This is the dish reviewers repeatedly single out on Google and Tripadvisor — beef tagine with prunes and almonds. The meat falls apart from the bone, the sauce balances savory spices with the sweetness of prunes, and the almonds add texture. Diners consistently mention the generous portion size and the perfect spice balance. This is the signature dish.
Tips from diners
This is why you come here. Order two tagines if you're hungry — portions are large but so is the appetite it creates.
Ask for it piping hot — they'll reheat if it's been sitting. The best version is when it arrives steaming.
Desserts are homemade daily and vary. The pastilla (sweet phyllo pastry) is crispy and not overly sweet. The cakes are moist and light. Reviewers specifically praise the homemade quality and the generous pairing with hot mint tea. A simple, authentic conclusion to a meal.
Tips from diners
The desserts are homemade — ask what they made today instead of expecting a fixed menu.
The falafel arrives golden and crispy on the outside, fluffy inside. Served as part of a combination plate with fresh vegetables and bread, it's an affordable, satisfying option for vegetarians. Reviewers note the falafel is never greasy or heavy.
Tips from diners
The falafel plate is genuinely vegetarian — check with the server if you're vegan to confirm about the oil.
Beef or lamb brochettes grilled over charcoal arrive on a skewer, still hot. The meat is seasoned simply and cooked through without drying. Served with fresh bread and a Moroccan salad, it's a straightforward, satisfying main course. Popular for lunch.
Tips from diners
The brochette is a lighter option than the tagine but still filling. Good choice if you're eating lunch and then exploring more sights.
The couscous is prepared with meat and vegetables, served with a flavorful broth on the side. The grains are fluffy and separate, not clumped. The broth is rich and complements the couscous without overwhelming it. This is a filling, comfort-food option that ranks among the restaurant's most popular dishes.
Tips from diners
Couscous for 80 Dh with this portion size is one of the best meal deals in the Medina.
Café Babouche is a small neighborhood restaurant just off the main square, located at 37 Rue des Banques near the Mellah (the historic Jewish quarter). The multilingual staff — particularly server Hafsa, frequently mentioned in reviews — creates a genuinely welcoming atmosphere. With a 4.8-star rating from 1,850+ reviews, Café Babouche has earned its reputation for generous portions, excellent value, and consistency. The restaurant offers authentic Moroccan fare without tourist-area markups, making it a favorite with budget-conscious travelers and locals alike.
Walk-ins are welcome and rarely wait more than 5-10 minutes, even during peak lunch hours. No reservation needed.
Ask for server Hafsa if she's working — she's frequently mentioned by name in reviews for her attentive, warm service.
A full meal of tagine, tea, and dessert comes to 120-150 Dh per person. This is unbeatable value near Jemaa el-Fna.
The restaurant is small and fills during peak lunch (1-2pm) and dinner (7-8pm). Come at 12:15pm or 5:45pm for a quieter experience.
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