Where to Eat Authentic Moroccan Food in Casablanca
Discover authentic Moroccan food in Casablanca at La Sqala and Dar Dada, two beautiful restaurants near Casa Port and the Old Medina.
Where to Eat Authentic Moroccan Food in Casablanca
Casablanca may be known for its modern boulevards, business districts and Atlantic coastline, but it is also an excellent destination for discovering traditional Moroccan cuisine.
Around Casa Port, the Old Medina and Casablanca Marina, travellers can find restaurants serving tagines, couscous, pastilla, Moroccan salads and traditional desserts in beautiful historic surroundings.
Two of the best-known places to enjoy authentic Moroccan food in central Casablanca are La Sqala and Dar Dada.
La Sqala occupies a historic fortified bastion beside Casablanca's Old Medina. Image source and licence.
Store your luggage near Casa Port before going for lunch
Exploring Casablanca with heavy suitcases can be inconvenient, especially after checking out of your hotel or while waiting for your next train.
Before heading to La Sqala or Dar Dada, you can leave your bags at the Blastey luggage-storage location near Casa Port and the Old Medina.
The Calisyo Casa Port Old Medina storage point is located at:
10 Rue Rabat, Ancienne Médina, Casablanca
It provides a convenient base for visiting:
- Casa Port railway station
- Casablanca Old Medina
- Casablanca Marina
- La Sqala
- Dar Dada
- Rick's Café
- Hassan II Mosque
Book luggage storage near Casa Port with Blastey
Once your luggage is safely stored, you can explore the Medina, enjoy a traditional Moroccan meal and walk along the marina without carrying your bags.
1. La Sqala: Moroccan food inside a historic bastion
Located next to the walls of Casablanca's Old Medina, La Sqala is one of the city's most recognisable Moroccan restaurants.
The restaurant occupies a historic fortified bastion and is known for its peaceful Andalusian garden, colourful Moroccan tiles, fountains and traditional architecture.
Despite being close to the busy city centre, the garden feels calm and relaxing.
What to eat at La Sqala
La Sqala is a good place to try popular Moroccan dishes such as:
- Chicken tagine with preserved lemon and olives
- Lamb tagine with prunes
- Moroccan couscous
- Pastilla
- Harira soup
- Moroccan salads
- Traditional Moroccan breakfast
- Mint tea
- Moroccan pastries
The garden setting makes La Sqala particularly pleasant for breakfast, lunch or an afternoon tea break.
Why visit La Sqala?
La Sqala is a strong choice for travellers looking for:
- A traditional Moroccan atmosphere
- A peaceful outdoor garden
- Authentic Moroccan cuisine
- A restaurant close to the Old Medina
- A photogenic historic setting
- A convenient lunch stop near Casa Port
The restaurant is also within walking distance of Casablanca Marina, Rick's Café and several attractions around the Old Medina.
La Sqala location
Boulevard des Almohades, Casablanca
La Sqala is located beside the Old Medina ramparts, approximately a short walk from Casa Port and Casablanca Marina.
Visit the official La Sqala website
2. Dar Dada: refined Moroccan dining in a beautiful riad
For a more refined and immersive Moroccan dining experience, consider Dar Dada.
Hidden behind a traditional wooden entrance in the Old Medina area, Dar Dada is located inside an impressive Moroccan riad.
Its interior combines carved arches, patterned floors, traditional woodwork, plants and elegant contemporary decoration.
The restaurant's central courtyard creates an atmosphere that feels both authentic and sophisticated.
What to eat at Dar Dada
Dar Dada celebrates Moroccan cuisine while sometimes introducing modern and international influences.
Depending on the seasonal menu, guests may find dishes such as:
- Traditional Moroccan pastilla
- Chicken or lamb tagines
- Slow-cooked meats
- Moroccan couscous
- Moroccan salads
- Refined seafood dishes
- Traditional desserts
- Moroccan mint tea
Moroccan couscous, one of the specialities served at riad restaurants such as Dar Dada. Image source and licence.
Dar Dada is particularly suitable for:
- A special dinner
- A romantic evening
- A family celebration
- A business meal
- Travellers looking for a refined Moroccan experience
The Dar Dada evening experience
Dinner at Dar Dada is not only about the food.
The restaurant is also known for its lively atmosphere, which may include traditional Moroccan music and evening entertainment.
Booking ahead is recommended, particularly for dinner, weekends and busy holiday periods.
Moroccan pastilla, a delicate sweet-and-savoury pastry found on many Casablanca menus. Image source and licence.
Dar Dada location
31 Rue El Arsa, Casablanca 20250
Dar Dada is situated in the Medina area, close to Casablanca Marina and within convenient walking or taxi distance of Casa Port.
The restaurant generally opens from Monday to Saturday, with separate lunch and dinner services.
Opening hours may change, so it is advisable to verify them when booking.
Visit the official Dar Dada website
La Sqala or Dar Dada: which restaurant should you choose?
Both restaurants serve Moroccan cuisine, but they offer different experiences.
| Restaurant | Best for | Atmosphere | Location |
|---|---|---|---|
| La Sqala | Breakfast, lunch and relaxed meals | Historic, green and peaceful | Old Medina ramparts |
| Dar Dada | Dinner and special occasions | Elegant, lively and immersive | Medina near the marina |
Choose La Sqala when you want to enjoy a relaxed breakfast or lunch in a peaceful Andalusian garden.
Choose Dar Dada when you want a more elaborate dining experience inside a beautifully decorated Moroccan riad.
Travellers with enough time can experience both restaurants during the same day: La Sqala for breakfast or lunch, followed by Dar Dada for dinner.
Suggested food itinerary near Casa Port
Here is a simple itinerary for travellers arriving at Casa Port railway station.
10:00 — Arrive at Casa Port
Leave the railway station and walk towards Casablanca's Old Medina.
10:15 — Store your luggage with Blastey
Drop your bags at the Blastey partner location at:
10 Rue Rabat, Ancienne Médina, Casablanca
Reserve your luggage-storage space near Casa Port
10:30 — Explore the Old Medina
Walk through its narrow streets, small markets, traditional shops and historic entrances.
12:30 — Have lunch at La Sqala
Enjoy a Moroccan tagine, couscous or traditional breakfast in the restaurant's Andalusian garden.
14:30 — Walk towards Casablanca Marina
Continue towards the waterfront and enjoy views of the marina and the Atlantic Ocean.
You can also stop near Rick's Café for photographs.
15:30 — Visit Hassan II Mosque
The Hassan II Mosque is one of Casablanca's most important landmarks and is located directly beside the Atlantic Ocean.
Evening — Have dinner at Dar Dada
Return to the Medina area for a refined Moroccan dinner inside a traditional riad.
Before departure — Collect your luggage
Pick up your bags from the Blastey storage location before returning to Casa Port or continuing to your hotel.
Traditional Moroccan dishes to try in Casablanca
When eating in Casablanca, look for these popular Moroccan specialities.
Tagine
Tagine is a slow-cooked dish prepared in a traditional conical clay pot.
Popular versions include:
- Chicken with preserved lemon and olives
- Lamb with prunes and almonds
- Kefta meatballs with tomato sauce and eggs
- Beef with vegetables
- Fish tagine
Couscous
Couscous is traditionally served on Fridays in many Moroccan homes.
It is prepared with steamed semolina, vegetables, chickpeas and meat such as chicken, beef or lamb.
Pastilla
Pastilla is a delicate Moroccan pastry combining thin, crispy layers with sweet and savoury flavours.
Chicken pastilla and seafood pastilla are among the most common versions.
Moroccan salads
Moroccan meals often begin with several small cooked and fresh salads.
Popular options include:
- Zaalouk
- Taktouka
- Marinated carrots
- Beetroot salad
- Tomato and cucumber salad
- Cooked aubergine
Harira
Harira is a traditional Moroccan soup made with tomatoes, lentils, chickpeas, herbs and spices.
It is especially popular during Ramadan but can also be found throughout the year.
Mint tea
Sweet Moroccan mint tea is an important part of local hospitality.
It is often served after a meal or alongside traditional Moroccan pastries.
Practical tips for eating in Casablanca
Reservations are recommended for Dar Dada, especially for dinner and weekend visits.
La Sqala can become busy during breakfast and lunchtime, so arriving early may help you secure a table in the garden.
Restaurant prices in well-known tourist establishments may be higher than in smaller neighbourhood restaurants. Check the menu and prices before ordering.
Most established restaurants accept payment cards, although carrying some Moroccan dirhams is still useful.
Walking around the Old Medina with large suitcases can be uncomfortable because some streets are narrow, crowded or uneven.
Using a luggage-storage service before your meal makes the experience easier and allows you to explore Casablanca more freely.
Explore Casablanca without carrying your bags
La Sqala and Dar Dada offer two different ways to experience Moroccan cuisine in Casablanca.
La Sqala combines traditional food with a peaceful historic garden, while Dar Dada provides a more refined dining experience inside an impressive Moroccan riad.
Both restaurants are conveniently located near the Old Medina, Casablanca Marina and Casa Port, making them excellent choices for travellers spending a few hours or a full day in the city.
Store your suitcases near Casa Port, explore Casablanca freely and enjoy some of the city's most memorable Moroccan flavours.
Find luggage storage in Casablanca with Blastey
Frequently asked questions
Where can I eat authentic Moroccan food near Casa Port?
La Sqala and Dar Dada are two popular Moroccan restaurants situated around Casablanca's Old Medina and marina area, within convenient reach of Casa Port.
Is La Sqala worth visiting?
Yes. La Sqala is known for its historic setting, Andalusian garden, Moroccan architecture and traditional cuisine.
It is particularly pleasant for breakfast and lunch.
Is Dar Dada suitable for dinner?
Yes. Dar Dada is particularly suitable for dinner, special occasions and travellers looking for a refined Moroccan restaurant experience.
Can I leave my luggage near Casa Port?
Yes. Blastey offers a luggage-storage location at Calisyo Casa Port Old Medina, located at 10 Rue Rabat in Casablanca's Old Medina.
Book luggage storage near Casa Port
Can I walk from Casa Port to the restaurants?
Yes. Casa Port, the Old Medina, Casablanca Marina and La Sqala are located close to one another.
Dar Dada is also nearby and can be reached on foot or by a short taxi ride, depending on your starting point.
Do I need to reserve at La Sqala or Dar Dada?
A reservation is strongly recommended for Dar Dada, particularly for dinner.
Booking La Sqala can also be helpful during weekends, holidays and busy travel periods.