I came here for breakfast and loved the calm, traditional atmosphere. La Sqala is set inside an old fortress near the Old Medina, and the Andalusian-style garden makes it feel like a peaceful oasis in the middle of Casablanca — especially lovely in the morning. The Moroccan breakfast was generous and beautifully presented, with fresh bread, msemen, traditional spreads, olives, yogurt, and pastries, paired perfectly with mint tea and fresh juice. Everything tasted fresh and authentic, and it was a great way to experience local flavors in a relaxed setting. Service was unhurried but friendly, which matched the laid-back vibe. Overall, La Sqala is a wonderful spot for a traditional Moroccan breakfast in a unique historic setting. A great start to the day.
Overview
Located on the bustling Bd des Almohades in the heart of Casablanca, La Sqala stands as a must-visit destination for both locals and tourists alike. The restaurant combines a rich history with a modern twist, offering a unique culinary experience that speaks to both Moroccan traditions and international tastes. From its charming ambiance to the flavorful dishes it serves, La Sqala creates a memorable dining experience that keeps guests returning for more.
The restaurant occupies a picturesque location just steps from the historic Kasbah of Casablanca, making it a prime spot for those exploring the city's rich cultural heritage. With its distinctive blue and white decor, La Sqala evokes a sense of relaxation and warmth. Whether you’re here for a casual lunch or a more formal dinner, the space has a welcoming atmosphere that makes everyone feel at home. The restaurant's open-air seating area is perfect for enjoying the warm Moroccan weather, especially in the evenings when the city comes to life with vibrant energy.
One of the highlights of La Sqala is its extensive menu, which offers a mix of traditional Moroccan dishes and Mediterranean-inspired fare. The restaurant prides itself on using fresh, local ingredients, ensuring that each meal is bursting with flavor. Among the standout dishes is the tagine, a slow-cooked Moroccan stew that combines tender meat with vegetables and spices. For those who enjoy seafood, the grilled fish options are a must-try, caught fresh from the nearby Atlantic coast. A personal favorite is the pastilla, a sweet and savory pastry filled with chicken or seafood, which showcases the perfect balance of Moroccan flavors.
The menu at La Sqala also includes a range of salads, soups, and appetizers, each prepared with care and attention to detail. The harira soup, often enjoyed during Ramadan, is a popular choice, packed with flavors of tomatoes, lentils, chickpeas, and a variety of herbs and spices. If you’re looking to sample something truly authentic, the Mechoui-tender lamb roasted to perfection-never disappoints. Paired with a glass of Moroccan mint tea, it’s a culinary experience that captures the essence of local culture.
For dessert, La Sqala offers a selection of Moroccan sweets that are the perfect ending to any meal. The briouats, small pastries filled with almond paste, are crunchy on the outside and sweet on the inside, offering the perfect balance of textures. Another popular choice is kaab el ghazal, a delicate almond-filled pastry that's a traditional favorite among Moroccans. These desserts, combined with the restaurant's exceptional service, make dining here feel like a true celebration of Moroccan culinary traditions.
What truly sets La Sqala apart, however, is its impeccable service. The staff is attentive without being overbearing, providing just the right level of hospitality to ensure a pleasant dining experience. Guests often remark on the friendliness and professionalism of the servers, making each visit feel special. The management is dedicated to maintaining high standards, ensuring that every customer feels valued and welcomed.
The restaurant’s location also adds to its appeal. Situated near major landmarks, La Sqala is ideal for those looking to enjoy a meal after a day of sightseeing or shopping. Whether you're visiting the Hassan II Mosque or strolling along the Corniche, the restaurant offers a peaceful respite with a great atmosphere to unwind. The setting sun over the Atlantic Ocean adds to the magic, making La Sqala the perfect spot for a romantic dinner or a casual gathering with friends.
Beyond the food and service, La Sqala is known for its reputation in Casablanca as one of the best spots to enjoy authentic Moroccan cuisine. The restaurant’s history, which dates back decades, adds an extra layer of authenticity to the experience. Over the years, it has become a staple for both locals and travelers seeking to indulge in traditional Moroccan flavors, all while enjoying the charm of one of Casablanca’s most iconic locations.
In conclusion, La Sqala offers a truly unforgettable dining experience. Whether you're here to sample the rich Moroccan flavors or simply enjoy a relaxing meal in a beautiful setting, this restaurant promises to leave you satisfied. From the inviting ambiance to the exceptional food and service, every aspect of La Sqala contributes to its well-earned reputation as a top-tier dining destination in Casablanca.
Good to know
Service options
✓ Outdoor seating ✓ Takeaway ✓ Dine-inHighlights
✓ Great cocktails ✓ Great coffee ✓ Great dessert ✓ Great tea selectionPopular for
✓ Breakfast ✓ Lunch ✓ Dinner ✓ Solo diningAccessibility
✓ Wheelchair-accessible seating ✓ Wheelchair-accessible toiletOfferings
✓ Alcohol ✓ Cocktails ✓ Coffee ✓ Halal food ✓ Late-night food ✓ Quick bite ✓ Small plates ✓ Vegan options ✓ Vegetarian optionsDining options
✓ Breakfast ✓ Brunch ✓ Lunch ✓ Dinner ✓ Catering ✓ Dessert ✓ Seating ✓ Table serviceAmenities
✓ ToiletAtmosphere
✓ Casual ✓ Cosy ✓ Historic ✓ Romantic ✓ Trendy ✓ UpmarketCrowd
✓ Groups ✓ TouristsPlanning
✓ Brunch reservations recommended ✓ Lunch reservations recommended ✓ Dinner reservations recommended ✓ Accepts reservationsPayments
✓ Credit cards ✓ Debit cards ✓ NFC mobile paymentsChildren
✓ Good for kids ✓ Has changing table(s) ✓ Kids' menuParking
✓ Free of charge street parking ✓ Free parking lot ✓ Paid parking lot ✓ Paid street parking ✓ ParkingPhotos
Location
Reviews
Beautiful Setting, but Mixed Feelings I visited the famous La Sqala, and honestly, it didn't quite meet 100% of my expectations. I’m not sure if it was because I was dining alone or if it was just an off day, but here is my honest take. First of all, the ambiance is top-notch. The restaurant is located in an old Portuguese fortress, and it’s beautiful, clean, and very cozy. You feel comfortable the moment you walk in. Regarding the food: it was okay, but it didn't fully hit the spot for me. To be a bit 'nit-picky,' I felt it lacked a bit of salt and spice. It just wasn't as flavorful as I had hoped. The service was good, but for an establishment of this reputation, it wasn't quite perfect. That being said, everyone should make their own experience. It’s definitely worth a visit just for the stunning location!
A must try for anyone visiting Casa. We came for an early dinner and loved it so much we came back for breakfast the next day. The food was phenomenal, especially the starters and small plates and the ambiance of the restaurant is amazing. Despite being completely packed, the service team does a great job of making sure everything runs smoothly. Can’t recommend this place highly enough.
The location, atmosphere and beauty of the place is fabulous! Can't be beat. Lots of nooks and crannies and lots of servers. The presentation was also quite nice, but I found the tea far too strong and bitter and the meat omelette too salty. Our friend's vegetarian omelette was perfect. And the fresh orange juice more than made up for the tea!
Delicious food with reasonable prices and a spacious setting. The fish dishes we ordered were yummy, although the pastry starters weren’t really our cup of tea. It was also adorable to see the cats around, and the staff spoke English. You can pay by card as well. The location is great—you have the mall nearby where you can park for free for two hours, and there’s also parking available right by the restaurant.
Casablanca surprises We found this hidden gem and were blown away. Amazing service, unforgettable flavors, and dishes that hit every note—tagine, grilled octopus, hummus, all delicious. Loved it so much we came back after visiting the mosque for dessert. A must-return spot!
The food is great. Complimentary olives, spicy sauce and bread. The stand out was the creme brulee! Service a little hit and miss! Needs improvement. Reasonable prices!
It was a beautiful serene setting and experience. We enjoyed the Moroccan dishes. It felt like we transported to a different place. We went very hungry and the place was so busy that we didn’t get service for a while, and that was a bit frustrating. Also the menu was in French so my high school French and google translate helped a little