travel bites: Marrakech

eat / drink
Food Stalls – Djemaa el-Fna From around 6.30 each night,the Djemaa el-Fna is converted to an outdoor food hall. Carts and donkeys bring all manner of cuisine – from snails to salads, kebabs to harira (soup). Cheap and cheerful – with the added bonus of aural and visual assault as you munch down.

Café des Espices – stop for lunch at this great little café in the heart of the spice square in the souk. Fresh sandwiches, and a fantastic roof terrace with a view across the markets. www.cafedesepices.net

Narwama The Interior of this restaurant has to be seen to be believed. Taking a turn off an alleyway (derb) near Jemaa El Fna (the main square), wind down an unassuming lane lined with rugs and candles before entering another world. The two styles of cuisine offered – Thai and Moroccan – sit comfortably together and the service is attentive. Like an old world palace – eat, drink (try the delicious Mojitos – the best in the city) and make believe you’re a princess. www.narwama.mr 30 Rue Koutoubia near the Jardin de La Koutoubia Tel: 024 44 0844

Dar Moha Cross modern Moroccan cuisine with French silver service and the result is Dar Moha: four courses of delectable gastronomy seated in the stunning surrounds of the former home of fashion designer Pierre Balmain. 81 rue Dar el Bacha Tel: +212 44 386400

Le Fondouk Set in a converted fondouk (riad style house with barn underneath), this gem of a restaurant is popular with young Marrakechis. Le Foundouk offers both French and Moroccan cuisine, as well as chic, moody décor. A little difficult to find, butit’s all part of the adventure – once you spot a lamp-carrying guide dressed in traditional Moroccan attire you’re in safe hands. If you’re there in summer, ask for the roof terrace. 55 Souk Hal Fassi Kaât Bennahid Tel: +212 44 378190

Tagine the national dish of morocco. A delicious stew, slow cooked in a clay tagine pot. You’ll find various flavours of tagine everywhere in Morocco – chicken with preserved lemons, lamb with tomatoes and olives. Mop up the sauce with a soft piece of bread. Mmmmmm.

sleep
Riad Magellan Simply stunning. Down a dark and dank alley deep in the heart of the medina, open an unassuming heavy wood door to find serenity. Privately owned with wonderful staff and every detail perfectly managed. From the rose petals on your pillow to breakfast in the morning – anywhere and anytime, Riad Magellan hits the spot. http://www.riadmagellan.com

Riad Zahara Owned by a Parisian family, this newly refurbished riad is a sanctuary in the heart of chaos. Spacious rooms, great showers and fabulous hosts. 54 Derb N’khel – Rahba Kdima, Medina, Marrakech Tel +33 1 42 85 51 55 www.darzahara.com

See/ do
The Medina The 11th Century walled city is the soul of Marrakech. Inside you’ll be drawn to its heart, Djemaa el-Fna, the central plaza where snake charmers, food stalls and entertainers draw in the crowds for their nightly performance. The sounds and smells of the square are an experience you can’t miss. Head into the souks for spices, herbs, slippers, carpets and poufs – as well as iron-ware and glass.

Riad Dar Tim Tam When the heat and folly of the souks reaches a critical point, take a moment at Riad Dar Tim Tam. Rumoured to be the oldest in Marrakech, this riad is a true sanctuary. Down a narrow alleyway and behind aged wooden doors you will find peace. The subtle, monastery toned interior will instantly calm you. Head to the roof terrace, order a mint tea and ease into bliss.
44 Rue Rahba Kedima Tel +244 391 446

Get scrubbed down in Hammam Ziani traditional baths www.hammamziani.ma . Go for the scrubbing, massage and soaping and you’ll feel as clean as a whistle.

Jardin Majorelle Be sure to spend some time in Marrakech’s beautiful gardens – the lush greenery is a welcome respite from the dust. Originally created in 1947 by renowned artist Jacques Majorelle, the magnificent Jardin Majorelle was later bought and restored Yves Saint Laurent and his partner Pierre Bergére. Cool, calm and quirky – exactly what you’d expect from a French fashion icon. Winter 8am – 5pm, summer 8am – 7pm. Tel +44 301852 www.jardin.majorelle@iam.net.ma

shop
Herbs and spices a plenty, scarves, leather goods and much more can be found in Marrakech’s Medina. Check out:

Kifkif a French-run boutique stocking jewels, homeware and accessories. 8 Rue Des Ksour, Bab Laksour, Medina.

Merzoga Cuir This tiny shop deep in the medina is full of top quality leather goods – bags, poufs and cushions. #159,Medina. merzoga@hotmail.com

Tyes Abdelhaq for the softest leather babouches (slippers). 25/4 Rue Rahba Kadima Tel +212 (0) 70 40 94 58

link
http://www.hipmarrakech.com/restaurants.php
http://www.ilove-marrakesh.com