Restaurant Le Jardin Marrakech

Behind the unassuming door is a lush, green oasis in the heart of the medina.

Photos by Alana Yolande

Each of my curated trips to Morocco included at least one full day in Marrakech’s Medina. With the narrow winding streets, persistent vendors, and vibrating sights and smells, it can be overwhelming for the uninitiated. But, hidden behind certain doors and passages, you’ll find beautiful gardens, palaces, museums and more. One such gem is Le Jardin. Housed in a renovated 16th century building, this restaurant offers a menu of Moroccan and European cuisine and a refreshing respite from the hustle and bustle outside. It’s the perfect midday stop for lunch. Check out the spread I‘d typically order for my groups.

To start off, we’d have an assortment of Moroccan salads, vegetable and cheese briouates (savory pastries), plates of fresh cheese and hummus with bread, and marinated olives.

Then, so many delicious tagines: slow cooked lamb, chicken with pears and walnuts, seasonal vegetables with raisins and caramelized onions, and mixed seafood.

For dessert! Lemon tarts, chocolate fondant, caramelized pear tarts, fresh fruit platters with honey and mint, and assorted pastries.

After eating for hours and lounging on the terraces, we’d venture back out to the labyrinthine streets, fully satisfied.