Casablanca: The Ultimate Vegan Guide

Falafel is just one of many traditional local dishes in Casablanca that are suitable for vegans
Falafel is just one of many traditional local dishes in Casablanca that are suitable for vegans | © Cavan Images / Getty Images
JD Harpley

Finding a good restaurant in a new city is a challenge in itself, but finding one with decent vegan options can be a nightmare. No such problem in Casablanca. Morocco’s largest city and its commercial heart, offers a wide range of vegan-friendly spots – so now you can enjoy nights out without stressing about going hungry.

1. Veggie

Diner, Restaurant, Healthy, Vegan, Vegetarian

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Courtesy of Veggie

This organic, all-natural restaurant, located in the central Gauthier district, is the place to head for a cosy atmosphere. The menu offers a choice of starters, salads, fresh juices and desserts all vegan and all made from organic ingredients. The restaurant is a convenient and affordable choice – prices start at 82 to 133 Moroccan dirhams (£6.60-£10.75) – for brunch, lunch or dinner. With such a broad menu and warm atmosphere, it’s no wonder Veggie is one of the most popular vegan restaurants in Casablanca.

2. Bondi Coffee Kitchen

Cafe, Healthy

This Australian-style modern restaurant and cafe, run by a Moroccan-Australian couple, is known for its wide range of salads, sandwiches, juices and health foods, Fair-Trade coffee and non-dairy options. It’s an ideal spot if you’re on the hunt for reasonably priced dishes made with fresh, natural ingredients. Located in Gauthier, it has a casual, brightly coloured interior, perfect for a quick coffee or a work brunch. For art lovers it’s also close to the Villa des Arts, a contemporary art gallery set in a 1934 Art Deco villa.

3. La Sqala

Restaurant, Moroccan

Tucked into the walls of the old fort in the Ancienne Medina, this charming restaurant serves traditional local cuisine such as tagine and couscous – with vegan and gluten-free options. It’s a little more expensive than your average Casablanca restaurant – from MAD82 to MAD308 (£6.60-£25) – but well worth it if only for the unique setting. The fort cannons that once defended the city, it s rustic interior decor and beautiful garden make it an atmospheric place to dine.

4. Rick’s Cafe

Bar, Cafe, Moroccan, European, Mediterranean

The picture shows the interior of the Ricks Cafe in Casablanca, Morocco, 17 December 2007. Photo: Lars Halbauer
© DPA Picture Alliance Archive / Alamy
Rick’s Cafe is an atmospheric restaurant near the Marina Shopping Center that serves vegan and gluten-free Moroccan and Mediterranean dishes. As a tribute to the film Casablanca (1942), it is more of a tourist attraction, in truth, but still fun to visit, even if it’s not cheap, with prices from MAD92-154 (£7.45-£12.50). So come here to enjoy not just the food but also the film-themed decor and live music shows.

5. Organic Kitchen

Bistro, Restaurant, Healthy, Vegan, Vegetarian

Courtesy of Organic Kitchen

This popular vegan-friendly, gluten-free restaurant can be found in the trendy Racine district. Combining an organic market, a juice bar and on-the-go tea and coffee, this western-style eatery guarantees you’ll be spoilt for choice. Dishes include Buddha bowls, falafels, vegan nachos and homemade natural juices that are designed to satisfy all your healthy cravings and provide the perfect alternative to the rich local cuisine.

6. Umayya

Restaurant, Moroccan

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Courtesy of Umayya

Umayya is an upmarket waterfront restaurant with amazing ocean views and outdoor dining on the terrace. Situated near El Hank Lighthouse – a 167ft (51m) tower that was built in 1916 – it offers a selection of tasty local dishes, including mezze, mixed grills and seafood, as well as fresh vegan Moroccan and Middle Eastern options, which come at a slight premium. The setting makes this the perfect location for a romantic dinner.

7. Sojou

Restaurant, Vegan, Vegetarian, Moroccan

Vegan Buddha bowl salad
© July Prokopiv / Getty Images

This healthy fast-food alternative, in Gauthier, near the Villa des Arts, operates as a salad bar, offering a wide range of homemade dishes. Chose from salads, soups, sandwiches and quiches as well as other vegan options. It’s all reasonably priced, but the cost will vary depending on your appetite and creativity, as you’re able to add as many ingredients and toppings as you like.

8. Zayna

Restaurant, Moroccan

This cosy family restaurant in Habous, one of Casablanca’s older and more traditional neighbourhoods, offers authentic Moroccan, Mediterranean and Middle Eastern dishes such as soups, tagines and couscous with vegan alternatives. There’s often a live band playing, which adds to the experience as you tuck into your food in the outside area. Alternatively you can dine inside, in a traditional and authentic atmosphere.

9. Le Riad

Restaurant, Moroccan

This traditional restaurant, which uses only the freshest ingredients, is the place to go for authentic Moroccan cuisine with plenty of vegan options all served in generous portions at a great price. It’s in the city centre, near the historic Marché Central, a popular market with historical and cultural significance – and has authentic architecture as well as decor, all of which make for a relaxing dining atmosphere.

10. Khos Cuisine Urbaine

Diner, Restaurant, Cafe, Healthy, Spanish

This cosy yet modern restaurant, near Notre Dame de Lourdes (a strikingly modernist Catholic church), serves up dishes from a Moroccan and Mediterranean menu. Khos prides itself on using only fresh, healthy ingredients – with plenty of vegan and gluten-free options. You can choose to eat in, or order online to take away or for home delivery.

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