La Sqala is a Moroccan restaurant set inside the old Sqala, an 18th-century coastal bastion on Boulevard des Almohades at the seaward end of Casablanca's old medina, Morocco. The fortification once held cannons to defend the port, and its thick stone walls now enclose a shaded garden courtyard with fountains, orange trees and tiled seating. The restaurant is among the most visited casual dining addresses in the city, popular with both locals and travellers who want traditional Moroccan food in an atmospheric setting. The menu covers the standards of the national kitchen. Signature dishes include chicken tagine with preserved lemon and olives, pastilla with pigeon or chicken, lamb tagines, couscous on Fridays, and grilled fish. A full Moroccan breakfast with msemen, harcha, honey, olive oil, eggs and mint tea is served in the morning and is a particular favourite. Prices are moderate at roughly 120-250 MAD (about $13-27) per person, and portions are generous. The dining room is divided between the garden, a covered gallery and interior rooms with painted ceilings. Atmosphere is relaxed and busy at midday, with a moderate noise level, and the dress code is casual. Service can be slow when tour groups arrive, so patience helps. The restaurant is generally known for serving little or no alcohol alongside the meal, so visitors who want wine should check in advance. Mint tea and Moroccan pastries round out the beverage offer. Reservations are advisable for dinner and for weekend lunches, when the garden tables fill first. Booking a day ahead is usually enough. The location, a few minutes' walk from the medina gates, the Hassan II Mosque promenade, and the port, makes it a convenient stop in a sightseeing day. The surrounding fortification walls offer views over the harbour and ocean.
| Price | 120-250 MAD ($13-27) per person |
|---|---|
| Hours | Breakfast to late dinner daily |
| Reservations | Reserve for dinner and weekends |
| Address | Boulevard des Almohades, Casablanca 20250 |
Signature dishes
- Chicken tagine with preserved lemon, pastilla, Moroccan breakfast
Good to know
- Known for
- Garden courtyard inside a former fortress bastion
Location
Boulevard des Almohades, Casablanca 20250
33.6024, -7.6193 View on map
Highlights
- Garden courtyard inside an 18th-century bastion
- Chicken tagine with preserved lemon and pastilla
- Full Moroccan breakfast served in the morning
- Walking distance from the medina gates and port
- Moderate prices for a historic setting
Tips for visiting
- Breakfast is a good value and avoids the lunchtime tour-group rush.
- Request a garden table when reserving for dinner or weekends.
- Check in advance if alcohol is wanted, as the menu focuses on tea and soft drinks.
- Allow extra time at peak lunch hours, when service slows.
- Walk the bastion walls after eating for views over the harbour.
When to visit
Morning for breakfast or early evening for a quieter garden; midday is busiest with tour groups.
Accessibility
The garden is mostly flat, but the old fort has some steps and uneven stone surfaces. Wheelchair users should confirm access to a ground-level table when booking.
Frequently asked questions
What is La Sqala?
It is a restaurant in a restored 18th-century coastal fort at the edge of Casablanca's old medina. The garden courtyard is its best-known feature.
What should visitors order?
Chicken tagine with preserved lemon, pastilla and the Moroccan breakfast are the most commonly recommended dishes.
Is a reservation needed?
Booking is advised for dinner and weekends. Weekday mornings and early lunches are usually easy for walk-ins.
How much does a meal cost?
A typical meal costs about 120-250 MAD ($13-27) per person.