Located in the heart of Marrakech, La Mamounia is much more than just a luxury hotel: it is a living legend. Celebrating its centenary in 2023, this iconic establishment blends Moroccan tradition with unparalleled refinement. Its lush gardens and fascinating architecture make it an oasis of serenity just steps from the medina. Within this enchanting setting, Le Marocain, the hotel's flagship restaurant, invites you on an exceptional culinary journey, where the authenticity of Moroccan flavors meets the art of haute cuisine.
La Mamounia: A Legendary Hotel in Marrakech
Le Marocain, the iconic restaurant of La Mamounia, is located within this legendary palace of Marrakech, which celebrated its centenary in 2023. Situated on the outskirts of the medina, La Mamounia is a true architectural gem, elegantly blending with the pink walls that seem to merge with the fabric of the city. Surrounded by one of the most beautiful hotel gardens in the world, this five-star establishment embodies the very essence of Moroccan elegance and refinement. From its dimly lit grand halls to rooms adorned with intricate zelliges and moucharabiehs, every detail of La Mamounia exudes grandeur. Just steps from the Jemaa el-Fna square, the hotel offers an oasis of calm in the midst of the bustle of Marrakech. It is in this enchanting setting that Le Marocain, one of the hotel's gastronomic addresses, offers an immersion in local flavors and culture.
An Exceptional Arabo-Andalusian Palace
Nestled in the heart of La Mamounia's sumptuous gardens, Le Marocain is a true masterpiece of Arabo-Andalusian architecture. This magnificent riad spans three floors, each revealing a new facet of its elegance. From the moment we arrived, we were transported to an enchanting palace where alcoves unfold like cozy nooks, adorned with plush cushions. The restaurant's intimate spaces, whether private lounges with velvet banquettes or alcoves bathed in light filtered through moucharabiehs, are invitations to relaxation and wonder.
The refined setting is enhanced by finely crafted woodwork, delicate zelliges, and arabesque motifs intricately carved in plaster. The subdued and elegant ambiance is further elevated by a duo of musicians playing traditional tunes on the violin and lute, while the warm hospitality recalls Moroccan hospitality. Every corner of this prestigious place, whether the smoky lounge or the bright and spacious library, embodies a true haven of peace and sophistication.
Fusion of Moroccan Tradition and Gastronomic Excellence
Our dinner at Le Marocain restaurant began with a touch of authenticity and refinement. This restaurant has been an institution in Marrakech for over thirty years, and it is evident from the moment you step inside. The place exudes a perfect alchemy between tradition and modernity, reflected in every dish served. Chef Rachid Agouray, a true virtuoso of Moroccan cuisine, creates his specialties with passion.
Our evening began with the ritual of ftour, a gentle introduction with a flavorful harira soup, accompanied by sweet dates and chbakias, traditional pastries with honey and sesame, so crispy and terribly addictive. Then, we had to choose between three different culinary experiences, depending on our appetite. We opted for the Koutoubia experience, a menu offering a choice of starter, main course, and dessert. To accompany this moment of discovery, a glass of Taittinger Brut Réserve champagne added an extra touch of sophistication.
For starters, Moroccan classics sit alongside the chef's signature creations. We were captivated by the scallops, subtly marinated with preserved lemon and harissa, zucchini caviar with cumin, bringing a perfectly balanced touch of freshness and spice. The lobster pastilla from Agadir, accompanied by spinach fondue and a red pepper coulis, was a true revelation. This bold marriage between a traditional Moroccan dish and the nobility of lobster offered an unforgettable gastronomic experience.
As for the main courses, the lamb tagine with pears and prunes with almonds was a standout, especially for those who appreciate sweet and savory combinations. The meat was perfectly tender, literally melting in the mouth, while the fruits added a comforting sweetness. The Royal couscous lived up to its reputation: a generous and flavorful feast, with tender lamb, spicy keftas, and grilled merguez sausages, a must-try in Moroccan cuisine.
The dessert was a moment of pure indulgence, signed by the famous French pastry chef Pierre Hermé, whose creations are specially designed for La Mamounia. The Infiniment Orange, a symphony around orange in all its forms, from light orange cream to shortbread, jelly, and ice cream, offered a festival of textures and flavors, blending acidity and sweetness with remarkable precision. And to stay true to Moroccan traditions, the Mamounia gazelle horn was the highlight: subtly flavored almond paste with orange blossom water, an orange compote from La Mamounia's gardens, and a crispy almond tuile, all topped with light roasted almond cream. A stunning finale to a meal that will remain etched in our memories.
My Opinion
This dinner at Le Marocain restaurant far exceeded my expectations, not only because of the exceptional quality of the cuisine but also because of the captivating and refined atmosphere of the place. Every detail, from the warm welcome to the meticulous presentation of the dishes, reflects rare craftsmanship and elegance. The authentic flavors, enhanced by the creative touches of Chef Rachid Agouray, made this meal a true sensory experience. The whole experience was magnificently crowned by the exquisite desserts from the famous Pierre Hermé.
Practical Information
A big thank you to Le Marocain for the invitation to discover their establishment. Of course, I remain free in my comments in this article!
About Florence Consul
Editor of Experiences Luxe since 2015, I love discovering new exclusive and authentic experiences all over the world. I left my home country (France) 6 years ago to become a global citizen, traveling 365 days out of the year. I am a foodie person and I make a point of tasting local specialities.