LOCAL
MOROCCAN
CAFE
MEDITERRANEAN
MOROCCAN
PIZZA
fancy and while away an hour or so. If you particularly want a view, try Le Kasbah for its roof
terrace, but the cost of drinks is double if you’re not eating.
B’sara Stalls €
Offline map Google map ( Talaa Kebira; soup Dh4) The Fassi speciality of b’sara (garlic and
butter-bean soup) shouldn’t be missed. Served from hole-in-the-wall places throughout the
medina from huge cauldrons, our favourites are at the top of Talaa Kebira (there are good
places in Acherbine too). Perfect fuel for exploring the city, the soup is ladled into rough pottery
bowls and served with a hunk of bread and dash of olive oil.
Dar Anebar €€€
Offline map Google map ( 0535 63 57 87; 25 Derb el-Miter, Zqaq Roumane; mains from
Dh120; from 7.30pm) Another good riad for dining, where you’ll eat in truly fine surroundings,
in the splendid courtyard, or one of the cosy salons. The menu is strictly Moroccan, but of the
highest standard, and you can accompany dinner with a bottle of wine.
Fès et Gestes €€
Offline map Google map ( 0535 63 85 32; 39 Arsat el Hamoumi, Ziat; meals around Dh90;
noon-9.30pm, closed Wed) In a bustling medina, this converted French colonial house is a
positive oasis: step through the gates into its pretty, richly planted garden with a trickling
fountain, and the cares of the day melt away. Ideal for light lunches, full tajine-style dinners, or
just a refreshing tea or juice to recharge the batteries in the cool green shade.
Dar Roumana €€€
Offline map Google map ( 0535 74 16 37; 30 Derb el Amer, Zqaq Roumane; set menu Dh300;
7.30-9.30pm Tue-Sat) As reliably excellent as you’d expect from a guesthouse whose owner
is a cordon-bleu chef, the menu here is Mediterranean with a Moroccan slant, and frequently
takes cues from the dar’s name: house of pomegranates. Eat in the courtyard or on the
wonderful terrace in fine weather. Alcohol is served, but walk-in diners can’t be catered for, so
call in advance for a reservation.
La Maison Bleue €€€
Offline map Google map ( 0535 63 60 52; 2 Place de l’Istiqlal; set menu incl wine Dh550;
dinner from 7.30pm) Reservations are necessary at this elegant riad restaurant. The setting is
intimate and romantic, with diners serenaded by an oud player (replaced by livelier Gnawa
song and dance at the end of the evening). You’ll be treated to an array of cooked salads,
tajines, couscous and bastilla (savoury pastries), plus filo-pastry desserts. Top marks for
presentation and atmosphere.
Aji Chouf €
Offline map Google map ( 0535 63 51 78; 17 Derb Mokri, Ziat; pizzas Dh35-65) A dial-out
takeaway pizza place in the medina – can it be true? Yes it can, although we wouldn’t discount
actually walking to the restaurant in question. The pizzas are the closest we’ve come to proper