A day dedicated to discovering Essaouira’s pastries allows you to explore the city’s culinary diversity while soaking in its unique coastal atmosphere. This optimized 4-kilometer itinerary combines the best addresses in a logical route that respects local gastronomic rhythms.
8:00 AM – Breakfast at Miloud’s (Avenue Al Istiqlal)
Start your gourmet day with the authentic street-food experience of freshly prepared msemen at Miloud’s. Watch the master pastry chef spread and fold the dough on hot plates before enjoying these layered pancakes with local honey and mint tea (budget: 15-20 MAD). The vibrant morning atmosphere, with locals crowding in, offers an incomparable cultural immersion right from wake-up.
10:30 AM – Pâtisserie Driss (10 rue El Hajjali, Place Moulay Hassan)
After a digestive stroll along the port and its blue boats, head to the century-old institution Pâtisserie Driss for a second breakfast or sweet break. Settle into the historic patio decorated with vintage photographs and order an assortment of gazelle horns, ghriba, and fekkas accompanied by fresh orange juice (budget: 40-60 MAD). Take advantage of this break to photograph the typical architecture and observe the ballet of servers in white djellabas.
1:00 PM – Light Lunch and Medina Exploration
Treat yourself to a savory break at one of the fresh fish restaurants by the port before wandering through the medina’s alleys. This digression allows you to appreciate local crafts (thuya marquetry, Berber carpets) while preparing your stomach for the next sweet stop. Distance covered so far: about 2 kilometers from your starting point.
4:00 PM – Pâtisserie La Bienvenue (Avenue Sidi Mohamed Ben Abdellah)
Moroccan tea time is the ideal moment to discover La Bienvenue and its refined creations perfectly balanced in sweetness. Order a “perfectly balanced” mint tea according to traveler reviews, accompanied by their famous almond cake and premium chebakia (budget: 35-50 MAD). The comfortable Moroccan salons invite you to extend this break in a calm and clean atmosphere, away from tourist hustle.
6:00 PM – Sunset and Pumpkin Bakery
Finish your gourmet circuit with a modern touch at Pumpkin, the artisanal bakery offering international pastries and sourdough bread. Order a fusion dessert and settle near the ocean to admire Essaouira’s legendary Atlantic sunset (budget: 30-40 MAD). This stop offers a refreshing contrast after the day’s traditional Moroccan flavors
Practical Tips to Optimize Your Route
Wear comfortable shoes as the medina’s cobblestone streets can be slippery. Bring a reusable water bottle and dirham change to facilitate small purchases. Pack a canvas bag to carry your pastry purchases to bring back, as you’ll certainly succumb to the temptation of buying gourmet souvenirs. Don’t hesitate to ask pastry chefs for their personal recommendations they appreciate foreign visitors’ curiosity and willingly share their specialties of the day.
