Medina Café Restaurant

Medina Café Restaurant is a small budget restaurant at 6 Derb Mernissi in the Batha area of Fès el-Bali, the medina of Fez in Morocco's Fès-Meknès region. The restaurant is in a side lane near the western end of the old city, not far from Bab Boujloud and the Batha Museum, and is aimed at visitors who want a simple, inexpensive meal in a cosy room rather than a formal dining experience. The cuisine is home-style Moroccan, and the price level is under MAD 200 per person (about $22). The main attraction is the home-style tagines, slow-cooked stews of meat or vegetables served in the traditional clay pot, and a set menu is available from MAD 90 (about $10), which is among the lowest prices for a full sit-down meal in the medina. A set menu usually includes a starter such as salad or soup, a tagine and a dessert or fruit, though the exact composition should be confirmed on arrival. The kitchen keeps the menu short and familiar, which suits travellers who want to sample classic dishes without spending much, and the portions are generally generous. The dining room is small and informal, with a quiet, homely mood and a limited number of tables. There is no dress code, and the staff are accustomed to visitors dressed for sightseeing. No alcohol is served, so the beverage list centres on mint tea, soft drinks and water. Reservations are not required, and walk-in tables are normal, but the restaurant can be reached on +212 661 350 839, and calling ahead is sensible for a group because the room is small. The side-lane location can be hard to find in the maze of the medina, so visitors may want to ask staff for directions or use a map. The restaurant is a practical choice for a budget lunch before or after visiting the Batha area.