I started this list after slow mornings walking the medina and chasing sunlit espresso shots. The phrase best cafes in essaouira hangs on places that earn a seat for flavor and mood.
I love Mandala Society for its fair‑trade Honduran beans and no‑laptop rule. Café L’Esprit hides in an alley — espresso, cakes, and a friendly cat now and then. L’Atelier‑Café Boutique serves giant cookies and a calm communal table with steady Wi‑Fi.
Rooftops matter here — Hostel La Smala and Mega Loft watch the ramparts and Atlantic, while Picknick Café offers avocado toast and falafel bowls near Bab Sbaa. Chez Miloud is where I swap macchiatos for mint tea and msemen.
This guide mixes practical notes — peak hours, seasonal rooftop rules, and which restaurants essaouira locals favor. Use the short list to find best spots for your trip, then wander and let the city surprise you.
Key Takeaways
- I built this list from slow mornings, long afternoons, and real visits.
- Expect fair‑trade coffee, big cookies, and rooftop views by the ramparts.
- I note laptop‑friendly spots and no‑laptop havens.
- Watch for seasonal closures and peak hours on rooftops.
- Swap espresso for mint tea — local treats are worth trying.
My handpicked best cafes in Essaouira for coffee, breakfast, and people-watching
I pick cafés by how they taste, how they feel, and whether I can watch the street. Below are my personal favorites—each line tells you why I go, what to order, and how crowded it gets.
Mandala Society
Why I come: specialty Honduran coffee and a meat‑free menu that actually fills you up. It’s busy and buzzy—prime people‑watching on the main boulevard.
Know before you go: strict no‑laptop policy and gluten‑free options on the menu.
Café L’Esprit
Hidden near the ramparts, run by Moroccan‑German owners. The espresso sings and cookies vanish fast.
Grab a curb seat—alley tables and a resident cat make it a charming spot for a quick stop.
Hostel La Smala Rooftop
The rooftop frames the Atlantic; I pair a mocktail with avocado and poached‑egg toast. Wi‑Fi is strong, but access may close to non‑guests in August.
Shade is limited at midday—arrive earlier for comfort and views.
L’Atelier‑Café Boutique
Giant chocolate cookies, calm nooks, and a big communal table that actually works for focused time. I browse the tasteful decor between emails.
Maison Jadis
Just outside the medina walls—Leila’s coffee counter sits among vintage finds. It opened in 2024 and still feels quiet; a great new discovery for slow mornings.
Mega Loft
Four floors of creative energy: funky decor, late hours, and a rooftop with views. I retreat to lower floors at noon for shade and cool music.
Picknick Café
Near Bab Sbaa on a side street—bright decor, light bowls, and friendly staff. The small interior and metal‑bowl tables make laptop work awkward, but it’s perfect for meetups.
- Quick hits: Mandala Society for people‑watching; L’Esprit for espresso and treats; La Smala for views.
- Work tips: L’Atelier and La Smala’s main floor are the best places to plug in.
Rooftop cafes with views of the ramparts and the Atlantic
I find rooftop seats where the light tells a story—those views pull me up a flight of stairs. The two terraces here offer different moods. One is sunset theater. The other is an arty, after‑dark hang.
Sunset seats at Hostel La Smala
I go as the sky warms to tangerine. The ramparts glow like a film set from season three of Game of Thrones. Order a mocktail and take a front‑row seat; the Atlantic hums beyond the walls.
Practical notes: Wi‑Fi is solid and the rooftop has partial shade. Avoid the brightest tables at noon. In August, non‑guests may be turned away—call ahead or arrive earlier. Prices feel fair for the panorama.
Medina panoramas at Mega Loft
Mega Loft shows a quilt of medina roofs and blue doors. The rooftop stays lively late—this restaurant‑bar pours alcohol and keeps the lights on. Coffee here is steady if you need a daytime lift.
I slide down to lower floors at noon for cool shade. Pick a table near the edge for cleaner wind and a clearer view. Two rooftops, two atmospheres—choose sunset theater or arty, after‑dark things with a skyline.
- Seat tip: front tables for views; shaded tables for work.
- Timing: sunset for La Smala, late night for Mega Loft.
- Things to pack: light jacket—wind picks up on top.
Where laptop users actually get work done
Some trips are for wandering; other days I hunt down a spot where my laptop actually gets stuff done. Here are two places I trust when deadlines follow me to Morocco.
L’Atelier‑Café Boutique
Why it works: a large round table that fits your laptop, notebook, and a cookie without elbow wars. The Wi‑Fi is steady and the atmosphere stays calm even when the espresso machine sings.
After a focused block I browse the boutique—rugs, ceramics, and small shopping finds make for a good break. Coffee is solid, but the giant chocolate cookie is my real motivation.
Hostel La Smala (common floor)
Why it works: a designated workstation on the main accommodation floor with reliable power and signal. Seating here is practical and quiet—more structure than café chatter.
The rooftop is a reward, not a given; access changes by season, so plan the view as a treat. For a short guide: choose L’Atelier for quiet tables, La Smala for structure and a scene change.
- Seating: calm and focused.
- Table space: roomy at L’Atelier, practical at La Smala.
- Quick tip: pick the place that matches your task list—and your snack cravings.
Traditional Moroccan sips and snacks when you crave mint tea over macchiatos
When I want a low‑key morning, I look for a small place that pours honest tea. The city offers simple rituals—bread, hot leaves, and a moment to watch people pass.
Chez Miloud — mint tea, msemen, and harcha for a classic morning
Why I go: mint tea steams in a small pot, msemen arrives hot and folded, and harcha comes with honey or olive oil. The flavors are plain and true.
Prices are kind to your wallet. The food tastes like home‑style cuisine and the service moves with steady calm.
Arabico Café Brunch — Berber omelet vibes on the main strip
Arabico sits on the main street and fills with locals and travelers. The Berber omelet—eggs with tomatoes and spices—wakes me up without fuss.
I take a place facing the flow and watch the medina glide by. Food is fresh, service stays brisk, and the scene is lively.
- When I crave tradition, I start at Chez Miloud with mint tea and hot msemen.
- Harcha with honey is the simple way to taste local cuisine.
- If you skip coffee, this side of town is the way to settle into the morning.
Breakfast favorites: avocado toast, smoothie bowls, and sweet treats
Breakfast is the day’s first adventure—bright bowls, warm bread, and the kind of toast that makes you linger.
Mandala Society
Standouts: the breakfast burger and a vegan smoothie bowl. Their specialty boards show careful sourcing and there are gluten‑free options on the menu.
The place buzzes early—no laptops here. I time my visit for a quieter seat and a full plate.
L’Atelier‑Café Boutique
Standouts: giant chocolate cookies and occasional savory bakes like quiche. The decor is soft and soothing; it invites a slow morning and a good read.
The menu flips between sweet and savory on lucky days—perfect when you want calm food and gentle music.
Picknick Café
Standouts: avocado toast that tastes bright and clean, plus falafel bowls that keep the day light. Most seating is small and some tables are metal bowls—quirky and friendly.
Staff are warm and quick. This little cafe brightens a sleepy side street and makes breakfast feel effortless.
- I rotate these places so breakfast never feels the same twice.
- Tip: scan the menu online, then arrive early for the best seats.
- Food leans wholesome across all three—your morning will thank you.
Practical tips: prices, seating, and when to go
I time my mornings to beat the heat and grab the coziest seat before the crowds arrive. Small moves pay off—shade, plugs, and a calm table change the whole day.
Peak times & seasonal closures
Arrive early for morning light and the best seating. Late morning fills fast; afternoons can be windy on rooftops.
Note: Hostel La Smala may restrict rooftop access to guests during busy periods, especially August. Call the location before you plan a sunset visit.
- Plan a 45‑minute lead for sunsets — front rows fill quickly.
- Mega Loft is lively late; use lower floors for a cooler break at midday.
- Hours shift in Morocco—treat schedules as flexible on any trip.
- Carry cash — some restaurant card machines nap or fail.
- Save links & pins offline so you can find places when signal dips.
If a spot is full, I pivot nearby — the medina clusters good options tightly. When unsure, ask a server; they often know the quickest way to an open table.
Conclusion
End your wanders at a table where the menu and view feel like a small reward. I pick a spot that matches my mood—big windows for a slow breakfast or a rooftop for late light. Mandala Society, Café L’Esprit, and L’Atelier cover coffee, cookies, and work‑friendly seating.
If you want traditional Moroccan, order mint tea and msemen at Chez Miloud or Arabico. For rooftop views, split the evening between La Smala and Mega Loft. Maison Jadis pairs coffee with vintage shopping; Picknick serves bright avocado toast for easy people‑watching.
My short list covers lazy mornings, serious espresso, and sundown scenes. Save the links, try new tables, and let the medina lead you — that’s the kindest way to find the next great place on your trip.
