A visit to Tangier wouldn’t be complete without a visit to the fish lover’s heaven of Populaire Saveur de Poisson. Tanjaouis eat here on regularly, and American TV presenter Anthony Bourdain has made it popular among visitors too. Chilled fig juice flows while courses fly on and off the table, with dishes of fish soup, shark and baby squid tagine, and a daily catch that varies with the fishermen’s luck.

Despite Anthony Bourdain’s flying visit during season one of Parts Unknown, this snug, no frills foodie haven hidden behind wooden doors near Tangier’s weavers’ market has maintained its rustic vibe. Join Moroccans – who flock here from miles around – to indulge in a fixed menu of brine-fresh seafood that changes according to the day's catch, and the chef's whim. From velvety fish soup served with a garlic-loaded rouille to turbot fricassee seasoned with herbs from the Rif mountains, hearty stew-like calamari and monkish tagine, or tender skewers of shark meat served with grilled vegetables, this is the place to get your seafood fix in Tangier.

Le Saveur de Poisson – Close to the El Minzah hotel down Rue de la Liberté off the Grand Socco on the stairs leading to the medina, one of the most outstanding elements of this restaurant is that everything seems to be made in-house, even the wooden cutlery and clay plates. This restaurant boasts some of the best traditional Mediterranean-Moroccan food in the region. All dishes use a sort of seafood and lots of local herbs and spices are added.

For his first taste of the incredible food on offer in this part of the world, Tony visits the Saveur de Poisson restaurant. Here the emphasis is proudly placed on the use of herbs from the nearby Rif Mountains, and nearly every dish on the menu uses them in one way or another. First, a starter of fresh olives, roasted walnuts, and warm bread, together with a juice made of figs, raisins, strawberries, and a herb mix.

Eating in Tangier is all about fish, and a local favourite is this characterful spot set beside a steep set of stairs leading down to the Marche Centrale. There’s often a queue, but brisk service keeps things moving and eating here is certainly worth the wait. Once inside, you’ll have what everyone’s having: a fixed, fish-focused, four-course menu based on whatever arrives daily from the market.

If a spot has been graced by the likes of Anthony Bourdain and Rick Stein, you know it’s worth the visit – and Le Saveur de Poisson holds that distinction. With a set five-course menu for 200 dirhams, it’s the kind of destination with queues outside (no reservations) so get there earlyish and be prepared to wait. Freshly caught fish is served until it runs out – and then the restaurant closes.

Our best meal was at Saveur de Poissons, a little hole in the wall (literally) run by a delightfully funny old man where it’s all about grilled fish, seafood stews, fresh squeezed juices and roasted almonds. Fixed menu only, a feast for about US$20 per person. Right near the Soco market where you can then take a walk to the Marche des Tisserands (see below).

De retour à Tanger, si l'air marin vous a donné faim, dirigez-vous vers le restaurant Saveurs de Poisson. À un prix raisonnable, vous aurez le choix entre différents poissons grillés sur charbon de bois. Assiettes copieuses et ambiance familiale.

At Saveur de Poisson, Anthony Bourdain had a Tagine of baby shark, calamari and monk fish with fresh mountain spinach. He also had grilled whole turbot and baby shark kebabs. To start his meal, he was served fresh olives, walnuts and bread.

This restaurant specializes in seafood and is known for its straightforward, fresh approach to cooking. It’s a great place to enjoy the local catch without spending a lot of money. Google Maps Location: Link

Some of the most popular places to try Moroccan food in Tangier are the El Korsan restaurant, the Salon Bleu café, the Saveur de Poisson restaurant and the Le Nabab café.

For fish, try the curious menu at the Saveur de Poisson near the great souk (Av. La Liberté) and Al Achab a little further away, good value for money.