(Dawliz Complex. Tel. 039 334 848) Specialising in authentic food and offering the best view in town, the dining room is lined with windows and the velour couches attest to its opulence.
Dar Nour
(20 Rue Gourna, Kasbah. Tel. 062 112 724) This bohemian, boutique-style bed and breakfast—featured in international travel and fashion magazines—offers original gourmet Moroccan recipes. After dinner, enjoy tea on one of the three terraces. Must reserve a table by noon of the day you wish to dine.
El Erz
(Hotel El Minzah, 85 Rue de la Liberté. Tel. 039 333 311) Served in an opulent dining room with marble arches and leather chairs, the international cuisine—such as pepper steak or fresh sole—is tip top.
El Pescador
(Rue Allal Ben Abdellah (next to the Chellah Hotel). Tel. 039 941 594) An old Tangier staple, the dish to order here is fish—but, despite its name, the dishes straddle French and Spanish cuisine. The staff and dining room have that old Tangier elegance. Try St Pierre or fish brochettes.
Hotel Club Le Mirage
(Les Grottes d’Hercule . Tel. 039 333 332) Dramatic outdoor seating on the balcony over the vast Atlantic steals the show from the timeless dining room of the Mirage Hotel, where Francis Ford Coppola and other famous guests have stayed. The fish soup is a good choice to start with. Reservations recommended.
Hôtel Nord Pinus
(11 Rue Riad Sultan, Kasbah. Tel. 061 228 140) Boasting an unforgettable romantic ambience, this small hotel serves classic dishes on a balcony with tremendous Atlantic views. All are welcome, but reservations are essential.
Layali
(Route de Malabata, Bay of Tangier. Tel. 0393 293 0050) James Bond sleek meets exoticism under the tent of the Mövenpick Hotel’s Oriental restaurant with live music and panoramic views. Stop by the casino, one of the largest in Africa, for a game of poker or blackjack after dinner.
Le Mirage
(18 Rue Bouhtoun. Tel. 039 941 132) Overlooks the ocean in idyllic surroundings. Classic French cuisine: the speciality is oven-baked fish in sea salt—or any other deliciously fresh fish option.
Oriental Lounge
(Rue de Cordoue Park Brooks (behind Intercontinental Hotel). Tel. 039 936 0543 ) A nightly belly-dancing show graces the floor at this chic lounge set in a newly renovated 1950s Moroccan banquet hall. Lebanese appetisers or superb lamb with prunes are sure to satiate a gourmet palate.
Relais de Paris
(Dawliz Complex. Tel. 03 933 1819) A haven for gourmets, this French restaurant’s seasonal concoctions take advantage of the natural splendour of the souks. This month, lobster salad and sea bass are in season. After dinner, pick up a Cuban cigar and head next door to the Relais Lounge.
