3 Best Restaurants in Rabat and Casablanca, Morocco

One of the swanky restaurants in Salé's marina, Al Marsa—meaning "port" in Arabic—serves Spanish food in a glass-enclosed dining room overlooking the Bou Regreg River. The menu revolves around fish and seafood, the produce is fresh, and the dishes imaginative (if Spanish cuisine isn't your thing, Al Marsa has a sister restaurant right next door, also called Al Marsa, serving Italian fare).

This upscale Spanish tapas restaurant is a favorite among residents and always abuzz with diners and drinkers---which makes it a great place to meet true Casablancans. Products are local and fish is supplied daily, with typical options including calamari and patatas bravas; for those missing pork, there’s even real chorizo and jamón, all accompanied by a selection of wines and beers from here and abroad. 

Every night is fiesta night at La Bodega, opposite the Central Market: come for tapas and a drink or stay for a full meal from the typically Spanish menu—think jambon serrano (thinly sliced, dry-cured Spanish ham) and paella. The restaurant has a fun atmosphere, with themed live music each evening and popular dance floor: Tuesday, for instance, is salsa time, and a pro will give tips if you feel like improving your moves.