Dar Dada

Dar Dada is one of the few places in Casablanca where you can eat classic Moroccan food inside a riad in the old medina. A traditional courtyard house has been converted into a restaurant, keeping the character of the building while adding contemporary touches to the decoration. After a morning in the medina's lanes, it is a calm and comfortable place to sit down to a proper meal.

The menu concentrates on the dishes that most visitors come to Morocco hoping to taste. Chicken couscous is served with vegetables and tfaya, the sweet caramelised onion and raisin topping; lamb tagine comes with prunes, apricots and almonds; and there is a shrimp tagine for those who prefer seafood. These are slow-cooked dishes that reward an unhurried meal, so allow time to enjoy them. The menu publishes its prices, which helps with planning, and the mix of meat, poultry and seafood tagines means most diners will find something to suit them. Vegetarians should ask in advance about meat-free options.

The restaurant is open from Monday to Saturday for both lunch, from 12:00 to 15:30, and dinner, from 19:00 until late, with the kitchen closing in the early hours. Sunday opening is not listed, so plan another option for that day. Booking ahead is sensible for dinner and for groups, and the restaurant also handles business and group enquiries, which makes it a useful choice for a celebratory meal.

Dar Dada suits couples, families and small groups who want an authentic setting without the formality of a hotel restaurant. It is also a good choice for first-time visitors who want to try couscous and tagine in one sitting. Prices are mid-range to upscale for Casablanca, reflecting the setting. Dress is relaxed, though smart casual fits the surroundings in the evening.

The restaurant is on Rue El Arsa inside the old medina. Taxis can drop you at the edge of the medina, and a map on your phone helps in the lanes. Combine lunch here with a walk through the medina and a look at the Sqala bastion, or have dinner after an evening stroll along the seafront towards the Hassan II Mosque.