Lala Mesouda

Booking is recommended at weekends and in the high tourist season, especially at well-known restaurants in Marrakech, Casablanca or Rabat. For neighbourhood venues it is rarely necessary. A phone call is usually enough.

Couscous (traditionally on Fridays), tagines, pastilla, harira soup, grills and mechoui are among the must-tries. Each region has its own specialities, from fish on the coast to Berber dishes in the Atlas. Mint tea accompanies every meal.

During Ramadan many restaurants adapt their hours: some close during the day and reopen for ftour at sunset, while others stay open, particularly in tourist areas and hotels. It is wise to check opening times by phone during this period.