Maksym KuzaievDo you know what the most popular Moroccan spices are? Cumin, paprika, ginger, cinnamon, and turmeric are staples in Moroccan stews—quite the flavour explosion for the typical Canadian foodie, we’d say.
Of course, we think the diverse blend of herbs and spices is what makes the cuisine so fascinating. For one, cities like Ottawa have their fair share of restaurants serving up these offerings.
If you’re up to try some fun and unique dishes from Morocco, join us in exploring these restaurants below!
Where can I eat Moroccan food around Ottawa?
There are a few spots where you can eat Moroccan food around Ottawa. You can check out restaurants like Chez Fatima, Le Casablanca, and Moul Hanout for some spicy or flavourful options.
Le Casablanca
– Media from tastyottawa
Address: 55 Byward Market Square, Ottawa, ON K1N 1K1, Canada
Contact Details: +1 613-244-2519, [email protected]
Operating Hours:
- Sunday to Wednesday – 11 AM to 8 PM
- Thursday to Saturday – 11 AM to 10 PM
Pricing: CAD 10 – 20
Located in Ottawa’s lively Byward Market, Le Casablanca is a Moroccan restaurant that we think is worth a visit. Despite its humble exterior, there are tons of delectable options to discover inside.
The menu fuses Mediterranean and Moroccan cuisine, from fragrant almond chicken to succulent lamb shanks with fluffy couscous (rice-resembling pasta). You should try the signature Chicken Pastilla—it’s a mix of sweet and savoury wrapped in flaky pastry!
You can also snag a seat inside the bustling place or choose to sit outside for some fresh air. But for us, we prefer the outdoor dining area for a more peaceful time to indulge in new Moroccan flavours.
| Pro tip: Looking for more things to do in Ottawa (things to do Ottawa)? After your meal at Le Casablanca, why not stroll over to the National Gallery of Canada? No worries—it’s only a 7 to 10-minute walk away! |
Moul Hanout
– Media from sapphirelunatravels
Website: https://moulhanoutfood.com/
Address: 1581 Bank St, Ottawa, ON K1H 7Z3, Canada
Contact Details: +1 613-260-1212, [email protected]
Operating Hours:
- Sunday to Tuesday – 1 PM to 11 PM
- Wednesday to Thursday – 5 PM to 11 PM
- Friday to Saturday – 1 PM to 11:30 PM
Pricing: CAD 10 – 20
Moul Hanout is another spot for an authentic taste of Morocco. This cozy eatery serves up Moroccan delights that will whisk your taste buds away to Marrakech’s vibrant streets. Plus, we think the decor’s simplicity and neatness create a warm vibe inside.
If you’re feeling overwhelmed, we say start with a bowl of harira, a traditional Moroccan soup bursting with fragrant spices. Then, dive into their kefta (spiced meat), saumon (grilled salmon), or chicken sandwiches, each bursting with authentic taste.
For dessert, we recommend the Moroccan cookie trio—kaaba (almond), ghriba (nutty and crumbly), and fekkas (spiced biscuit)—for a sweet finale. Wash them down with the Moroccan tea or soda, because we reckon they can make everything taste better!
| Pro tip: Before heading out, it’s good to browse through Moul Hanout’s cute Moroccan grocery section. Who knows? Being surrounded by lots of spices may just inspire you to make your own meals or join a cooking class (cooking classes Ottawa)! |
Chez Fatima
– Media from chez_fatima_gatineau
Website: https://www.chezfatima.ca/
Address: 125 Prom. du Portage, Gatineau, QC J8X 2K2, Canada
Contact Details: +1 819-771-7568, [email protected]
Operating Hours:
- Wednesday to Sunday – 5 PM to 10 PM
- Monday to Tuesday – Closed
Pricing: CAD 30 – 40
Chez Fatima brings the lively flavours of North Africa and Morocco to Ottawa. We think what’s cool about it is you can go for the buffet spread or pick from their à la carte menu. This gives you the freedom to indulge at your own pace with family and friends.
The menu, crafted by the chef-owner, journeys through Mediterranean and Moroccan cuisine. You can choose from the juicy lamb shanks to creamy hummus salads and comforting lentil soup. Vegetarians may also try the veggie tagine (stew cooked in clay)!
Now, for our favourite part—the dessert! The baklava and pudding here are crowd-faves, and we recommend pairing them with the restaurant’s signature mint tea.
| Pro tip: Got a birthday bash (birthday party Ottawa) on the horizon? If you’re digging Chez Fatima’s tasty menu, why not hold your celebration here? The chef can throw an awesome buffet party for your date (date ideas Ottawa), family, friends, or work crew. |
Manara Shawarma
– Media from sapphirelunatravels
Address: 309 Boulevard Saint-Joseph, Gatineau, Quebec J8Y 2H2, Canad
Contact Details: +1 819-205-7797
Operating Hours:
- Monday to Sunday – 12 PM to 8 PM
Pricing: CAD 20 – 40
Manara Shawarma, a Middle Eastern gem with a Moroccan twist, is a hotspot for Ottawa’s food enthusiasts. We believe Lebanese and Moroccan cuisines mingle here effortlessly, offering a delightful fusion of one-of-a-kind flavours.
We suggest trying the shawarma, falafel, or any of the sandwiches to get you used to the basic options. Then don’t forget the signature garlic sauce. We’re pretty sure this is the secret to adding a punch to every bite!
You can also take your pick between indoor and outdoor seating. Though, we gotta admit, the inside space might feel a tad too snug. We say why not soak up some fresh air outside instead?
| Pro tip: Is Manara Shawarma’s garlic sauce a bit too spicy? No sweat! Head to Juliano’s ice cream shop nearby for any cold dessert (desserts Ottawa). Just a 3-minute stroll away, we feel you can’t even consider that long of a walk (walks in Ottawa)! On top of that, this store is next to Galeries de Hull, so you can also shop (shopping in Ottawa) to your heart’s content! |
