A Concierge’s Guide to Marrakech
Zineb Meliani, Mandarin Oriental, Marrakech
When my friends are in town, I take them for a drink at…
Sky Lounge at The Pearl hotel. It’s located in the new section of the city with wonderful views of the Atlas Mountains. In the old part of Marrakech, I would recommend the rooftop bar at El Fenn, a riad (traditional mansion) converted into a hotel. It looks out over the medina and has an excellent drinks menu.
The restaurant that best shows off Marrakech is… Mes’Lalla, right here at Mandarin Oriental. It’s a very sophisticated place and I think they do the best Moroccan food in town, like the chicken tagine with olives, which I absolutely love. In the old town, I’d suggest Dar Yacout, an institution and very traditional. It’s located in the Bab Doukkala area and all the taxi drivers know where it is so you won’t have any trouble finding it.
No trip to Marrakech is complete without a cup of…
Moroccan tea at Café De France. It’s located at the Jemaa el-Fna square in the middle of the medina and has a lovely view of the square with all the snake charmers and the colourful stalls.
For the best breakfast, make your way to…
La Mamounia hotel. The buffet breakfast is an amazing mix of Moroccan and international dishes. Their pancakes are the best.
For an authentic dinner, you can’t go past…
The food market at the Jemaa el-Fna square every night. There are hundreds of places to eat there but Restaurant Aicha Marrakech is the best known. It’s run by a woman called Aicha, who’s very famous, and is a great place for couscous dishes, tagines, mixed grills and soups. For designer fashion, head to… 33 Rue Majorelle, which showcases traditional creations with a modern twist from more than 40 local designers. And it’s not overpriced.
For a romantic experience, organise a dinner at…
La Pause restaurant, which is located in the Agafay Desert, 45 minutes’ drive from Marrakech. Here, you can have a lovely dinner under a tent in the middle of nowhere.
