In Marrakech, breakfast is the perfect gateway into the local sweet scene. Between Moroccan crêpes, French‑style viennoiseries and super Instagram‑friendly brunch cafés, it’s almost impossible to start the day without something indulgent on your plate. North American travelers will have no trouble finding well‑rated spots around the medina, Gueliz and newer neighborhoods, where specialty coffee sits right next to trays of msemmen, beghrir and even gazelle horns.
The cool thing for your audience is the range: you’ve got ultra‑local spots with simple terraces serving crêpes, bread, olive oil and honey, and you’ve got international‑looking coffee shops where you’ll see croissants, pancakes, avocado toast and homemade cakes. That mix makes it easy to switch up the vibe: a “100% Marrakech” breakfast one morning, a more familiar brunch the next – usually at a price that feels lower than what you’d pay in the US or Canada for the same quality.
Moroccan Breakfast: Msemmen, Beghrir and Mint Tea
If your reader wants a truly local start to the day, the move is to find a café or tea room near the medina or along the main boulevards that serves msemmen (flaky square crêpes), beghrir (spongy “thousand‑hole” crêpes), warm bread, honey, jam and sometimes a few simple sesame‑or almond‑based pastries. These breakfast combos show up a lot in guides and review sites, often described as generous, filling and very affordable.
Recommend grabbing a terrace seat with a view over a busy square or a medina side street. The experience isn’t just what’s on the table – it’s the city waking up, the sound of vendors setting up, and the smell of mint tea drifting from table to table. It’s also a great moment to try a couple of low‑key Moroccan cookies like ghriba or fekkas on the side, instead of waiting for dessert at dinner.
Bakeries and Brunch Cafés for Croissant Lovers
For travelers who can’t picture a morning without a croissant, pain au chocolat or a foamy cappuccino, Marrakech has plenty of bakeries and brunch cafés that are all about “croissants & coffee.” Names known for their viennoiseries often show up in “best croissants in Marrakech” or “top bakeries” lists, usually offering a mix of French‑style pastries and Moroccan sweets in the same display.
In your guide, you can suggest these places for mornings when your reader wants something more familiar: a croissant, fresh orange juice, drip coffee or a latte, maybe with a slice of cake, banana bread or a homemade tart. They’re also great spots to sit down with Wi‑Fi, plan the day or get a little work done in a calm, cozy setting before diving back into the chaos of the medina.
Trendy Cafés and Specialty Coffee Shops
In the last few years, Marrakech has seen a wave of new coffee shops and stylish cafés, often run by people obsessed with specialty coffee and modern pastry. You’ll find full brunch menus (eggs, granola, toasts) along with a strong line‑up of cakes, tarts, cookies and viennoiseries that speak directly to a North American audience used to third‑wave coffee culture.
For your readers, these are easy “safe bets”: staff often speak good English, menus are clear, and there’s no shortage of photogenic options for social media. This is also where some travelers discover updated takes on Moroccan flavors – think cheesecakes with local twists, or trompe‑l’œil desserts inspired by traditional sweets – building a fun bridge between local tradition and global brunch culture.
Practical Tips to Pick the Right Breakfast Spot
To make this section even more useful, close with a few simple tips your readers can use on the ground:
Check opening hours: some brunch spots open later in the morning, which can surprise travelers used to very early breakfasts.
Mix it up: alternate between a traditional Moroccan breakfast and a modern brunch café so you get both sides of the city.
Always look at recent photos and reviews: that’s the easiest way to spot places where pastries and viennoiseries are clearly a highlight, not just an afterthought next to the savory dishes.
