3 Best Restaurants in Fez and the Middle Atlas, Morocco

Set in the heart of the medina, this crosscultural café is a Fez institution. It’s the perfect place to take a sightseeing break with a tea or mocktail, or a bite from the eclectic menu of Moroccan and international fare, like the justly famous camel burger; there are vegetarian-friendly options as well. Spread over two traditional dars, the Clock is much more than a café: if you want to learn to cook Moroccan cuisine, pick up some Moroccan Arabic, try your hand at calligraphy, listen to ancient storytelling, learn to play the oud, or have a henna tattoo, just check out its cultural workshops.

Dining under the stars in this Andalusian-style, gardenlike oasis is a delight, surrounded by citrus trees and next to a twinkling fountain, or eat inside the Art Deco–influenced dining room. The chefs take traditional recipes and give them a contemporary presentation, creating a three-course dinner using seasonal produce from the market, a five-course wine-tasting menu for groups, and a lighter tapas menu that can be eaten on the rooftop terrace. They also have an à la carte lunch menu: think Moroccan salads and tagines. 

After a morning pounding the medina alleyways, this cute and contemporary café on the Talaa Kbira is the perfect place to take a break with a fresh juice or mint tea, malawi (Moroccan pancakes), or a more substantial tagine. The chocolate mousse comes highly recommended.