Gran Café Central
Tangier's historic Gran Café Central, a bustling hub since 1813, famed for its desserts, drinks, and prime people-watching terrace.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
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Gran Café Central
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Tangier's historic Gran Café Central, a bustling hub since 1813, famed for its desserts, drinks, and prime people-watching terrace.
Visit during off-peak hours
To avoid crowds, it's best to visit Gran Café Central during less busy times.
Beware of smoke
If sensitive to smoke, opt for seating away from open windows as outdoor smoking can drift in.
Quick Facts
Cuisine
Moroccan, Cafe
Price
Mid-range
Phone
+212 607-351778
Address
Q5PQ+6P8, Petit Socco, Tangier, Morocco
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Historic Cafe Culture
A beloved Tangier institution since 1813, perfect for people-watching and soaking in city life.
Signature Baked Cheesecake
Delightful cheesecake served with hot chocolate sauce and fresh fruits, a sweet treat to savor.
People-Watching Terrace
Enjoy mint tea or cocktails on the terrace and watch the vibrant street life unfold.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Menu
Most Popular Items
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
Visit during off-peak hours
To avoid crowds, it's best to visit Gran Café Central during less busy times.
Beware of smoke
If sensitive to smoke, opt for seating away from open windows as outdoor smoking can drift in.
Focus on drinks and desserts
While hot meals are available, the cafe truly shines with its variety of drinks and puddings.
Patience is key
Waitstaff are busy but helpful; be patient and flag them down when needed.
Tips
from all over the internet
Visit during off-peak hours
To avoid crowds, it's best to visit Gran Café Central during less busy times.
Beware of smoke
If sensitive to smoke, opt for seating away from open windows as outdoor smoking can drift in.
Focus on drinks and desserts
While hot meals are available, the cafe truly shines with its variety of drinks and puddings.
Patience is key
Waitstaff are busy but helpful; be patient and flag them down when needed.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Gran Café Central is a historic Tangier cafe with a prime location for people-watching. While many praise the variety of drinks and desserts, particularly the cheesecake, and the ambiance, some reviewers have had negative experiences with slow service and unprofessioal staff. Food quality can be inconsistent, with some dishes being excellent and others falling short.
"I'm surprised that this place has only 3.8 star ratings... I looked at the lowest reviews and now it is very clear why: people are complaining about the food quality and long wait time.
Obviously there will be some adjustments you need to make if you are going to cafeteria to eat dinner, their specialty is at drinks and puddings with some extend to hot meals.
But iny opinion it is a perfect spot for small refreshments.
Prime location
Beautiful place,
nice interior,
Big space
Good service
Big variety of drinks and desserts
Staff very professional
We had:
* Mint tea
* Crêpe with bananas and sauce
* Cheesecake
* Pinacolada
* Fruit cocktail
It was one of the best baked cheesecake I had outside. Served cold with hot chocolate sauce and fruits
Cheesecake was not too sweet so the sauce was really balancing and complementing the taste.
Mint tea also nice, not too strong.
Cocktails were huge so make sure you have the space and craving to finish it
Definitely recommend it for a tea and pudding.
Not sure about food. I see lots of people having their dinner now and they seems to enjoy it"
Renata H.
"Had several meals here, all were tasty & served without delay. Although there is no smoking inside, customers do smoke outside & some of that smoke drifts in, though it’s not noticeable unless sat near an open window. ."
Phil Leighton
"This place was recommended to us by some local guy. We went there and sat on the terrace outside, where there was a lot of movement by local people and some amusement. This was nice.
There were unfortunately more things that weren't nice, at all!
The first thing was the part where my friend, who ate the fish tagine, got sick a couple of hours later. And not just like a stomach ache, no, real food poisoning with all the bells and whistles included. We'll spare you the details. But she had to cancel her trip the day after and couldn't sleep at all that night. It was horror.
The other thing that was quite annoying, was that a lot of people, young kids mostly, come to your table to sell you something or ask for money. We're just trying to have dinner/enjoy the night.. Just leave people be please. The staff never told them to go away, they just let it happen.
Long story short; don't come here if you don't want to get seriously sick or bothered. Thank us later. Adios!"
Junie Pluym
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
It's famous for its historic ambiance, prime location for people-watching, and its delightful baked cheesecake served with hot chocolate sauce.
There is no strict dress code mentioned, but it is a popular cafe, so smart casual attire is generally suitable.
To avoid crowds and ensure a more pleasant experience, it's recommended to visit during off-peak hours.
Some common complaints include slow and unprofessional service, inconsistent food quality, and unsolicited approaches from vendors.
Yes, the cafe offers a variety of drinks including cocktails like mojitos.
Smoking is not permitted inside, but it may drift in from outdoor seating areas.
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Although they’re not really places to eat, Tangier’s cafe culture is a huge part of city life and, with 800-plus cafes, you’ll no doubt find yourself whiling away many pleasant idle hours in one of them. Vintage Gran Cafe de Paris, with its wraparound windows and views over the Place de France, is the grand dame of the cafe scene, while Grand Cafe Central on the Petit Socco is its medina counterpart. Mick Jagger and Keith Richards hung out at Cafe Hafa, where you can still sip tea and nurse a bowl of hearty bissara (split pea) soup, on a tumbling series of terraces looking out to sea.
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Located right on the perimeter of Petit Sacco, this ultra-famous cafe in Tangier has been around since 1813 and is an integral part of the restaurant scene in Tangier. It was once a gathering place for the city’s most influential figures in the early 20th century and remains a perfect place to do a bit of people-watching in the city before visiting some of the best museums in Tangier. The last time I was here, I sat inside, watched the fish in the aquarium, and enjoyed my caffe latte.
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If we’re up for a 20 minute walk, we have two other alternatives: we could go through the gate that leads to the Mendoubia Gardens and continue straight up to Café Hafa, or from the Grand Succo, we could first locate the Café Central, then, facing the front of the cafe, take the street on the right all the way to Café Hafa. The last option is the best because the path is not very steep and it goes through the middle of the scenic medina.
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It would be hard to visit the city without a stop in one of the last two remaining cafes on the Petit Socco in the center of the medina: Cafe Tingis and Cafe Central. You can’t go wrong, but I prefer Tingis (named for the ancient Roman name for the city) for its little wrought-iron perch in the back corner of the square.
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Founded in 1813 in the heart of the medina, the Grand Central Café was also a stop for intellectuals and bohemians from Europe and America. Here you can eat and, at the same time, take the pulse of the life of the old city. It has a terrace and its mint teas are famous.
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Café Central: This cozy café in the heart of the city serves a range of coffee, tea, and snacks, including traditional Moroccan sweets like msemen (a thin, folded pancake filled with meat, onions, and spices).
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To find it you have to make your way downhill from Café Central. Take an immediate left when you hit a dead-end (a viewing platform should be ahead of you).
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Gran Café Central is perfectly located in Petit Socco, offering fresh pastries and drinks. It’s an ideal spot for people-watching as you sip your coffee.
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