Le Fondouk

It was our first night in Marrakech and to be honest with you we'd been knocked sideways by what the country/city was like. As it was a last-minute-ish holiday we had no real pre-conceptions of what the place was going to be like.

We were staying at Riad Karmela (highly recommended if you're in Marrakech by the way) and they suggested we eat at Le Fondouk for our first evening in Morocco.

If you actually find the place, there's lots of people trying to point you in the direction en-route you will be greeted by the doorman holding lanterns and wearing traditional Moroccan attire, topped off with a Fez. Inside it's another world, built round what must have been an old Riad you enter on the bottom floor and into what effectively is a courtyard. Look up and there's the most amazing candle chandelier (see photo) and then the sky.

We had various tagines and kebabs, all were beautiful. I would recommend the chocolate dessert, it's the only thing that I've ever eaten that rivals the River Cafes 'Chocolate Nemesis' (not very Moroccan I know).

If you find yourself in Marrakech and want a bit of tlc, comfort and quiet from the manic streets outside this is where you should head.