I want to share with you some of my favourite terrace-top restaurants in Marrakech, all packed with atmosphere, gorgeous interiors and plenty of boho-chic charm!
Ahhh Marrakech, I still feel the holiday blues… There’s no denying that Marrakech is a very exciting place to visit for those who fancy a little bit of madness & adventure. The colours, the sounds, the smells, the culture, are all factors in to what makes it so darn fantastic. I’m still dreaming of all the gorgeous tiled buildings, the colourful Souks and the market sounds at Jemaa El-Fnaa.
Throughout all the busy hustle and bustle, it’s easy to get lost in the Medina and wander the day away. I absolutely loved being in the thick of the crowd and getting stuck (literally) in to the depths of the Souks. But if there’s one thing we did very much appreciate, was being able to come away from the busyness and escape to a calm, terrace-top restaurant in the evenings…
I absolutely love the fact that there are two layers to Marrakech. Below you have the busy markets & Souks, where you will quite likely have to scramble your way through a mass of people whilst concentrating on not getting run over by a motorbike (or donkey!). But above in all of the restaurants and Riad terraces, you have a place to overlook the streets from afar which is somewhat mesmerising. If you’re a people watcher, then you’re going to love it!
Beautiful terrace-top restaurants
Of course, I had already conjured up a list of places I’d spotted on Instagram that I was desperate to visit, but it did shock me how pricey some of the restaurants in Marrakech can be. On our first evening, we lured ourselves into a gorgeous lantern-lit rooftop restaurant which, don’t get me wrong, was absolutely delicious… but it also came with quite a hefty bill. Being there for 9 days, we quickly realised we needed to find a mixture of hidden gems and more elevated dining spots if we wanted to balance out our spending budget… and hey, let’s face it, I had a LOT of shopping to budget for too…
From then on, we made it our mission to find beautiful terrace-top restaurants that still gave the all-important atmospheric experience, with a mixture of budget-friendly traditional places and a few luxury spots for special evenings in the city. I am a total sucker for the true bohemian feel; lanterns, candles, rugs, cushions & rattan chairs – so naturally I chose wisely to ensure we could still soak up the true Moroccan vibe without missing out on those magical rooftop views. I’ve rounded up some of my favourite terrace-top restaurants in Marrakech and wanted to share them with you in hope that it helps you discover a few atmospheric gems of your own whilst exploring the city.
My favourite terrace-top restaurants in Marrakech…
Noujoum at IZZA
Instagram: @noujoumontheroof @izzamarrakech
Found in: The quieter northern side of the medina.
Vibe: Elegant yet relaxed rooftop dining with great sunset atmosphere.
Perfect for: Sunset cocktails, seafood and swooning over interiors!
Serves alcohol: Yes
Noujoum is a beautiful terrace-top restaurant located within IZZA Marrakech, which is a boutique hotel made up of seven interconnected riads in the quieter, northern side of the Medina. It has 14 rooms (and counting!) across the whole hotel and everything feels really considered and thoughtfully put together from the moment that you walk in. Believe me when I say that the journey upstairs to the restaurant is a memorable moment in itself… so much so that I think it deserves its own entire post!
The restaurant is an absolute dream for anyone who appreciates interiors, with soft plaster pink walls and cascading greenery that feels somewhat magical. I genuinely couldn’t stop admiring all of the little details and it’s the kind of place where you constantly find yourself spotting another beautiful corner or design detail to swoon over. They also feature the most amazing artwork from local artists, which was something I couldn’t stop staring at. I especially loved the fact that they include QR codes beneath each piece so you can learn more about the artist and read up on the artwork itself, which I thought was such a thoughtful touch!
What I loved the most about Noujoum was that it somehow manages to feel incredibly stylish and luxurious without being at all pretentious and despite the high-end feel of the restaurant, I was pleasantly surprised by how reasonable the pricing actually was too. Noujoum is the perfect spot for a luxury dining experience and is definitely more elevated than some of the other traditional hidden gems I’ve included within this post, but it still manages to feel wonderfully welcoming and relaxed, which is exactly why it has earned the top spot on my list because it really does tick all of the boxes!
When it came to the food, we decided to share a selection of smaller plates as there was so much on the menu that we wanted to try. The oysters were some of the best I’ve ever tasted and I can also highly recommend the crab and leek croquettes, the seabass ceviche and the pan roasted shrimps (seafood lovers rejoice!). They also serve a variety of meat and vegetarian dishes too, so there’s definitely something for everyone. Their full menu can be found here.
As the evening rolled in and the rooftop began to glow, the atmosphere somehow became even more magical. The cocktails were genuinely some of the best we had during our time in Marrakech (which of course is always a bonus in the Medina where many restaurants don’t serve alcohol!) and I genuinely didn’t want to leave. It’s the kind of restaurant that very easily gives you that ‘just one more cocktail’ vibe whilst you soak up the views across the city.
LE JARDIN
Instagram: @lejardinmarrakech
Found in: Hidden within the heart of the Medina
Vibe: Botanical courtyard oasis with a dreamy green decor
Perfect for: The interiors! And juices, and lunches.
Serves alcohol: No
Hidden in the maze of the Medina, with a long corridor entrance covered in miniature mirrors, is the stunning Le Jardin. For anyone who loves the colour green, this place will feel like heaven in all of it’s botanical beauty. Don’t be fooled by the busy streets that surrounds this haven because once you step inside you’ll be lavished with a sense of peace and tranquility – along with the gorgeous scent of fleur-de-orange to tickle the nose buds. The decor is exquisite, covered in bottle green zellige tiles, with rattan chairs and an abundance of plants… If you’re an avid follower of mine, then you’ll know that I was in my element here, constantly swooning over the interiors…
The restaurant itself was broken down in to different sections; there was the terrace top, the courtyard, hide away tables in the arches surrounding the courtyard and shop for those who fancy some bespoke (and slightly expensive) retail therapy. I couldn’t stop looking at the lovely little library display created along the courtyard walls, and a rustic little ‘green grocer’ display near the entrance of the restaurant…
If you’re feeling a little peckish or just need a quick pit-stop, then Le Jardin is a must-see destination for you. I highly recommend one of their super-boost smoothies, the perfect pick-me-up for those who are feeling a little wilted from the Moroccan sunshine!
ATAY CAFE
Instagram – @atay_cafe
Found in: The Medina, near Ben Youssef Madrasa & Dar El Bacha
Vibe: Relaxed rooftop café with colourful Moroccan charm
Perfect for: Mint tea and traditional tagines – and the sunset views!
Serves alcohol: No
If you’re a boho-hippy at heart, then you definitely won’t feel out of place here… Covered in lanterns, rattan chairs, hand-woven cushions and tasseled placemats, Atay Cafe is a true hidden gem in the centre of the Medina. As gorgeous as the sheltered entrance is with colourful woven rugs and mix-matched furniture, REMEMBER, there is always a staircase leading to a terrace (well, 95% of the time at least)…
I highly recommend you visit during sunset as the view over the rooftops were breathtaking. Atay Cafe has a particularly high terrace, which means it has a better view!
Unfortunately Tom was feeling a little under the weather on this particular evening, so he opted for the safe option of a not-so-spicy spaghetti bolognese (that he actually still couldn’t stomach to eat bless him). I however very much enjoyed their Kefta tagine with couscous and an assortment of traditional Moroccan dips – It was delicious to say the least! Along with that, we both enjoyed a freshly squeezed orange juice, and a view of the sunset over the busy streets of the Medina.
KAFE MERSTAN
Instagram – @kafe_merstan
Found in: Near the Ben Youssef Madrasa in the northern Medina
Vibe: Traditional rooftop café with a relaxed, local feel
Perfect for: A peaceful lunch stop after exploring the Souks
Serves alcohol: No
As we sat in our lovely Riad pondering where to enjoy our next meal, I did a little research on smaller restaurants that weren’t so well known to tourists. Let’s just say I hit the jackpot with this one! Even walking up the stairs was an experience as we were surrounded by hanging wall decorations, art work and rugs – trying not to hit our heads on something. Once we reached the top, the terrace was divided in to cosy little sections. I literally let out a little squawk when I spotted this colourful set up. In true boho-hippy style, I could feel my inner goddess wanting to do a little dance (but I resisted, and saved everyone the embarrassment…).
We started our dining experience with a simple juice drink for the both of us, overlooking and listening to the busy Medina sounds below. I enjoyed a nice minted tea juice which came in a really cute bottle (* takes photo for insta-stories *). To begin with, there was very few people there so we could enjoy a peaceful experience to ourselves – but then, we heard a MEOW. We were joined by the restaurants furry resident, who helped us polish off our very tasty spiced chicken skewers… Every cat likes chicken right? And I’m presuming Moroccan cats like it spiced?
So if you’re looking for an inexpensive place to dine, with lovely food and a furry friend to keep you company – Kafe Merstan is the place!
KASBAH CAFE
Instagram – @kasbahcafe.kech
Found in: Southern Medina, close to the Saadian Tombs
Vibe: Relaxed rooftop restaurant with traditional Moroccan touches
Perfect for: The lemon and mint juice!!
Serves alcohol: No
Located slightly more south of the Medina, Kasbah Cafe is the perfect location if you’re spending a day visiting La Bahia Palace or the Saadian Tombs. Covered in a layer of round, woven parasols and lightly spritzed with cold water from sprinklers, it was a perfect place to visit on a hot day.
Tom ordered a chicken skewer portion, and I just stuck with some bread and olives as I wasn’t feeling overly peckish – but it was indeed delicious and a much needed pit-stop. The lemon & mint juice is a must if you’re in need of something extra refreshing!
LE NOMAD
Instagram – @nomadmarrakech
Found in: Overlooking Place des Épices in the heart of the Medina
Vibe: Chic contemporary rooftop with modern Moroccan interiors
Perfect for: Long lunches, stylish dinners (Insta-worthy snaps!)
Serves alcohol: No
Why yes of course, the Instagram famous Nomad has comfortably made it in to my favourites! I was a little apprehensive about how expensive it was going to be, especially after we had to book a table and wait an hour (and that was at lunch time!), but I couldn’t possibly go to Marrakech without visiting this must-go restaurant… And it certainly didn’t disappoint!
It was actually quite refreshing, looking at a menu and seeing a wide variety of food options that still had a Moroccan touch, yet wasn’t all about the tagines. As much as I love a tagine, by day 8 I was ready for something different.
I enjoyed an avocado, barley & tzatziki salad, whilst Tom enjoyed a minted burger with paprika spiced potatoes – both of us were thoroughly enjoying our meals and realised just how hungry we were once our plates were polished within 10 minutes.
Not only was the food fantastic, but the view was phenomenal too. With an extra high terrace overlooking the market square, it was impossible not to get up and take in the view. Again, for the people watchers out there – you will love it! I especially loved seeing all of the colourful rugs hanging from the rooftops…
Nomad is definitely a place to go if you fancy something a little bit different on the menu, and want a great view. I genuinely recommend visiting here during the day as it was really nice being able to see the busy market working in daylight.
SOUK KAFE
Instagram: @soukkafe
Found in: Central Souks, close to Rahba Kedima square.
Vibe: Rustic rooftop terrace with a cosy, boho atmosphere.
Perfect for: A relaxed lunch break after wandering the Souks.
Serves alcohol: No
Last but not least we have the colourful Souk Kafe buried in the centre of the Medina. Souk Kafe made it to my top picks because it was extremely calm and relaxing, and the staff were extra helpful making us a juice drink that wasn’t specifically on the menu – and let’s just say it was probably the best lemon & mint juice of the holiday!
Once again we got to experience a comfortable, boho vibe in a place that certainly doesn’t go over budget… They too had many layers to their restaurant – so don’t be fooled in to thinking there isn’t a terrace! We buried ourselves in the deep seats and cosy cushions for nearly an hour to regain our energy levels before heading back out to the Souks.
So there we have my favourite terrace-top restaurant in Marrakech… We managed to visit so many places in the time we were there, so below I’ve listed some other treasures we found just incase you want to take a peek…
Other Suggestions
Cafe des Épices
Please believe me when I say that this was very close to my top 6! We visited Cafe des Épices 3 times, and it was lovely. The only downfall was that we NEVER got a table upstairs on the terrace because it was so busy. I suggest visiting between meal times for the best experience… We can highly recommend their spiced chicken sandwich, and the lemon juice was divine. Along with that they offer Nespresso (yes!) so you can enjoy a proper coffee which is otherwise quite hard to come by.
Bazaar Cafe
Another place we stopped off for a quick rest and light bite. We enjoyed a sandwich together and a small beer (yes, they sell beer!). Bazaar cafe was lovely, but it didn’t savour as much of the cosy, bohemian feel as a lot of other places did – therefore not in my top recommendations, but definitely still a lovely visit.
Terrasse des Épices
This was the place I mentioned above that we went to on our first night. The food was delicious, but the price was not! Don’t get me wrong, the experience really was lovely – but we were overshadowed with doubt of how much we’d spent on our first night away. Along with that, we were surrounded by tourists and struggled to get a table, so it almost felt like it had lost it’s Moroccan charm. For reference the price was: bread, olives, 2 main meals, and two cocktails (no starters or desserts!) Approx :£84
Le Foundouk
We visited Le Foundouk as a recommendation by our Riad owner, and again the food was delicious, but the price not so much! Even just typing this I feel like a tight-ass, but when you’re on holiday, you want to experience as much as possible at an affordable price. I didn’t feel like Foundouk gave us any more pleasure or excitement than those listed in my top restaurants above… Therefore, it has landed itself in this area of my post!
To conclude this post, I want to leave with you my 5 top-tips for eating out in Marrakech. As the culture is very different, there may be some things that catch you by surprise… That’s why I think it will benefit you and be very useful to know the following…
1.Always check if there’s a terrace.
This may sound silly, but not always will you be greeted when you first arrive to a restaurant, normally because all the main action is taking place upstairs! There was a couple of times when we showed up feeling like we were almost being sneaky going up the stairs as though going in an out-of-bounds area… but alas, we always ended up approaching a nice terrace with a warm welcome. There will be a lot of windy, rickety, bendy staircases to test your thighs – but remember that the stairs are totally worth the view!
2. Don’t turn down the bread & olives.
It’s FREE! Yep, that’s right! If you’re a Brit like me, then you’re probably just as shocked as I was. When arriving at any restaurant you will be given bread and olives as a complimentary taster, purely because it’s a nice thing that they do!
3. Purchase your alcohol in Gueliz.
I’m sure you may have heard by now that alcohol is very hard to come by in the Medina of Marrakech, and if you are lucky to find somewhere that sells it, it won’t come at a cheap price… Start off your holiday by taking a 20 minute walk to the new town, Gueliz. Here you will find plenty of supermarkets that sell beer, wine & spirits. Although Muslims are forbidden to buy & drink alcohol, Morocco is liberal and not dry. If you are staying in a Riad, they will keep your alcohol chilled for you, and even bring it to you upon request – but are not allowed to purchase it for you in advance…
4. How much to tip?.
Anything between 5 – 10% is an appropriate tip in restaurants. As expected, not tipping would suggest you had a poor experience and may disgruntle/upset the waiters.
5. Quick Calculator.
Not fast at calculating the UK exchange rate? Here’s a quick how-to (May 2026 exchange rate approx 12.2)… Just grab your phone, open the calculator and calculate the following:
(total amount of bill) divide it by 10, then work out what 80% of that would be .
So 100 dirham would be 100 / 10 = 10 x 0.8 = £8
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