La Esquina del Pescado

La Esquina del Pescado is a fish and seafood restaurant on Avenue Chakib Arsalan in the Ensanche, the Spanish-era new town of Tetouan in northern Morocco. The Ensanche was laid out during the Spanish protectorate with wide boulevards and European-style buildings, and the restaurant's name and cooking reflect that heritage, since Tetouan has long had strong cultural ties to Spain and Andalusia. Typical spending is about 95-115 MAD (roughly $10-12) per person, making it a good-value choice for fresh seafood. The menu is built around fried and grilled fish, served with a salad of choice. Fried fish with salad is the staple order, grilled fish of the day depends on the market and what the boats have landed on the nearby Mediterranean coast, and calamari is a common starter or side. The cooking is simple and Andalusian in style, with light batter, olive oil and lemon rather than heavy spicing. The dining room is casual and unpretentious, with a lively, local feel; it is popular with Tetouan residents at lunchtime, and noise levels are moderate to high when full. Dress is relaxed. The beverage list is likely to centre on soft drinks and juices, and visitors who want alcohol should confirm availability on arrival, although the Ensanche has more venues serving drinks than the medina. The restaurant is open daily for lunch and dinner. Reservations are not needed, as most diners walk in, but arriving before 1:30 PM at weekends avoids a wait. The location in the Ensanche places it a short walk from the medina gate, the Plaza Moulay el Mehdi and the Church of Our Lady of Victory, so it combines easily with a day of exploring the city. For travellers seeking an inexpensive seafood meal away from tourist-oriented menus, it is a reliable choice.