Dar Hatim

Dar Hatim is a family-run restaurant in a century-old house in the medina of Fes, and it is a favourite with travellers who want home-style Fassi cooking rather than a polished hotel dining room. The house has ornate cedar ceilings and antique light fixtures, and eating here feels like being welcomed into a family home. The travel service Indagare lists it as an Editors' Pick, and Moroccan media have described it as a place where traditional dishes are prepared by a local family.

There is no à la carte menu. Instead the family offers a handful of affordable set menus, which take the stress out of ordering and give a good overview of Fassi cooking. In Fassi homes a meal traditionally begins with a spread of cooked salads before the main dishes, and a set menu here is a relaxed way to experience that style of eating. Because the menus are set, it is worth mentioning any dietary requirements when you book so the family can plan.

The informal, personal atmosphere is the main draw. Meals are unhurried. It suits travellers who enjoy conversation and want an experience that feels connected to everyday life in Fes rather than a formal restaurant. Couples, families and small groups all fit in well, and prices are moderate compared with the hotel restaurants of the medina.

The address is 19 Derb Zaouia in the Fandak Lihoudi area of the medina. As with many small medina restaurants, it can be hard to find the first time, so call ahead to book and ask for directions or to be met at a nearby landmark. Book a day ahead if you can, as the kitchen prepares for the number of guests expected. Evening visits are popular, but a lunch booking is a good alternative if you prefer not to walk the lanes after dark.

Dar Hatim is a good choice for a second or third night in Fes, once you have tried the bigger names and want something more personal. Ask when booking how best to reach it from where you are staying. Bring cash, as small family restaurants may not accept cards, and check the price of the set menus when you book.