Dar Cherifa, Marrakesh - Essaouira🇲🇦
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Dar Cherifa Marrakesh

4.5
·2k reviews·مراكش, Morocco

A 16th-century riad in Marrakech's Medina, offering a sublime dining experience with traditional architecture and a candlelit ambiance.

Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Social content

Social

From TikTok & Reddit

Best Time

Wednesday evenings

Unique dining hours

CrowdMedium
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Dar Cherifa, Marrakesh - Essaouira🇲🇦

Dar Cherifa Marrakesh

Best Time

Wednesday evenings

Unique dining hours

CrowdMedium
Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

A 16th-century riad in Marrakech's Medina, offering a sublime dining experience with traditional architecture and a candlelit ambiance.

4.5
(2k reviews)

"The architecture of the place itself was really beautiful and traditional with some book shelves here n there."

Vertical photo
TIP

🎯 Book for Sunset Views

Reservations are essential for prime sunset seating.

💰 Cash for Transactions

Most places prefer cash; carry enough dirhams.

Third hero image

Highlights

Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

16th Century Riad Architecture

16th Century Riad Architecture

Interior

Step back in time in this stunning traditional Moroccan house with beautiful paintings and book-lined walls.

InstagramReddit
Atmospheric Candlelit Ambiance

Atmospheric Candlelit Ambiance

Dining area

Experience a sublime evening with enchanting candlelight and a truly traditional, bookish atmosphere.

Reddit
Delicious Desserts & Teas

Delicious Desserts & Teas

Cafe/Dessert area

Indulge in unique treats like aubergine crumble and floral-infused Jahwara, paired with fragrant Moroccan teas.

Reddit

Planning Your Visit

Embrace the Medina Maze

Marrakech's Medina is a labyrinth! Consider hiring a guide for your first day to navigate the souks and avoid getting lost. English is widely spoken, easing communication barriers. TikTok

Cash is King, Book Ahead

Most places in Marrakech operate on a cash basis, so ensure you have enough dirhams. For popular restaurants, especially for sunset views, making reservations in advance is highly recommended. TikTokInstagram

Best Times

When
Wednesday evenings
Why
Unique dining hours
Crowd
Medium
When
Evenings
Why
Candlelit ambiance
Crowd
High

Insider Tips

from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit

🇲🇦 How to spend a perfect day in Marrakech ⬇️⁣ ⁣ MORNING⁣ 9am 🏫 Ben Youssef Madrasa⁣ 10am ☕️ Bacha Coffee 11am 🛍 Go shopping in Souk Semmarine⁣ ⁣ AFTERNOON⁣ 1pm 🍽 Lunch at Le Jardin (order the chicken pastilla!)⁣ 3pm 🌵Jardin Majorelle ⁣ ⁣ EVENING⁣ 6pm 🍹 Drinks & dinner at DarDar Rooftop⁣ ⁣ More Marrakech Recommendations ⬇️⁣ ⁣ 📍THINGS TO DO⁣ Le Jardin Majorelle, Moroccan Cooking Class (Amal Women’...
@kelseyinlondon
54.6K likes • 1.1M views

🎯 Book for Sunset Views

Reservations are essential for prime sunset seating. Instagram

💰 Cash for Transactions

Most places prefer cash; carry enough dirhams. TikTok

¿Vas a viajar pronto a Marruecos? 🇲🇦 Marrakech es una de las ciudades más icónicas de todo Marruecos. Su zoco es de lo más impresionante pero tienes que ir preparado para conseguir las mejores ofertas. Allí es muy común regatear, así que en este video te doy una guía de 5 pasos para que puedas regatear como un experto 😎 #marruecos #viajes #traveltiktok #viajestiktok #marrakech #regatear #parati #c...
@alba_mayolas
33.4K likes • 311.9K views
My morning walk to Dar Cherifa in the medina (old town) of Marrakech. I am carrying my main artwork under my arm, wrapped in plastic – the one that’s also on the invitation. All the other pieces traveled with me in my backpack, all the way to Morocco. During the last week they were beautifully framed by calligraphy artist @abaoubida.art and artist @khallad_art in their studio at @sidighanem.mar...
art.oder.artig
76 likes • 1.5K views

✨ Embrace the Ambiance

Enjoy the traditional architecture and candlelight for a magical experience. Reddit

🍰 Don't Skip Desserts

The aubergine crumble and Jahwara are highly recommended. Reddit

Restaurants I liked in marrakesh for food: -Le salama - Zaitoun Restaurant - Dar el Cherifa - Dar dar restaurant -Palais dar dona—- (food was okay but atmosphere was super) - Argana Restaurant- My favourite out of all. #travelphotography #food #foodporn #foodphotography #marrakech #morocco🇲🇦
aymenbadar
20 likes • 2K views

Tips

from all over the internet

🎯 Book for Sunset Views

Reservations are essential for prime sunset seating. Instagram

💰 Cash for Transactions

Most places prefer cash; carry enough dirhams. TikTok

✨ Embrace the Ambiance

Enjoy the traditional architecture and candlelight for a magical experience. Reddit

🍰 Don't Skip Desserts

The aubergine crumble and Jahwara are highly recommended. Reddit

🚶‍♀️ Friendly Service

Expect warm greetings and attentive staff. Reddit

What Travellers Say

4.5
(2k reviews)

Reviews Summary

Dar Cherifa is lauded for its stunning 16th-century riad architecture and sublime, candlelit ambiance, offering a peaceful escape. While the desserts and teas are frequently highlighted as delicious and unique, some guests find the main course portions small and the prices a bit high. The service is consistently praised for its warmth and attentiveness, making it a memorable dining experience for many.

"The food is good as the atmosphere, but it’s so overpriced for what it is. The portions are small.
We went out of the restaurant and immediately I found a good restaurant where the same dish was bigger and costed 13 euros less."

ALESHA POPOVICH

"We just went for tea and desserts. And both did not disappoint. We ordered the jahwara and aubergine crumble with rose Damascus tea and Moroccan mint tea. The aubergine crumble was absolutely delicious!!! It had subtle notes of rose and cinnamon and the texture was great, a bit chewy, a bit sticky, a bit crumbly, and the acidity of the lemon mousse on top was exactly what was needed. The jahwara had pieces of fresh fruit in it, less sweeter and more delicate in taste with pronounced floral notes. Both the teas were great, strong and unsweetened. Classic. The service was kinda slow for ordering just desserts and drinks, however very friendly and accommodating. The art was just horrible, an absolute eyesore but the architecture of the place itself was really beautiful and traditional with some book shelves here n there. All in all, a great find in the heart of Marrakech."

Zainab Khan

"My husband and I came to eat here on a Wednesday (when they normally close early). They told us this and we shared we would order quickly and eat quickly. This wasn’t a problem - the service was impeccable and the food came quickly. It was delicious and a beautiful atmospheric location. Would highly recommend to anyone visiting Marrakech - one of the best restaurants we’ve been to here! (camel tagine is a must as well as an iced tea!)"

Emilie Myers

What People Like

Beautiful historic architecture
Atmospheric candlelight
Delicious desserts & teas

What People Dislike

Small portion sizes
Overpriced main courses

Frequently Asked Questions

🚇 🗺️ Getting There

Dar Cherifa is located in the heart of the Marrakech Medina. Navigating the Medina can be a maze, so it's advisable to use a map app or ask locals for directions. Some visitors recommend hiring a guide for their first day to get acquainted with the area. TikTok

While it's in the bustling Medina, Dar Cherifa is situated within the old town. Look for its distinctive entrance, which can be a narrow door opening into a beautiful space. InstagramReddit

Walking is the most common and immersive way to explore the Medina. For longer distances within Marrakech, consider using the 'inDrive' app, which allows you to set your price for taxis. TikTok

🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry

Dar Cherifa is primarily a restaurant and cafe, so no specific entry tickets are required. You pay for your food and drinks. Instagram

Dar Cherifa has specific operating hours, and it's worth noting they may close early on Wednesdays. It's best to check their current hours before visiting, especially if you plan to dine in the evening. Reddit

Yes, many visitors enjoy Dar Cherifa for tea and desserts. The aubergine crumble and Jahwara dessert are particularly popular choices. Reddit

Reservations are highly recommended, especially for dinner and if you wish to experience the ambiance during sunset. This helps ensure you get a table and potentially a good spot. Instagram

🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining

Dar Cherifa offers traditional Moroccan cuisine. Popular dishes include camel tagine, mezze platters with unique vegetable preparations, and delicious tagines. Reddit+1

Some reviews suggest that the portions at Dar Cherifa can be on the smaller side, and some visitors have found it to be a bit overpriced compared to other restaurants in the area. Reddit

The Jahwara dessert, described as having fresh fruit and floral notes, and the aubergine crumble with rose and cinnamon are highly recommended. The camel tagine is also a popular choice. Reddit+1

Moroccan mint tea and iced teas are great options. For a unique experience, try the rose Damascus tea. Reddit+1

With its candlelit ambiance, stunning traditional interior, and delicious food, Dar Cherifa is often considered a very atmospheric and romantic dining spot. Reddit

📸 📸 Photography

The traditional architecture, intricate details, and candlelight create a beautiful and photogenic atmosphere. It's a great place to capture the essence of Moroccan design. InstagramReddit

Evening, when the candlelight illuminates the space, offers a particularly magical and atmospheric setting for photography. Reddit

For Different Travelers

Tailored advice for your travel style

👨‍👩‍👧 Families with Kids

Dar Cherifa's serene atmosphere and unique architecture might appeal to families looking for a calmer dining experience away from the busiest souks. While the menu might be more adult-oriented, the unique desserts like the Jahwara could be a hit with children. However, given the potentially smaller portions and higher price point, it might be more suited for families seeking a special treat rather than a budget-friendly meal. Reddit+1

couples

The candlelit ambiance, traditional Moroccan decor, and intimate setting make Dar Cherifa an ideal spot for couples. Enjoying a romantic dinner with delicious food and attentive service in such a historic riad creates a memorable experience. Be sure to book in advance, especially for an evening meal, to secure a table in this charming venue. InstagramReddit

foodies

For foodies, Dar Cherifa offers a chance to try unique Moroccan desserts like the aubergine crumble and Jahwara, which are frequently praised. While some may find the main courses a bit pricey, the distinctive flavors and the opportunity to experience traditional Moroccan hospitality in a historic setting are significant draws. Exploring the mezze options can also be a culinary adventure. Reddit+1

Deep Dives

In-depth insights and expert knowledge

The Architectural Charm of Dar Cherifa

Dar Cherifa is more than just a restaurant; it's a journey into Marrakech's rich history, housed within a beautifully preserved 16th-century riad. The architecture itself is a major draw, featuring intricate tilework, carved stucco, and traditional Moroccan design elements. Visitors often remark on the stunning interior, with book-lined walls adding a unique and cozy touch to the ambiance. InstagramReddit

This historical setting provides a sublime backdrop for dining, with candlelight enhancing the intimate and atmospheric experience. It's a place where you can truly feel immersed in the traditional Moroccan way of life, offering a peaceful escape from the bustling souks outside. The attention to detail in the preservation and presentation of the riad makes it a memorable destination for those appreciating heritage and aesthetics. Reddit

While the art displayed within the riad has received mixed reviews, the architectural beauty of Dar Cherifa itself is consistently praised. It's a testament to the enduring elegance of Moroccan design and a must-see for anyone interested in historical buildings and traditional craftsmanship. Reddit

Culinary Delights and Dining Experience

Dar Cherifa offers a taste of authentic Moroccan cuisine, with a menu that highlights traditional flavors and ingredients. While some guests find the portions to be on the smaller side and the prices a bit high, the quality and unique offerings often make up for it. The restaurant is particularly noted for its exceptional desserts and fragrant teas. Reddit+1

Standout sweet treats include the Jahwara, a delicate dessert with floral notes and fresh fruit, and the aubergine crumble, which is praised for its perfect balance of sweetness, spice, and texture. These unique creations, paired with classic Moroccan mint tea or more exotic options like rose Damascus tea, provide a delightful end to any meal. Reddit

Beyond the food, the dining experience at Dar Cherifa is elevated by its impeccable service and enchanting atmosphere. Staff are often described as warm, attentive, and accommodating, contributing to a memorable evening. The combination of delicious food, a sublime ambiance, and friendly service makes it a recommended spot for those seeking a special dining experience in Marrakech. Reddit

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