Although the row of severed lambs' heads out front may not be everyone's idea of culinary heaven, Marrakshis love Chez Lamine Hadj Mustapha, and you'd be missing out not to try it. English TV chef Jamie Oliver chose this spit-and-sawdust street restaurant in a filming trip for a gutsy example of Moroccan roast lamb specialty, mechoui—it's served as a simple sandwich or as a laden plateful priced by weight.

The eastern side of Souq Ableuh is known as 'mechoui alley' for its lunchtime lamb feasts, but the alley's southern entrance is most famous for Hadj…

Just off the northern Djemaa el Fna at the entrance to Mechoui Alley, Hadj Mustapha is another Marrakshi institution. The 'fooding' is as mixed as the decor, a fusion of French, Moroccan, Thai and Japanese influences that produces some surprisingly adventurous dishes (shark tagine with apricot and courgette), as well as others one might assume are not high on the fashion list, a roast rabbit among them. Sprinkled within the traditional spots of the Old Town are laidback rooftops and romantic, secluded courtyard restaurants.

Just off the northern Djemaa el-Fna at the entrance to Mechoui Alley, Hadj Mustapha is another Marrakshi institution. It’s mostly famous for one thing: an intensely flavoursome, buttery soft beef dish called tanjia. Not to be confused with tagine, the name translates roughly as “bachelor’s stew”, down to the fact that it is often eaten by single men, slow-cooked in a distinct amphora-shaped clay pot over the fires that feed the local hammam.

I'm Mustapha, a certified local guide in Morocco, accredited by the Ministry of Tourism. I bring a wealth of knowledge about Marrakech Medina's traditions, culture, and hidden gems to ensure travelers experience the richness of Marrakech's history. Based in Marrakech, my roots trace back to the southeast Sahara Desert, adding a unique perspective to your journey.

Restaurant ‘Chez Lamine Hadj Mustapha’ is one of the most traditional Moroccan restaurants in Marrakech, serving authentic local meat dishes that have made it famous. The eponymous Chez Lamine founder, N’guyer Haj Mustapha, is eminent in Marrakech and Morocco. The legenday Mustapha is revered for his legacy in quality lamb in all styles of cooking.

Chez Lamine Hadj Mustapha is also one of the top Halal restaurants in Marrakech that serve excellent lamb meals in the city!. It is located near the main square and is also a favourite spot for the locals. If you decide to dine here, make sure you order their famous dishes such as lamb tagine, chicken pastilla, and spiced eggplant purée.

Back in Marrakech, you will notice many earthenware amphorae hanging from hooks outside butchers shops. Like the Moroccan tagine, the tanjia is a metonymy denoting content and container and is exclusive to the Marrakech area. Tanjia is cooked over a slow fire of burning ash, resulting in extremely tender meat.

Chez Lamine Hadj Mustapha is a popular spot for authentic Moroccan street food at budget-friendly prices. The restaurant has a casual atmosphere, and you can experience the local vibe while enjoying delicious dishes. Try the Chicken or Beef Brochette, served with bread and a side of salad.

This hole-in-the-wall restaurant in the Marrakech souks is the place to go for meat eaters. Owner Mustapha is a legend in the Marrakech’s Djemaa el Fna Food stalls. Wander down Djemma El Fna to Mechoui alley and you will find a stall lined with sheep’s heads and Tangia pots.

Located down a narrow alley just off the Djemaa el-Fna is Marrakech’s most unlikely celebrity haunt. Run by Hadj Mustapha, who once cooked for King Hassan II, this local stalwart has been visited by everyone. It’s famous for two dishes: lamb mechoui and beef tanjia.

This unpretentious spot serves up hearty Moroccan traditional food that’s as authentic as it gets. Think juicy tajines, fragrant morrocan salad, and all the spices your heart desires. It’s a culinary adventure you don’t want to miss.

: Chez Lamine Hadj Mustapha is a beloved local eatery located in the heart of Marrakech’s medina. Known for its authentic Moroccan cuisine and welcoming atmosphere.