12 Must-Visit Restaurants in Casablanca
Since being captured on screen as a black-and-white wonder, Casablanca has become synonymous with the charm of a past era. Yet, the city thrives in the present as Morocco's largest metropolis, home to 3.4 million people, serving as the nation's economic center and one of Africa's key ports.
When the French took control in 1912, they turned this small city into a hub for international trade between Europe and sub-Saharan Africa. European vessels traded manufactured items for local resources like salt, enriching the city with a variety of global flavors. Today, you’ll hear multiple languages echoing in the streets, while people wear everything from traditional djellabas to modern suits and casual attire. Historic Moroccan architecture coexists with decaying art deco buildings, and sleek apartment complexes rise alongside hidden villas behind secure walls.
Wherever you find yourself in Casablanca, this vibrant cultural blend is unmistakable, especially in the city’s diverse dining spots. Before the protectorate era, Mytouries likely served typical Moroccan home-cooked meals, but as immigrants arrived, the culinary landscape evolved to showcase this international influence. Today, locals, known as Cassouis, indulge in a variety of cuisines, from sushi to traditional tagine.
Explore the flavors of Casablanca, both traditional and contemporary, at these 12 essential dining venues.
Per person pricing, not including alcohol:$ = Under 100 dirham (Under $10 USD)$$ = 100 - 250 dirham ($10 - $25 USD) = 250 dirham ($26 USD and above)
The service level related to the COVID-19 pandemic is noted at each location on the map. For the latest updates on coronavirus cases in Morocco, please visit ma.usembassy.gov.
Amanda Ponzio-Mouttaki is a culinary and travel writer based in Marrakech, Morocco, where she runs a culinary tourism business alongside her writing career.
Le Cabestan
Le Cabestan features stunning oceanfront dining along the corniche, known for its superb seafood. Established in 1927, it’s one of the city’s long-standing Mytouries. The menu showcases a range of international dishes while also incorporating local flavors. Don’t miss the parrillada, a mix of grilled fish and seafood served with a variety of sauces, perfect for sharing. Outdoor seating available. []
Le Gatsby
From this stylish art deco-inspired café, you can enjoy a fantastic view of the Hassan II Mosque, which dominates Casablanca's coastline. Le Gatsby is perfect for breakfast, brunch, or a coffee break, but their set brunch is a must-try: choose a hot or cold drink, eggs, charcuterie, and traditional French pastries. The full lunch and dinner menus offer a mix of international and Moroccan dishes. Takeaway and delivery options are available. [$$]
Rick's Café
You may have heard of Rick’s Café, the iconic gambling spot from the film Casablanca featuring Humphrey Bogart. This restaurant truly exists, having opened in 2004 as a tribute to the fictional one. Despite its relatively recent establishment, it captures the essence of the past with its grand decor and a menu of classic international dishes like black pepper filet mignon and sea bass with saffron rice. The restaurant also offers a full cocktail bar, with delivery and takeaway options available. [$$]
La Sqala
La Sqala is a popular destination in Casablanca for traditional Moroccan dishes like pigeon pastilla and delectable tagines. The food and atmosphere are authentically Moroccan, featuring a charming interior courtyard perfect for al fresco dining. Daily specials bring excitement to the classic menu, and be sure to try the couscous on Fridays. Outdoor seating available. [$$]
Marché Central
Since its establishment in 1917, Marché Central has been a hub for locals and tourists alike, offering spices, fresh produce, and essential household items. Beyond the vibrant spice stalls and an array of olives, you’ll discover seafood vendors presenting the freshest catches from the Atlantic. Choose your fish and have it grilled to order at the nearby stalls. Most vendors also provide a selection of salads and ample bread to accompany your meal. Outdoor seating available. Takeaway options. [$]
Cercle de L’Union
Casablanca has the largest Jewish community in Morocco, featuring several historic sites near the old medina. After admiring the stained glass windows of the Beth El Synagogue or exploring the nearby old Jewish cemetery, stop by this community center, where an on-site restaurant serves kosher Moroccan cuisine. A typical meal may include lamb ribs, a variety of mixed skewers, homemade chicken pastillas, and a selection of simple side salads.
Note: Operating hours may vary due to COVID-19.
Saveurs Du Palais
This establishment is dedicated exclusively to Moroccan cuisine. While the menu is concise, it features unique dishes typically found only in Moroccan homes and rarely on restaurant menus. Be sure to try tred, a chicken dish with lentils and flaky bread, or seffa, tender chicken seasoned with cumin and ginger, served inside steamed vermicelli pasta and dusted with powdered sugar. Some popular items may sell out, so arriving early is recommended. Takeaway and delivery options available. [$$]
NKOA - Restaurant Casablanca, Morocco
Every dish on the menu at the trendy downtown spot NKOA is inspired by a different country, reflecting the international character of Casablanca. Enjoy the Iranian herb frittata, Chilean ceviche, and Moroccan figs drizzled with orange blossom water and served with ice cream. The restaurant also hosts live music, often complementing the global theme of its cuisine. Takeaway and delivery are available. [$$]
Solidarite Feminine
For many years, Moroccan home kitchens have been run by women, yet their culinary talents are often overlooked in modern restaurants. Established in the mid-1980s, Solidarite Feminine trains single mothers in cooking and pastry arts, helping them gain full employment after completing their training. The restaurant is unpretentious, with a simple dining area and a daily rotating menu featuring one dish. However, the food—especially the couscous served on Fridays—is definitely worth a visit. Takeaway options available. [$]
Pâtisserie Bennis
The French developed much of the Habous neighborhood during the protectorate to create additional housing for merchants. While those residences still stand today, the area has largely transformed into a shopping hub for Moroccan goods. Tucked away among the shops, you’ll discover this classic patisserie, which has been crafting Moroccan pastries since 1930. They offer an extensive selection of Moroccan delights, including ka’ab gazelle (a delicate pastry filled with almond paste), fekkas (Moroccan biscotti), and ghriba (crumbly shortbread cookies). While sweet treats are available for walk-ins, it's best to order in advance for savory specialties like pastillas (meat pies) and briouats (meat or cheese-filled pastry triangles). Enjoy your snacks while exploring the blend of French and Moroccan architecture, or take a stroll to the nearby Moulay Yacoub Mosque or Parc Murdoch just a few streets away. Takeaway only. [$]
Butchers Market
When paired with spices, onions, and tomatoes, camel meat becomes a delectable dish at one of the city’s top street food destinations. Visit the butchers at Marche Viande near Derb Sultan, a favored area among locals for outdoor shopping and street bites, and look for the camel heads displayed at one of the stalls. Purchase your meat by weight and have it ground with cilantro, parsley, salt, and cumin. Then, take it across the way to have it grilled alongside fresh vegetables. Enjoy your meal right there in a central seating area between the butcher and grill stalls, or take it to go. Outdoor dining and takeaway available. [$]
Maison Amande & Miel
Trusted by locals, Maison Amande et Miel is more famous for its catering but also features a cafe that offers excellent takeaway options and dine-in meals. Don't miss the seafood pastilla and a selection of briouats, small pastry triangles filled with cheese and minced meat. Takeaway and delivery services are available. [$]
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