Quick answers — eating in Casablanca
- Best restaurant overall
- Restaurant du Port de Pêche
- Best value
- La Sqala (300-600 MAD / $30-60 USD)
- Strongest cuisines
- French, Middle Eastern, Seafood, Japanese, Mediterranean
- Dishes to try
- Tagine, Couscous, Harira, Pastilla
- Booking window
- For top fine-dining establishments, secure your reservation at least 1-2 weeks in advance, especially for weekend dinners or special occasions. Some might require a credit card guarantee.
Booking ahead, especially for weekend evenings, is highly recommended for upscale restaurants. Dress codes tend to be smart casual or elegant. Tipping is customary, usually 10-15%. Dinner typically starts later, between 8:00 PM and 10:00 PM, reflecting local customs.
French
Best French restaurants in Casablanca
French cooking is still the backbone of fine dining almost everywhere — expect sauce work, butter, precise service and set lunch menus that cost a fraction of dinner.
Le Cabestan Ocean View
Acclaimed local fine diningFrench & International · Anfa · 800-1500 MAD / $80-150 USD
Offering breathtaking panoramic views of the Atlantic, Le Cabestan is a Casablanca landmark for sophisticated dining. The menu skillfully blends classic French techniques with international flair, using premium ingredients. The chic, nautical-inspired decor provides an exclusive setting for a memorable evening, popular for both its cuisine and vibrant atmosphere.
Order: Lobster Risotto, Beef Fillet Rossini
Rouget de L'Isle
Acclaimed local fine diningFrench Gastronomic · Maârif · 600-1200 MAD / $60-120 USD
Rouget de L'Isle is a longstanding reference for classic French gastronomy in Casablanca. It offers a consistently high-quality dining experience in a discreet and elegant setting. The menu features timeless French dishes executed with precision and care, emphasizing rich flavors and traditional techniques. It appeals to those seeking a sophisticated, unhurried meal.
Order: Foie Gras Terrine, Dover Sole Meunière
Middle Eastern
Best Middle Eastern restaurants in Casablanca
Middle Eastern tables are built around sharing — dips, flatbread, grilled meat and salads arriving together rather than in courses.
La Sqala
Acclaimed local fine diningTraditional Moroccan · Ancienne Médina · 300-600 MAD / $30-60 USD
Nestled within the walls of a historic 18th-century fortress, La Sqala offers an authentic and atmospheric Moroccan dining experience. Surrounded by lush gardens and traditional architecture, it's celebrated for its classic tagines, couscous, and fresh grilled specialties. The setting transports diners to an earlier era, making it a cultural and culinary highlight.
Order: Chicken Tagine with Preserved Lemon and Olives, Moroccan Mezze Platter
Rick's Café
Acclaimed local fine diningInternational & Moroccan · Ancienne Médina · 500-1000 MAD / $50-100 USD
Inspired by the iconic movie 'Casablanca', Rick's Café recreates the legendary bar with remarkable detail. Beyond its cinematic charm, it offers a refined international menu with Moroccan touches in an opulent, jazz-filled setting. It’s an immersive experience, blending history, nostalgia, and a thoughtfully curated menu, making it a unique destination.
Order: Fillet Mignon 'Casablanca', Seafood Pastilla
Seafood
Best seafood restaurants in Casablanca
Seafood restaurants live or die on the day's catch — the shortest menus are usually the best sign, because the kitchen is cooking what actually came in.
Restaurant du Port de Pêche
Acclaimed local fine diningSeafood · Port de Pêche · 500-1000 MAD / $50-100 USD
Perched by the fishing harbor, this institution offers incredibly fresh seafood, often prepared simply to highlight its quality. The ambiance is elegant yet unpretentious, with panoramic views of the bustling port and the Atlantic. It's a cornerstone of Casablanca's culinary identity, known for its dedication to pristine maritime ingredients.
Order: Grilled John Dory, Royal Platter of Seafood
Japanese
Best Japanese restaurants in Casablanca
Japanese rooms range from counter omakase, where you eat whatever the chef cut that morning, to kaiseki menus built around the season. Counters are small — book early and arrive on time.
Iloli
Acclaimed local fine diningModern Japanese · Gautier · 700-1400 MAD / $70-140 USD
Chef Yoshiaki Oikawa
Iloli stands out as a premier destination for refined Japanese cuisine in Casablanca. Under Chef Yoshiaki Oikawa, it presents an elegant fusion of traditional techniques and contemporary presentation. The minimalist, sophisticated interior complements the artistry of the dishes, focusing on pristine ingredients and precise execution, particularly with its sushi and sashimi.
Order: Omakase tasting menu, Black Cod with Miso
Mediterranean
Best Mediterranean restaurants in Casablanca
Mediterranean menus borrow freely across the sea — olive oil, fish, vegetables, citrus — and tend to be the easiest choice for a mixed table.
Lily's
Acclaimed local fine diningMediterranean · Gautier · 600-1100 MAD / $60-110 USD
Lily's offers a chic and vibrant Mediterranean dining experience. The menu is characterized by fresh, seasonal ingredients prepared with a contemporary twist, often featuring seafood and lighter, flavorful dishes. Its stylish interior and lively atmosphere make it a popular choice for a fashionable evening out, combining good food with a trendy ambiance.
Order: Truffle Pasta, Grilled Octopus
Budget
Where to eat cheaply in Casablanca
Zayna
A popular spot for authentic Moroccan street food and casual dining. Try their harira soup, variety of tagines, and pastilla. Very affordable, typically under 150 MAD.
Restaurant Loubnane
For excellent and generous Lebanese cuisine. Their mezze platters, shawarmas, and grilled meats are highly recommended. A filling meal can be had for around 100-200 MAD.
Al Mounia
While often considered a mid-range restaurant, it offers a great value for traditional Moroccan dishes in a beautiful, classic setting. Excellent couscous and Tanjia Marrakchia, around 200-300 MAD per person.
Pâtisserie Bennis Habous
A legendary patisserie in Habous known for its exquisite Moroccan pastries. Perfect for a sweet treat or a quick traditional breakfast with mint tea, very inexpensive, usually under 50 MAD.
Dar Dad
Offers home-style Moroccan cooking in a friendly, unpretentious setting. Famous for its varied daily specials, focusing on fresh ingredients. A hearty meal costs typically around 100-180 MAD.
Local dishes
What to eat in Casablanca
Tagine
A slow-cooked stew named after the conical clay pot it's prepared in, often featuring meat (chicken, beef, lamb), vegetables, spices, and sometimes fruits like prunes or apricots. Its rich, aromatic flavors are a cornerstone of Moroccan cuisine, offering comfort and depth in every bite. Find it in most traditional restaurants.
Couscous
Fine semolina grains steamed and typically served with a rich vegetable and meat (chicken, lamb, or beef) stew. Traditionally eaten on Fridays, it’s a communal dish symbolizing hospitality. Its fluffy texture paired with savory broth and tender ingredients makes it a satisfying and authentic Moroccan experience, widely available at local eateries.
Harira
A traditional Moroccan tomato-based soup, enriched with lentils, chickpeas, vermicelli, and often lamb or beef. It's especially popular during Ramadan for breaking the fast but enjoyed year-round. Its hearty, fragrant blend of spices provides warmth and a comforting, wholesome flavor, found in small cafes and homes.
Pastilla
A savory-sweet pie typically made with flaky warqa pastry layers, filled with pigeon or chicken, eggs, almonds, and spiced with saffron, cinnamon, and sugar. It’s an elaborate and festive dish, offering a unique blend of textures and flavors that embodies Moroccan culinary artistry, often found in upscale traditional restaurants.
Maakouda
Crispy fried potato fritters, often spiced with cumin and paprika, served hot as a popular street food snack. They are usually dipped in a spicy sauce or sandwiched in bread. Simple yet incredibly satisfying, these golden-brown patties are a common sight at local markets and food stalls across Casablanca.
Briouates
Small, crispy pastries, either sweet or savory. Savory briouates are typically filled with minced meat, cheese, or vegetables, while sweet ones often contain almond paste, honey, and orange blossom water. These delightful, bite-sized parcels are perfect as appetizers or desserts, available in various local bakeries and restaurants.
Msemen
Flaky, square-shaped flatbread, similar to a pancake, often served for breakfast or as a snack. It can be enjoyed plain, with honey and butter, or filled with savory mixtures. Its crisp exterior and soft interior make it a versatile and beloved Moroccan staple, commonly found at street vendors and cafes.
Zaalouk
A smoky and flavorful Moroccan salad or dip made from cooked eggplant, tomatoes, garlic, and spices like cumin and paprika. Served warm, it's often enjoyed with bread as an appetizer or a side dish. Its rich, earthy taste and smooth texture make it a popular addition to any Moroccan meal.
How to book a table in Casablanca
- · For top fine-dining establishments, secure your reservation at least 1-2 weeks in advance, especially for weekend dinners or special occasions. Some might require a credit card guarantee.
- · While deposits are uncommon for standard reservations in Casablanca, large groups or special events may require one. Always inquire directly with the restaurant about their specific policy.
- · Consider trying lunch menus at high-end restaurants; they often offer a more affordable way to experience the cuisine and ambiance, without sacrificing quality or service.
- · Be mindful of no-show policies. While not as stringent as in some European cities, it's courteous to cancel at least 24 hours in advance to avoid potential future booking issues.
FAQ
Casablanca restaurant questions travellers ask
What is the best restaurant in Casablanca?
Restaurant du Port de Pêche in Port de Pêche is the benchmark table — Seafood, acclaimed local fine dining, around 500-1000 MAD / $50-100 USD per person. Order the Grilled John Dory, Royal Platter of Seafood
Where is the best French restaurant in Casablanca?
Le Cabestan Ocean View in Anfa is the French table to book in Casablanca (800-1500 MAD / $80-150 USD per person). Other strong options: Rouget de L'Isle.
Where is the best Middle Eastern restaurant in Casablanca?
La Sqala in Ancienne Médina is the Middle Eastern table to book in Casablanca (300-600 MAD / $30-60 USD per person). Other strong options: Rick's Café.
Where is the best seafood restaurant in Casablanca?
Restaurant du Port de Pêche in Port de Pêche is the seafood table to book in Casablanca (500-1000 MAD / $50-100 USD per person).
Where is the best Japanese restaurant in Casablanca?
Iloli in Gautier is the Japanese table to book in Casablanca (700-1400 MAD / $70-140 USD per person).
Where is the best Mediterranean restaurant in Casablanca?
Lily's in Gautier is the Mediterranean table to book in Casablanca (600-1100 MAD / $60-110 USD per person).
Where can I eat well in Casablanca without spending a fortune?
La Sqala is the best-value table on this list at roughly 300-600 MAD / $30-60 USD per person. Beyond fine dining, locals point to Zayna, Restaurant Loubnane, Al Mounia.
How far in advance should I book restaurants in Casablanca?
For top fine-dining establishments, secure your reservation at least 1-2 weeks in advance, especially for weekend dinners or special occasions. Some might require a credit card guarantee. While deposits are uncommon for standard reservations in Casablanca, large groups or special events may require one. Always inquire directly with the restaurant about their specific policy.
What food is Casablanca famous for?
Tagine, Couscous, Harira, Pastilla, Maakouda — the dishes most worth eating where they come from. A slow-cooked stew named after the conical clay pot it's prepared in, often featuring meat (chicken, beef, lamb), vegetables, spices, and sometimes fruits like prunes or apricots. Its rich, aromatic flavors are a cornerstone of Moroccan cuisine, offering comfort and depth in every bite. Find it in most traditional restaurants.
Planning the rest of Casablanca?
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