Rabat – For many people, their first impression of Casablanca comes from the Hollywood movie of the same name, which won the Academy Award in 1943. Although the movie was filmed in the United States, there is indeed a restaurant in Casablanca named Rick’s Café, just like in the movie.
In the movie Rick said about his lover Ilsa: “Of all the gin joints, in all the towns, in all the world, she walks into mine.” Would you like to walk into this place like this?
Location and time
Set within a traditional courtyard-style mansion along the walls of Casablanca’s Old Medina, this restaurant is just a few minutes’ walk from Casa Port, a centre transport hub in Casablanca’s Old Town.
So if you happen to be passing through here on a business, vacation, or for any other reason, why not grab a drink?
Usually, it informs lunch from 12 p.m. to 3 p.m. and dinner from 6:30 p.m. to 1 a.m. One tip here is to make a reservation in advance. Although the restaurant offers walk-in options, it’s common to not be able to get in without a reservation.
Atmosphere
The space features curved arches, balconies, a sculpted bar, and intricate brass lighting that casts soft, patterned shadows across white walls. Movie posters hung on the wall, blending seamlessly with the rest of the space.
Beyond the film, there are still local design touches here: four fireplaces, intimate seating areas, and a private dining room overlooking the fishing port add a sense of warmth and comfort.
If you arrive here at night, perhaps meet the Jazz and piano live piano performances by local musician Issam enhance the elegant, cinematic ambiance. Even if you don’t tell the performer “play it again, Sam,” just like in the film, the immersive music will continue to accompany you beyond the night.
Food
Rick’s Café serves dishes that use fresh local ingredients. Fish, vegetables, and fruit from Casablanca are the main focus, balancing traditional Moroccan flavors with broader cuisine influences. The food and the surroundings work together to create a full dining experience for everyone.
Over 20 years, Rick’s Café has evolved from a film-inspired concept into a cultural venue that blends dining, music, and design.
Hundreds of tourists visit the place every day, and many locals also enjoy its delicious food, live jazz and piano performances, immersive interiors, and attentive service. The restaurant offers a setting that reflects Casablanca’s cosmopolitan character rather than functioning solely as a film tribute.
