The Red House (Dar al-Aḥmar in Arabic) is an opulent colonial villa, much like a riad, but just outside the city walls (which are directly across the street).

As well as offering luxury accommodation, the Red House has a superb, tip-top restaurant that’s open to non-residents too, and perfect for a special occasion.

The restaurant

Amidst sumptuously opulent surroundings, with stupendous zellij (tilework) and stucco carving, you can dine here on excellently cooked French and Moroccan cuisine, and it really is very fine indeed.

Some of the dishes you’ll already know – lamb tajine with prunes (180dh), for example, or lamb couscous (190dh) – but here they’re a cut above. Likewise European dishes such as the seafood risotto (190dh).

Starters include an excellent pigeon pastilla (120dh). Desserts include gooey chocolate pud (90dh) or crème brûlée with ginger (80dh). All of it is beautifully served, and the ambience is top-notch.