Photo via Google, jan janssenRestaurant Khmissa
- Hours
- Today: 1:00 – 3:15 PM, 6:30 – 10:00 PM
- Getting there
- A short walk from the fishing port, inside the Essaouira medina walls
Why it’s in the log
Khmissa is a small, family-run restaurant a few minutes' walk from Essaouira's working fishing port, and the port is the reason it's worth seeking out — the fish on the menu comes from the boats a short walk away, not a cold-storage supply chain. The signature dish is a slow-cooked fish casserole, built up in layers rather than grilled and plated fast.
It's a simple room, not styled for photos, and the review count for a place this size says something about how consistently it delivers rather than a marketing push. Locals and travelers turn up for the same reason: the fish is what it's supposed to be.
Go for lunch, when the catch is freshest and the kitchen has the day's best ingredients to work with.
“Order whatever fish came in that morning and let them cook it their way — that's the whole point of the place.”
What people said recently
From Google reviews · see all 1,529 ↗
“This is one of the rare gems I came across in essaouira, the place has this cozy family vibe, the women that make the food are very lovely it reminded me of my mom's cooking. I got beef tagine a perfect tenderness 🫠 The prices are…”
“my partner and I were recommended this restaurant from our hostel. it did not disappoint! this is without a doubt the tastiest moroccan food we have tried. i had the aubergine vegetable tagine and my partner got the chicken and lemon…”
“Definitely like eating at a Moroccans house. Homemade dishes with amazing flavors. The vibe of the place it’s cozy, but worth it. Good prices. Definitely a 10/10 worth to check it out.”
