Dar Roumana Restaurant

Dar Roumana Restaurant sits inside a restored riad at 30 Derb el Amer in Zkak Roumane, on the quieter southern side of Fès el-Bali in Morocco. The kitchen pairs Moroccan technique with French sensibility, producing a short seasonal set menu rather than an extended à la carte. Dishes the restaurant is known for include lamb tagine with prunes and chicken with preserved lemon and olives, both reworked with lighter sauces than the heavy versions common in tourist restaurants. Dinner is the main service, served daily; lunch is by arrangement only. The dining room is the riad courtyard, lit by candles in the evening, with a calm, low-volume atmosphere that suits couples and small groups; smart casual dress is typical. The restaurant sits among the medina's most upscale tables, with prices of about 300-500 MAD per person. Beverage choices are modest compared with the food, and visitors should confirm the current alcohol policy when booking. Reservations are recommended and effectively essential on weekends, since the courtyard has only a limited number of tables; booking several days ahead is prudent in spring and autumn. Zkak Roumane is a short walk from Bab Boujloud, but the lanes are narrow and unlit at night, so many guests ask the riad staff to arrange an escort from the nearest drop-off point or use a medina porter. The restaurant works well as a final-evening meal after exploring tanneries, madrasas and the Qarawiyyin area during the day, and it appeals to travellers who want a quieter meal than the terraces on Talaa Kebira.