Best Restaurants in Essaouira: Where to Eat, What to Try & How Much

Looking for the best restaurants in Essaouira?

Essaouira is one of Morocco's best destinations for food lovers. Its location on the Atlantic coast means that fresh fish and seafood are an important part of the local food culture, while the Medina is filled with Moroccan restaurants, cafés, rooftop terraces and small local eateries.

Whether you're looking for fresh seafood by the harbour, traditional Moroccan food, a romantic dinner or an affordable local meal, this guide will help you decide where and what to eat in Essaouira.

 Eating in Essaouira at a Glance

*Budget levels are indicative. Actual prices vary by restaurant, menu and season.

Why Is Essaouira Good for Food?

Food is part of the Essaouira experience.

The city combines Moroccan culinary traditions with its Atlantic fishing culture.

You can spend the morning exploring the Medina, walk to the harbour for fresh fish, enjoy lunch, and finish the day with Moroccan mint tea while watching the sunset.

Essaouira is particularly known for:

• Fresh fish
• Grilled seafood
• Moroccan tagines
• Couscous
• Moroccan salads
• Mint tea
• Fresh bread
• Local pastries
• Seafood soups

Where to Eat Seafood in Essaouira

If you visit Essaouira and enjoy seafood, this should be high on your list.

The fishing harbour is one of the city's most famous food areas.

You'll find fish and seafood prepared in a simple Moroccan style, often grilled and served with bread, salads or other accompaniments.

What can you expect?

Depending on the day's catch, you may find:

• Sardines
• Sea bass
• Sea bream
• Squid
• Prawns
• Crab
• Lobster
• Other locally caught fish

How does seafood pricing work?

Seafood restaurants and harbour stalls can price dishes differently depending on the fish, weight and daily availability.

That's why it is sensible to ask the price before ordering, particularly when buying fish by weight.

 How Much Does a Meal Cost in Essaouira?

Restaurant prices vary considerably depending on location and style.

Use this as a planning guide rather than a fixed price list:

Prices can change according to season, restaurant location and ingredients.

For seafood, the final bill can also depend on the fish selected and its weight.

 Where Are the Best Restaurants in Essaouira?

You don't necessarily need to search the entire city.

Different areas offer different dining experiences.

1. Essaouira Medina

The Medina is the best place to explore if you want atmosphere.

You'll find:

• Moroccan restaurants
• Small local cafés
• Traditional dishes
• Rooftop terraces
• Bakeries
• International cuisine

The narrow streets make dinner feel like part of the Essaouira experience itself.

2. Essaouira Harbour

The harbour is particularly interesting for seafood lovers.

This is where you can experience the connection between Essaouira's fishing industry and its food culture.

It's a great place for a casual lunch rather than necessarily a formal dinner.

3. Rooftop Restaurants

Rooftop restaurants are ideal if you want to combine food with views.

Depending on the location, you may see:

• The Medina rooftops
• The Atlantic Ocean
• The harbour
• The historic city walls
• Sunset

For couples, this can be one of the most memorable ways to enjoy dinner in Essaouira.

 Where to Eat at Sunset

Essaouira's Atlantic sunsets are one of the city's highlights.

For a special evening, look for a restaurant or rooftop with:

• Ocean views
• A terrace
• Sunset-facing seating
• A relaxed atmosphere

Tip: During busy periods, ask for a terrace table when booking.

5 Moroccan Foods You Should Try in Essaouira

1. Tagine

A classic Moroccan dish cooked slowly with meat, vegetables, spices or other ingredients.

2. Couscous

Traditionally associated with family meals, couscous can be found in many Moroccan restaurants.

3. Moroccan salads

Often served as several small dishes, Moroccan salads are a great way to sample different flavours.

4. Fresh grilled fish

This is one of the foods you should prioritise in a coastal city like Essaouira.

5. Moroccan mint tea

Don't leave Essaouira without trying traditional mint tea.

It is more than a drink—it's part of Moroccan hospitality.

Vegetarian & Vegan Food in Essaouira

You don't have to eat seafood or meat to enjoy Essaouira.

Many Moroccan dishes can be prepared with vegetables, legumes, couscous and salads.

Good options to look for include:

• Vegetable tagine
• Couscous with vegetables
• Moroccan salads
• Lentil dishes
• Harira
• Fresh bread
• Vegetable soups

If you have dietary restrictions, explain them clearly to the restaurant before ordering.

Eating in Essaouira with Children

Essaouira can be a comfortable destination for families.

For children, look for restaurants offering:

• Simple grilled fish
• Chicken
• Couscous
• Pasta
• Pizza
• Rice
• Fresh fruit

A restaurant with outdoor seating or a relaxed atmosphere can also make dinner easier with younger children.

 Romantic Restaurants in Essaouira

For couples, the restaurant itself is only part of the experience.

Look for:

• Rooftop terraces
• Ocean views
• Sunset
• Candlelit or atmospheric interiors
• Traditional Moroccan décor
• Quiet dining areas

A sunset dinner followed by a walk through the Medina can be a beautiful evening in Essaouira.

 Restaurant vs Harbour Seafood: Which Should You Choose?

The best choice depends on what you want.

For fresh fish: explore the harbour.

For atmosphere: choose a restaurant in the Medina.

For a special evening: consider a rooftop restaurant.

 Tips for Choosing a Restaurant in Essaouira

Before sitting down, check:

1. Menu prices

Make sure you understand whether prices are per dish, portion or weight.

2. Daily seafood

Ask what's fresh that day.

3. Location

A restaurant with an ocean view may have a different price from a small local restaurant inside the Medina.

4. Reviews

Look at recent reviews rather than relying only on old recommendations.

5. Reservations

For popular restaurants, especially during high season, booking ahead can be useful.

What Time Do People Eat in Essaouira?

Meal times can be different from what you're used to at home.

A typical tourist schedule might be:

During the evening, the Medina becomes particularly atmospheric.

 How to Plan Your Food Budget

Here's a simple example for a couple:

This is only an indicative planning range.

Your actual spending can be considerably lower or higher depending on where you eat.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the best restaurants in Essaouira?

The best restaurant depends on what you're looking for: seafood, Moroccan cuisine, rooftop dining, vegetarian food, budget meals or a romantic dinner.

Where can I eat the best seafood in Essaouira?

The harbour is one of the best areas to explore for fresh seafood. You can also find seafood in restaurants throughout the Medina.

How much does a restaurant meal cost in Essaouira?

A simple meal may cost around €5–€10 per person, while mid-range and seafood restaurants can cost considerably more.

Is Essaouira expensive for food?

Compared with many European tourist destinations, Essaouira can offer very affordable food, especially at local restaurants and cafés.

What food should I try in Essaouira?

Try grilled fish, seafood, tagine, couscous, Moroccan salads and traditional mint tea.

Can I find vegetarian food in Essaouira?

Yes. Moroccan cuisine offers many vegetarian-friendly dishes, including vegetable tagine, couscous, salads and soups.

Final Advice

Don't make your Essaouira food experience only about finding a restaurant with the highest rating.

Explore different styles.

Have a simple seafood lunch near the harbour, try a traditional Moroccan tagine in the Medina, enjoy mint tea in a local café and finish another evening with dinner on a rooftop overlooking the Atlantic.

The best way to experience food in Essaouira is to make eating part of discovering the city.