Claiming the best shawarma in Marrakesh or indeed any Arab city is quite the bold claim, but make it I will for Falafel Restaurant! Why do I make this claim? Well first and foremost it was a fucking good meal, bit secondly the kind and sweet staff asked for as review, so here it is.
And why am I in Marrakech you ask? I decided to pop into the country and make it number 181 after my Libya Trip and on my way to London.
What the Marrakesh?
Marrakech – it’s like stepping into a whirlwind of color, noise, and chaos that somehow manages to make perfect sense. Think of it as a Moroccan cocktail: part history, part madness, and a good splash of street hustle. Founded way back in 1062 by the Almoravids (yes, that long ago!), the city’s always been a hotspot for traders, travelers, and anyone looking for a wild adventure. Fast forward a thousand years, and not much has changed – except now you’ve got a mix of ancient palaces, modern cafes, and the unmistakable whiff of grilled meats in the air.
The medina, that walled maze of streets, is where it’s all at. You’ll get lost – and you’ll love it. Whether it’s dodging donkeys loaded up with fresh produce or getting up close and personal with snake charmers, Marrakech keeps you on your toes. But there’s beauty to it all: the intricate designs of the riads, the towering Koutoubia Mosque, and those random moments when you stumble upon an oasis of calm (usually involving mint tea and some very comfy cushions).
Jemaa el-Fnaa? Oh, it’s pure madness – and that’s the point. Musicians, fire-breathers, and street vendors selling everything from leather goods to deep-fried scorpions. Yes its touristy, but fuck it, today I’m a tourist.
Click to read about English street food.
What the Felafel Restaurant?
If you’re cruising through Marrakech and looking for a solid, no-nonsense bite, Felfela is the place you want. With at least two branches on the same street (because one just isn’t enough), this little falafel shop has got its game down. I stumbled into the one closer to Jemaa el-Fnaa, hungry and ready for something simple but satisfying – and boy, was I not disappointed.
First off, their shawarma? Absolute fire. The meat is juicy, tender, and packed with flavor. You can tell it’s been marinated properly and cooked just right, giving you that perfect mix of crispy bits on the outside and melt-in-your-mouth goodness on the inside. Wrapped in warm, soft pita and slathered with creamy garlic sauce, pickles, and just the right amount of spice, it’s everything you want when you’re after a quick, satisfying meal.
What I love about Felfela is that it doesn’t try to be anything it’s not. It’s fast food, but it’s good fast food. The falafel’s solid too, crispy and fresh, but the shawarma is the star.
Is it the best Shawarma in Marrakesh?
Ok, so I cannot say for sure, as I have not eaten in every joint in the city, but I can say this, it was honestly the best I have had for a long time and the staff were lovely. And lets face it Morocco and Marrakesh have reputations for not being all that honest. Felafel bucks this trend by being friendly just for the sake of being fetidly and without trying to trip you off. I say this after having three meals in very quick succession….
And at the very end the guy asked me to write a review for him, in the same way I might ask for a review for my travel agency. And I liked his energy, so decided to do one better and ideally get him to number one on Google for best shawarma in Marrakesh….