Le Petit Poucet

Le Petit Poucet is a historic café brasserie on Boulevard Mohammed V in downtown Casablanca, Morocco. It is associated with the French-era city centre, when Boulevard Mohammed V was lined with cafés, shops and offices, and it is often mentioned for its place in the city's literary and social history, including its link to the writer Antoine de Saint-Exupéry, who is said to have frequented it. Its central position makes it a handy stop between the Marché Central, the Place des Nations Unies and the main shopping streets.

The cuisine is French and Moroccan brasserie fare. Dishes include classic brasserie plates and grilled meats, along with coffee, pastries and light meals, and the menu allows diners to choose between a quick snack and a full lunch. Prices are modest, at about MAD 120-250 per person (roughly $13-27), which makes it one of the more affordable sit-down options in the city centre.

The dining room retains an old-world feel, with wood, mirrors, banquette seating and waiters in traditional dress. The mood is easygoing and nostalgic, with a mix of regulars, office workers and visitors. Noise is moderate during the lunch rush and low in the afternoon. Dress is casual, and the pace is relaxed enough to linger over coffee. Alcohol availability should be confirmed on arrival.

No reservation is normally needed, as it operates on a walk-in basis, although groups may want to call ahead. The venue opens daily, and hours should be verified before visiting. It lies on one of the city's main avenues, making it easy to reach by taxi or on foot from the central market and from downtown hotels, and it fits well into a city-centre walking tour. Visitors interested in the colonial-era architecture of Casablanca often use it as a resting point, since the surrounding blocks hold many Art Deco facades from the 1930s.