Marrakech is best known for its native Moroccan food, which can be found in the endless maze-like souks, the hectic Djemaa el-Fna, and countless rooftop restaurants. But Marrakech is blessed with another great cuisine — French — on account of its colonial history and location, so there is always that option for when your taste buds need a break from the usual (but delicious) lineup of tagines, couscous and zaalouk. From fine dining establishments to small cafes, here are our picks for the best French restaurants in Marrakech, Morocco.

Amaia

Amaia is a classy and fun hangout where you can indulge in mouth-watering French-inspired cuisine. On the menu you’ll find everything from freshly made pasta, to perfectly seared steaks, to fresh seafood dishes. One of their specialties is their duck dish, a wonderfully crisp marriage of breast meat marinated in cider vinegar served with a pineapple chutney. If you’re not squeamish about raw meat, you must also try their beef carpaccio (technically Italian) that comes with a decadent pesto sauce. 

Gastro MK

Located inside the trendy Maison MK, this restaurant is one of the most upscale in the city, and specializes in perfectly plated French cuisine. It’s particularly popular for its five-course meal, which includes items like canapes, beetroot-cured salmon, spicy pineapple sorbet, and a cauliflower veloute. If you need a little Moroccan flair, they do offer deconstructed tagines such as a pan-fried filet of sea bass and slow-cooked lamb, though of course they are anything but traditional.

La Cantine Parisienne

If you’re hungry for bistro style food, skip everywhere else and head to this stylish French restaurant. The decor is modern Paris all the way, complete with rustic brick walls, blackboard menus and a chandelier hanging from above. Some of the best items on the menu include the foie de veau salad, grilled tuna, pomme frites, and decadent deserts. The wine list is also excellent, with most French wine regions represented. While they aren’t exactly French, you can find a handful of burgers on the menu, which happen to be some of the best in town.

L’Annexe

For a French version of a gastropub, head to L’Annexe. The menu at the restaurant is rather large, and includes everything from traditional entrees to seafood, to pastas, to a cheese list. Some of L’Annexe’s best items include the Chateaubriand steak, ratatouille, and cheese boards that come perfectly paired with an impressive wine list. The modern and lively environment also makes L’Annexe a great place to spend a long night out with friends or take someone on a special date.

Patisserie Amandine

While not a traditional restaurant per se, Patisserie Amandine is a charming little bakery and tea room in the Gueliz district that has been serving up delicious treats since 1997. The design is typically French, and the inside makes you feel like you’ve been whisked away for a moment to the south of France. The macarons and pastries are incredible, and are worth stopping in to get some to go if you don’t have time to dine in.

La Table du Palais

This is one of the most beautiful restaurants on our list and features fabulous food combined with a lovely outdoor setting. The food on the menu mixes the best of French cuisine with a twist of Moroccan flair. The menu switches every day and is based on what the chef brings from the market that morning. Whatever you happen to order, the rich cuisine is sure to give your taste buds a wonderful surprise.

Le Grande Cafe De La Poste

Diners looking for a place to chill out for a while will want to check out the Le Grand Cafe de la Poste. The restaurant features classic French fare in a setting that has been serving up dishes since 1925. The two-story restaurant features a colonial and nostalgic Moorish style that definitely takes people back in time. Some of the best items on the menu include the grilled sardines with tomato marmalade, the duck shepherd’s pie, and the classic French starter, escargot.

La Grande Table Francaise

Not to be confused with La Table du Palais, this upscale establishment located inside the Hotel Royal Mansour just might be the best on our list. Launched by Yannick Alléno, winner of Michelin stars at multiple restaurants, the restaurant undoubtedly features some of the best French and upscale dining in the world. As good as the meals like the Pigeon d’Anjou and Beef Wagyu are, they are also quite expensive, with some entrees running up to 1,600 dirhams (US$160). Be sure to save it for a special occasion or add it to your foodie bucket list.

Related content on AFKTravel: 

A Taste of Morocco: Learning to Cook in Marrakech
Where to Eat and Drink in Marrakech
11 Johannesburg Restaurants That Put Meat Lovers First

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