11 Best Restaurants in Chefchaouen in 2025

Wondering where to eat in Chefchaouen? I know those winding blue streets can feel overwhelming when your stomach starts growling.

When I first visited the Blue Pearl, I made the rookie mistake of settling for the overpriced tourist spots around Plaza Uta el-Hammam.

But after living here and guiding visitors through the medina, I’ve uncovered the city’s true culinary treasures. Skip the flashy restaurants along the riverfront, that’s where you’ll find watered-down versions of Moroccan classics at triple the price.

Instead, let me guide you through the maze-like alleyways to family-run spots where grandmothers still hand-roll couscous and tagines simmer for hours.

From hidden rooftop cafes with mountain views to tiny hole-in-the-wall eateries serving the best pastilla you’ll ever taste, Chefchaouen’s authentic food scene will surprise you.

Get ready to discover where locals actually eat, and trust me, once you’ve tried these places, you’ll never look at Moroccan cuisine the same way again.

1. El Cielo

While Chefchaouen isn’t known for fancy dining, El Cielo stands out as the town’s most upscale restaurant, and I absolutely love taking my tour groups here.

This hidden gem welcomes you through a gorgeous garden with bamboo and peaceful ponds, creating the perfect setting for culinary delights.

You’ll find their mezze platter is a must-try at 110 Dirhams. Trust me, the lebneh and carrots are incredible!

The generous portion includes falafel, hummus, babaganoush, tabouli, fattoush, and tahini sauce.

It’s a fantastic break from traditional Moroccan food, and my guests always rave about it.

As one of the best restaurants in Chefchaouen, it’s definitely a top date night spot.

Just remember to make a reservation – I’ve seen plenty of disappointed faces when it’s fully booked!

2. Restaurant Lala Mesouda

Tucked away on the upper edge of the Medina, Restaurant Lala Mesouda holds a special place in my heart because it reminds me of authentic Moroccan home cooking.

While their dishes mightn’t quite match my partner’s mom’s cooking in Essaouira, they’re still absolutely delightful.

You’ll find traditional Moroccan classics like tagine and couscous on the menu, but I’d strongly recommend trying something different.

Their Zalouk, a flavorful eggplant and tomato dish, is a must-try for adventurous eaters.

If eggplant isn’t your thing, go for the Sferjal, a delicious lamb tagine with quinoa that’ll make your taste buds dance.

And for the truly daring among you, there’s even ox penis on the menu! I personally haven’t tried it, but hey, when in Chefchaouen, right?

3. Cafe Clock

Moving from homestyle cooking to modern fusion, I’m beyond excited to tell you about my absolute favorite spot in Chefchaouen, Cafe Clock!

You’ll find this gem right in the Medina, spread across three vibrant stories of modern Moroccan charm. Trust me, their tasty food is a perfect blend of Western and local flavors.

I always go for the Berber Omelet, but you’ve got to try their famous camel burger, it’s way better than you’d think!

The best food here comes with reasonable prices, ranging from 50-100 Dirhams ($5-$10).

While you’re there, sip on their amazing spiced cappuccino (just 25 Dirhams!) on the rooftop terrace. They even offer cooking classes if you want to learn some kitchen secrets.

Between the nightly live music and funky decor, this is hands-down one of the top Chefchaouen restaurants.

4. Sofia

When you’re ready for the absolute best tagine in Chefchaouen, I can’t recommend Sofia enough!

Located just above the main square, this local eatery has seriously blown me away with their amazing food, especially their vegetable tagine, it’s hands down the best food in Chefchaouen.

What I love most about Sofia is that it’s an all-woman-run business with a super casual vibe.

You’ll find yourself sitting at simple plastic tables, but trust me, the food more than makes up for the basic setting. Their vegan soup is incredible too!

While I’d skip the vegetable sandwich, everything else I’ve tried has been outstanding.

Just ask any local about Sofia’s, and they’ll point you right to this gem. It’s become one of the best restaurants in Chefchaouen for good reason.

5. Assaada

A staple in Chefchaouen’s dining scene, Assaada offers decent Moroccan fare at wallet-friendly prices.

You’ll find this restaurant serving up satisfying dishes, though I wouldn’t call it the city’s absolute best spot.

Head upstairs to their cozy dining room, where you can try their vegetarian couscous that’s generously loaded with fresh vegetables.

While the couscous itself is well-prepared, I’ve got to be honest, it could use more sauce to combat the dryness.

But here’s what makes Assaada really shine: the incredible value. You can grab a full meal with a drink for around 40 Dirhams, which is quite a bargain in Chefchaouen.

If you’re looking for a quick, budget-friendly meal that’ll fill you up, Assaada’s got you covered.

6. Lecheria Venezia

You’ll feel like you’ve stumbled upon a hidden gem at Lecheria Venezia, a tiny breakfast spot tucked away in Chefchaouen’s medina.

As one of the best restaurants in Chefchaouen for breakfast, this no-frills mahlaba serves up an incredible Moroccan breakfast for just 35 dirhams.

The portions are generous, and you’ll get to enjoy fresh harsha, msemen, amlou, honey, jam, cheese, orange juice, and mint tea.

I especially love their amlou, it’s so good you’ll wish they’d give you more! While it’s a small place with only four chairs, the food makes up for the limited seating.

Don’t worry if you’re craving Western options; they’ve even got avocado toast on the menu.

Trust me, it’s one of those places to eat that perfectly balances quality and value.

7. Bab Ssour

Hidden within Chefchaouen’s charming medina, Bab Ssour feels just like dining in a local friend’s cozy home.

You’ll love lounging on comfortable couches while admiring the beautiful blue and white windows with their distinctive green trim.

Trust me, it’s one of the best restaurants I recommend to my tour groups!

The traditional Moroccan food here is absolutely fantastic, and the prices won’t break your bank.

You’ve got to try their Harira soup for just 7 Dirhams, and don’t miss their hearty chickpea dishes served with fresh bread and spicy harissa.

If you’re visiting on a Friday, you’re in luck – that’s when they serve their delicious couscous.

For a filling meal that feels authentically local, their white beans (loubia) and cheese omelets are also wonderful choices.

8. Restaurant Jbaria

Perched on a quiet corner of Chefchaouen’s medina, Restaurant Jbaria offers an escape from the tourist crowds I often encounter elsewhere.

As one of the best restaurants in Chefchaouen, it’s a hidden gem where you’ll find authentic Moroccan cuisine at reasonable prices.

I absolutely love their bissara, which comes with some of the highest quality bread I’ve tasted in the city.

For just 15 Dirhams, you’ll get surprisingly large portions that’ll leave you satisfied.

While the service isn’t particularly warm, the peaceful atmosphere more than makes up for it.

Trust me, there’s something special about having a traditional Moroccan restaurant almost entirely to yourself.

Though it’s slightly pricier than other spots in the medina, with meals around 60 Dirhams, I’d say it’s totally worth it.

9. Restaurant DarCom

Stepping into Restaurant DarCom feels like entering a magical Moroccan palace, with its stunning blue walls and gorgeous brick archways that I can’t help but admire every time I visit.

The traditional lanterns cast enchanting shadows throughout this gem in Chefchaouen’s dining scene, making it one of the best restaurants in the enchanting city.

You’ll find plenty of vegetarian options here, but their standout dish is the unique vegetable couscous topped with caramelized onions and crunchy peanuts. It’s a delightful twist on the classic recipe!

While the Moroccan salad mightn’t be my cup of tea, I absolutely love ending my meals here with a steaming cup of mint tea on their rooftop terrace.

Don’t skip their cinnamon-dusted orange dessert, though I personally pass on it due to my citrus aversion.

10. La Fuente Restaurant

Unlike the charming DarCom, La Fuente Restaurant sits right in Chefchaouen’s bustling main square, and I’ll admit, I was initially worried it might be a tourist trap.

But don’t let the location fool you! This is one of the best restaurants in Chefchaouen for authentic local dining.

You’ll find amazing vegetarian tajine (though it’s not on the menu) and the most delicious bissara I’ve ever tasted.

Trust me, I’m usually not a fan of fava bean soup, but their version is perfectly seasoned with just the right amount of olive oil.

The prices are incredibly reasonable, you can enjoy a complete meal with tajine, soup, and a drink for just 70 Dirhams.

If you’re doing a day trip from Tangier, La Fuente is well worth your time and easy to find!

11. Chez Hicham

Located right on Chefchaouen’s main square, Chez Hicham offers two fantastic dining spots – a charming patio and a breezy rooftop terrace.

You’ll find fast and friendly service here, which isn’t always common for restaurants in Morocco’s main square locations.

I highly recommend the chicken skewers, they’re a hit with my tour groups!

While the entree prices are a bit steep (100-150 Dirhams), that’s typical for this prime cultural spot.

The menu features delicious food that’ll energize you for exploring the blue city’s winding streets.

Though it’s not my absolute favorite restaurant in Chefchaouen, it’s still a solid choice, especially after visiting the hammam.

Plus, the rooftop dining experience gives you amazing views that make the slightly higher prices worth it.

Chefchaouen Best Restaurants | FAQs

What is the Top Restaurant in Chefchaouen?

While there are many incredible places to eat in Chefchaouen’s winding blue streets, I’ve got to say that Sofie’s takes the crown as the city’s best restaurant.

In my years guiding Morocco travel groups, I’ve never seen visitors leave Sofie’s disappointed. The ambiance is unbeatable!

Right behind Sofie’s, you’ll find two other favorite restaurants that I always recommend to my guests: Bab Ssour and Cafe Clock.

These iconic spots perfectly capture the essence of Chefchaouen’s culinary scene. Trust me, you’ll want to try all three during your visit!

When planning your itinerary, make sure to set aside enough time to experience these standout eateries.

They’re not just restaurants, they’re essential stops on your Chefchaouen food journey.

What Food Must You Try in Chefchaouen?

One of the best things you absolutely must try is Jben, a delightfully mild white goat cheese that’s unique to this region.

Trust me, as someone who’s sampled countless Moroccan dishes, this is something special!

You’ll find Jben in many local restaurants and from vendors throughout the Medina, and what’s really interesting is that you won’t spot it anywhere in Marrakech.

While exploring the restaurants in the medina, I always encourage my guests to grab some fresh Jben for breakfast or as a snack.

It’s one of those authentic flavors that perfectly captures the essence of Chefchaouen’s culinary heritage.

Where is the Blue City?

Since many travelers ask me about Chefchaouen’s location, I’m thrilled to tell you that this stunning blue city sits nestled in Morocco’s beautiful Rif Mountains.

As your guide, I can tell you that this Moroccan blue town is perfectly positioned for an amazing trip to Morocco.

You’ll find it about four hours from Fes and just over two hours from Tangier, making it an ideal stop on your journey.

I absolutely recommend staying overnight, it’s become my favorite place to show visitors!

While you’re exploring the best restaurants in Chefchaouen and discovering things to do in Chefchaouen, you’ll want plenty of time to soak in the atmosphere.

Trust me, spending quality time in Chefchaouen lets you truly experience the magic of this enchanting mountain city.

Final Words

After exploring countless tagine houses and cozy cafés throughout my years as a guide in Chefchaouen, I can’t help but feel incredibly lucky to share these culinary gems with you.

The Blue City’s top restaurants, like Sofia’s and Bab Ssour, have become my favorite spots to introduce visitors to traditional Moroccan tagines and local specialties.

From hidden gems tucked away in narrow alleys to rooftop restaurants with breathtaking views, you’ll discover delicious flavors that’ll make your taste buds dance.

Trust me, there’s nothing quite like enjoying a steaming tagine while watching the sunset paint the blue-washed buildings in golden hues.

Ready to explore more of Morocco’s culinary wonders? Discover our amazing Morocco desert tours and day trips from Marrakech, featuring authentic dining experiences and unforgettable adventures.

Travel in comfort with our private car and driver service, or make your arrival smooth with our airport transfer service.

From the blue city to the golden dunes, start your Moroccan gastronomic journey today!