Top 4 Places to Eat in Fes

Explore the historic cityscape of Fes, Morocco, showcasing its unique architecture and sprawling urban landscape.
Tobias Waibl, Pexels

The culinary scene in Fes is deeply rooted in tradition, offering a rich tapestry of authentic Fassi cuisine alongside emerging contemporary and fusion options, attracting a diverse range of visitors including food enthusiasts, couples, and families seeking cultural immersion.

1. Nur Restaurant

Cuisine: Contemporary Moroccan Fine Dining

Nestled within the medina, Nur Restaurant offers a refined gastronomic experience through its inventive Moroccan cuisine. The elegant, contemporary dining room provides a chic setting, complemented by art installations. The menu is largely improvisational, crafted daily from seasonal ingredients sourced within the medina, allowing for unique interpretations of Moroccan flavors. Guests can expect a multi-course journey that blurs the lines between traditional and modern culinary worlds.

Price: Set menus typically range from 350-850 MAD ($35-85 USD) per person, excluding drinks.

Getting There: Located inside the medina at 7 Zkak Rouah, it is best reached by walking from the nearest accessible gate, often Bab Bou Jeloud or R'cif. Taxis can drop off at these main medina entrances.

2. Dar Roumana Restaurant

Cuisine: Franco-Moroccan Fusion

Housed in a beautiful traditional dar within the Fes medina, Dar Roumana offers a sophisticated blend of Moroccan and French culinary traditions. The kitchen, led by Chef Younes Idriss, crafts dishes using seasonal local ingredients, presenting refined takes on Moroccan classics alongside imaginative variations. The ambiance is charming, often allowing for pre-dinner drinks on a rooftop terrace with panoramic views of the medina.

Price: A three-dish menu is around 350 MAD ($35 USD) per person, with full menus often ranging higher.

Getting There: Situated within the medina, access is by foot. It is advisable to arrange for the restaurant to provide directions or an escort from a nearby medina gate, such as Bab Guissa.

3. Café Clock

Cuisine: Moroccan & International Fusion (Casual)

A popular cultural hub, Café Clock is set within a restored medieval home, offering a vibrant atmosphere spread across multiple floors. It is known for its cross-cultural menu, which includes traditional Moroccan dishes alongside unique items like the camel burger. Beyond dining, Café Clock frequently hosts cultural workshops, music, and storytelling evenings, making it a lively spot for both locals and travelers seeking a relaxed and engaging experience.

Price: Meals typically range from 80-150 MAD ($8-15 USD) per person, making it a good mid-range option.

Getting There: Conveniently located at 7 Derb el Magana, 252 Rue Talaa Kebira, it is easily walkable from various points within the medina, particularly along the main Talaa Kebira street. Taxis can drop off near Bab Bou Jeloud, a short walk away.

4. Local Street Food

Cuisine: Authentic Moroccan Street Food

Exploring the bustling streets and souks of the Fes medina reveals a vibrant array of local street food. Here, one can savor authentic and affordable Moroccan delicacies like savory msemen (flaky pancakes), harsha (cornmeal bread), briouats (crispy pastries), and hearty harira soup. For a quick, flavorful bite, seek out local stalls offering spiced potato cakes, olives, or fresh fruit juices. Observing local vendors and trying various small bites offers a genuine taste of daily Fassi life.

Price: Individual items range from 5-50 MAD ($0.50-5 USD), making it a very affordable way to sample diverse flavors.

Getting There: Best explored by walking through the medina's main thoroughfares and smaller alleyways. Key areas for street food include the souks (markets) and around Bab Bou Jeloud. Consider joining a dedicated food tour for guidance.