How to Enjoy Being Gluten Free in Marrakech: A Local Guide

Worried about being gluten free in Marrakech (and Morocco as a whole)? If so then I get it for SOO many reasons.

First of all, there is a language barrier. I mean, how are you going to explain to someone in Darija that you don’t eat gluten?

After alll, gluten-free isn’t really a THING in Morocco. Most Moroccans I know eat whatever is in front of them (minus my boyfriend since he is the pickiest eater on the planet) and don’t fully understand what gluten-free is.

In fact, I asked my partner to translate gluten-free into Darija and he didn’t know what to say since there isn’t a word for it here.

Secondly, bread = LIFE in Morocco. No really. It is sacred and it doesn’t get thrown out with the regular trash for this reason.

Plus, there are like twenty different types of bread here and they are served throughout the day with basically every meal you eat.

So, I wouldn’t blame you if you freaked out and thought, “OMG, I can’t eat anything!” Well, do not panic. I live here and have traveled through Morocco with many of my gluten-free friends.

The reality is that there are TONS of Moroccan foods that are naturally gluten-free. Yes, gluten-free bread and pasta are a little hard to come by. However, if you need something like that then you can always go to Carrefour (grocery store).

In this article, I am going to show you exactly what gluten-free foods you can eat, what you cannot eat, and share my top picks for the best gluten-free restaurants in Marrakech.

This way you won’t go hungry and can try some amazing Moroccan food during your trip to Marrakech.

Local Tip: If cross-contamination is a concern, I would steer clear of any restaurant that mixes gluten-free and non-gluten-free items. There is just no way to guarantee that the kitchen is totally gluten-free and it’s better to be safe than sorry.

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Helpful Phrases for Gluten-Free Travelers in Marrakech

Since gluten can be hidden in a lot of foods and since every Marrakech restaurant prepares things differently, it is a really good idea to carry a few phrases with you that are translated into French and Darija (Moroccan Arabic).

You can present these to your waiter so that they know exactly what you can and cannot eat. I always recommend traveling with translations in Darija since not everyone speaks English and French.

It’s a great way to ensure that you absolutely do not get any gluten in your food. I would do this right when you sit down so that the restaurant is aware of your dietary needs.

To say “I am allergic to bread and flour” in French you would say, “je suis allergique au farine et le pain.” You could also say, “I do not eat flour, bread..” by saying, ““Je ne mange pas le farine, le pain…”

To say “I am allergic to wheat and flour” in Darija, just show them this, “Salam, Bghit nsowleq ana Andi Hasasiya mn ay haja katsaweb b Dgig Dyal Lgme7 wla Nekhala, Smida, ch3ir w Farina, w ila klit shi 7aja msawba mn hadshi ghanmred bzzf.”

Bonus: If you have a problem with dairy then just show them this, “Salam, Bghit Nsowleq ana Andi Hasasiya mn Ay haja msawba mn Lben, 7lib, Jben wla ay haja katsaweb mn Alban, w ila Klitha ghanmred bzzf.”

Moroccan Foods You Cannot Eat

I’m not gonna go into the obvious ones since anyone who is gluten-free knows that they cannot have bread. I would also avoid any pastries since they almost always have gluten.

But, if you are new to Morocco then bread-like items you cannot eat are msemen, harcha, beghrir, etc. You will usually get these at breakfast in a lot of hotels.

Additionally, do not count on restaurants carrying things like gluten-free pasta or bread since that really isn’t a thing here unless you are at a SUPER westernized spot. So, some gluten-free restaurants in Essaouira do carry this type of thing.

• Pastilla – Pastilla is amazing but it is a phylo-dough pastry that is filled with either meat or veggies or both. The dough used to make this dish is warka and it is made with flour. So, you will not be able to eat this dish if you are gluten-free.

• Briouat – A Briouat kind of reminds me of a Moroccan samosa. It comes in a triangle shape and is filled with meat, fish, or shrimp that is mixed with cheese, lemon, and pepper. The exterior is made with warka and this dish is not gluten-free.

• Harira – This makes me so sad but harira has gluten. It is basically like the Moroccan equivalent of chicken soup, except that it is usually vegetarian-friendly and is made with chickpeas/pasta/veggies. I love it and it is this thick brown soup with lots of herbs. However, it is usually thickened with flour. So, I would avoid it if you are gluten-free.

• Couscous – This is another iconic Moroccan food that is NOT gluten-free since it is usually made with wheat flour You can ask if they can make it with corn but this is usually not possible. However, some Marrakech riads might be able to accommodate you. Alternatively, you can ask them to make couscous with rice. However, cross-contamination is very possible. So, it’s best to avoid couscous if you are allergic (not intolerant) to gluten.

Moroccan Foods You Can Eat

Now time for the good news! There are quite a few Moroccan foods that you can eat if you are gluten-free. Here is the full list with local tips to help keep your tummy happy.

• Tajine – Tajine is probably THE most iconic dish in Morocco and is a stew that is named after the pot it is cooked in. Typically, tajine is made with a variety of spices as well as carrots, potatoes, carrots, eggplant, zuchini, etc. Other varieties are meat-based and can be prepared with fish, chicken, beef, and lamb. What I like is that no two tajines are the same. So, tajine is always fun to eat. While gluten is normally NOT in this dish, I would ask and see if they add flour to thicken the broth at the bottom. It’s always good to ask just in case.

• Omelets – Omelets are found everywhere in Morocco and you can get them at basically any time of day. You could also get them made with just about anything you like. So, this is a great option for anyone who is gluten-free. I love a good cheese omelet and they are literally everywhere. Just check because I am not sure if Babybel spreadable cheese has gluten and people sometimes put this in cheese omelets.

• Berber Omelets – This is kind of like the Moroccan version of Shakshuka and is an omelet made with a tomato sauce that is flavored with onions and some delicious spices. You can get Berber Omelets all over Marrakech and it is one of my favorite foods.

• Zaalouk – This is a grilled eggplant and tomato salad. The two ingredients are cooked together and served cold with garlic and lots of other spices thrown in for good measure. It is a little bit sweet and a little bit savory and is very delicious.

• Tanjia – Tanjia and Tajine are NOT the same thing. Tanjia is essentially a lamb stew that is slow-cooked with saffron and garlic. It is really delicious and is typically eaten with bread, like most things in Morocco. However, feel free to skip the bread and just eat this divine dish instead.

• Moroccan Salads – There are tons of different Moroccan salads that are generally served cold and made with a wide variety of veggies and spices. They are really tasty and fresh and basically always gluten-free.

• Loubia – I love loubia since this white bean stew is slow-cooked for hours and is packed with flavor. Generally, this dish is flavored with cumin, paprika, garlic, olive oil, onions, and tomatoes. It has a red color and is super delicious. However, it is pretty hard to find in most restaurants

• Grilled Meats – I would steer clear of merguez sausage since that can have flour as a filler. But, any grilled kefta, chicken, beef, lamb, sardines, and meats, in general, are gluten-free. So, if you see meat on a stick then it is probably gluten-free.

• Bissara – Not gonna lie, the last time I tried bissara I didn’t really like it. But, local restaurants serve it for breakfast in Marrakech (or at any time really) since it is super healthy. It is made of fava beans that have been slow-cooked and pureed with olive oil, cumin, garlic, and paprika. Extra olive oil is added on top and you usually eat it hot, like a soup.

Best Gluten-Free Restaurants in Marrakech

Below is a list of restaurants in Marrakech that know how to accommodate anyone who is gluten-free. I have personally eaten at many of these places and some even denote gluten-free items on their menu.

Others just have a lot of gluten-free options, but they are all perfect for anyone who cannot eat gluten.

1. Bloom House

This is by far and away the best gluten-free restaurant in Marrakech since basically everything here is gluten-free, at least that’s what it says on the menu. Plus, they serve gluten-free bread! Talk about a rarity in Marrakech.

Anyway, yes, Bloom House is a bit far from the Medina. But, this cafe and yoga studio in Marrakech is a gem where you can find some seriously delicious gluten-free food.

I’m not even vegan/gluten-free and I fell head over heels in love with their vegan banana bread with cashew mascarpone—it’s that good!

I also love that when you walk in you are treated to chic, modern decor that leads you into this beautiful dining room that sits inside a hidden garden. It’s such a chill spot where you can escape the hustle and bustle of the Medina.

Plus, they serve all-day breakfast! We popped by around 4:00 pm and I got to indulge in some delicious Shakshuka, complete with creamy cheese and homemade bread (no extra charge for more, score!).

Okay, the chocolate latte wasn’t the star of the show, and the service was a tad slow. However, they have a great selection of lattes made with non-dairy milk.

And the prices? Super reasonable for vegetarian food in Marrakech. It was around 85 Dirhams ($8.50) for our entrees! Seriously, don’t miss out on this spot; it’s one of my all-time favorite vegan restaurants in Marrakech.

Local Tip: Another great gluten-free spot in Marrakech is La Creperie de Marrakech. They serve gluten-free, buckwheat crepes that I’ve heard are good. Just be sure to talk to them about cross-contamination before you order one.

2. +61 (It’s Listed as Plus 61 on Google)

I visited this incredible Medi-Moroccan fusion spot with a friend the very first time I was in Marrakech. I stumbled upon it in a list of the top restaurants in the city and thought, “Why not?”

Let me tell you, we were not let down! From the get-go, the staff were super friendly and the contemporary decor just wowed me.

Sure, it’s a cozy little place and quite popular, but our hostess worked her magic and scored us a table. We kicked things off with hummus and burrata, and let me tell you, both were bursting with flavor!

I’d totally come back just for those two dishes since the plating was gorgeous and the food tasted amazing. It’s also nice that the staff are fluent in English and can make changes if you have special dietary needs.

3. Cafe Clock

Cafe Clock is hands down one of my fave brunch spots in Marrakech! I adore it so much that I’ve also hit up their locations in Fes and Chefchaouen.

Usually, I swing by for brunch since they have a fantastic menu for just 55 Dirhams ($5.50) that includes coffee/tea, OJ, and a delicious entree.

I can’t resist the Berber Omelet while my partner digs into the pancake stack loaded with caramelized bananas and fresh fruit.

They’ve also got scrumptious options like scrambled eggs, avocado toast, and yogurt with granola. Honestly, I’m always happy with the food here.

Just make sure to save room for their spiced cappuccino; it’s to die for! Sip on that while soaking in the fun decor and live music in the evenings in Marrakech.

I also love that they list gluten-free items on the menu. So, you can’t go wrong with their fries or their falafel super bowl. However, do ask since I think they have even more GF options.

4. NOMAD

Every raves about Nomad, and it’s easy to see why it’s one of the hottest spots in Marrakech! Seriously, the modern decor is stunning, the staff are friendly, and that rooftop? The views of Place des Epices are epic!

Plus, the service is on point—my questions were all answered by the hostess, and my food arrived in just 15 minutes, even though the was restaurant packed with diners.

Now, for the not-so-great part: my meal was just okay. I polished off my vegetarian couscous, but it didn’t really blow me away.

I also wish the menu had more vegetarian options, like a yummy vegetable/chickpea tajine, since I felt a bit limited. And heads up, it can get crowded and pricey, with entrees running at 140 Dirhams ($14.00).

Plus, if you’re planning to eat on their famous rooftop terrace, definitely make a reservation, and be ready to order a full meal if you want to sit there.

Now if you’re gluten-free, you’ll have no problem eating here since they have things like cauliflower roast in charmoula, grilled lamb chops, and the flourless cardamom ginger orange cake.

The staff are also very familiar with gluten-free diets and will have zero problems being able to assist you.

Overall, I’d say give it a shot and see what the fuss is all about. It’s not bad, but honestly, there are plenty of better and cheaper places in Marrakech. But hey, tons of people rave about it, so maybe it’s just me.

5. Mandala Society

The first time I visited, I walked away unimpressed—seriously, whatever I ordered was just meh, and I thought it was totally overrated.

But I decided to give it another go, and wow, what a difference! We snagged a spot on the rooftop, and I went for the farm egg toast (think omelet meets avocado toast), while my partner indulged in banana bread slathered with fresh amlou and chocolate sauce.

Both dishes were fantastic, and our coffees hit the spot too! Gotta admit, though, the banana bread stole the show.

Since that visit, we’ve gone back for the carrot cake, and it did not disappoint! If you’re in Marrakech, definitely swing by for brunch—trust me, their brunch menu is way better than lunch or dinner!

But hey, that’s just me with my breakfast-loving bias. Now, when you look at their menu nothing is listed as gluten-free. However, the staff know all about gluten-free diets and have a special gluten-free menu that you can order from.

Local Tip: They are cash only so do try exchanging money in Morocco before you visit.

6. Henna Art Cafe

So, I recently discovered this adorable little cafe in Marrakech. It’s tucked away in the Medina and is super close to the Kasbah! I absolutely love this spot because it’s budget-friendly and the decor is awesome!

One quirky touch is that they serve your silverware in these cool Moroccan shoes—don’t stress, they’re squeaky clean! On top of that, this place is also a rad spot for getting all-natural henna tattoos.

The last time I visited, I chilled on the rooftop and ordered hummus and falafel. The hummus could’ve used a little more flavor and the falafel was just okay.

In contrast, my partner tried the avocado toast and quesadilla and was totally blown away by both! We also appreciated that most dishes were pretty affordable, ranging from 60 Dirhams ($6.00) to 70 Dirhams ($7.00).

The henna art was also amazing too! The ladies were quick, efficient, and created some stunning designs.

Added bonus? All items on the menu are clearly marked as vegetarian, vegan, or gluten-free and the staff are also well aware of Celiac Disease. So, this is a very sweet spot for anyone who is gluten-free in Marrakech.

7. Amal

Amal is a fantastic spot in Gueliz that you’ve gotta check out! The name means “hope” in Arabic, and that’s super fitting since this non-profit is all about empowering disadvantaged women who aspire to work in the restaurant biz.

So, every bite you take helps support local ladies – how awesome is that? Grab a seat at one of their gorgeous tiled tables and kick back while reading some empowering feminist quotes on the walls.

They’ve also got a lovely, shaded outdoor patio that’s quiet and adorned with cute tiled fountains. Honestly, the staff here are incredible, always going the extra mile to make sure you have a great experience.

The last time I visited, I had the vegetarian tajine, and while it wasn’t the fanciest meal I’ve ever had, it was satisfying and totally gluten-free.

My partner went for the chocolate mousse and tea, and he loved both. Oh, and I appreciated being able to pay by card.

Just a heads up, the menu is on the smaller side (about ten items), and they are only open daily from 12:00 pm to 3:30 pm, except Sundays.

So definitely plan ahead. We strolled in at 2:45 pm and they still seated us, which was impressive! They also have great cooking classes that are 100% gluten-free.

8. Le Killim

The first thing that caught my eye at Le Killim was the incredible decor! Everywhere you look you see vibrant red tables and gorgeous Moroccan-inspired cushions that just pop.

Now, the last time we went here for lunch the food was not that great. The bread was just okay, and my partner’s falafel was pretty disappointing—two sad little balls on a plate surrounded by heaps of veggies.

Sure, the hummus was good, but he wanted way more than that! I had cauliflower with green couscous and white cheese, and while it was fine, it didn’t wow me.

Plus, I had a little mix-up with my order, and the server was reluctant to help me sort it out, which was a bummer.

I’m sharing this not to put you off but to keep it real about my experience. Hopefully, your visit turns out way better than mine since there are gluten-free options available and they are clearly marked on the menu.

9. Cafe des Epices

I think Cafe des Epices deserves all the hype it gets! This spot is super popular on the tourist trail and that’s becausse it is one of the best rooftop restaurants in Marrakech.

If you want to enjoy beautiful rooftop views, swing by for breakfast—trust me, it gets packed later in the day and you can wait over an hour for a seat on the roof, complete with sweeping views of Place des Epices.

The last time I ate here, I was blown away by the quality and price of the food. I had the Berber Omelet and it was spot on! The flavor was incredible, it was perfectly cooked, and the service was on point—all for just 40 Dirhams ($4.00)!

Just a heads up, this place is super laid-back, so if you’re thinking romance, you might want to try somewhere like La Mamounia.

And don’t get me started on the menu—it’s massive! It features pasta, sandwiches, salads, and more. Gluten-free options are also denoted by three little stars and you can even order gluten-free bread if you call ahead.

10. Le Jardin

Want to enjoy a meal in a delightful garden oasis right in the heart of the Medina? Then Le Jardin is your go-to spot for food in Marrakech!

I popped by during my first trip to Marrakech since it was just around the corner from Central House. I fell in love with the place and have been coming back ever since!

The food rocked, the vibe was on point, and the prices were reasonable. I tried the egg tajine and it was delicious! Honestly, I’m a bit puzzled as to why they call it an egg tajine since it’s a Berber Omelet, but whatever – that dish was epic.

I also love that this restaurant is housed inside a classic riad from the 1960s. This historic feel of this place just adds to the ambiance as you eat within this beautiful secret garden.

Also, like many of the other gluten-free restaurants in Marrakech, gluten-free options are denoted by three stars and there are many awesome options available to you

Best Hotels in Marrakech for Gluten-Free Travelers

Most riads and hotels include a traditional Marrakech breakfast in the price of their rooms. So, if you are a gluten-free traveler then it is a good idea to stay somewhere that knows about this allergy and that can accommodate your needs.

• Riad Zamzam (mid-range)– If you have an allergy or any special dietary needs then this is a great place to stay. The kitchen staff knows exactly how to prepare food safely and you won’t have to worry about a thing. This boutique hotel is also well-located in the Medina and features seven beautiful rooms that are outfitted with French and Moroccan-inspired decor. Other highlights include a rooftop terrace, Marrakech cooking classes, a plunge pool, and an on-site restaurant.

• Riad Dar Zaman (luxury/mid-range) – This chic but budget-friendly riad is perfect for anyone who is gluten-free since special breakfasts can be made that include omelets and poached bananas with caramel sauce. They also serve gluten-free couscous (made with cornmeal) and even have gluten-free cooking classes too. The staff are also just super lovely. However, they only have four individually decorated rooms. So, book well in advance if you want to stay at this amazing place since they have a pool and this is easily one of the best riads in Marrakech with a pool.

• Dar Les Cigognes (luxury) – This swank five-star hotel offers gluten-free cooking classes and has a special gluten-free menu. It’s also a supremely awesome place to stay since they have ten stylish rooms that feature exposed beams, a sitting area, and stunning furniture. They also have a beautiful courtyard, an excellent rooftop terrace, an on-site hammam in Marrakech, and an outdoor pool.

Conclusion

So, after reading this article, I hope you are not AS stressed out about being gluten free in Marrakech.

There are actually a ton of great gluten-free restaurants in Marrakech since this city is very cosmopolitan and has a lot of expats looking for delish gluten-free goodies.

However, this post is also helpful if you are traveling throughout Morocco since you now know which Moroccan foods do and do not contain gluten.

Whatever you do, have some French and Arabic translations handy so that you can let staff know that you are gluten-free.

I would also make sure the eatery knows about cross-contamination so that you don’t accidentally get sick while visiting Morocco.

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