Pachamama El Jadida

Pachamama is a relaxed international restaurant with a Latin influence in El Jadida, Morocco, located near the Portuguese City (Cité Portugaise, also known as Mazagan), the UNESCO-listed fortified old town on the Atlantic coast about 90 kilometres southwest of Casablanca. El Jadida is a seaside city in the Casablanca-Settat region popular for weekend trips from Casablanca, and the area around the old fortress contains a growing number of cafés and restaurants serving visitors. Pachamama is one of the casual options for travellers who want something other than a standard Moroccan menu after exploring the ramparts, the Portuguese cistern and the beach. The menu is international and informal. Signature dishes include fish plates, using the Atlantic catch from El Jadida's own port, and burgers, alongside salads, pasta and light dishes. Moroccan staples can appear as well. Prices run roughly 120-250 MAD (about $13-27) per person, which is moderate for the town. The dining room is simple and welcoming, with relaxed seating, a casual crowd of locals, families and visitors, and a low-to-moderate noise level. There is no dress code. Drink options cover coffee, juices, soft drinks and mint tea, and visitors who want alcohol should check at the venue, since availability differs among El Jadida restaurants. Reservations are generally not needed, and walk-ins are accepted at lunch and dinner. Larger parties and summer weekends are the exceptions, when a phone call ahead helps, as the town fills with visitors from Casablanca. The restaurant's position near the Portuguese City puts it within walking distance of the ramparts, the old Jewish quarter and the main beach promenade, so it works as a stop in a full-day itinerary. Opening hours can change by season, and it is wise to confirm before arriving in winter.