Le Tanjia Marrakech

Le Tanjia is a relatively new addition to the restaurants in Marrakech, which opened in 2007. It calls itself an “Oriental brasserie” but serves mainly traditional Moroccan food and some international fast food at lunchtime. The décor at Le Tanjia is distinctly traditional though – and stylishly so too, all burbling, petal-strewn fountains and cosy nooks. There are three floors to choose from: the dim main room is all flickering lanterns and candles, great for groups, while the middle floor rooms, arranged around the courtyard, are perfect for more intimate tete-a-tetes. The roof terrace is highly popular, with views across the medina and a fireplace for cold winter nights; covered by a wooden latticed roof it’s also a pleasant refuge from the midday sun. There’s also a cigar lounge and bar on the ground floor that has hookah pipes (popular with pre-dinner drinks). Service is efficient and not only are the tajines, couscous and fish dishes good, the pizzas are some of the best in the medina and the mezze of salads makes a perfect lunchtime snack for two.