargotes" (taverns) that are taken over by locals who don't hesitate to queue for a seat are generally trustworthy and of good quality.

Happy hour is a worldwide phenomenon that has also spread to Morocco, and is usually found in hotel bars where alcohol is served. Between 6.30pm and 7.30pm, you can enjoy a free drink or half-price cocktails. Don't hesitate to ask if it's not advertised.

Alcohol consumption remains a complex subject in Morocco, but in theory it is forbidden for Muslims. The law stipulates that it is "forbidden for any operator of a licensed establishment to sell or offer alcoholic beverages or alcoholic beverages free of charge to Moroccan Muslims", who can be fined or even imprisoned. Only foreigners have free access, in hotels or nightclub bars, or in casinos. In reality, however, many Moroccans drink wine (which the country produces), so the law is totally out of step with reality. There is still a long way to go before alcohol is decriminalized...

If you stroll through the medina in the afternoon, you may be tempted to try the famous Sfenj (meaning sponge), a large doughnut eaten sprinkled with sugar as a snack, with mint tea of course. Soft on the inside and crisp on the outside, they can be heard crackling as they are dipped in hot oil by the "moul sfenj" who prepares them on the street, often near cafés, and only at very specific times. It's a very popular experience, and one that few visitors are willing to indulge in.