Medina

Essaouira, Morocco

Historic old city center within ramparts

Places in Medina

Dar Baba Restaurant & More Intimate restaurant with gourmet bites and playful menu mixing local ingredients with owner's global travels
Heure Bleue Palais Creative chef blending caravan route influences with ras el hanout and lobster dishes
Le Corail Vegan Food Entirely vegan menu with extensive tagines and pastillas with vegetable fillings
Azouka A medina kitchen drawing on vegetables from its own farm outside the city, cooked with both Moroccan and Norwegian sensibilities. An unexpected, very personal combination.
Café L'Esprit Opened by a German-Moroccan couple on a quieter medina street, known for amlou cookies, lemon meringue pie and some of the best nous-nous in town.
Taros Cafe Popular rooftop venue with medina and ocean views, live music
Dar Anika Intimate riad bar with Moroccan wines and atmospheric setting

Best time to visit: April-May, September-October (pleasant weather, ideal conditions)
Getting around: Compact medina fully walkable; local buses; scenic coastal paths; fishing port accessible by foot
Currency: Moroccan Dirham (MAD). Cash preferred. Limited ATMs.
Language: Arabic, French, Berber. Some English in tourist areas.
Timezone: Western European Time (WET), UTC+0 (UTC+1 DST)
Current trends: Farm-to-table restaurants emerging; artisan craft revival; eco-conscious accommodations; fusion cuisine respecting traditions