L'Amandier at Palais Faraj

L'Amandier is the rooftop restaurant of Palais Faraj, a hotel on Derb Bensouda in the Quartier Ziat of Fez, in Morocco's Fès-Meknès region. The Palais Faraj sits on a steep slope overlooking the medina, and the restaurant's terrace descends the hillside in tiers, giving a wide view across the roofs, minarets and domes of the old city. The decor is contemporary, a contrast with the traditional zellige and carved plaster of the palace dining rooms in the medina, and the mood is relaxed and scenic. The cuisine is Moroccan and international, with a price range of MAD 200-400 per person (about $22-$43), which is mid-range for a hotel restaurant of this type. The dishes most often recommended are the Moroccan salads, a spread of small cooked vegetable dishes that serves as the traditional opening of a meal, a stuffed cockerel, and quail served with angel-hair pasta, an unusual pairing that reflects the kitchen's blend of Moroccan and international techniques. The view is the main attraction, and the best time to visit is around sunset, when the light changes across the medina and the call to prayer can be heard from many mosques. Reservations are recommended at sunset and are made through the hotel; booking a day ahead is sensible in spring and autumn, and requesting a terrace table is advised. The terrace is steep, so footing needs care, particularly after dark, and the dining atmosphere is quieter and more private than the busy lanes below. Alcohol availability should be confirmed with the hotel when booking, as it is not stated. The location in Quartier Ziat is on the edge of the medina rather than deep inside it, which makes it easier to reach by taxi than many riad restaurants, though the final approach may still involve steps or a short walk. Visitors should ask the hotel for directions when booking.