There are plenty of restaurants in Rabat. Most of them are of fairly acceptable quality and variety, while others, most of them housed in old historic palaces, offer a truly luxurious experience.
As in other parts of the country, the dishes are not that diverse. Nevertheless, Moroccan food is nutritionally balanced, with an appetising combination of vegetables, cereals, pulses, fruits, nuts, fish and meat.
There are also the irresistible cakes and pastries to end any lunch or dinner, plus the baklavas (Arab pastries) made with filo pastry filled with nuts and dates and dipped in plenty of honey.
Below we list some of the best restaurants in Rabat, their specialities and the reasons why we recommend them. Apart from this, we always advise to go ahead and experiment by strolling through the streets and squares of Rabat and following your intuition and the local population’s advice.
Recommended restaurants
Dar Zaki (23 Rue Moulay Brahim)
This is one of the ideal restaurants in Rabat, especially if you want to experiment with more traditional Moroccan cuisine. It is located in the heart of the old Medina in one of the Andalusian-style houses with the tables laid out among the various patios, dining rooms and storeys and with an outdoor terrace on the upper floor.
You absolutely must order any of their tajines (chicken or lamb) and pastelas (filo pastry filled with poultry meat and garnished with icing sugar and cinnamon).
La Menora (5 Rue er Riyad)
In its various dining rooms, laid out among the floors of this old building, you will breathe in all the Moroccan tradition. You will feel this not only in the flavours and presentation of the dishes, but also in the decoration, which is reminiscent of Andalusian houses.
In addition to the usual couscous and tajines, there are dishes such as soups, kebabs, falafel, grilled meats and fish, as well as a variety of salads. Important: they have a (limited) Moroccan wine list and the occasional French label. Interestingly, not all restaurants in Rabat serve alcoholic beverages.
Dar El Medina (3 Rue Benjelloul, Souk Sebbat)
As its name suggests, this restaurant in Rabat is located in the heart of the Medina. That is why, at its tables, you will see an interesting mix of locals who go there on a break from their working day and many foreigners who are attracted by the aromas of the cuisine as they stroll through the souk.
The restaurant does not disappoint: it offers typical authentic, spicy and colourful Moroccan food, with generous quantities. Highlights include grilled skewers of turkey, chicken, beef or mixed meats. There are also poultry and seafood pastillas.
Dar Naji (Av. Jazirat Al Arabe)
It is a great idea to have lunch and, above all, dinner at this restaurant, facing the Medina wall (on the outside). In addition to the authenticity of its cuisine (typical and very tasty), we must add the affability and professionalism of its waiters, who wear traditional costumes.
If the weather is fine, the best thing to do is choose one of the tables on the upper terrace and let yourself be guided by the restaurant staff. For example, you will be surprised by the flavour and nuances of the goat’s meat tajine or the fish dishes cooked over charcoal embers. To end the meal, we recommend a mint tea, especially for the pleasure of watching the spectacle of how it is served.
Philippe Rey Petit Bistro (19 Av. Moulay Rachid)
Located in the Quartier Hassan, very close to the famous Minaret Tower and the Mausoleum of Mohammed V, this restaurant is an alternative to the tradition prevailing in most of the city’s restaurants. In fact, it is ideal for getting to know where the new Moroccan cuisine, heavily influenced by French cuisine, is heading.
Fresh, seasonal, local produce, without too much dressing, but with very convincing pure flavours. Fish and seafood are the stars of a menu that changes depending on the market, with curiosities (for these latitudes) such as bouillabaisse and saffron mussel cassoulet.
Le Dhow (Quai de Bou Regreg, Av. Al Marsa)
More than just a restaurant to eat in Rabat, Le Dhow is a true experience. We are talking about gastronomic, of course, but there is much more to it. It is indeed a wooden boat anchored on one of the quays of the river, with several ambiances: café-tea room, bar-lounge and restaurant.
The restaurant, which is divided into four rooms, including the upper deck, offers magnificent views of the city and serves innovative fusion cuisine. Of course, local flavours and ingredients take centre stage, but there is plenty of room for innovation and creativity on the part of the chefs. After dinner, it is worth staying a little longer for a drink or cocktail in a very international atmosphere.