Yacout Marrakech - Tourist Trap Or Not?

A visit to Marrakech would not be complete without checking out the yacout or the traditional Moroccan restaurants that abound in the Red City. Eating at these restaurants is a gastronomic delight. If you are the type who would like to see, feel and immerse yourself in foreign culture, a yacout Marrakech experience will not disappoint you.

Dar yacout is where I got the yacout experience first-hand. I honestly have not seen a more spectacularly impressive restaurant with such a wonderful ambience. anywhere else in the world. It is an absolutely romantic venue for a date with your partner and I think it would be a real shame to miss out on a chance to get some quality time together while visiting Marrakech.

I know of a couple of Marrakech yacout that stand out from the rest and Dar Yacout is definitely one of them. The place is enchanting in all aspects from its magnificent rooftop views of the nearby Medina to its gorgeous dining areas which are assembled around a pool where flowers float. If you look around, you would see the colored bands of the tadelakt bowls and the exhilarating fireplace which compliment the lighting, intricate tilework and the waiters wearing costumes from a different period. It is a truly wonderful sight to behold while being serenaded by the sound of a live band.

After a brief tour of the rooftop and a view of the Marrakech skyline, we were treated to a romantic candle light dinner by the fireplace which was so far the most romantic spot in the yacout. The table was elaborately set and best of all, the food they served was absolutely outstanding! We had perfectly cooked lamb tagine and the couscous for the second course and for dessert; we had homemade pastries with coffee and all you could drink wine or spirits to wash it all down.

You would find yourself eating your heart out with the 3-course meal they serve that comes in huge servings. Do not worry since it is customary that food be served plentifully in Marrakech. We were also assured that the leftovers would not go to waste which was what I was worried about. I hated the thought of wasting food when a lot of people could make a meal out of it.

I have heard some comments that are not good about going to a yacout for dinner. If I were asked if I considered Yacout Marrakech to be a tourist trap or not, I would probably say no right away. I have been told that one of the reasons why people treat this attraction as a tourist trap is because they only see tourists eat at this place and another is that the food is too expensive, that it is a "rip-off".

Let us face it, why would the Moroccans visit a yacout when the food they serve is the same as what they cook in their own homes? The top restaurants in Marrakech could be a tad too expensive but not as expensive as what you would pay when you eat in the fancy restaurants at home. Besides, you are there for the experience right?

I would agree that there are a lot of food stalls and places to eat at Djemaa El Fna which are a lot cheaper and some serve equally delicious food but nothing would compare to the beauty and splendor of dining in a Marrakech yacout. It is like being treated like royalty!