La Maison Bleue

La Maison Bleue is one of the longest-established restaurants in the medina of Fes and a reliable choice for a traditional Fassi dinner. It occupies a family house on Place de l'Istiqlal in the Batha area, close to the Al Batha Museum and Bab Bou Jeloud, and it is owned and managed by the El Abbadi family, descendants of the original proprietor of the Maison Bleue. The family also runs Riad Maison Bleue, a guesthouse in the nearby Ain Azleten area.

The cooking is resolutely traditional. The restaurant describes its food as traditional Moroccan cuisine based on recipes passed down through the family over generations, served in authentic Fassi surroundings. Expect the kind of classic Fassi meal that a family would serve on a special occasion. It is a good place to try the city's cooking without the uncertainty of choosing a random restaurant from a tout on the street.

The setting is part of the experience. Dining in a traditional Fassi house gives an evening here a sense of occasion, and the restaurant has long been known for musicians playing during dinner. For visitors staying in larger hotels outside the walls, a meal at La Maison Bleue is a chance to spend an evening inside a historic medina house. The family's riad also has rooftop terraces overlooking the medina and a spa with a hammam.

Booking is recommended, especially for groups and at weekends, and you can reserve by phone or email; the restaurant uses a separate phone line from the riad. The Batha location is one of the easier parts of the medina to reach by taxi, so it is a sensible choice for a first evening in Fes, before you are confident in the lanes.

La Maison Bleue suits couples, families and small groups who want classic Moroccan food in a traditional setting. Vegetarians should mention their needs when booking. The family also runs a culinary school with masterclasses, including guided shopping in the souks for ingredients, which is a good follow-on if you enjoy your meal and want to learn the recipes. Ask about classes when you book your table, as they can be combined with a stay at the riad.