Le Chalet de la Plage — Restaurant in Essaouira

The location was lovely and the restaurant area looked particularly inviting from the beachside. The entrance was roadside. We asked for a table for two. They wanted to know what we wanted to order before seating us. There was a copy of the menu hanging outside they said and they wanted us to choose there and then, before entering. However, it was blowing a gale and we were cold and unwilling to decide what we wanted to eat outside, before we had sat down. After all, part of the pleasure of eating out is contemplating the menu and making choices. You expect to be able to do so in comfort. They reluctantly allowed us to enter and a woman handed us two menus on the way to our table, informing us and repeating, rather loudly, ‘minimum order 100 DM’. The waiter sat us down at the table; there was a language difficulty but I got the impression that he was asking us to hurry up because the chef was leaving soon. At this, we decided that we did not want to be rushed and that it would be best all round for us to leave, before we committed ourselves to anything further. No problem - after all we had arrived late for their usual routine – our fault, so we understood. When we stood to leave however (there were no harsh words), the waiter became alarmed and asked us to remain seated. Confused, we simply asked if they were open or closed. They said they were open - but he was looking at his watch ……. We sat down again – but with misgivings.

We ordered sardines which is as simple as you can get (and hard to get wrong) together with a salad and some fries, water and a juice. The sardines looked nice on arrival but on inspection the scales had not been scrapped off and the skin (love the skin!) was consequently inedible. Shame. The salad and dressing was good as was the bread and butter.

We ate what we could in record time with the waiter hovering and constantly asking us if we had finished! When he took the half finished plates away I asked for the password for the wi-fi but was informed they were closed!

We asked for the bill; it was 410 DM. I only had 375 DM in cash, so I present my Visa card. I was informed that they do not accept cards! This is unusual for a restaurant of this class in Essaouira; my card had not been refused, even in the more modest establishments - nor has it since. I always try to pay by cash if I can but sometimes, one has to fall back on a card.

I was informed that there was an ATM just outside the front door – and led to it, which fortunately, there was.

I used the ladies bathroom before I left; I was disappointed to find the toilet paper had run out and there was no spare roll.

On the way out, I noticed a sign with words along the lines of "Ouvert - Visa - tap this way' with the accompanying sideways wifi logo (and maybe an arrow). That finished it for me. It seems it was too troublesome to even present my card to the terminal for processing.

In summary, I could never recommend this establishment to anybody. The food was poor, the service was intimidating and aggressive and ambience were appalling. There wasn't anything good to say about the place, apart from its location; Quite one of the worst and disappointing dining experiences I have had in...

About 30 years ago, Le Chalet de la Plage restaurant in Essaouira was a pleasant beachfront place to eat. I had first eaten there with three friends as we stayed at the Hôtel des Îles across the street.

The place has passed its glory days: it is overpriced, the windows were dirty, and it wasn't from the ocean spray. Even during the daylight hours, the restaurant was dark and somber.

Shockingly, on my most recent visit, I was appalled by a doorman who was one of the rudest persons I have ever encountered. He literally grabbed me by the arm as I was opening the door to enter. This experience was enough to turn me off completely, and I wanted to complain, but there was no one to complain to.

I advise: Do not bother to eat here. The owner and manager should fire this obnoxious and rude door man/bouncer. Where is the friendly and warm greeting?

My advise is to find another restaurant. Le Chalet de la Plage, despite its beachfront location, has definitely lost its original charm and is now mediocre. It has clearly gone downhill.

There are far better and more affordable restaurants with atmosphere and good food in Essaouira and that are welcoming to customers. Le Chalet de la Plage needs a doorman who will treat customers with respect and welcome them, not grab the arm.

Apparently I'm not alone in my observations and recent experience, since many other reviewers were disappointed with high prices, poorly prepared food, and the...

I have just dined here, and I must say, it was the worst seafood I have ever eaten in my life. From start to finish, the meal was a series of disappointments that left me utterly dissatisfied.First and foremost, the seafood was absolutely tasteless. Each dish lacked any semblance of seasoning or flavor. It felt as if no effort had been made to enhance the natural taste of the seafood, resulting in a bland and unappetizing experience.To make matters worse, every item tasted as though it had been boiled, regardless of the cooking method described on the menu. The grilled calamari, which I had high hopes for, was particularly disappointing. Instead of the smoky, charred flavor you would expect from grilling, it was rubbery and devoid of any grill marks or taste. It was as if they had boiled it and then quickly tossed it on a grill for a few seconds just to say it was grilled.The shrimp and fish dishes were no better. Each piece was overcooked and lacked the fresh, delicate flavor that good seafood should have. The texture of rice was mushy and unappealing, making the entire meal a chore to get through. it was clear that minimal effort had been put into both the preparation and presentation of the food. I would not recommend this restaurant to anyone looking for a quality seafood meal. Save your money and go elsewhere for a dining experience that actually values flavor and customer satisfaction. It cost me 39...