Fez — Rising above one of the medina’s main streets, the space feels relaxed and contemporary. National Geographic Traveller describes it as a “contemporary Moroccan cafe-restaurant” accessible by lantern-lit stairs, with inviting roof terraces that sit just above the bustle of Talaa el Kebira.
The cooking is familiar but playful. You’ll find breakfast-friendly dishes like shakshuka alongside simple pastas and salads, plus small plates that suit sharing. One editor-favorite detail is the orange-blossom and cinnamon lassi, a sweet, fragrant drink that “tastes like Morocco in a glass.” Prices are moderate by medina standards; National Geographic cited roughly 175 MAD for three courses at the time of its visit.
If you prefer plant-forward options, Fondouk Bazaar tends to have several vegetarian choices and a few vegan picks, a point echoed by round-ups from frequent Fes visitors and travel writers. The restaurant’s social channels also emphasize “local products” and a Mediterranean-leaning approach, which helps explain the mix of flavors on the menu.
Practically, it’s easy to find. The address is 16 Talaa el Kebira in the Fes medina, a straight walk from the Blue Gate into the old city. Even without a map, following Talaa el Kebira will bring you close; once there, look for a signed entrance and climb to the terrace for the best breeze.
Official listings and venue pages place typical opening hours around lunchtime through the evening (roughly 12:00–22:00, daily), but hours can shift seasonally, so it’s wise to check the café’s Instagram before you go.
Why the name “Fondouk”? In medina cities like Fes, a funduq (also written fondouk) was a caravanserai—an inn and trading courtyard for merchants. The term survives on street signs and in museum names such as Funduq al-Najjarin, reminding visitors that today’s cafés sit inside a trading city shaped by centuries of commerce. Fondouk Bazaar isn’t a museum; it’s a modern spot. But the name nods to that history as you sip a mint tea and watch daily life flow below.
