Eating out in Marrakesh offers a vibrant culinary experience that varies widely in price depending on where and what you choose to eat. From street food stalls to luxurious hotel restaurants and charming riads, Marrakesh’s food scene has something for every budget and taste. Below, we will explore the costs, risks, and locations for eating out in Marrakesh, comparing prices between hotels, riads, and street food options.

Is it expensive to eat out in Marrakesh?

1. Overview of Marrakesh Dining Options

Marrakesh offers a range of dining experiences:

• Hotels and Luxury Restaurants: Catering primarily to tourists, these places offer a more upscale experience with international or Moroccan fine dining.
• Riads: Traditional Moroccan guesthouses, often offering authentic meals to their guests in a cozy, personalized setting.
• Street Food: Affordable and delicious, street food is a staple in Marrakesh, with various stalls offering everything from grilled meats to sweet pastries.

2. Price Comparison Table

Below is a comparison of prices for common Moroccan dishes, showing the average cost in different dining settings: street food stalls, riads, and hotels or luxury restaurants.

Dish	Street Food (MAD)	Riad (MAD)	Hotel/Luxury Restaurant (MAD)
Moroccan Couscous	30-50	80-120	150-250
Tajine (Chicken)	20-40	70-100	120-220
Grilled Meat Skewers	15-30	50-90	100-180
Harira Soup	5-15	30-50	60-100
Briouat (Pastries)	5-10 per piece	40-60 for a set	80-120 for a set
Mint Tea	5-10	20-30	40-60
Orange Juice	4-8	20-40	40-70
Breakfast	10-25	50-80	100-180
Three-Course Dinner	50-100	150-250	250-500

3. Understanding the Price Differences

• Hotels/Luxury Restaurants: These places generally charge the highest prices due to their ambiance, service, and often more elaborate presentation. Meals here can cost significantly more than what you’d find in a street market or a riad. Many hotels also cater to international tastes, which may raise prices.

• Riads: Riads often provide a more intimate and authentic Moroccan dining experience. The prices here are moderate compared to hotels but still higher than street food, as they often use fresh, high-quality ingredients and offer homemade meals.

• Street Food: The most budget-friendly option, street food in Marrakesh is known for being fresh, flavorful, and affordable. Many locals and tourists alike enjoy meals here. However, the hygiene levels may vary from one stall to another.

4. Breakdown of Dishes and Costs

Couscous

Couscous is a traditional Moroccan dish often served with vegetables, meat, and sometimes dried fruits. While hotels offer upscale versions of couscous, with tender lamb or chicken and a variety of toppings, street vendors sell simple but tasty versions for a fraction of the price.

• Street Couscous: 30-50 MAD, served in a basic way with vegetables and occasionally meat.
• Riad Couscous: 80-120 MAD, served with more refined ingredients and spices.
• Hotel Couscous: 150-250 MAD, luxurious and often comes with a broader selection of sides and meats.

Tajine

Tajine is another Moroccan staple. Whether it's chicken with preserved lemons, beef with prunes, or lamb with almonds, the price of a tajine can vary greatly depending on where you eat.

• Street Tajine: 20-40 MAD, simple but delicious, often found at street markets like Jemaa el-Fnaa.
• Riad Tajine: 70-100 MAD, made with fresh ingredients and slow-cooked to perfection.
• Hotel Tajine: 120-220 MAD, often with premium cuts of meat and beautifully presented.

Grilled Meat Skewers (Brochettes)

These are popular street food options, especially at night markets. Hotels and riads may offer more refined versions, but the street versions are more affordable and often just as tasty.

• Street Brochettes: 15-30 MAD, typically served with bread and spices.
• Riad Brochettes: 50-90 MAD, higher-quality meat and more refined presentation.
• Hotel Brochettes: 100-180 MAD, sometimes served as part of a larger meal with multiple courses.

Harira Soup

A traditional Moroccan soup often enjoyed during Ramadan, Harira is a light yet filling dish made with tomatoes, lentils, chickpeas, and fresh herbs.

• Street Harira: 5-15 MAD, often sold by vendors in the evening.
• Riad Harira: 30-50 MAD, served with dates and bread, making it more filling.
• Hotel Harira: 60-100 MAD, with premium ingredients and a more elaborate presentation.

Briouats

These small, savory pastries filled with meat, cheese, or vegetables are a popular snack.

• Street Briouats: 5-10 MAD per piece, often sold at markets and street stalls.
• Riad Briouats: 40-60 MAD for a set of pastries, often served as an appetizer.
• Hotel Briouats: 80-120 MAD for a set, with more elaborate fillings and sauces.

5. Risks and Considerations

5.1 Street Food Safety

Street food in Marrakesh is generally safe if you stick to busy stalls with high turnover, ensuring fresh ingredients. However, here are some risks to keep in mind:

• Hygiene Concerns: Some stalls may not meet Western hygiene standards. It’s important to observe how food is prepared and stored.
• Water Safety: Always avoid tap water, opting instead for bottled water to prevent stomach issues. If you’re unsure whether a drink contains tap water (such as fresh juice), it’s best to ask.
• Freshness: Look for food that’s cooked to order, particularly with meat dishes.

5.2 Dining in Riads and Hotels

• Riad Meals: Meals in riads tend to be safer for tourists concerned about food hygiene since riads cater to guests and maintain high standards.
• Hotel Restaurants: Hotels are generally considered very safe, and their restaurants follow stringent food safety guidelines. However, you’re likely to pay significantly more for the same dish compared to a street vendor.

6. Where to Eat in Marrakesh: Popular Locations

Jemaa el-Fnaa

One of the most famous public squares in Africa, Jemaa el-Fnaa is home to countless food stalls that spring to life at night. It’s the heart of Marrakesh’s street food scene, offering a variety of dishes like grilled meats, couscous, tajines, and fresh orange juice. Prices here are among the lowest in the city, but it’s important to check the cleanliness of each stall.

Gueliz District

For a more modern dining experience, Gueliz is a great area where you can enjoy both lunch and dinner. The neighborhood is known for its trendy cafés, restaurants, and international cuisine options.

• Ibn Aicha Street: A popular street in Gueliz with various dining options, offering a mix of Moroccan and international flavors. Ideal for a relaxed lunch or casual dinner.

• Moulay Rachid Street: Another excellent spot in Gueliz, known for its cafés and restaurants, providing a laid-back setting for either lunch or dinner.

Medina

The old city of Marrakesh, or Medina, is home to many riads that offer home-cooked meals to guests. The food here tends to be more authentic and reasonably priced compared to the upscale restaurants found in hotels.

Hivernage

For those looking for a luxurious dining experience, the Hivernage district features some of Marrakesh’s top hotels and restaurants, where you can enjoy gourmet Moroccan dishes in a lavish setting. Expect to pay significantly more here compared to other areas.

7. Tips for Saving Money While Dining Out

• Eat at Local Spots: Avoid tourist-heavy restaurants and eat where locals do, especially in less touristy areas like Gueliz.
• Street Food: Don’t shy away from street food, but choose wisely. Look for busy stalls where locals are eating.
• Lunch Over Dinner: Lunch menus are often cheaper than dinner, especially in hotels and more upscale restaurants.
• Negotiate: In places like Jemaa el-Fnaa, you can sometimes negotiate prices, especially if you’re ordering several items.

Conclusion

Marrakesh offers a range of dining options to suit every budget. Street food is the cheapest and offers an authentic experience, but you’ll need to be mindful of hygiene. Riads provide a middle ground with traditional home-cooked meals at moderate prices, while hotels and luxury restaurants offer fine dining but at a premium price. By comparing the costs, risks, and locations, you can make an informed decision that fits your budget and culinary preferences.