Riad 1930

Riad 1930 bills itself as Casablanca's confidential address, and it is the kind of place you would walk past without knowing it was there. Set on Rue de la Douane, close to the port and the old medina, it combines the layout of a traditional riad with contemporary design. The heart of the restaurant is a calm inner patio surrounded by intimate lounges, a welcome change from the traffic of the streets outside.

The kitchen serves Moroccan and Mediterranean cuisine, which makes it a flexible choice for groups with different tastes. You can stay with Moroccan classics or choose lighter Mediterranean dishes, and the menu works equally well for a relaxed dinner or a longer evening with friends. The restaurant is part of the same group as Dar Dada in the medina, which also focuses on Moroccan cooking in a heritage setting.

The evening atmosphere is what sets Riad 1930 apart. A live jazz band with Oriental influences plays in the evenings, so dinner here can easily turn into a night out without moving on to a bar. Arrive early if you want a quieter meal, or later if you would rather enjoy the music. Valet parking is available, which is useful if you are driving. The setting is intimate rather than grand, so it works best for conversation over a long meal.

The restaurant suits couples, groups of friends and business entertaining, especially for anyone who enjoys music with dinner. It is a mid-range to upscale choice by Casablanca standards. Booking is advisable, particularly at weekends, and the restaurant also handles group and business enquiries through its commercial team. Dress is smart casual. Opening hours are not published by the regional tourism council, so check when you book.

Rue de la Douane runs near the port and the edge of the old medina, a short walk from Casa Port station and Boulevard Mohammed V. Combine dinner with a late-afternoon walk through the medina or along the seafront, or with a drink at Rick's Café, which is also close to the medina walls. Taxis are easy to find on the main boulevards for the journey back to your hotel.