Location: Meknes
Top Restaurants in Meknes
Meknes Food Guide: 10 Must-Eat Restaurants & Street Food Stalls in Meknes
Overlooked by many tourists, Meknes is a bustling modern city of nearly a million in northern Morocco, about 80 miles inland from the capital of Rabat. Local hero Moulay Ismail made Meknes Morocco's hub at the end of the 17th and beginning of the 18th centuries, and his mausoleum is one of the city's main attractions. The Museum of Moroccan Art (housing fascinating jewels and artifacts) and Bab Mansour (the largest and most stunning of the city's gates) are other Meknes sights not to be missed.
Things to do in Meknes
1. Collier de la Colombe
Overall Ratings
4 based on 139 reviews
Phone 035 / 555041
Reviewed By jeanfrombos2n - Boston, MA
The rooftop Terrace is really lovely. We had the couscous royale, which was excellent, with an onion confit along with it, and chicken and lamb. We also had the Atlas trout meuniere, good but not as good as the couscous. And we even had a bottle of wine. Nice experience, not expensive.
2. Riad d'Or Meknes Medina Restaurant
Overall Ratings
4 based on 90 reviews
A Meknes , au cœur de la fameuse medina , Le restaurant Riad dor est l’un des joyaux architecturaux dont s’enorgueillie la ville. Construit dans les règles et le respect de l’art architectural traditionnel, vous-même en nous honorant de votre visite y découvrirez la magnificence et la grandeur d’une civilisation ancestrale.
Reviewed By Rabe C - Stuart, Florida
I am a well traveled 60+ female and I found this riad a complete surprise with its approach on delighting a Moroccan tourist. The riad has a clever layout with several areas to have solitude with ambience. The dinner and breakfast meal is included in the tariff and it satisfies the desire to leave Tajine, Moroccan salad, and brochettes behind but still the delight of enjoying the spice and flair of Moroccan's flavors for foodies.
3. Mille et une nuits
Overall Ratings
3.5 based on 106 reviews
Reviewed By Ansis G - Riga, Latvia
First thing first - this is a home-restaurant, when you are visiting, you are actually at someones home. This is amazing opportunity to see how actually moroccan families live and cook.
Some complains about waiting time and there is an explanation - as this is a home-restaurant, they actually do not stock food for cooking. When you make your order, one of the family members is sent to the market and he actually buys all necessary products for your meal. So I suggest after ordering you specify how long it will take to prepare the food and don't sit and wait but use that hour and walk around medina etc.
They don't serve alcohol, we had cuscus with vegetables and pastille with vegetables, honey and nuts. Pastille was AMAZING, so good I didn't want to share with my wife :) Cuscus was decent, nothing special. Prices are not superlow for the arrangement of restaurant. Pastille was 90 MAD, which is kind a steep price, but it tasted very good, so it's fair I guess.
If you are not snobby, you will like the place, just understand the philosophy of the place.
4. Kenza
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 105 reviews
Reviewed By Marco M - Milan, Italy
We arrived late in Meknes very late and found ourselves outside the shut doors of this restaurant. A local friend of the owner saw us and started shouting and knocking really loud to get them to re-open the place only for us. We couldn't really pick from the menu but we got excelllent tajine de poulet au prunes and we felt really welcome and cared for. We also had some amazing conversation with the old man who runs the shop, who gave us nice tips about the city and Morocco in english.
5. Ryad Bahia
Overall Ratings
4 based on 32 reviews
Reviewed By roseglobe - Italy
We had dinner in this beautiful Ryad, "hidden" behind a door in the narrow streets of the enchanting Medina of Meknes and we found a warm welcome by the very nice owners and a really relaxing, typical environment. We had our dinner on very comfortable sofas and could taste a wide choice of local dishes - appetizers and tajine, delicious sweets and a warm mint tea served from the teapot to the small glasses pouring it like a Fountain. A really good way to get acquainted with Morocco!
6. DAR Sabrina WA Tourate
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 84 reviews
Reviewed By driann4
Vanessa came to get us from our Riad, she was very friendly and helpful for her food and her place but for a lot of facts and informations about Meknes. The food was good, the camel tajine was delicious, the lamb was good but not so tender. She took the time to bring us home after. That is a nice touch and that is why this restaurant is a really nice pace to go, eat and learn.
7. La Grillardiere
Overall Ratings
4 based on 76 reviews
Tel: 055 512454
Reviewed By redeco - Warren, Massachusetts
I have read many restaurant reviews written by tourists who complained about their guides selecting places to eat - people don't seem to like this for various reasons. Understand that guides don't choose restaurants based on how much kick-back they can get, but base their choice on the food that their tourists can safely eat without getting sick. Preparation of food in sanitary conditions using mineral water instead of tap water is essential for those who come from Europe or America who are unaccustomed to bacteria not in their food chain. Be kind when speaking of your guides; you are in their charge, and they know what they are doing.
That being said, La Grillardiere is a good choice for bus groups. Service is fast and polite. This place moves a lot of people through in a short amount of time. They offer a wide range of menu choices including lots of kebabs, skewered meats, a mixed grille, and many cooked salads. Fries are quite fine, and I also thought the pizzas looked pretty good.
Burgers are not native to Morocco, so I suggest that these are not the best menu choice. Have your burger at the airport before you fly, and then have another when you get home.
I sat down after using the very clean toilets (on the second floor) and was immediately set up with cutlery, and some complimentary olives with harissa to start. I ordered a mixed grille which came with fries and some cooked vegetables; portions were huge and I spent something like 110 Durham or $11.00. I didn't eat the lettuce and tomatoes to be on the safe side. Everything was served hot and everything was tasty. I liked my meal a lot. The folks at my table also ordered dessert to share. We got Profiteroles and a kind of chocolate mousse that was served in a bombe shape. Both were superb.
Enjoy, and, remember; be kind.
8. Riad Yacout Meknes
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 133 reviews
Reviewed By Jarek F - London, United Kingdom
A hidden gem! Far from beaten tourist tracks, yet at the heart of the city, on the doorstep of ancient medina. Impeccable service, most forthcoming staff. Layla makes the place feel like home. And if you were thinking of eating out - don't. The food in this riad is delicious, full flavoured and cooked with passion. Roof Terrace with a pool and a view of the old city compliment the experience.Thank you for a wonderful time.
9. Restaurant Gout de Meknes
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 169 reviews
Reviewed By Allan S - New York City, New York
Nice atmosphere, good service, very good. Moroccan food make for a great time. Here with friends while on a trip at the recommendation of the guide. They even have some music from the wait staff while you eat. fine. Time had by all and prices fair.
10. Bistrot Art & Le Wine Bar
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 79 reviews
Reviewed By CKAbbott - Dubai, United Arab Emirates
This restaurant is a great option for a relaxing dinner in beautiful surroundings. I live in Ifrance and stopped here with my sister for a relaxing lunch on a return from Volubilis. The peaceful and relaxed surroundings make it the perfect location for a beautiful meal while taking in the view from Meknes medina from across the ravine. The style is French and the staff are very polite and informative. The owner is very enthusiastic about his menu and offers an explanation about the extensive menu with a good choice for everyone. We opted for the prawn and avocado starter followed by the fish of the day which was baked en papillote with fresh vegetables ginger and herbs. This was a stunning dish and highly recommended. We finished with coffees and chocolate fondant. Our meal came to about 60 Euro which we felt was worth the quality and freshness of the food. We will definitely return.
