When I first booked a trip to Agadir, I was simply looking for a peaceful escape—a quiet stretch of beach, some sunshine, and a chance to breathe after a particularly stressful period in my life. What I didn’t expect was how quickly I’d fall in love with the city. So much that the day I landed back home I booked my return trip for just a couple of months later. Agadir has a calm energy that slowly pulls you in, and its people are some of the kindest and most genuine I’ve met during my travels through Morocco.
But perhaps the biggest surprise? The food. Having already travelled extensively through Morocco, I thought I knew what to expect from the Moroccan food—tagines, couscous, pastilla, and plenty of mint tea. Yet Agadir has its own culinary identity, deeply rooted in the ocean that hugs its coast. The city is a seafood lover’s dream, where the dishes are light, fresh, and often kissed by lemon and local spices. From grilled fish with zesty dressings to refreshing Moroccan salads and indulgent tagines bursting with octopus or monkfish, Agadir’s menus offered something entirely new and deeply satisfying.
In this article, I’m sharing my favourite restaurants in Agadir—not necessarily the most famous ones, but the places that left a lasting impression on me. These are the spots I kept going back to, where the food was delicious, the service warm, and the atmosphere welcoming. Of course, Agadir has many fantastic places to eat, and it would take months (a wonderful idea, honestly) to explore them all. But if you’re planning a trip and wondering where to eat in Agadir, I hope my personal recommendations, grounded in genuine experience and a deep love for good food, will help you discover some amazing meals of your own.
The Cuisine in Agadir
Agadir’s location on Morocco’s Atlantic coast means the city is a true haven for seafood lovers. The local cuisine here leans heavily into what the ocean offers, and it does so with simplicity, freshness, and bold, comforting flavours.
Unlike some other Moroccan cities known more for their tagines and couscous, Agadir shines brightest when it comes to fish and seafood. From the port to the plate, the catch of the day plays a starring role in most menus—whether it’s sardines grilled over open flames, tender calamari in garlic and parsley, or a meaty John Dory fillet cooked in a fragrant prawn sauce. And let me tell you a little secret: whilst in the UK you would pay a fortune for a monkfish tail, in Agadir it costs less than a tenner for a huge portion!
Fish tagines are particularly popular, often made with white fish like monkfish, John Dory, or even octopus, simmered slowly in clay pots with tomatoes, peppers, olives, preserved lemon, and a generous amount of ras el hanout. The result is always deeply flavourful and served bubbling hot with bread to mop up the sauce.
One of the most delicious regional specialties I came across was fish prepared in chermoula—a marinade made with garlic, coriander, paprika, cumin, lemon juice, and olive oil. Whether grilled, baked, or stewed, fish in chermoula always bursts with flavour.
You’ll also find plenty of seafood platters, where prawns, calamari, and sometimes lobster are grilled or fried and served with rice, vegetables, and sauces. These are perfect for sharing and really showcase the freshness of the local ingredients.
Agadir’s cuisine is unpretentious but delicious—rooted in what’s local and seasonal. One thing’s for sure: if you love fish, you’ll fall head over heels for the food scene here.
Where to Eat in Agadir
Camel’s
Camel’s is, without a doubt, my favourite restaurant in Agadir. I’m not sure if it’s the incredible food or the warm, generous hospitality—but I’ve found myself returning here again and again. Maybe I’m a little biased, but it’s hard not to fall in love with a place where the waiters greet you like an old friend, remember your favourite dishes, and send you off with a flower after every meal.
Over the course of my trips to Agadir, I’ve dined at Camel’s four times, and every single dish I tried was exceptional. My very first meal there set the tone: a local specialty—John Dory fish cooked in a rich, decadent prawn sauce. It arrived beautifully plated with three generous fillets, bathed in sauce, and served with a medley of roasted vegetables, a crisp salad, and fluffy rice.
Of course, at Camel’s, you simply have to try the camel. I know—it sounds cheeky, but how could I resist ordering camel at Camel’s? I went for the grilled skewers, and I was genuinely impressed. The meat was flavourful and relatively tender – if you ate camel before, you know it’s a bit tough – , served alongside crispy fries, roasted veg, and a house sauce that pulled everything together.
Another standout? The Couscous Royal. But be warned—only order it if you’re absolutely starving. My friend ordered it by mistake (thinking it would be a modest portion), and even between the two of us, we couldn’t get through half of it. It’s a mountain of perfectly steamed couscous topped with all kinds of meat: fall-apart lamb, juicy sausages, grilled chicken, and beef shish kebabs. Each bite was full of flavour, but the lamb stole the show—so tender I barely needed to use a fork.
Like many Moroccan restaurants, Camel’s serves a complimentary appetiser to start—soft bread, olives, spicy harissa, and zaalouk, a smoky aubergine dip that I can never get enough of. It’s a beautiful way to begin a meal and immediately makes you feel looked after.
Evenings at Camel’s are something special. There’s often live music—on my last visit, I was serenaded by nostalgic tunes I hadn’t heard in years, like Comandante Che Guevara and Canción del Mariachi by Los Lobos. It’s easy to forget yourself in the chair, singing along the tunes, and not worrying about going back to the hotel.
Nil Blu
Right next to Camel’s—and just as buzzing—is Nil Blu, a place that might surprise you. From the outside, it doesn’t look like much, but step inside and you’ll find a lively, slightly more upscale vibe that really comes alive as the night goes on. With live music playing most evenings, the energy builds gradually, and by the end of the night, things can get pretty wild in the best way possible.
The menu is eclectic, offering a little something for everyone—classic Moroccan dishes, a wide variety of seafood, and even a generous pizza section if you’re craving something more familiar.
I went all in on the grilled monkfish tail, and it was an absolute feast. The portion was enormous—the thick, meaty tail barely fit on the plate. It was perfectly grilled, served with a side of sautéed vegetables and rice, and packed with flavour. Monkfish can be tricky, but they nailed it.
My friend chose the monkfish tagine, which couldn’t have been more different than my choice. It was rich and hearty, with a deep tomato-based sauce that gave it a stew-like feel. It’s always interesting when you order the same main ingredient and end up with two totally different dishes—and both equally delicious.
Nil Blu has that perfect mix of good food, great music, and a fun crowd. If you’re looking for a place to enjoy dinner and then maybe stick around as the party picks up, this is definitely a spot to keep on your radar.
Pastilla
Tucked away at the end of a busy street in Agadir, Pastilla might be small in size, but it has plenty of charm. The little terrace, decorated with wooden tables and traditional Moroccan decor, is a splash of colour on street and immediately sets the mood for a laid-back meal.
I came here for lunch and was instantly welcomed by the warm and friendly staff. I had my heart set on the cheese briouats—those irresistible crispy pastries filled with soft cheese and herbs—but sadly, they weren’t available that day. I went for the chicken briouats instead, paired with a Moroccan salad on the side. My friend ordered a bowl of harira soup, which came beautifully presented with a hard-boiled egg, dates, and a sweet Moroccan pastry.
Briouats are one of my favourite Moroccan snacks—crispy, golden parcels usually filled with spiced meat, seafood, or cheese, then lightly fried to perfection. While I’ll always have a soft spot for the cheese version, the chicken ones were delicious, especially when paired with the freshness of the salad. The Moroccan salad was light, refreshing, and full of finely chopped tomatoes, cucumbers, onions, and herbs with just the right amount of zing from the lemon dressing.
Harira is a traditional Moroccan soup made with lentils, chickpeas, tomatoes, and a blend of warming spices—hearty and comforting, especially when eaten with the sweet and savoury accompaniments it came with. It’s typically served during Ramadan, but you can often find it on menus all year round.
As a lovely surprise, we were also given a little appetiser on the house: Moroccan bread served with olives, a smoky aubergine spread, and roasted peppers. It was such a kind gesture and added to the already memorable experience. The service here was genuinely thoughtful and friendly—Pastilla is definitely a place I’d return to in a heartbeat.
Jour et Nuit
With a prime spot just across from the beach, Jour et Nuit is one of those places you might walk past a dozen times before realizing what a gem it really is. Its large outdoor terrace offers unbeatable views of the ocean, making it the perfect place to slow down and enjoy a long, lazy lunch while soaking up the sunshine and sea breeze.
What makes Jour et Nuit even more appealing—aside from the view—is just how incredibly affordable it is. It’s one of the cheapest restaurants I came across in Agadir, and the value for money is hard to beat.
You won’t find alcohol on the menu, but you will find a colourful list of giant mocktails made with fresh, seasonal fruit. I went for the pineapple mint energizer, and it was every bit as refreshing as it sounds—cold, vibrant, and the ideal companion to a warm afternoon with temperatures hovering around 25°C.
For lunch, I ordered one of my absolute favourite Moroccan dishes: the meatballs and eggs tagine. It arrived at the table still bubbling hot, the egg freshly cracked into the rich tomato sauce and cooking right before my eyes. There must have been at least twenty little meatballs tucked into that luscious, spiced stew. It was the kind of dish that feels deeply comforting and indulgent at the same time.
As is custom, we were served fresh bread on the side, accompanied by a small dish of olives and a creamy onion white sauce that I couldn’t stop dipping into.
My friend chose the grilled John Dory, which came perfectly cooked, served with saffron rice and a medley of grilled vegetables. Simple, flavourful, and satisfying.
Jour et Nuit might not be fancy, but it’s a solid go-to for a relaxed beachside meal that doesn’t break the bank—and those views? They don’t cost a thing.
O Playa
Getting a table at O Playa isn’t the easiest feat—trust me, I tried several times and failed. They only take bookings on the day, and if you don’t show up early, chances are you’ll be politely turned away. But on our last evening in Agadir, we decided to try our luck one more time. We wandered over, just as the sun was starting to set, and to our surprise—a table was available on the back terrace. Finally!
The atmosphere at O Playa is effortlessly cool, with a laid-back beachy vibe and a menu that’s a seafood lover’s dream. You’ll find everything from fresh fish grilled to perfection, to hearty tagines and dishes bathed in fragrant prawn or mushroom sauces. It took me a while to choose because everything sounded tempting.
I eventually settled on the tuna steak, cooked medium rare. It came beautifully plated with roasted vegetables, a portion of rice, and a potato croquette on the side. The flavours were spot on—the tuna was tender and juicy, just as it should be. The only odd thing? The size of the plate. It was massive. So large, in fact, that it made the meal look almost comically small in comparison. A strange design choice, but it didn’t take away from how good the food actually was.
My friend went for the octopus tagine, which turned out to be just as tasty. The octopus was soft and well-seasoned, nestled in a rich sauce that soaked into the vegetables perfectly.
O Playa was worth the wait—not just for the food, but for the location too, just opposite the beach. It makes a wonderful back drop at sunset. If you want to dine here, plan ahead, try to book early in the morning, and keep your fingers crossed. When you do get a table, it’s a lovely way to wrap up a day in Agadir.
Tips for Eating Out in Agadir
1. Cash is king (mostly):
While some of the more modern or upscale restaurants accept cards, many smaller, local spots still prefer cash. It’s always a good idea to carry some dirhams with you, especially if you’re planning to eat at more casual places or grab lunch near the beach.
2. Tipping is appreciated:
Tipping isn’t mandatory in Morocco, but it’s certainly appreciated—especially if you’ve had great service (which, honestly, is more common than not in Agadir). A 10% tip is common.
3. Alcohol isn’t available everywhere:
Agadir is more relaxed compared to other Moroccan cities when it comes to alcohol, but not all restaurants serve it. If you’re looking to enjoy a glass of wine or a cocktail with your meal, opt for places like Camel’s or Nil Blu, which have evening entertainment and a more international vibe. Otherwise, mocktails and fresh juices are abundant—and usually amazing.
4. Go local, go early:
Some of the most popular restaurants—especially those that don’t take reservations—fill up quickly in the evening. If there’s a particular place you’re set on (like O Playa, for example), it’s worth showing up early or calling ahead the same day to reserve your spot.
5. Don’t skip the appetisers:
Many places will surprise you with little plates of olives, zaalouk (smoky aubergine spread), harissa, or roasted peppers, often on the house. These small bites are part of the charm of dining out in Agadir and give you a real taste of local hospitality.
6. Fresh fish = market day magic:
Agadir is a port city, and many restaurants rely on daily market catches. If you’re keen on trying a specific type of fish, head to lunch or dinner shortly after the markets close. That’s when the seafood is freshest and most plentiful.
7. Be adventurous – but ask questions:
Moroccan cuisine has many local twists and ingredients you might not immediately recognise. Don’t be afraid to ask the waiter for recommendations or explanations—especially when it comes to sauces or spice levels. Most staff are more than happy to help, and it’s a great way to discover new favourites.
For more similar articles about Morocco, check out my recommendations below:
- What to eat in Agadir
- Is Agadir worth visiting?
- My favourite restaurants in Essaouira
- The best things to do in Essaouira
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Sounds like you loved the food! Was there much for vegetarians on the menus?
There are vegetarian dishes on the menus, but the main focus is on fish. There are vegetarian tagines and couscous, as well as plenty of fresh salads.