Food & Dining in Essaouira

Good to Know

• Essaouira is a fishing port city; seafood and fresh fish are exceptional quality and affordable—sardines are most abundant and typically the best value
• Most restaurants do not serve alcohol; inquire in advance if this matters to you. A few medina restaurants do serve wine and beer, including Taverna Bolognese Da Maurizio, D'jazy Essaouira, Il Mare, and Dar Baba
• Couscous is typically available only on Fridays as part of traditional family meals
• Tipping is not mandatory; leave 10% if you enjoyed the meal and service. Most mid-range and budget restaurants do not add automatic service charges
• Essaouira's hippie heritage and international appeal mean vegan/vegetarian dining is unusually well-developed compared to other Moroccan cities; you can eat plant-based easily without specialty restaurants if budget-conscious
• Prices have risen noticeably since 2022-2024; budget meals now range 50-100 MAD, mid-range 120-250 MAD, high-end 250+ MAD
• Accept cash (Moroccan dirham) at most traditional restaurants; many now accept credit cards but carrying dirham is safest, especially in the medina
• The fish market (port area) is a food-lover's must-see with fresh daily catches, though guides recommend buying from established vendors rather than taking fish to informal grill stalls due to quality and hygiene risks