La Taverne du Dauphin

La Taverne du Dauphin is a traditional port-side fish restaurant in Casablanca, Morocco, at 115 Boulevard Houphouët-Boigny in the port district, close to the commercial harbour and the old medina walls. It belongs to the older generation of Casablanca restaurants where French-influenced seafood cooking met the daily catch from the Atlantic, and it remains a reference point for locals who want a straightforward fish lunch.

The menu is built around seafood and French brasserie technique. Signature dishes include grilled sardines, sole and fruits de mer, the chilled shellfish platter of oysters, prawns, crab and other shellfish served on ice. Fish is typically grilled or pan-fried with minimal sauce, which suits the freshness of the catch, and starters often include shrimp or calamari. Prices fall in the mid-range for the city, at about MAD 200-400 per person (roughly $22-43), with shellfish platters and larger fish at the top end.

The dining room has the feel of a classic tavern, with a nautical theme, white tablecloths and attentive, somewhat formal service. At lunch the room fills with port workers, office staff and regulars, so conversation levels are lively, while dinner is calmer and more suited to couples and small groups. Dress is casual to smart-casual, and no strict code applies. The drinks list includes wine, which is a normal pairing with a seafood meal.

Walk-in tables are generally available at lunch, but reservations are recommended for dinner and for groups, and booking the day before is usually adequate. The restaurant serves lunch and dinner, and hours should be verified, as service patterns around the port can vary. Because the port district is not a residential neighbourhood, many visitors arrive by taxi, and the evening return trip is best arranged in advance. The restaurant is a sensible choice for visitors who prefer a traditional sit-down fish meal over a market stall or a beach club, and it pairs well with an afternoon around the old medina and the Sqala bastion.