La Trattoria
Marrakesh's top Italian restaurant (l,d: $$$)
La Trattoria is Marrakesh’s top Italian restaurant, where the food is great, and so is the decor.
Housed in an early-colonial 1920s mansion, La Trattoria has three separate spaces: a cool cocktail bar, an outdoor “garden lounge” by the pool, and an indoor salon with a magical feel thanks to interior design by Marrakesh’s American tadelakt-meister, Bill Willis.
The food here is proper Italian. Starters include carpaccio di manzo (finely sliced beef with rocket/arugula salad, 170dh). Mains include saltimbocca alla romana (240dh). Desserts include a superb tiramisù (100dh). And yes, they have pasta too. including a few vegetarian options. Even Italian visitors admit it’s pretty damn good.
La Trattoria is licensed, and has a good wine list. At lunchtime you can probably get away with just turning up, but for evening dinner you’re well advised to book ahead.