10 Best Restaurants in Rabat

Enjoy a charming French-inspired meal at Ty Potes in this little piece of Brittany in Rabat. It’s a cozy deli with a French bistro feel, a tranquil back garden, and a menu of French-style dishes and drinks. Locals enjoy its cheese and charcuterie platters, wide range of savory Breton pancakes, gourmet salads, and rotating daily specials.

In season, you’ll find fresh oysters from Dakhla in southern Morocco. Wash them down with a glass of wine or cider and check the deli counter for special treats to take home. When the weather is nice, ask for a table in the pretty back garden; it’s a picturesque place to linger over a lovely meal.

The Villa Mandarine restaurant, part of the boutique hotel of the same name, offers a refined dining experience where French and Mediterranean influences meet traditional Moroccan flavors. The dishes are crafted with fresh, seasonal, locally sourced ingredients and beautifully plated.

The elegant dining room is inviting, and the lush, sculpture-filled gardens set this place apart. Moorish-tiled paths wind through its flower beds, fruit trees, and towering palm trees; you might even spot a peacock. For the full experience, visit during the daytime, as they don’t illuminate the gardens at night. In spring, when the flowers are in full bloom, Villa Mandarine is a must for both the food and setting.

Located in the historic Hassan district where Rabat’s imperial past echoes in the elegant architecture and broad boulevards, Restaurant Marea is a seafood lover’s haven. It’s an ideal setting to experience some of Rabat’s best seafood dishes.

The fish soup is a must-try, the paella is a local favorite, and the John Dory is delicately prepared with excellent sides. The mixed fish fry offers a great way to sample a variety, and the salads are crisp and flavorful. Marea also offers a good wine list, and the staff are happy to suggest pairings. Look out for the daily specials; they highlight the best of the season and the chef’s creativity.

Dar Zaki offers an authentic local dining experience in a pretty, tiled interior tucked away in the winding alleyways of Rabat’s medina. Signature dishes include the flaky seafood pastilla, a hearty couscous Brania, and a fragrant tagine of tender lamb served with eggplant fritters. Vegetarian options like the flavorful zaalouk, an eggplant salad, are also popular.

Dar Zaki is open for dinner only, and given its popularity, it’s best to book in advance. Finding it can be an adventure. Look for a recessed doorway marked by a small, unlit sign. Once you find it, you will need to pay in cash, so be prepared. The staff are welcoming, and the space is wheelchair accessible and has Wi-Fi.

Located in the heart of Rabat’s old city, Dar El Medina is a welcoming spot known for generous portions, traditional dishes, and friendly service. The set menu is good value; 2 menus can feed 3, with 3 starters and a main not including drinks, which is standard.

Highlights include chicken with lemon and olives, rich lamb tagines, spiced rice, and couscous garnished with tfaya, a sweet and savory blend of caramelized onions, cinnamon, ginger, and slivered almonds. The chicken pastilla is a must try. They also offer cooking classes for a hands-on experience. Note it’s cash only and not wheelchair accessible. For a quiet escape from the medina, ask for a table in the pleasant interior patio.

Kasr Al Assil, meaning The Noble Palace, lives up to its name with a refined, palatial interior. But the place is also warm and inviting with bright colors, lush greenery, and genuinely friendly staff creating homey feel. It’s known for its excellent price-to-quality ratio serving up traditional Moroccan favorites like slow-cooked stews, tender tagines, chicken pastilla, and flavorful vegetable dishes. You’ll also find crisp Western-style salads and fresh juices on the menu.

Combine it with a visit to the nearby Villa des Arts, a prominent and free-to-enter cultural center dedicated to contemporary art exhibits and a must-visit stop on any trip to Rabat. The renowned Museum of History and Civilizations, showcasing art and archeological artifacts, is also nearby.

A friendly Palestinian couple run the popular Sufra Restaurant serving authentic, home-style dishes made fresh daily. The food is vibrant, flavorful, and beautifully presented. Standouts include creamy hummus topped with tender lamb or chickpeas, chicken maqluba, and a variety of tasty mezzes, dips, shawarma, and shish tawouk (grilled chicken skewers). 

They cater to vegetarians and vegans with options like crisp falafel, a rich eggplant stew, and habat remanah, a warming lentil and eggplant dish. The atmosphere is lively and welcoming, perfect for a casual and satisfying meal. Don’t miss the kunafah sufra, a delicate, cheese-filled dessert with a crispy top. Pair it with traditional Arabic coffee for the full experience.

Located inside the Sofitel Hotel, Al Warda offers traditional Moroccan cuisine in a glamorous setting that blends ornate palatial décor with a touch of disco flair. The dining room features vibrant lighting, luxurious details, and an opulent atmosphere, sometimes enhanced with belly dancing performances and live music. Service is warm, attentive, and professional, which adds to the refined feel of the place.

The menu highlights Moroccan classics prepared with finesse. The pastilla and vegetable and fish tajines are highlights, full of rich flavors and fresh ingredients. While prices are higher than at more casual spots, the refined ambience and excellent service justify the splurge and credit cards are accepted here.

Le Petit Beur is a charming, family-friendly restaurant known for its authentic Moroccan cuisine, beautifully tiled setting, and warm welcome. The menu offers traditional dishes with some creative touches. For something special, try the veal tagine with tomato compote and pear, and finish with the house pastilla dessert with orange blossom custard. They serve alcohol, including Moroccan wine and beer, which pair nicely with the food.

Though open for lunch, the evening experience is enhanced by live oud music, a stringed instrument similar to a lute, played beautifully in the background. It’s wise to book ahead or arrive when they open to secure a table, as it fills up quickly.

Il Giardino is a popular Italian restaurant fittingly located beside the Italian Cultural Institute in Rabat’s Hassan district. The chef crafts authentic Italian cuisine using fresh, high-quality ingredients, with a menu featuring wood-fired pizzas, homemade pastas, and timeless classics like lasagna and ravioli, complemented with a thoughtful selection of local and Italian wines.

The setting is inviting with a bright, spacious garden-style terrace where you can enjoy your meal al fresco, and a cozy indoor dining area with a relaxed atmosphere. If you prefer to dine at home, Il Giardino offers delivery through Glovo.