Dar Cherifa — Restaurant in Marrakesh Prefecture

We arrived at Dar Cherifa and from the moment we stepped inside, the service was exceptional 😌. You could tell the staff wanted us to feel at ease and welcomed🤭, embodying the friendly and gracious spirit of Marrakesh. And then… it was time to feast. 🍽

We started with freshly baked Moroccan bread 🥖, warm and fragrant, served with traditional dipping sauces 👌🏾. Each piece of bread had a rustic, hearty texture that paired perfectly with the flavorful olive oil and herb-infused accompaniments. 🍃

Next, we tried the Briouates, crispy pastry parcels stuffed with a savory filling. Lightly fried and served with a side of fresh greens, these were a premium blend of crunchy exterior and flavorful interior. 🤤

The Chicken Pastilla 🥧 consisted of tender spiced chicken layered with crushed almonds 🌰, cinnamon, and herbs, then dusted with powdered sugar and cinnamon for a unique twist. 😋

From my first taste of Beef Tagine, I was instantly smitten. 🥘 A tagine is a traditional Moroccan 🇲🇦 dish named after the earthenware pot it’s cooked in, which allows flavors to meld slowly, creating a deeply rich and tender meal. 🤩 This beef tagine came adorned with apricots, walnuts, and almonds, offering a delightful balance of savory and sweet. 👌🏾 Each forkful was a melting mix of tender beef with the subtle sweetness of dried fruit and the satisfying crunch of nuts. It was, without a doubt, one of the highlights of my culinary experience in Morocco. 🙌🏾

To finish off this incredible meal, we indulged in a dessert 🍮 that was as much a feast for the eyes as it was for the palate. 😍 The highlight? My birthday celebrations officially started at Dar Cherifa. The staff sung Happy Birthday to me when they brought out the dessert. 🎤🎶 Served with a drizzle of caramel and two cute rose petals 🌹, it was the perfect end to our meal. Light, creamy, and infused with delicate flavors, the dessert showcased the artistry and attention to detail in Moroccan cuisine. 🍚

Make sure to set aside a day for exploring the winding streets and bustling souks around Dar Cherifa. And definitely bring an...

I’m sure this place would be great if they could A) Get a simple order correct and B) If the order is incorrect, at least have it be cooked and not raw.

We’re on a scouting trip to find which are the best places to stay and eat for guests that will be coming to Marrakech on organised trips.

My party went to the restaurant to eat and made my order to go. Kefta tagine with egg and a side of couscous was ordered for me.

Our guide was with the party and double and triple checked the orders to make sure they were properly communicated to the restaurant staff.

After a very long day, I had stayed awake until 11:30pm waiting for them to return with my dinner.

What arrived was a dish of couscous, with raw chickpeas and a bland taste as if it has been chucked in the microwave and not freshly prepared.

There was no kefta tagine or egg.

I’m going to sleep hungry, and incredibly dissatisfied.

One thing is certain, non of our future guests will be eating at this restaurant.

Update: I’m realising that this was a blessing in disguise. If we’re going to be bringing 100+ foreign guests a year to Marrakech, it’s good to know which restaurants to visit and which to avoid. I can understand a restaurant forgetting an order (even after being confirmed twice or three times in Arabic by an experienced local guide) but the couscous that they did deliver, should have been at least edible. It’s a staple dish, so not even being able to cook that is a big red flag. So I guess it’s bitter sweet because I know that none of our guests will experience such poor service as they won’t be stepping foot in this restaurant, on the other hand, I would have really liked to have...

A Lunchtime Oasis at Dar Cherifa: History, Hospitality, and Heavenly Flavors Stepping into Dar Cherifa felt like stepping back in time. Housed in what is said to be the oldest building in Marrakech, the restaurant exudes an air of history and tranquility. The ambiance alone would make it worth a visit, but the delicious food and impeccable service truly elevated our lunchtime experience. We started with the lemon chicken tagine, and it was a revelation. The chicken was incredibly tender, infused with the bright, zesty flavors of preserved lemon. Each bite was a delightful balance of savory and tangy, and the accompanying couscous was the perfect complement - light, fluffy, and flavorful. Of course, no trip to Morocco is complete without mint tea, and Dar Cherifa's did not disappoint. It was fragrant and refreshing, the ideal way to complete our meal. Beyond the food, the service was truly exceptional. Every member of the staff we encountered was incredibly friendly and welcoming, making us feel right at home in this beautiful historical setting. If you're looking for a truly special dining experience in Marrakech, Dar Cherifa is an absolute must-visit. It's a place where history, hospitality, and delicious cuisine come together to create a truly unforgettable experience.

Side note: We also enjoyed the coffee, which was a welcome pick-me-up after our meal. While not quite as strong as a classic Italian espresso, it was rich and flavorful, providing the perfect end to our...