Tanger-Tetouan-Al Hoceima
Food in Asilah
Whitewashed medina, Atlantic seafood, art galleries, Spanish-Moroccan flavours
- Population
- 32,000
- Region
- Tanger-Tetouan-Al Hoceima
- Best time
- June to September for beach weather. July-August during the Arts Festival for the most festive atmosphere.
Asilah is a small, immaculate Atlantic port town known for its whitewashed medina walls adorned with murals and its genteel, art-world atmosphere. The food here is simple, fresh and oceanic -- grilled fish dominates, the Spanish colonial influence lingers in the use of garlic and peppers, and the medina cafes are perfect for leisurely meals overlooking the sea.
The annual Asilah Arts Festival (July-August) brings a festive atmosphere with pop-up food stalls and special restaurant menus. Year-round, the restaurants inside the medina walls and along the ramparts offer some of the prettiest dining settings on Morocco's coast.
Signature dishes of Asilah
These are the dishes that define Asilah's food identity -- the plates that locals are proud of and visitors should seek out.
Grilled Atlantic fish
Simply grilled sea bream, sole or sardines served with salad and bread -- the Asilah standard.
Fish brochettes
Skewered chunks of swordfish or monkfish grilled over charcoal with peppers.
Sardine briouat
Crispy pastry triangles filled with spiced sardines -- a popular Asilah appetiser.
Seafood paella
Reflecting the town's Spanish heritage -- rice with mixed seafood, saffron and peppers.
Ramparts tea
Mint tea served at cafe terraces on the old Portuguese ramparts, with views of the Atlantic crashing below.
Where to eat in Asilah
Every city has its food neighbourhoods -- the streets, quarters and markets where locals eat and where you should too.
Medina ramparts
Cafes and restaurants built into the old Portuguese-era walls with ocean views.
Port area
Simple fish restaurants near the harbour where the catch arrives.
Place Mohammed V
The main square outside the medina with cafes and casual dining.
The cooking identity of Asilah
Asilah's cooking is Atlantic-coast simple: fresh fish, grilled or fried, with chermoula or garlic-lemon marinades. The Spanish influence shows in the occasional paella and in the liberal use of garlic and pimiento peppers. This is not a city of complex culinary tradition but of impeccable ingredients served in beautiful settings.
Market guide
Asilah's small fish market near the port has the day's catch. The medina shops sell spices, olives and local honey. For a larger market experience, Tangier is just 45 minutes away.
Best time to visit for food
June to September for beach weather. July-August during the Arts Festival for the most festive atmosphere.
Food tips for Asilah
- Eat on the ramparts -- the setting is worth as much as the food.
- Visit during the Arts Festival (July-August) for a unique cultural-culinary atmosphere.
- Asilah is a perfect half-day trip from Tangier (45 minutes) -- combine with lunch.
- The medina is tiny and walkable in 20 minutes, so you can easily sample several restaurants.
Frequently asked questions about food in Asilah
Is Asilah worth visiting for food?
Asilah is worth visiting for the combination of simple, excellent seafood and the most beautiful dining settings on Morocco's Atlantic coast. The food itself is straightforward; the experience is exceptional.
How do I get to Asilah?
Asilah is 45 minutes south of Tangier by car or train. It makes an easy day trip from Tangier or a pleasant overnight stop on the Atlantic coast.
When is the Asilah Arts Festival?
The Asilah International Cultural Moussem takes place each July-August. It features mural painting, exhibitions and performances, with pop-up food stalls and a festive atmosphere.
What food is Asilah known for?
Fresh Atlantic seafood, simply grilled or fried. The town isn't known for complex cuisine but for the quality of its fish and the beauty of its dining settings inside the whitewashed medina.
How much does a meal cost in Asilah?
A grilled fish meal in the medina or at the port costs 50-100 MAD. Asilah is affordable, though slightly more expensive than less-touristy coastal towns.