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I’m on a mission to reshape my perception of restaurants in Morocco.
Delicious food is a quintessential part of Moroccan culture, but the best food in Morocco is served inside the home rather than outside.
With that in mind, navigating the restaurant scene here can be tricky, especially in cities like Rabat that don’t welcome as many tourists as Marrakech and Fez.
But Rabat has some truly fantastic restaurants and eating spaces, you just need to know where to look.
For some of the best Levantine cuisine in the Moroccan capital, look no further than Le Cedre du Liban.
The Lebanese restaurant in Hay Riad, Rabat’s upscale business district, has the most delicious falafel and baklava I’ve had in Morocco—and a gorgeous interior aesthetic to match.
Location: Maybe make a day of it
Rating: 4 / 5 MWN stars
With its bold emerald green storefront and carpeted stairs, Le Cedre du Liban is pretty hard to miss while driving along Avenue Abderrahim Bouabid.
If you don’t have your own means of transportation, you may have trouble getting to and from this restaurant, unless, of course, you live in Hay Riad. Parking is available in the neighborhood behind the restaurant.
My husband and I usually have a hard time hailing a taxi to Temara or Rabat from this area, but the restaurant is a short distance from Hay Riad’s parks and shopping areas, so you can make the most of the trip.
All things considered, the location itself is pretty good, especially if you’re someone who enjoys watching people and cars pass by.
If you like street views, take advantage of the outdoor seating area. It’s breezy and well-shaded—perfect for a midday lunch break.
The interior: Pink and green Parisian fantasy
Rating: 5 / 5 MWN stars
The best thing about Le Cedre du Liban—apart from the great food—is its gorgeous aesthetic.
I’m usually not one to fawn over Parisian decor, but the mint-and-rose color scheme and classic furnishings at Le Cedre du Liban make my heart flutter.
Though charming, the wooden corkscrew staircase winding up to the second floor may be a hazard for the elderly, small children, and tall people. Exercise caution while going up and down.
The second floor is cozy and quiet. This secluded section is absolutely perfect for an intimate date.
Menu, food, and prices: You get what you pay for
Rating: 4.5 / 5 MWN stars
Since moving to Morocco, I have had enough falafel to last a lifetime. I’m no connoisseur, but the falafel sandwich at Le Cedre du Liban is, without a doubt, my all-time favorite.
I’m generally not a big fan of shawarma, but the chicken and beef shawarma platters at this Lebanese restaurant are perfectly cooked, well-seasoned, and paired with delicious sauces.
Since my last visit to Le Cedre du Liban, I have not stopped fantasizing about their hummus platter. The actual plain hummus in the platter is a bit too tangy for my liking, but the istambulia, or beetroot hummus, stole my heart.
Le Cedre du Liban serves a tiny shot of Egyptian karkade, juice or tea made from hibiscus flower petals, with every meal. This syrupy sweet nectar is what I imagine you drink in heaven. It can be overpowering, so take small sips throughout your meal if you can’t down it all at once.
Finally, the star of the show: Baklava. I first had this baklava in December 2019 and I haven’t stopped thinking about it since. It truly changed my life.
The other desserts are good, too, but if you’re going to treat yourself, go for the classic filo pastry. You won’t be disappointed.
I have to admit this place is a bit pricey, as are most spots in Hay Riad. But although it’s not an ultra-luxurious dining experience, I personally believe Le Cedre du Liban is well worth the money.
Service: Worth the wait
Rating: 5 / 5 MWN stars
I have no complaints about my experience with service at Le Cedre du Liban. It’s a bit slower than other restaurants, but I think the food is worth it. Patrons can also order food to go—an added bonus, if you’re willing to wait.
The servers, chefs, and management are all hardworking, kind, and professional.
Diners can also see their food, drinks, and desserts being prepared through the large kitchen windows, so you’ll never have to wonder if the staff forgot about your order.
Final rating and recommendation: 5 / 5 MWN stars
If you’ve gotten tired of tagines and French tacos, consider a visit to this amazing Lebanese restaurant. With meatless, mild, spicy, and sweet options, Le Cedre du Liban has something for everyone.
As I’m finishing this review, I’ve decided I’ll be going back tomorrow for the beetroot hummus, falafel sandwich, and hibiscus juice. Yes, it’s really that good.
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