Amaraz at Hotel Sahrai

Amaraz is the restaurant of the Hotel Sahrai, a contemporary hotel in the Dhar El Mehraz district on the hill above the Ville Nouvelle in Fez, in Morocco's Fès-Meknès region. It is a hilltop venue outside the medina, and the setting gives views back across the city, which is a different perspective from the street-level dining in Fès el-Bali. The cuisine is contemporary Moroccan, and the price level is in the top band at MAD 400+ per person (about $43+), in keeping with the hotel's design-led, upscale positioning. Two dishes are specifically associated with the restaurant: a quail and almond tagine, which pairs the delicate bird with the sweetness of almonds in a classic Fassi combination, and a roasted cockerel stuffed with raisins and semolina, a rich dish that draws on traditional festive cooking. The kitchen takes a more modern approach to presentation than the old-city palaces, with a lighter hand and contemporary plating. The dining room is candlelit and the mood is quiet and romantic, which suits couples and special occasions, and the hotel also has a rooftop bar with live music at weekends for those who want a drink before or after dinner. Alcohol is available at the hotel, so the beverage programme includes wine and cocktails, though visitors who want a specific wine should ask when booking. Reservations are recommended and can be made on +212 535 940 332 or through hotelsahrai.com. Booking a day or two ahead is advisable, especially on weekends when the rooftop bar draws a larger crowd. Because the hotel is on the hill above the medina, a taxi is needed from the old city, and guests should arrange the return journey in advance, since late-night taxis can be harder to find. Smart-casual dress is a sensible choice for the setting.