"The medina's dual kitchen — Moroccan tajines and Italian cannelloni meet a licensed bar and a Koutoubia-view roof terrace in Mouassine."
About Café Arabe
Café Arabe sits at 184 Rue el Mouassine in the medina of Marrakech, a culinary institution that has run for more than two decades. Its hook is a menu split between Morocco and Italy — tajines, pastilla and couscous on one side, fresh pasta on the other — and a roof terrace counted among the most beautiful in the city, with views over the medina rooftops to the Koutoubia minaret. It also holds an alcohol licence, a relative rarity inside the medina, so cocktails and wine come with the meal.
For Marrakech's other medina tables, compare the courtyard cooking at Nomad, the rooftop garden of Le Jardin and the spice-market terrace at Terrasse des Épices. Café Arabe belongs to the city's Italian and fine-dining scene.
The Kitchen
The kitchen works two traditions at once. From Morocco come delicately spiced tajines, tanjia, pastilla, méchoui and the couscous aux sept légumes; from Italy come dishes such as the ricotta-and-spinach cannelloni and a roster of fresh pasta. Mains land in the mid-range for a medina destination — figure roughly 150 to 250 dirhams a plate — and the licensed bar means a proper aperitif on the roof before dinner, an option few of its neighbours can offer.
The Room
There are three ways to eat here: on the rooftop terrace under the Koutoubia, in an open-air patio, or in an indoor dining room — air-conditioned in summer and warmed by a fireplace in winter. The terrace is the reason to book, best at sunset, and service runs continuously from late morning to midnight, which makes it as good for a long lunch as a late dinner. A reservation for a terrace table is worth making, particularly in high season.
Best for a First Date
A sunset roof terrace, a licensed bar and a romantic medina setting make Café Arabe an easy first date or an anniversary in Marrakech. The continuous service and the view also suit a relaxed dinner to impress clients.
Not for
Not for a quick budget bite or a purist after traditional Moroccan only — Café Arabe is a roof-terrace destination splitting its menu between Morocco and Italy.
Frequently Asked
What is Café Arabe in Marrakech known for?
It is a long-running medina institution at 184 Rue el Mouassine known for a menu split between Moroccan and Italian cooking, a licensed bar and one of the most beautiful roof terraces in the city, with views to the Koutoubia.
What should I order?
From the Moroccan side, the couscous aux sept légumes, tajines and pastilla; from the Italian side, dishes such as the ricotta-and-spinach cannelloni and fresh pasta.
How much does it cost?
Mid-range for a medina destination — mains land at roughly 150 to 250 dirhams, with cocktails and wine available from the licensed bar.
Does Café Arabe serve alcohol?
Yes — it holds an alcohol licence, a relative rarity inside the medina, so cocktails, wine and beer are served, including on the roof terrace.
Where is Café Arabe located?
At 184 Rue el Mouassine in the Mouassine quarter of the Marrakech medina, a short walk from the Koutoubia.
Do I need a reservation?
For a terrace table, booking ahead is worth it, particularly at sunset and in high season; service runs continuously from late morning to midnight.
Reserve a Table
Reserve at Café Arabe
Book a terrace table ahead, best at sunset and in high season.
Affiliate disclosure: Restaurants for Kings may earn a commission when you book through our reservation links, at no cost to you. Our scores are editorial and never paid for.
Practical Information
Address184 Rue el Mouassine, Medina, Marrakech
NeighbourhoodMouassine, Medina
CuisineMoroccan & Italian
PriceMains ~150–250 MAD
Dress CodeSmart casual
SeatingRoof terrace, open-air patio and indoor room
ReservationRecommended
