Essaouira Food Guide: Must-Try Local Dishes and Dining Spots
If there’s one thing I always look forward to in Essaouira, it’s the food. This Essaouira food guide will help you explore the city’s best dishes, from fresh seafood to traditional Moroccan stews, pastries, and plant-based options. Small in size but big in flavor, Essaouira delivers meals rooted in tradition, rich in spices, and always fresh from the sea. Whether you’re dining at a modest street stall or a seaside restaurant, this guide will help you eat like a local.
Table of Contents
Grilled Sardines by the Port – A Must on Your Essaouira Food Guide
Nothing says local cuisine like freshly grilled sardines by the fishing port. Small stalls line the waterfront, cooking seafood over open flames—no frills, just smoky, tender fish with a wedge of lemon.
If sardines aren’t your thing, calamari, shrimp, and lobster are often on offer. Experiencing these flavors is a must when following this Essaouira food guide.
Tagine with Prunes and Almonds
Tagine is Morocco’s iconic slow-cooked stew, and in Essaouira, lamb with prunes and almonds is a standout. The prunes melt into a sweet sauce, the almonds add crunch, and the lamb falls off the bone.
For a refined take, try Restaurant Adwak or La Table by Madada. This dish perfectly showcases traditional Moroccan flavors in a cozy, welcoming atmosphere.
Harira and Moroccan Soups – Featured in the Essaouira Food Guide
Harira is a rich Moroccan soup made with lentils, chickpeas, tomatoes, and aromatic spices. Often eaten to break the fast during Ramadan, it’s available year-round in Essaouira. Vegetarian versions exist alongside bowls with tender lamb or beef.
Try this at small cafés or family-run kitchens for an authentic experience. It’s hearty, warming, and an essential stop on any Essaouira food guide tour.
Couscous Fridays
In Morocco, couscous is traditionally served on Fridays. Essaouira keeps the tradition alive with steaming plates topped with vegetables, chickpeas, and tender meat.
Restaurant Triskala offers one of the best versions in the medina—light, perfectly spiced, and full of texture. If you’re visiting on a Friday, couscous is a must-try.
Mint Tea and Local Pastries
No Moroccan meal is complete without mint tea. Strong, sweet, and poured from a height to create foam, it’s both a drink and a ritual.
Pair it with chebakia, ghriba, or cornes de gazelle. Pâtisserie Driss, one of the city’s oldest bakeries, is a perfect stop for tea and pastries. This experience is central to any Essaouira food guide.
Vegan and Vegetarian Options
Essaouira is surprisingly friendly for plant-based eaters. Many Moroccan dishes are vegetable-forward, and cafés are increasingly offering vegan menus.
Check out One Up and Mandala Society for creative bowls, smoothies, and Moroccan-inspired dishes. You won’t feel left out—these spots bring fresh, local flavors to plant-based cuisine.
Street Food and Market Bites
For a quick snack or everyday flavors, explore the medina’s market stalls. Try msemen, b’stilla, grilled corn, and roasted nuts.
These bites are often eaten on the go, full of bold flavors and local charm. Following this Essaouira food guide, street food is a must for any foodie.
Final Thoughts
Eating in Essaouira isn’t just about filling up—it’s about savoring the history, tradition, and heart of the city. From the catch of the day to centuries-old recipes, this Essaouira food guide invites you to connect through food.
Once you’ve eaten your way through Essaouira, stretch your legs and explore more with my travel tips in the complete guide to Essaouira.
