The Atlantic has always been Essaouira’s lifeblood. This Moroccan city takes inspiration from its oceanic and cosmopolitan heritage, crafting an inventive cuisine infused with new influences. Here’s a glimpse of some of our favorite spots.
In its prime during the trans-Saharan trade, the Atlantic Ocean brought prosperity to the city, with its port serving as a vital outlet. Today, Essaouira moves to the rhythm of fishing boats that return daily, seagulls circling above, with hauls of fresh fish. Sardines, John Dory, sea bass, red mullet, lobsters, spider crabs—the ocean’s bounty fills the table. Just inland, a fertile countryside offers even more: argan oil with a hint of hazelnut, artisanal goat cheeses, organic vegetables, and even finger limes or local wines! A new wave of Moroccan chefs is using these treasures to create fresh, modern flavors that reflect the city’s deep-rooted cosmopolitanism. Whether dining by the sea, in the cozy corners of an old palace, or beneath the arches of a historic warehouse, here are six trendy best restaurants in Essaouira to discover!
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Dar Baba Restaurant & More
The latest spot with arty decor by John Quinn, a trendy decorator, and a table that has already made its way. Large dining room or discreet alcoves with vintage furniture: in the evening, candles and 70s lighting diffuse a half-pop, half-intimate atmosphere served by an excellent soundtrack. On the menu, Spanish-style tapas to nibble on with fruit and spice cocktails and tasty dishes at low prices combining Mediterranean influences, nods to Asia and local products. Professional and friendly service orchestrated by Omar, the master of the place, and the cherry on the cake (the Amlou tiramisu, the “Berber Nutella”), soon a rooftop to dine under the stars!
Prices: between €4 and €9 for tapas, €10 to €15 for a main course, €5 for dessert.
Dar Baba Restaurant & More , 2 rue de Marrakech, Essaouira 44000, Morocco.
Love by Caravane
A large metal LOVE sign on the wall, bold purples, yellows, and greens all around, and a serene Buddha statue keeping watch over the tables: just steps from the medina, welcome to the vibrant, whimsical world of a painter who’s captivated by color! His motto? “Bringer of happiness”—and that’s exactly what you’ll find here, along with small gourmet bites to enjoy under vintage-style lounges or on the sun-drenched patio.
Will it be beetroot tartare with fresh goat cheese, marinated sardines, or crispy fish fritters? The menu is a playful mix of local ingredients, fresh from the ocean and inspired by the owner’s far-flung travels from Guadeloupe to Saint Barth’. Everything is fresh, flavorful, and served with a smile, as the ever-cheerful owner shares his infectious good vibes!
Prices: between €12 and €20 for the daily special. Open for lunch and dinner.
Love by Caravane , 5 rue Qadi Ayad, Essaouira 44000, Morocco.
The Blue Hour Palace
An English bar for a cozy drink in a club chair, and an oriental lounge draped in red velvet and rich brown woodwork for a dinner fit for a pasha: Heure Bleue Palais transports you to the golden era of old Mogador, when cosmopolitan living flourished, fueled by the diversity of its bustling port. In the kitchen, Ahmed Handour, a creative chef, brings together influences reminiscent of the ancient caravan routes.
A delicate emulsion of ras el hanout—Morocco’s signature spice blend—graces the catch of the day cooked on the plancha, while a touch of argan oil elevates the lobster medallion. For dessert, a vanilla chiboust cream envelops a delicate fruit pastilla. The experience reaches its peak with the perfect pairing of these dishes with the house wine, “L’Heure Bleue de Val d’Argan”, crafted at the only vineyard in the region. Pure elegance.
Prices: menu from €30, 3-course menu €45, excluding drinks. In the evening, lunch on the terrace at noon.
Blue Hour Palace (Relais & Châteaux), 2 rue Ibn Batouta, Essaouira 44000, Morocco.
Silvestro
It’s a hidden gem, quietly located upstairs. You won’t come for the quirky decor—think large floral wallpaper and tiles nodding to a maritime theme—but for the delicious cuisine and the warm, family-run vibe that brings a touch of Italy to Essaouira.
Behind the window, you’ll find Giuseppe, the maestro himself, working the pizza oven with precision, while the women of the family tend to large pots simmering with seafood linguine, osso bucco, or the catch of the day. The dishes are paired perfectly with Moroccan and Italian wines, all while smooth jazz standards play in the background.
During busy times, enjoy a generous spritz and an authentic Italian cheese, and a cold-cut platter as you wait for your meal. It’s all about the flavors and the cozy, familial atmosphere here!
Prices: €25 – €30, drinks included. Open for lunch and dinner.
Silvestro , 70 rue Laalouj, Essaouira 44000, Morocco.
La Table by Madada
With its grand stone arches towering over the tables, the setting feels like a scene straight out of Othello, Orson Welles’ iconic film shot in Essaouira. This spot has a history—a former carob warehouse, once a treasure of the bustling old commercial port. Today, it’s a cozy hideaway where you can savor the flavors of the ocean, brought straight from the nearby fishing port.
The menu blends tradition with modern flair: couscous reimagined with salmon and prawns, a decadent spider crab gratin, or a surprising lobster pastilla. The dishes are a fresh take on time-honored techniques of traditional cooks, infused with the creative touch of Souad Ezzahidy, a talented young chef trained at Essaouira’s culinary school, bringing contemporary twists to classic flavors.
Prices: main courses between €13 and €20, desserts €6. La Table is only open in the evening, by reservation, from 7 p.m. to 11 p.m.
La Table by Madada , 7 rue Youssef El Fassi, Essaouira 44000, Morocco.
Ocean Vagabond
This boho-chic spot is nestled in a large wooden cabin right on the beach. Whether you’ve just finished a kite-surfing lesson or simply want to relax, kick off your sandals and settle under the shade of mimosas on the expansive terrace. The menu offers something for everyone: from pizzas and burgers to salads made with organic vegetables fresh from the on-site garden, along with the daily catch or crispy meats from the daily specials. It’s a blend of brasserie comfort with a touch of bistronomy flair.
After a meal and a refreshing mint tea, the real relaxation begins. With beds and deckchairs lined up facing the ocean, you can drift into a peaceful nap, lulled by the sound of the waves and the gentle sight of dromedaries passing by.
Prices: around €5/8 for a pizza, between €14 and €18 for fish or meat of the day. From noon to 5 p.m. from Sunday to Thursday, in the evening on Fridays, Saturdays and during school holidays.
Ocean Vagabond Restaurant , La plage, Boulevard Mohamed VI, BP103, Essaouira 44000, Morocco.
