We had the evening off after a visit to an organic farm outside Marrakech. We originally had a reservation at Dar Yacout — a famed location — but they canceled. Since they also canceled my friend when she recently visited Marrakesh, I booked Terrasse Des Espices, just in case.

That evening, four of us headed to the restaurant with a guide to assist us through the Medina. Once there, we ascended to the rooftop bar and dining room, partially lit by the almost full moon. It was magical.

With drinks, we nibbled the crusty bread and fresh marinated black and green olives.
First, we shared their Mediterranean-style plancha-grilled seasonal vegetables topped with Atlas olive oil and grated cheese (110 dirhams; $11) and the seafood pastilla (220 dirhams; $22), filo-wrapped John Dory, scallops and prawns with saffron mayo. We also shared Odyssey, Domaine la Ferme Rouge, 2021 (750 dirhams; $75).

Our shared apps were the seafood pastilla (220 dirhams; $22), John Dory, scallops and prawns wrapped in papery filo with saffron mayo, and the plancha Mediterranean-style plancha-grilled seasonal vegetables drizzled in Atlas olive oil and sprinkled with grated cheese (110 dirhams; $11).

Tagines came next, one better than the next. They cooked the lamb with candied tomatoes and caramelized grapes and onions(210 dirhams; $21), and the chicken thighs with candied lemons and green olives (195 dirhams; $19.50). I recommend both.

When we finished dinner, we joined the rest of our group, who had come up for a nightcap at the bar.

Terrasse Des Espices,
Derb Souk Jedid,
Marrakesh, Marrakesh-Safi, 40030,
Morocco