Yes I know, it’s Starbucks, but while strolling past it on Boulevard D’anfa, we had to see how it compared to those in the US and other places abroad. This particular location turned out to be substantially nicer than most. This outpost is located in a mostly business area full of banks and a few shops off one of Casablanca’s main drags. The inside has two levels with high ceilings, along with a garden outside where business people from nearby offices mingle over espressos and frappucinos.

We decided to go in for a quick nibble and to sit down and use the wi-fi connection for a little bit while taking a break from the hectic streets. When we went to order, I noticed the menu options were quite different than what we were used to, and featured items like fresh-squeezed orange juice (complete with a giant juicer). Many gourmet sandwiches and sweets were also on offer such as brie and ham croissants, many kinds of tarts, large doughnuts and pastries.

We ordered the the tarte citron (lemon tart) and the pain suisse. The pain suisse was surprisingly delicious and is similar to a pain au chocolat, albeit stickier and with semi-sweet chocolate morsels and raisins inside. The lemon tart was also super tasty and came topped with a dollop of whipped cream.

Throughout the interior, there are Moroccan-themed cups, trinkets and gifts for the Starbucks aficionado who wants to collect a cup for every city in the world. The word “Starbucks” was also spelled out in coffee beans underneath the gifts, which was a nice touch.

And while you wouldn’t expect it, the service was exceptional. Khalil, the barista who served us was super helpful, welcomed me to Morocco, and gave some good advice for the surrounding area.

If you want a cool place to relax with good wi-fi, or just want a place that reminds you of the US in a sea of Moroccan restaurants, this is the place to go.