The film Casablanca was shot entirely on a Hollywood lot, but that did not stop a former American diplomat, Kathy Kriger, from building the cafe of its legend. Rick's Cafe opened in 2004 in a restored Moorish courtyard house beside the old medina wall, and it has become one of the most famous restaurants in Morocco. The interior is carefully staged: arches, wrought-iron balconies, brass lamps, tiled floors, a long bar, a piano that plays As Time Goes By, and a black-and-white film running in the corner. The menu mixes Moroccan and international dishes, and the atmosphere is elegant, so dress smart casual. It is a setting for a romantic dinner, a drink after sightseeing or a special occasion. Visitors who prefer a quick look often stop for a photo outside as part of a medina tour. Whether you love the film or just love an atmospheric room, it is a Casablanca classic and a fun way to spend an evening.
The cafe is run as a proper restaurant, not a museum, so the best way to see it is to book a table. The official site lists a lunch service around midday and a dinner service from early evening until late, and takes bookings by an online form, phone and email. It operates in a smart-casual dress code. Reserving is wise, especially at weekends and in high season, and you can ask about a table near the piano.
What to expect inside: a bar near the entrance, dining rooms around a courtyard, a gallery above and live piano in the evening. The ambience is deliberately nostalgic, with film memorabilia and a hint of 1940s glamour. The menu leans toward Moroccan and Mediterranean cooking with some international favourites, and the drinks list includes cocktails, which are not available everywhere in Morocco. Prices sit above a casual restaurant, so treat it as a splurge or a one-off evening.
Getting there: the cafe is on Boulevard Sour Jdid, at the edge of the old medina and close to the port, an easy taxi ride from most hotels and a short walk from La Sqala. If you are on a medina tour, a short photo stop outside is often included, but the interior is for guests. Pair it with a walk at sunset along the nearby walls and a stroll through the Art Deco centre for an atmospheric evening.
What to expect
The experience
A seated lunch or dinner in a Moorish-style courtyard restaurant with evening piano, a long bar and film memorabilia.
Best time
Dinner, when the piano plays and the room is at its most atmospheric.
How long
About two hours for a relaxed dinner.
Tips
Reserve ahead through the official site, dress smart casual, and ask for a table near the piano.
Quick picks
- Best for
- Film lovers and couples who want an atmospheric dinner.
- Families
- Better for older children at lunch, since evenings are adult-oriented and live music can run late.
- Couples
- Book a table for dinner, then walk the old walls and the lit mosque skyline.
- Pair with
- The old medina, La Sqala and the Hassan II Mosque.
- Time needed
- One and a half to two hours.
Good questions
Is Rick's Cafe the real one from the film?+
No. The film was shot on a Hollywood set, and the cafe was built in 2004 as a tribute in a restored Moorish house. It is a recreation of the idea, not the original.
Do I need a reservation?+
Yes, it is strongly advised, especially for dinner and at weekends. You can book through the official website, by phone or by email.
What is the dress code?+
Smart casual or elegant. Avoid beachwear and sportswear.
Does it serve alcohol?+
Yes, it has a full bar, unlike many Moroccan restaurants. Check the menu and policy when you book.
Can I just visit for a photo?+
The courtyard is a restaurant, so entry is usually for guests, though medina tours often make a photo stop outside. Booking a drink or a meal is the best way to see the inside.
