L'Amandier at Palais Faraj

L'Amandier is the rooftop restaurant of Palais Faraj on Derb Bensouda in the Ziat quarter, on the hillside above Fès el-Bali in Morocco. The terrace looks down over the medina, taking in minarets, domes and the dense tiled roofs, and the setting is the reason many visitors book it for sunset. The cooking is Moroccan with a palace-kitchen character, built around Fassi specialities such as stuffed cockerel and quail served with angel-hair pasta, as well as a selection of Moroccan salads to begin a meal. Cooking leans toward the refined, slow-cooked style associated with Fès rather than quick grills. Lunch and dinner are served daily. The dining room and terrace are formal in feel but not strict, with smart casual dress typical, and noise levels are low because of the elevated position away from the lanes. Prices are in the upper range for the city, about 300-500 MAD per person, and evening meals with sunset views are usually the most expensive way to eat here. Reservations are recommended, particularly if a terrace table at sunset is wanted; booking a day or more ahead is sensible in spring and autumn. Because the Ziat quarter sits above the medina walls, access is by road to the palace entrance, which is easier than reaching restaurants deep inside the lanes. Guests staying elsewhere typically arrive by petit taxi. The restaurant suits couples and small groups who want panoramic views alongside a traditional Fassi menu.