20 Best Restaurants in Essaouira: Ultimate Local’s Guide

Visiting Essaouira and wondering where to eat in Essaouira? If so then you’re in luck. I have been living in this tiny, beachside oasis for well over a year. So, I know all about some of the best restaurants in Essaouira.

Places where you can go for a delicious meal, whether you’re looking for fine dining or a local hole-in-the-wall where you can order delicious seafood, tajine, couscous, or msemen.

After all, Essaouira has a massive port that is home to an epic fresh seafood market. So, if there’s one thing you should eat in Essaouira it’s fish, fish, and more fish.

And since I am a total foodie at heart, I make it my job to hit the streets and find all of the best places to eat in Essaouira.

So, whether you’re looking for hidden gems, local hot spots, or elegant dining, this guide has got you covered.

This post may contain affiliate links. Please see my disclosure for more information. As an Amazon Associate, I earn a small commission from qualifying purchases.

Best Places to Eat in Essaouira – Outside the Medina

1. Al Jazira – Petit Dejeuner Beldi

This local hotspot overlooks the beach and is about a 15-minute walk from the Medina. TBH they don’t have a sign out front. But, it sits on the corner right near La Coupole.

So, if you pass this restaurant then you have gone too far. Anyway, it’s a super informal breakfast spot in Essaouira where you can come and get a delicious Moroccan breakfast.

We usually order the cheese omelet and the Batbout (round, thin Moroccan bread) with olive oil on top. I also love the Msemen and you can get it with honey, olive oil, or amlou.

They also have bissara (bean soup) and harira (chickpea soup) as well as various other lunch dishes. However, this is really a breakfast spot and it will be PACKED with people by midday.

Additionally, they WILL run out of popular foods like Msemen and Batbout. So, I 100% would get here early. This way you don’t miss out on their awesome, traditional Moroccan food.

Seriously, even if your hotel in Essaouira serves breakfast you should still come here. This place is also VERY cheap and the most you will pay for anything is 15 Dirhams ($1.50) for an omelet. Therefore, this is a great brunch spot in Essaouira.

Yeah, most of the breads are only 4 or 6 Dirhams each. Also, don’t expect top-notch service since you’re here for the food and that’s about it.

Also, a fun fact, this restaurant is named for the island that you can see from the beach. It’s also a great place to on a day trip from Marrakech to Essaouira.

2. Beach and Friends

This epic eatery in Essaouira is just a short walk away from Ocean Vagabond. Therefore, it’ll take you about 20 minutes to walk here from the Medina or 8 Dirhams ($0.80) if you opt for a taxi.

If you walk here, you’ll probably get harassed by locals who want you to ride a camel or horseback riding. They are harmless but they can get annoying.

Anyway, I love this place because they have awesome, comfy sofas that you can relax in while you look out at the ocean and sip on a refreshing cocktail since this is a great place to drink in Essaouira.

Like Ocean Vagabond, this spot has a very chill surf vibe about it. Yes, this place is a bit pricey but it’s a great place to come to watch the sunset.

It’s also pretty informal so expect sand on the tables and stray cats wandering around your feet as they look for a snack.

Just be sure to arrive well before sunset so that you can snag a table. You can also enjoy fun live music and be excited to learn that they do accept credit card payments.

If you’re not sure what to order, my partner usually gets the Margarita pizza and I usually go with the classic burger. It’s not the BEST food I have ever had but it’s good and the view/vibe is awesome.

The prices are also a bit high since most entrees will cost you 100 Dirhams ($10.00) each.

3. Ocean Vagabond

Located at the far end of Main Beach (maybe like 20-minute walk from the Medina), Ocean Vagabond is this foodie hot spot then you cannot afford to miss the next time you are in Essaouira.

It has tables that overlook the beach in Essaouira and is a neat place to eat in Essaouira since you can watch camels walking across the sand as you enjoy your meal.

I get the Croque Monsieur every time I am here while my partner loves the Thai vegetarian salad. However, friends of mine have raved about the sushi even though it is only available on Fridays.

Other than that, just enjoy the chill surf vibes that this place exudes. You can even grab a Casablanca beer (made in Morocco) and just relax the day away at this tropical oasis that is home to the best nightlife in Essaouira.

Best Restaurants in Essaouira – Medina

4. Caravane Cafe

This crazy restaurant was started when French artist Didier Spindler bought a riad to showcase his unique paper-mache sculptures and abstract paintings.

Today, this unique eatery in Essaouira is known for its amazing food and even better entertainment. So, if you stop by in the evening expect to see magicians, fire breathers, and acrobats performing in the dining room.

You’ll also get a complimentary glass of rum punch to enjoy before you dig into amazing dishes like the lamb shank and the Camembert nuggets.

Plus, the entrees are very well-priced and I paid around 70 Dirhams ($7.00) for an entree the last time I was here. But, the price really depends on what you order. They also have a vegetarian menu for anyone who doesn’t eat meat.

I also just LOVE the ambiance here since the decor is super quirky and includes vibrant lamps, giant portraits of shahs, vintage Moroccan wardrobes, and vibrant walls.

Local Tip: If this restaurant in the Medina is full then you can always try Dar Adul, and Dar Caravane since both are owned by the same guy. But, 100% try and get here since this is one of the best things to do in Essaouira.

5. Le Corail Vegan Food

So, I have mixed feelings about this vegan restaurant in Essaouira. First of all, my partner’s falafel was not falafel and had this weird mix of potato and lentils inside, not chickpeas.

However, my chickpea tajine was lovely. The flavor on the chickpeas was nice and they were well cooked. But, the tajine was a bit dry since there was no sauce in it like there is with a typical tajine.

The prices were also a bit steep for a chill, streetside restaurant inside a small square in the Medina. I paid 60 Dirhams ($6.00) for my tajine and my partner paid 10 Dirhams each ($1.00) for one falafel ball.

The falafel was also served on a bed of lettuce, tomato, and cucumber that was sprinkled with balsamic vinegar. So, while I would come back and order my tajine again, I don’t think my partner would get the falafel.

Additionally, I think the prices are a bit high since it’s a “vegan” restaurant. TBH, you can get cheaper and better vegan couscous and tajine at most restaurants in the Medina.

Alternatively, you can also visit Shyadma’s Vegan Food. It is literally right next door and I thought my tajine was pretty good. My partner said the falafel at this restaurant was better and cheaper.

However, that vegan restaurant in Essaouira did not make it on this list because the last time we were here we waited 2+ hours for food.

I am not sure if someone didn’t show up for work or if she had a problem in the kitchen but many people almost walked out that night. So, just know this could happen when you stop by.

But, it is an option if you’re looking for a nice vegetarian restaurant in Essaouira.

6. Restaurant Moulay Ali

Want to dine like a local? Then head to this low-key spot for lemon chicken with olives or for a tajine made from the fresh catch of the day.

You’ll also get plenty of homemade Moroccan bread to soak up all the delicious sauce that comes with your tajine.

Honestly, this place is nothing fancy. But, the food is amazing and super cheap since you can enjoy a meal for just 40 Dirhams ($4.00) per person.

Additionally, Omiss is the owner and he works with his girlfriend to create amazing food and delicious coffee made with traditional Moroccan spices.

You can also enjoy live music in the evenings while you eat at one of the best and most authentic restaurants in Essaouira.

7. Hostel La Smala Rooftop

Located right inside the Medina, climb up four or five flights of steps to the top of one of the best hostels in Essaouira. It’s here that you’ll find stunning sunset views of the ocean and the Old Skala, where Game of Thrones was filmed.

Try and come by for sunset since this rooftop cafe doesn’t have a ton of shade and can get hot around mid-day. However, I love the bright white tables and chairs and the whicker lanterns hanging from the ceiling.

TBH, the menu is a bit limited. They only have like three sandwiches, as well as a breakfast. However, breakfast is only served until 12:00 pm.

That being said, their veggie sandwich is light, refreshing, and super delicious. They also serve coffee, non-alcoholic drinks, crepes, milkshakes, and more.

The wifi is also really strong. I just find that the sun is a bit bright and there isn’t a ton of shade. So, this isn’t my go-to spot if I am looking to do some serious work. I just come here at sunset to chill and admire the views.

So, if you’re looking to catch the sunset then stop by since the view from here is amazing and this is one of the many places that makes Essaouira worth visiting.

Local Tip: We come here all the time and the rooftop is sometimes closed to the public during peak season (summer). Yeah, they limit visitors to hostel guests at this time of year.

So, the best time to visit Essaouira if you want to stop by this epic cafe in Essaouira is fall through Spring.

8. Resto Vague Bleue

This quaint little restaurant in Essaouira features 4 or 5 tables that are tucked away in a super clean, white and blue dining room that is casual but endearing.

Run by Chef Brahim and his wife, this family-owned restaurant features an ever-changing three-course meal that centers around whatever they find at the fish market that day.

So, if you’re not into seafood then give this place a pass. However, if you love fresh fish then get ready to enjoy amazing entrees like prawns with garlic and chilli and dorade with potatoes.

If you can, stop by for lunch since the food is great, the service is amazing, and the dishes are very well-priced at around 60 or 70 Dirhams ($6.00 or $7.00) each.

9. L’Atellier

I love this cafe in Essaouira for a couple of reasons. First of all, the decor is charming AF. Secondly, it is well-located just outside the Medina and is super easy to get to.

Thirdly, they have tons of tables and chairs everywhere, as well as great Wifi.

So, this is the place that you want to go to sit, hang out, and do some work since the Wifi is awesome and there is ample space in the cafe. TBH, the coffee isn’t the best I have ever had and the menu is a bit limited.

However, they do conduct cool cooking classes in Essaouira and even have a neat boutique that you can look through.

Yeah, they sell a lot of really cool stuff and I have picked up a lot of Moroccan souvenirs for my house and for my Essaouira wardrobe.

In terms of food, when you walk in you will think that they only sell drinks and cookies, cakes, and waffles since that is all that is listed on the menu they will give you – all of which are good BTW.

But, if you look at the menu on the wall (on your right) as you stand at the main counter, you will see that they do sell food like avocado toast and quiche.

My go to is the quiche since it is delicious and was filled with mushrooms and cheese the last time I was here. It also came with a nice little side salad and cost 70 Dirhams ($7.00).

So, a great place to eat in Essaouira if you’re looking for a cute little lunch spot. And if you’re not sure how many days to spend in Essaouira, plan enough time to visit this spot.

10. Asian Red Food

I have a confession. I love living in Morocco but I hate not being able to get high-quality Asian food any time I want. Yeah, after living in South Korea, Vietnam, Thailand, and Indonesia, I have a deep love for rice and anything curry.

So, if you too are jonesing for some decent Asian food then give this place a try. It’s very low-key and is good if you want to do some Thai takeout.

It’s also well located in the Medina and the prices are very reasonable, like 60 – 75 Dirhams ($6.00 – $7.50) per dish. You can also stop by after looking for Essaouira souvenirs since this place is very centrally located.

The owners are also super nice. I stopped by for some green curry and they actually gave me a second bowl of rice for free when they saw I had extra sauce left. I also like that they actually make spicy dishes spicy.

All the food is fresh/well-seasoned and prepared quickly. In particular, the prawn-fried spring rolls are good. Other faves include the beef fried rice and the chicken with cashew nuts.

Just be aware that things can be hit or miss here. I found the green curry to be just okay. The spice kind of overpowered any other flavor. I have also had friends who thought the soup was gross. So, I would stick with what people recommend.

Local Tip: Keep an eye out for the neighborhood cats. You’ll see them prowl around for food and stand up on their hind legs as they beg for food from the owner. It’s super cute. This place is also cash only.

11. Umia

This sleek modern restaurant is well-located inside the Medina right near the city walls. It is a chic, high-end eatery where you can dine at modern wooden tables filled with giant wooden candle holders.

The modern chairs are well-complimented by beige walls with white shelves that house a variety of plants, adding an air of sophistication and opulence to this restaurant in Essaouira that just makes you feel fancy.

This is one of the most popular restaurants in Essaouira so I 100% would make a reservation. Then, get ready to relax and enjoy an intimate experience since there are only a few tables in the restaurant.

The staff are also amazing and genuinely make you feel like they are happy to see you. In terms of food, we have gotten the crispy potatoes and the hummus and both were really good appetizers.

The seared tuna, clam risotto, and gnocchi were also amazing as well. So, be sure to stop by this hidden gem and enjoy a meal to remember.

It’s also nice that they have a lot of gluten-free options in Essaouira for anyone with special dietary needs.

Just be prepared to spend top dollar since dishes here can cost anywhere between 100+ Dirhams ($10.00+) and 200+ Dirhams ($20.00).

12. Bistro Essaouira

Head to the Mellah (aka Essaouira’s Jewish quarter) and relax on the terrace of this stylish little restaurant.

The interior is super cute with a unique combination of turquoise walls and brick walls with tiles inlaid into them that add a sleek vibe to this place.

You’ll also find banquette seating along the brick wall with lots of wooden tables and chairs and navy blue pillows.

It’s a great place to go to get everything from fish and chips to burgers and beef tajine. We stopped by and loved that they served fresh harissa and olives at every table.

TBH I wasn’t overly impressed with the beef tajine but the double burger was awesome. I also liked that the fries were thin and crispy.

13. Fish Burger

One of my all-time favorite restaurants in Essaouira is Fish Burger. It’s located right on the main street in the Medina and is always packed with people sitting at the many tables around the exterior of this low-key burger joint.

It’s not a super fancy place but they serve great food and it’s always packed. I always order the eggplant burger with cheese, lettuce, and a drink. I add a side of batata bravas and a drink to my burger for 80 Dirhams ($8.00).

I love that the eggplant is thin and crispy and that the sauce on the patatas bravas is flavorful. Meanwhile, my friend loves to get the Traditional Fish Burger with white fish and tartar sauce.

But, even if you’re not super into burgers than you can always try some of their tapas. They have octopus crostinis as well as a nice Guacamole Veggie Crostini.

So, even if you have friends who are veggie or vegan, you can still dine here with them and enjoy a great meal.

14. La Table by Madada

Looking for a fancy smancy place where you can impress your date? If so then La Table by Madada is the spot for you.

The first thing that you need to know is that this place is seafood-heavy. So, must-try entrees include the grilled calamari and the grilled sardine tartine.

However, they do have several veggie-friendly options like a vegetarian tagra (it’s a fish stew from the north but they use veggies instead) as well as a lentil curry that I love.

Also, for the caliber of service and the incredible ambiance created by candle-lit tables, sandstone arches, and quaint little table lamps, the price is pretty reasonable. So, expect to spend 100 Dirhams ($10.00) on an entree.

Yeah, this place is a bit pricier but you can also enjoy live guitar music and live dance performances along with your meal.

All in all, this is a great place to go if you’re looking for a high-end meal. If you want to dine like the locals then give this place a pass.

You can also visit one of the best hammams in Essaouira before you stop since it is located nearby.

15. Il Mare

The real appeal of this seafood restaurant in Essaouira lies in the fact that they have a lovely outdoor patio with sweeping views of the ocean and the Old Skala.

If you can, stop by about an hour before sunset. Yeah, this place is popular and tables fill up at that time of day. I have been here a bunch and I usually just grab drinks and relax outside to enjoy the view.

I have never had an issue with service but I also haven’t been here when it was packed with people. The last time I came here my friend ordered the seafood paella and loved it.

But, I have also had the octopus carpaccio and the avocado and shrimp tartare and both were pretty good. We also got to listen to the musical stylings of DJ Roshii, so that was a lot of fun.

Yes, this place is a bit touristy and the prices are a bit high (between 75 Dirhams and 125 Dirhams). However, you’re paying for the view and the overall ambiance of this massive restaurant in the Medina.

16. Chalet de La Plage

Stop by if you want to inhale amazing seafood and take in sweeping panoramas of the ocean. See, this epic eatery is located right near the port and features a wood-paneled dining room with epic views and lots of shade.

The menu is a bit expensive and you probably won’t spend less than 150 Dirhams ($15.00) per dish. But, this is a great place to sample authentic local seafood like chermoula-stuffed fried sardines and grilled turbot.

I had the fish tajine one time and it was okay (I like the one at Sam’s across the street better. But, the calamari is really good.

TBH we usually don’t have a full meal here since the prices are a bit steep. We usually just head up to Bar Celone and grab drinks while watching the sunset from their rooftop terrace.

17. Salut Maroc

This colorful boutique hotel in the Medina sits inside a historic riad from the 18th century and is home to a charming rooftop with awesome views of the ocean.

So, head upstairs and sit on a cushy stool next to a round wooden table that is shaded by traditional Moroccan umbrellas and surrounded by fun art murals.

My personal faves are the goat cheese croquettes and the penne with spinach, mushrooms, and almonds. Pair it all with a Rose Blush (prosecco with rose flavor) and enjoy a meal to remember at one of the best restaurants in Essaouira.

That being said, the service can be a bit slow and the prices are a bit steep.

However, they also have awesome dinner concerts that include Magrebi and Gnawa fusion music from Friday through Sunday and live music from Amin Kamal and the Prophets from Tuesday through Thursday.

So, if you’re not sure what to do in Essaouira at night then stop by and check this place out.

18. Triskala

The first time I visited Triskala I stopped by with friends and was pleasantly surprised by how much I enjoyed the food. Yeah, because this place is in the Medina, I kind of thought it would be a tourist trap.

However, thankfully I was totally wrong. One of my friends ordered the falafel plate and loved it, while I went for the Rfissa with lentils.

To be honest, it was delicious—but it wasn’t really Rfissa. Instead, it was made with the same noodles used in Seffa, but topped with cooked lentils and carrots, not cinnamon, sugar, and almonds.

Although it wasn’t what I expected, I appreciated how unique the dish was—it’s refreshing to see something different from the standard couscous and tajine that you find on most menus.

The staff were also friendly, and the decor was charming. I enjoyed it so much that I have since been back with ym partner and they now know us really well.

FYI, they close in the middle of the day. So, lunch is served from 12:30 pm to 3:30 pm, while dinner is served from 6:30 pm to 11:00 pm.

19. Restaurant Adwak

Restaurant Adwak is an iconic part of the Essaouira restaurant scene since the atmosphere is sublime and the food is epic. Therefore, this is a great place to try delicious, super classic Moroccan food.

This place is a bit small though. So, you may want to avoid stopping by during peak times since it will be hard to find a table.

The prices are also a bit higher (110 Dirhams for tajine) than what I am used to. However, the food is good and the portions are generous. So, I don’t mind spending a bit more money while I am here.

The last time I was here I ordered a vegetable tajine and it was really good. I liked the flavors in the tajine and thought the service was top-notch..

Just be on the lookout for local cats who sometimes like to hang around and steal a snack from you.

20. La Famille

Sick of eating nothing but tajine night after night? If so, then try eating at La Famille. This epic eatery started in Marrakech and has since expanded to Essaouira.

The interior has a warm and welcoming, country chic vibe that invites you to sit inside and dine at a large communal table. So, yes, you will be eating with a large group of total strangers.

Sure, it feels a bit awkward. But, it’s a great way to meet new people as you look over the small, but delicious, menu. And when I say “small”, I mean small since the menu typically includes a pasta, a salad, an app, a flatbread, and some desserts.

That’s because the theme at this vegetarian restaurant is delicious, Mediterranean-inspired cuisine that is cooked using only the freshest ingredients.

The last time I was here I ordered the flatbread and enjoyed it. Sure, it didn’t feel like a flatbread since it was made out of Batbout. But, it tasted good and included lovely, super fresh ingredients.

Overall, I would definitely come back and suggest that you give this place a try.

Map of Where to Eat in Essaouira

That wraps up this guide to the best restaurants in Essaouira. Did your favorite places to eat in Essaouira make the list? If not then let me know.

And if you found this post helpful then be sure to join our email list and Facebook group for even more awesome Morocco travel tips.

Finally, please consider buying me a coffee. It’s a great way to say “thank you” for all the free content you receive. No amount is too small and anything you can give will be greatly appreciated.