Khmissa Restaurant — Restaurant in Essaouira

I can't say enough good things about this restaurant. I spent 8 nights in Essaouira, and I ate here four out of the eight nights. It would have been five, except they are closed on Wednesdays.

I had the fish soup as a starter all four nights. It just seemed like the perfect comfort food to warm me up on the cool, windy nights, and a perfect offering in such a fisherman's town.

As for main course, I had the beef with dried fruits twice (sweet and savory combo was HEAVENLY!) I had shrimp tajine one night, and the "sweet chicken tagine" on my last night. (another sweet and savory delight, with caramelized onions.) Each one of these dishes was hot, bubbly, and so satisfying!

Don't be put off by the size, as it's a small place. But so cozy, it's worth the wait. Their service is very efficient, so you won't be waiting long.

I am a solo traveler, so I enjoyed sitting on the "bench seat" inside, as I had some great conversations with fellow patrons seated beside me. It's a family run operation, with the mother doing the cooking, and the son serving. I hated to leave Essaouira, as Restaurant Khmissa was starting to feel...

We ate here twice, had tajins: vegetarian, lemon chicken, beef with dried fruits, shrimps. All of them were delicious. vege and chicken we had several times in Morocco and here they were the best. Fish soup was excellent, as well as samousas (again, best we had in 3 weeks in Morocco). You must take into account this is very small family business, so it gets full very fast after they open (in 15-20 min). On top of that, one evening there must have been something with the kitchen, since they were taking orders very slowly - telling customers coming right away they will be waiting. It must have looked strange, since there were just few tables occupied and I can imagine for newcomers it sounded weird. But I think it is better to inform upfront, than to let you wait and be disappointed. So if you want to come: (1) come early, (2) bring patience, it is worth to wait, (3) have a “plan B” if (1) and (2) will not work out. And this was definitely the Nr1 in Morocco in terms of “value for money”. We ate in many restaurants, cheap and expensive once, this was...

Nestled in a charming "zanga" (small alley) near the Saha (public square) in Essaouira, this restaurant offers a delightful experience. The staff were incredible—polite and apologetic when I couldn't find a seat during my first visit. They kindly advised me to come before 2 PM when it's less busy. Despite arriving at 8:30 PM instead, they were welcoming and accommodating.

The service started with Moroccan tea (Attay) and fresh bread, served promptly. However, the wait for my starter was about 20 minutes. The fish Harira (a soup with shrimp, vegetables, and grains) was exceptional—warming and perfectly seasoned.

For the main course, I tried the meat, apricot, and nuts tajine, which was a delightful balance of sour and sweet flavors, although the sweetness slightly dominated.

The restaurant is cozy, with a long table and chairs inside that seat 4-6 people, along with a few tables and chairs outside. The space is clean, including the toilet, which is always a bonus.

Overall, a charming spot that's worth visiting for its warm hospitality and...