"A riad rooftop with Merinid-tomb views and warm Moroccan-Mediterranean cooking — worth the four-flight climb for a relaxed dinner in the medina."
About Bistro Laaroussa
Bistro Laaroussa is the restaurant of Riad Laaroussa, a restored 17th-century palace tucked off Talaa Sghira in the Fez medina. You can eat in the courtyard below or climb to the rooftop terrace, which looks across the old city to the Merinid tombs and Mount Zalagh — the view that defines the experience.
The cooking is Moroccan and Mediterranean, built on market-fresh ingredients, served across lunch, brunch and dinner. For the wider city, the Fez dining guide maps every reviewed table by occasion.
The Kitchen
The menu mixes Moroccan classics with lighter Mediterranean plates: lamb and chicken tagines, a trio of small tagines (fish with black olives, sardine, hummus), seafood risotto, grilled duck breast, and crème brûlée to finish. The kitchen leans on home-style technique and local produce rather than fine-dining flourish.
A short, sensible wine list pairs Moroccan producers with French bottles. Diners who want a more formal tasting-menu evening in Fez should compare NUR and Dar Roumana.
The Room
The rooftop is the reason to come: cushioned seating, lanterns and an uninterrupted sweep over the medina at sunset. Below, a courtyard dining room with a fireplace handles cooler nights. Reaching the roof means four long flights of stairs, though the riad has been adding a lift — worth checking when you book.
Best for a First Date
The rooftop's lantern-lit sweep over the medina makes Bistro Laaroussa a natural first-date or anniversary table, and it works just as well for an unhurried solo dinner with a view.
Not for
Not for anyone who can't manage four flights of stairs (confirm the lift first), diners seeking a Michelin-level tasting menu, or those who want a quick bite near the city gates.
Frequently Asked
Where is Bistro Laaroussa in Fez?
Bistro Laaroussa is the restaurant of Riad Laaroussa, a restored 17th-century palace off Talaa Sghira in the Fez medina. Diners can sit on the rooftop terrace or in the courtyard below.
What food does Bistro Laaroussa serve?
The kitchen serves Moroccan and Mediterranean cooking — lamb and chicken tagines, small fish tagines, seafood risotto, duck breast and crème brûlée — across lunch, brunch and dinner.
Is there a view from the rooftop?
Yes. The rooftop terrace looks across the medina to the Merinid tombs and Mount Zalagh, and is especially popular at sunset.
How do you get to the rooftop terrace?
The terrace sits atop four long flights of stairs, though Riad Laaroussa has been installing a lift — worth confirming when you book if stairs are a concern.
Do you need a reservation at Bistro Laaroussa?
Rooftop seating is limited, particularly around sunset, so booking ahead is recommended.
Reserve a Table
Reserve at Bistro Laaroussa
Rooftop seating is limited at sunset — reserve ahead.
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Practical Information
AddressRiad Laaroussa, Derb Bechara, Fez Medina
NeighbourhoodFez Medina
CuisineMoroccan / Mediterranean
PriceMains roughly 150–250 MAD
Dress CodeCasual
SeatingRooftop terrace and courtyard
ReservationRecommended