Restaurants in Casablanca

Appropriately set on the coastal Corniche area, just west of Aïn Diab, this is the fiefdom of Frenchmaître cuisinier (master chef) André Halbert. The wondrous fish dishes of his native province of Bretagne dominate. It is rated by many as the best restaurant in all Africa, but is cheap by European standards. French gourmets are said to visit Casablanca simply to dine at this great chef's table. Fruits de mer (seafood) takes on a whole new meaning here.

For a slice of Parisian culinary heaven in Morocco's commercial capital, look no further. Not far from La Mer, La Relais is perhaps the finest restaurant in Casablanca. Their focus is high-quality, gourmet food. This French-style brasserie has a wealth of exquisite seafood including lobster, swordfish and salmon, but it also does a delicious duck confit, entrecôte(steak) and tartare. The views from the terrace are outstanding as well.

Catch the sun in the delightful garden of this popular hotel in Casablanca, or relax inside, where you can enjoy classic Moroccan cuisine with aromatic tagines and perfectly prepared couscous. Note that there's another restaurant using the Al Mounia name, located just a few steps from the hotel, so don't get confused.

If you find yourself craving Italian food, no need to fear—Boccaccio has been described as the best Italian restaurant in Casablanca. Offering pizzas, pastas, and a great selection of wines, this lovely trattoria presents food that looks just as artful as it tastes. Look forward to attentive service and beautiful décor.

Amongst the city's old fortifications, with great iron cannons lined up facing the sea, this restaurant boasts Casablanca's most extraordinary setting, including a breathtaking garden. A popular alfresco spot, especially for romantics drawn to the candle-lit terrace, the menu mixes dishes from different parts of Morocco, along with some European options. Try the chicken kofta briouates (savoury-stuffed donuts).

If you're looking for authentic and delicious Moroccan cuisine, this is one of the best restaurants to choose from. The owner named the restaurant after her grandmother, who taught her everything she knows about Moroccan cuisine. If you come for lunch, you'll find yourself seated among locals while musicians serenade you. Try the couscous and the tagines.

Moroccan cuisine is one of the country's main tourist attractions, but if you tire of tagines and pastillas, and if the French-style restaurants seem too pricey, there is always Golden China. The décor may seem a little cheesy, with its Buddhas and Chinese lanterns, but there's a pleasant and calm atmosphere – perhaps thanks to the soft traditional music. The extensive menu is delicious, and includes dumplings, spring rolls, sweet and sour pork, Mongolian beef and lots of vegetarian options.

This Casablanca restaurant has been a local institution for more than four decades. At affordable prices, it serves authentic and mouth-watering Maghreb cuisine, including mechoui (spit-roasted lamb) and pastille (tasty meat pastries) specialities. There are more than a dozen different tagine dishes to choose from. The interior alone makes it worth a visit for its traditional zellij tiling (terra cotta tile work), elegant Moroccan furniture, and wood-carved stucco.

Dating back to the 30's, this is Casablanca's most renowned destination for quality, authentic pastries. Situated in the new medina of Habous, the bakery preserves traditional recipes that have been passed down through a family of four generations. A well-preserved treasure from the colonial era, it's best known for its sublime Kaab El hazal, or Gazelle's Horns, which are pastries filled with an almond paste that's flavoured with orange flower water and cinnamon.