Looking for good eats in Marrakesh, Fes, and Essaouira.

[makemestupid]

I'm traveling to Morocco in the next few days and am looking for restaurant tips -- all of the guidebooks seem to have the same recommendations and would appreciate any insightful eating suggestions.

I will be spending my birthday in Marrakesh, so if anyone has any ideas for an awesome birthday dinner, would love your thoughts.

Thanks!

[Andrew Humphreys]

Hi there. The same names come up in all the guides because, although things are improving rapidly, there are still only a limited number of good restaurants in Marrakech. Unfortunately Casa Lalla, the riad-restaurant run by talented chef Richard Neat, is no more. Instead, for good Moroccan food and a lively atmosphere (hitting a crescendo on weekends) try Tanjia (www.le-tanjia.com). For quieter surrounds, Dar Moha (www.darmoha.ma), where I have had terrific meals on several occasions, although the quality isn't what it was. Similarly, quality is variable at Foundouk (www.foundouk.com) but the restaurant is super stylish and very beautiful.