Hello dear
Welcome To Sam’s Restaurant
Sam's Restaurant, located in Complexe Commercial Bin Al Aswar, Essaouira, Morocco, is a culinary gem renowned for its exceptional seafood. With a history stretching over 42 years, it offers a delightful dining experience, highlighted by fresh, exquisite dishes like the octopus tagine and various tajines crafted to perfection. Guests praise the warm, attentive service and inviting ambiance, making it a favorite among locals and visitors alike. Despite moderate prices, the quality of the food surpasses expectations, ensuring every meal is memorable. Whether you're savoring a lovely bottle of wine or enjoying a cozy dinner, Sam's Restaurant is a must-visit destination.
Today's Suggestions
Explore the featured selections!
About
Sam’s Restaurant
Welcome to Sam’s Restaurant, a culinary haven located in the heart of Essaouira, Morocco, just outside the majestic walls of the medina. With over 42 years of tradition, this establishment is more than just a restaurant; it’s a cherished gem for locals and travelers alike, serving dishes that echo the authentic flavors of Moroccan seafood.
As a food reviewer for Foodjoyy, I can assure you that dining at Sam’s is not just about eating, but an experience steeped in warmth and culinary passion. The restaurant boasts a cozy ambiance, accentuated by tall ceilings adorned with framed memories of celebrities who have shared a meal here. It’s a place where the rich tapestry of Moroccan culture warmly embraces you as you embark on an exquisite journey through its menu.
Seafood enthusiasts will find themselves in paradise at Sam’s. With fresh catches sourced daily from the local port, the menu offers a plethora of options that showcase the region’s abundant marine life. Why not indulge in their celebrated sole, perfectly seasoned and gracefully plated? Or, if you're feeling adventurous, the octopus tagine comes highly recommended—rich, tender, and bursting with authentic Moroccan spices. Many patrons have raved about the tajine dishes, each a testimony to the culinary excellence and respect for tradition found here.
Ben Triola, a delighted patron, encapsulated the essence of Sam’s when he expressed, “the food was fresh and delicious, and the service was excellent.” This sentiment is echoed by many who have dined in this charming eatery, where the friendly staff ensure that your experience is nothing short of remarkable. Whether you’re enjoying a family meal or a romantic dinner, the service at Sam’s is personalized, making every guest feel like a valued part of the restaurant's history.
While some may note that the prices are slightly higher, the consensus is that the quality of the food and the level of service more than justify the expense. After all, as Abraham Ben remarked, “all were perfect from the amuse bouche to the main dish.” For those who desire a touch of indulgence, the extensive drink menu offers a carefully curated selection of wines, beers, and cocktails to complement your meal beautifully.
Open for lunch and dinner, Sam’s Restaurant invites you to take a break from sightseeing and savor the flavors of Essaouira. Whether you’re wanting to unwind with a mint tea after a meal or grab a bite after perusing the nearby marketplaces, this restaurant promises a delightful culinary escape. With a dedication to quality and an ability to create dishes that resonate deeply with anyone who has the pleasure of dining here, it’s no wonder why so many consider Sam's to be a must-visit destination in Morocco.
So, if you find yourself in Essaouira, don’t miss the opportunity to experience the magic of Sam’s Restaurant. Your taste buds will thank you.
People talk
Our Guestbook
“ Sam’s might be my favorite restaurant in the whole world. We ate there twice when visiting Essaouira and we had a fantastic experience both times. The food was fresh and delicious and the service was excellent. The prices are also very reasonable. I’d recommend to any seafood lover. We will definitely visit Morocco again, if only for Sam’s Restaurant. ”
“ We ate dinner at the sam‘s restaurant during our stay in morocco. The food was delicious and I can recommend this place. My friend said, he had the best tajine ever in this restaurant. Service was nice and friendly and we didnt had troubles to get a table. -1 Star because it is a bit more expensive and the ambiente could be better in my opinion (e.g. It was very dark). But go there and find out by yourself :) ”
“ For me, it's a hidden gem in Essaouira city. If you are looking for a professional seafood restaurant this is the place to be. All were perfect from the amuse bouche to the main Dish. Everything was delicious and tasty and exceeded my expectations. The service was awesome and professional better than we expected too. The place of the restaurant near the wall of the medina and bab Sbaa was just perfect. I would like the prices to be a bit expensive, but they totally deserve it. I highly recommend it ”
“ Cozy place where to have a good dinner. The seafood was excellent and the service incredible. 100% recommended! The octopus tagine super super tasty!!! Ah, and you can also enjoy a good bottle of wine !!! ”
“ In September 2024, during a 5-day visit to Essaouira, a friend whom I had first met in Taroudant but who later moved to live and work in the beachfront town of Essaouira, told me about Sam’s Restaurant. I decided to try Sam’s for dinner and my brother and I easily found the place, located a minute outside the tall stone walls of the medina. The restaurant opens for dinner at 7 PM and closes at 10 PM. A polite English-speaking waiter brought two menus for us to look at, and I decided to have sole preceded by a fish soup. My brother had what he said was an excellent vegetables tajine. We also had two glasses of wine. It was all very good. I could not eat dessert as my stomach was full. Then we paid the bill and left a generous tip for our waiter. Another day we walked back and asked if we could just have a mint tea and the waiter brought one pot with two glasses. The tea was delicious also, and it cost a total of 30 Dirhams for two. I decided to walk inside the large restaurant and met the owner named Sam. He was a Moroccan, not American or European. The interior had very tall ceilings, and walls were adorned with framed photographs of film actors and famous people who have eaten at Sam’s Restaurant over its 42 years of existence. The restaurant is also open for lunch from 12 Noon until 4:00 PM, seven days a week. I highly recommend eating at Sam's Restaurant. The fish is tasty, generous and always fresh from the port every day. Wines, beers and cocktails are all available. You can order wine by the glass or get a half or full bottle. ”
“ If you’re visiting Essaouira and looking for the ultimate seafood experience, Sam’s Restaurant is the place to go. I had high expectations given the reputation of this charming seaside city for fresh fish and seafood, but Sam’s completely exceeded them. This was hands down the best fresh fish I have ever had, and I can confidently say it was one of the most memorable dining experiences of my trip. ”
“ My favorite restaurant in town. The service, atmosphere, and quality of food is outstanding. The fish has always been baked perfectly and the appetizers are delightful. They also have free WiFi, a bar and very clean bathrooms. I recommend the calamari tagine. ”