There are two things that Al Fassia Gueliz is known for, namely its notoriously tough reservation in the formal dining room and that subsequent revolutionary Moroccan kitchen that comes with it. Located in the outlying neighborhood of Gueliz, this multi-room dining room that a fair bit more formal than most traditional Moroccan eateries. Far away from the grand stands of Djemaa el Fna, Al Fassia is a bit of a renegade gourmand. The space could be torn apart by more finicky style-seekers, but is tasteful and traditionally upscale with its locally made wooden chairs and antique rugs under pewter light fixtures and hand carved archways.
The Food
An all-female staff is a renegade statement in this predominately Muslim-country, led by chef Halima Chab who creates a traditional Moroccan family feast with serious gourmet undertones. Chab masters the mix of spicy and succulent, marrying the savory of spiced meats with sweat dough stuffed with homegrown dates to create famous game-stuffed dumplings and intricate tangines with ingredients that shouldn’t be translated to anyone with a fear of the exotic.
Last Word
The restaurant is so popular that it’s recently generated its own offspring of nearby hotels and luxury riads.
