Practical information verified on October 2, 2026. Restaurant and experience opening hours, addresses, offers and prices may change: check them before visiting or booking.
Gastronomy in Casablanca: What to Eat, Where to Go and How to Discover Moroccan Cuisine
Casablanca can also be discovered through its flavors.
The city is often associated with its Art Deco architecture, grand boulevards, Hassan II Mosque and Corniche. Yet sometimes, understanding Casablanca means simply sitting down with a glass of mint tea, watching a tagine arrive at the table, or walking through a market where the aromas of grilled fish, spices, freshly baked bread and olives mingle in the air.
In Casablanca, traditional Moroccan cuisine exists alongside a modern urban food scene. You can enjoy tagines and couscous, but also Atlantic seafood, grilled skewers in busy neighborhoods, Moroccan pastries in Habous, and countless small bites that can simply be discovered while exploring the city.
This guide is therefore not just a list of dishes or restaurants.
The idea is to help you experience Casablanca through its food: knowing what to try during a first visit, understanding where to look depending on the neighborhood, discovering local markets, exploring street food, choosing a Moroccan breakfast and, if you wish, going further with a guided culinary experience.
For a broader introduction to Moroccan specialties, also see our article The 30 Must-Try Moroccan Dishes as well as our guide to Moroccan gastronomy.
What to Eat in Casablanca for a First Taste?
If you are visiting Casablanca for a few days, there is no need to try everything.
Start with a few classics, then let the neighborhood you are exploring guide you. A Moroccan breakfast has a very different atmosphere from lunch at a market, while a pastry enjoyed with mint tea can be just as memorable as a full meal.
Here is a first selection to help you get started:
| Dish | What is it? | When to eat it |
|---|---|---|
| Tagine | A slow-cooked dish prepared in a traditional earthenware pot, with meat or vegetables, and sometimes fish along the coast | Lunch or dinner |
| Couscous | Steamed semolina served with vegetables and meat, traditionally associated with Friday | Lunch |
| Pastilla | A crispy pastry, often filled with pigeon or chicken, combining sweet and savory flavors | Festive meals, dinner |
| Harira | A soup made with tomatoes, lentils and chickpeas | Starter or snack |
| Briouates | Small filled pastries | Starter or snack |
| Rfissa | A dish made with shredded msemen and chicken | Family meal |
| Brochettes | Grilled meat skewers | Street food or dinner |
| Msemen | A flaky Moroccan flatbread or pancake | Breakfast |
| Baghrir | The famous Moroccan pancake known as the “thousand-hole pancake” | Breakfast or afternoon snack |
| Moroccan pastries | Kaab el Ghazal, ghriba, chebakia and almond-based pastries | Snack or tea |
| Mint tea | A drink strongly associated with Moroccan hospitality | Anytime |
And Above All: Try the Fish
It would be a shame to visit Casablanca without thinking about the ocean.
The city lies on the Atlantic coast, and fish naturally plays an important role in its culinary landscape. Grilled fish, sardines and seafood are among the things worth seeking out.
At the Central Market, several sources describe stalls where you can choose your fish and have it cooked in one of the small restaurants inside or around the market.
That is also what makes the experience interesting: you are not simply coming to “eat fish.” You discover a market, look at the products, observe the activity around the stalls, and then the meal becomes almost a continuation of the walk.
Street Food: Keep It Simple
Casablanca can also be eaten on the go, between two visits.
Among the specialties often associated with Moroccan street food are merguez sandwiches, maakouda, small potato fritters, bissara, a fava bean soup, and kebda mchermla, liver prepared with a tomato-based sauce.
They are mainly found in markets and busy commercial neighborhoods.
These dishes can be very simple, but that is precisely what makes them interesting: they allow you to move beyond tourist restaurants and see another side of everyday life in Casablanca.
Where to Eat in Casablanca? Start with the Neighborhoods
Rather than immediately searching for “the best restaurant in Casablanca,” it can be more interesting to first choose the atmosphere and neighborhood you want to experience.
The city center, Habous, Gauthier, Maarif, Ain Diab and the Corniche all offer different experiences.
To find restaurants and food-related addresses, consult the Gastronomy section of Visit Casablanca, which lists Moroccan and international restaurants.
City Center: Markets, Cafés and Historic Casablanca
The city center is a good starting point for a first culinary discovery.
You will find Moroccan restaurants, cafés and many international dining options. But the real interest lies in combining your meal with a walk.
The Central Market, located on Boulevard Mohammed V, brings together fresh produce stalls and several small fish restaurants.
It is a place where food becomes part of the scenery: you walk past the stalls, look at the products, hear the activity of the market and, depending on your mood, stop for a meal.
The Café de France is also mentioned in the official city-center circuit.
And if you are interested in architecture, you can extend your walk with our Art Deco route.
The idea: do not necessarily separate sightseeing and eating. In Casablanca, the two can easily become part of the same walk.
Habous: Pastries, Crafts and Moroccan Cuisine
The Habous district offers a completely different atmosphere.
People come here for handicrafts, shops, markets, pastries and Moroccan cuisine. It is also an especially interesting neighborhood if you enjoy combining food with cultural discovery.
The official Habous circuit from Visit Casablanca mentions Bennis pastry shop, presented as one of the oldest and most renowned, as well as Café de la Place.
After walking through the streets and exploring the shops, enjoying a Moroccan pastry with mint tea becomes almost a natural part of the experience.
To prepare your visit, see our guide to the Habous district.
Gauthier and Maarif: A More Modern Casablanca
Gauthier and Maarif are closer to the image of a contemporary major city.
You will find modern restaurants and international cuisine. These neighborhoods are practical if you are looking for more variety or if you are staying several days and want to alternate Moroccan food with other culinary influences.
Restaurant addresses and opening hours may change, so check them before visiting.
Ain Diab and the Corniche: Dining with the Ocean in the Background
Along the Corniche and in Ain Diab, the experience changes again.
Here, a meal can be combined with the maritime atmosphere, cafés and a walk overlooking the Atlantic.
It is a good option if you want your meal to be part of the outing rather than simply a break between sightseeing stops.
As with any restaurant, check opening hours and consider making a reservation during busy periods.
Casablanca's Markets: Where the Cuisine Begins
To understand a cuisine, you sometimes need to start before the dish is even prepared.
Markets allow you to see the products that become part of everyday cooking: fish, vegetables, fruit, olives, spices, bread and other fresh ingredients.
The Central Market, opened in 1917 and built in a Neo-Moorish style, is known for its fish and seafood stalls. You can also find fruit, vegetables, spices and flowers.
In Habous, the official circuit also mentions the olive market.
For travelers, these places are interesting because they show a side of Moroccan cuisine that you cannot discover simply by sitting down at a restaurant.
And if you want to understand what you are seeing rather than simply walking between the stalls, a guided food tour can be a good way to add context to the experience.
Street Food in Casablanca: How to Enjoy It?
Casablanca's street food does not necessarily require a detailed plan.
A sandwich, a few skewers, some msemen, a pastry, a juice or a cup of tea can become a spontaneous stop in the middle of the day.
A few simple precautions can help you enjoy the experience more comfortably:
- Look at product turnover: a stall where food is prepared and served continuously can be preferable.
- Look at how busy the place is: locations frequented by locals can be a useful indicator.
- Check that food is properly cooked: especially meat and fish.
- Be cautious with raw foods if the conditions seem questionable.
- Drink bottled water if you have any doubts about the water.
- Carry tissues or hand sanitizer so you can clean your hands.
The goal is not to turn street food into an obstacle course. Simply observe the conditions and use common sense.
Where to Eat Moroccan Food in Casablanca Depending on What You Want
Your choice mainly depends on the kind of experience you are looking for.
| What you want | Area or type of experience |
|---|---|
| Traditional cuisine | Moroccan restaurants, city center or Habous |
| Pastries | Habous, specialized pastry shops |
| Fish and seafood | Central Market, coastal restaurants |
| Street food | Commercial neighborhoods, markets |
| Modern cuisine | Gauthier, Maarif |
| Dining by the sea | Corniche and Ain Diab |
| Understanding Moroccan cuisine | Food tour, cooking class, guided experience |
There is therefore not necessarily one single best place to eat in Casablanca.
There are simply different ways to experience the city.
A breakfast in a café, a visit to the market, a seafood lunch, a pastry in Habous and a Moroccan dinner can each tell completely different stories.
What If You Really Want to Understand Moroccan Cuisine?
Eating a dish is one thing.
Understanding why it is prepared that way, recognizing certain ingredients, exploring a market with someone who knows the area or learning how to prepare a tagine yourself is something else entirely.
This is where a guided culinary experience can really make a difference.
Here are the experiences available through MoroccoMuseum in Casablanca, based on our partners' listings. Check each individual listing for the program, duration, inclusions, price, cancellation policy and availability.
A Food Tour Through Casablanca
The private guided street food tour with tastings includes stops in the Habous district and at the Central Market.
The listing mentions tastings such as local oysters, bread served with cheese-and-honey crêpes or amlou, mint tea and a kefta tagine.
The value of this type of tour is precisely in connecting everything together: the market, the products, the neighborhoods and what eventually appears on the plate.
Cooking with a Local Family
The Moroccan cooking experience with a local family offers a cooking class in a local home, including a market visit, mint tea and a meal.
The listing also states that vegetarians and vegans are welcome.
For travelers, this type of experience means stepping out of the role of a simple spectator: you discover Moroccan cuisine by actively taking part in its preparation.
Learn to Cook and Discover Traditional Clothing
The experience Cook Moroccan dishes and try traditional clothing offers a home-based cooking class featuring dishes such as tagine, zaalouk, taktouka, couscous and msemen.
The listing also mentions a demonstration of Moroccan mint tea preparation, a homemade lunch or dinner and recipes provided as an e-book.
It is therefore an experience combining cuisine and cultural discovery.
Discover Casablanca at Night Over Dinner
If you prefer to discover the city after dark, MoroccoMuseum also offers a Casablanca night tour with a traditional Moroccan dinner as well as a night tour with an Andalusian dinner show.
For the first experience, the listing indicates three menu options — chicken, beef or fish — as well as a vegetarian menu. Drinks are not included.
To see all available offers, visit the experiences available in Casablanca.
Eating in Casablanca with Children
Moroccan cuisine naturally lends itself to sharing.
A tagine placed in the middle of the table, side dishes everyone can taste and pastries to share can easily turn a meal into a collective experience.
With children, you can start with simple options such as skewers, Moroccan pancakes or certain pastries. A Moroccan breakfast featuring msemen or baghrir can also be an easy way to introduce them to new flavors.
Before choosing a restaurant, however, check the atmosphere and opening hours: we cannot guarantee that a particular establishment is suitable for families.
Vegetarian Options and Special Dietary Requirements
Moroccan cuisine is obviously not limited to meat.
Vegetable tagines, vegetable couscous, zaalouk, taktouka, grilled vegetables, some briouates and harira can offer several meat-free options.
But there is one important point to remember: a dish that looks vegetarian is not necessarily vegetarian in its preparation.
For example, it may be prepared with meat stock or animal fat.
If you have a dietary restriction or allergy, clearly explain it to the restaurant, preferably using simple words or an allergy card.
Some of the experiences mentioned above also indicate vegetarian options: check the individual listing before booking.
Moroccan Breakfast: A Great Way to Start the Day
Breakfast may be one of the best moments to discover Moroccan cuisine without planning a large meal.
Imagine a table with fresh bread, msemen, baghrir, olive oil, amlou, honey, a few olives and a glass of mint tea.
You can also add coffee.
It is simple, generous and very different from a classic continental breakfast.
Many cafés and hotels offer this type of breakfast, but check exactly what is included when booking accommodation.
To choose the best neighborhood for your stay, also see our guide on where to stay in Casablanca.
Where to Have Mint Tea in Casablanca?
Mint tea almost deserves a category of its own.
It can accompany a pastry, finish a meal or simply become a pause during a walk.
You will find it in traditional cafés, pastry shops, tea rooms and historic neighborhoods.
The official circuits mention in particular Café de France and Café de la Place.
But do not necessarily try to turn the moment into an attraction.
Sometimes the best experience is simply to sit down for a few minutes, watch everyday life in the neighborhood and then continue your walk.
Opening hours may change, so check them before visiting.
How Much Should You Budget for Food in Casablanca?
There is no single price for “eating in Casablanca.”
Your budget depends greatly on the neighborhood, type of establishment, products you choose and the kind of experience you book.
As a general guide, think in three levels:
- Budget: street food, snacks and pastries.
- Mid-range: traditional restaurant.
- Higher budget: fine dining, guided culinary experience or organized dinner.
At a restaurant, always check whether prices are clearly displayed on the menu and whether drinks are included.
For experiences, consult the relevant listing directly: prices, inclusions and conditions may change.
A Gastronomic Day in Casablanca
If you like traveling with an itinerary but do not want to spend the whole day rushing from one place to another, here is one possible route.
Morning: Start with a Moroccan Breakfast
Start with msemen or baghrir, bread, olive oil, amlou, honey and mint tea.
There is no need to immediately search for the most famous restaurant: simply enjoy the first good place that fits your route.
Late Morning: Head to the Market
Continue with a walk through the Central Market.
Take your time to look at the products, stalls and activity around you.
If you enjoy seafood, this is a good time to explore the fish stalls and the small restaurants around them.
Lunch: Tagine, Couscous or Fish
Depending on what you feel like eating, choose a tagine, couscous or grilled fish.
The idea is not to order as many dishes as possible, but to take your time and enjoy the meal.
Afternoon: Habous and Moroccan Pastries
Then head toward Habous.
Walk through the neighborhood, explore the shops and markets, then take a break with a Moroccan pastry and mint tea.
You can also use this opportunity to discover the olive market mentioned in the official circuit.
Late Afternoon: A Culinary Experience
If you want to take the experience further, this is a good time to join a food tour, cooking class or another guided culinary experience.
You are no longer simply discovering dishes: you are discovering their context.
Evening: Moroccan Dinner
End the day with a Moroccan dinner.
You can stay at a restaurant or choose a night tour with dinner.
The most important thing is to leave a little room after all the tastings throughout the day!
To incorporate this itinerary into a longer stay, see our guide Casablanca in 1 Day or our Casablanca in 2 Days itinerary.
FAQ — Gastronomy in Casablanca
What should I eat in Casablanca?
For a first introduction, try tagine, couscous, fish and seafood, harira, Moroccan pastries and mint tea.
Where should I eat in Casablanca?
It depends on what you are looking for. The city center and Habous are interesting for a more traditional experience, while Gauthier and Maarif offer more modern and international restaurants. Ain Diab and the Corniche are ideal if you want to combine food with a seaside atmosphere.
What is Casablanca street food like?
You can find sandwiches, skewers, msemen, snacks, pastries, juices and tea, as well as specialties such as maakouda and bissara.
Where can I eat fresh fish in Casablanca?
The Central Market and restaurants along the coast are options to consider for fish and seafood.
Are there food tours in Casablanca?
Yes. MoroccoMuseum offers, among other experiences, a private guided food tour with tastings. Check the program, inclusions and conditions directly on the listing.
Can I take a cooking class in Casablanca?
Yes. MoroccoMuseum offers several cooking experiences with local hosts. The content varies from one experience to another, so check the individual listing before booking.
Are there vegetarian options?
Yes. Several Moroccan dishes can be prepared without meat, including some vegetable tagines, vegetable couscous, Moroccan salads and grilled vegetables. If you have a specific dietary restriction, always ask how the dish is prepared.
What is a typical Moroccan breakfast?
It commonly includes msemen, baghrir, bread, olive oil, amlou, honey, olives, mint tea and coffee.
How much does a meal cost in Casablanca?
Prices depend on the type of establishment, the neighborhood and what you order. To find the current price, check the restaurant's menu or the relevant experience listing.
Is Moroccan food spicy?
Moroccan cuisine is primarily aromatic and flavorful rather than necessarily spicy, although the level of heat can vary. If you prefer mild dishes, simply ask the restaurant.
Discover Casablanca Through Its Food
There are many ways to visit Casablanca.
You can admire its Art Deco façades, visit its monuments, walk along the Corniche or explore its neighborhoods.
But you can also taste it.
The fish immediately reminds you of the Atlantic. Markets reveal the products before they reach the plate. Habous brings together pastries, olives and traditional crafts. A breakfast centered around msemen and tea offers a more intimate glimpse into everyday life. And a shared meal can often help you understand a city in a way that monuments alone cannot.
Perhaps that is what makes culinary discovery so interesting: you are no longer simply visiting Casablanca, you are beginning to experience it.
To locate the neighborhoods, monuments and main things to see, consult our complete guide to Casablanca.
And if you want to go beyond simply having a meal, explore the gastronomic experiences available in Casablanca on MoroccoMuseum and choose according to your dates and interests.
Opening hours, addresses, offers and prices may change. During Ramadan, restaurant opening hours and availability can change significantly: check before visiting.
