Triskala — Restaurant in Essaouira

Triskala is a MUST do gem of a restaurant in Essaouira!!

Being vegan & vegetarian can sometimes be such a challenge when traveling around the world. Morocco is the best country to indulge in many dishes with fresh seasonal vegetables. I had been given Triskala’s name as a recommendation and also, being a Lonely Planet fan, I usually go with their suggestions. And Triskala is a favorite of theirs.

This recommendation and suggestion did not disappoint!

My husband and I went on a Tuesday night about 7:30. We had not made reservations (I recommend doing so!) but they were able to fit us in at a small two person side by side table which was just fine with us. The location is great, not far from the ‘artist corner’ of the Medina. And what an amazing eclectic interior. You will have so much fun simply looking at all the decorations and listening to the great mix of music! And the restaurant comes with the sweetest little calico cat who is the perfect touch for such a Bohemian Chic cafe!!

Our host that greeted us was the nicest young man with a great smile. We were seated quickly and he explained the menu. I absolutely loved such a large bar of vegetarian options! We were then greeted by an adorable young woman who took our drink order. We then ordered our food. All was very prompt. And never were we not attended to with a beautiful SMILE offered by all.

We started with traditional Moroccan Dchicha soup and a breaded eggplant with tomato pâté. The presentation was so perfect that even if it wasn’t fabulous (which it was!) you would love it just for its visual beauty. This was served with a very tasty bread that had some anise in it. Made for a great flavor when dipped in the soup.

For our entrees we enjoyed sharing two different main courses. First was a vegetable A’gratin baked dish served piping hot in a ceramic baking dish. Along its side was a mix of greens and cinnamon spiced carrots. OMG! So delicious!!!

We also shared a falafel plate, Moroccan style. Served with a yummy yogurt dressing along with seasoned zucchini & carrots and a cabbage almond salad. It was a very large order and so satisfying. Again beautifully presented on the plate.

Of course we had to have the dessert, a date creme and mint pastilla and a hot Moroccan mint tea. What an INCREDIBLE dessert. The owner teased us and said to just use our fingers as it will taste better. So...we did!

You will be so happily surprised at the prices here. For all of this and a large bottle of Pelligrino sparkling water....wait for it...285 dirhams!! Yes that is only 26€ or $30!! I wish I could dine out like this back in Ventura California. I would never cook again!

The owner visited with us and made sure all was good. Yes it was. So good that we just booked a table to go back tonight.

See you soon for another meal of vegetarian PERFECTION!! What a VEGGIE LOVERS gem. Really it is. The added plus...completely plastic free and trying very hard to be completely sustainable to protect our Mother Earth. Good job Triskala!

(Please note: There is fish options that I saw on the menu. And the entire menu...

This is a beautiful, atmospheric restaurant; a tiny historic chapel. The homemade bread was delicious, and the crispy prawn starter was great. However, my husband had sable fish with charmoule, he ate two mouthfuls before asking me if the fish was bad/off, I smelled it and agreed it smelled like rotten meat. The waiter was very polite and took the dish away, and made suggestions for replacing the dish, but my husband obviously felt quite queasy and declined the offer of a replacement dish. The waiter then returned and apologised again and said that the fish had actually been left out on the side and not stored in the fridge, we were shocked at his honesty! He then brought out a brownie as peace offering for my husband and I to share, but I ate most of it as he just wanted to leave. We asked for the bill, and the rotten fish dish had been removed and also the brownie was not added - we really thought the whole bill should have been voided as it was an awful experience for my husband to eat rotten fish, and it completely ruined the evening. Two hours after eating the two mouthfuls of fish my husband has mild food poisoning so we had to return to our accommodation, he feels sick and has a bad stomach, with frequent trips to the toilet! We only had one day to enjoy Essaouira and this is not how we wanted to spend it. All the food we have eaten thus far in Morocco has been top notch (I have a very weak stomach and have not been ill once in a entire week in Ourika valley and Marrakech!). I hate to imagine what would have happened if my husband had eaten more than two small bites of the fish! This sort of mistake is unacceptable, and the manager should be ashamed to let this occur in a place where fresh fish is abundant; coming straight from the sea to the plate - it is something that could land someone in hospital on their holiday - I’m just hoping my husband doesn’t get any more ill over next few hours. We have read other similar experiences and now know that this was not a one off!! Disgusting and...

This isn't the easiest restaurant to find in Essaouira but well worth the effort.

We took the good sense to go find it early on in the afternoon so we could book it and then return later after exploring more of the Ramparts close to where it is located. The restaurant is neither small nor enormous, but what immediately strikes you is how wonderfully decorated the space is. Upon close inspection it suddenly occurs that only a mad genius would put these funishings together and hope to get away with it, yet they have, and it works. Looking like it was once an old stone dwelling the space contains traditional Moroccan ornaments and soft furnishings in one corner, which sit happily together with British rock posters and plastic chromium chairs and baroque framed mirrors in another. We loved it.

We asked for the table overlooking the restaurant in an interesting spot which is accessed by climbing some open wooden steps adjacent to the door.

We found the service to be impeccable. Our waiter explained that the menu changed every day and that they didn't serve meat, and would only serve fish if it was available and of sufficient quality, otherwise the menu would be vegetarian.

The food did not disappoint, perhaps described as Moroccan cuisine with a twist. To start I nervously opted for the Smoked Sardine and Lentil salad, it was was a revelation, how can lentils be so ridiculously tasty!? My girlfriend had the goats cheese dish which was equally good.

For mains we went for the Monkfish Skewers with Cauliflower Gratin, and the Seafood Bastilla with Lemon Confit which again, in terms of flavour and presentation were both delightful.

Like many in Essaouira this restaurant doesn't serve alcohol, but there is a nice choice of teas and fruit juices available including one made with watermelon and mint.

The bill came to 420DH (around £35) for two which is extraordinarily good value for money. Highly...