Cafe Clock is a Moroccan restaurant and cultural meeting place at 7 Derb el Magana, off 252 Rue Talaa Kebira, in Fes el-Bali, Fes’s historic medina. Founded by British restaurateur Mike Richardson in 2007, it combines a restored courtyard house with informal dining, workshops, and performances. Travelers come for its signature camel burger, rooftop seating, and an introduction to Moroccan culture beyond the usual sightseeing circuit.
What to Expect at Cafe Clock
The setting is part of the attraction: dining spaces occupy several levels around an internal courtyard, with traditional tilework, carved details, and stairs leading to the roof terrace. The surrounding neighborhood contains the Bou Inania Madrasa and the medieval Dar al-Magana water clock, which gives the cafe its name. Commissioned under the Marinid sultan Abu Inan and completed in 1357, that clock once used a hydraulic mechanism to mark time. Its surviving wooden supports and metal bowls make an intriguing architectural stop before lunch.
The kitchen’s best-known order is the camel burger, a contemporary cafe dish rather than a traditional Fassi recipe. The wider identity mixes Moroccan cooking with accessible cafe food, making this a useful option for groups with different appetites. Vegetarian diners should consult the official menu; vegan and gluten-free diners should discuss ingredients and cross-contact directly. Moroccan mint tea fits an afternoon pause, while traditional cooking and baking classes offer a more involved encounter with local food. The cultural program includes storytelling, live music, oud lessons, and Arabic calligraphy, with availability varying by location and date.
- Camel burger: The cafe’s signature dish gives adventurous eaters a distinctive alternative to a tagine lunch.
- Roof terrace: Upper-level seating offers medina roofscape views and a different atmosphere from the enclosed courtyard.
- Traditional Moroccan cooking: Bookable classes turn a meal stop into a hands-on culinary experience.
- Storytelling and music: Cultural events introduce oral traditions and live performance; check the Fes program before planning around one.
- Dar al-Magana connection: The nearby fourteenth-century water clock anchors the cafe’s name in this particular medina street.
Cafe Clock at a Glance
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Address | 7 Derb el Magana, off 252 Rue Talaa Kebira, Fes, Morocco |
| Neighborhood / Area | Fes el-Bali, near Bou Inania Madrasa and Bab Boujloud |
| Operating Hours | Monday–Sunday, 9 a.m.–11 p.m. |
| Admission / Price Range | $$; paid food and drinks, with classes and some events charged separately. Check the official menu for current prices. |
| Recommended Visit Duration | 1 to 1.5 hours for a meal; longer for performances or classes |
| Nearest Transit / Parking | Taxi drop-off at Bab Boujloud or Batha; walk into the medina. Paid parking is available around the Bab Boujloud/Boujloud Square approach. |
| Official Website & Phone | Cafe Clock; +212 5356-37855 |
Visiting Tips, Getting There & Nearby Pairings
Arrive around opening for breakfast or choose a midafternoon break between sightseeing stops. Lunch, dinner, and performance periods attract more visitors; contact the cafe through its official enquiry page for groups, classes, or event arrangements. Casual clothing is appropriate. Carry Moroccan dirhams and check card acceptance before ordering. Tell staff about allergies before choosing dishes, particularly when arranging a cooking class.
There is no tram or metro serving this medina address, and cars cannot reach the cafe door. From Bab Boujloud, follow Talaa Kebira downhill toward Bou Inania, then find Derb el Magana; allow roughly 5–10 minutes. The approach includes uneven paving, and internal stairs connect the upper dining areas and terrace: wheelchair users should discuss entrance access and suitable seating directly before visiting. Pair lunch with Bou Inania Madrasa and Bab Boujloud, both within about five minutes, or continue to Jnan Sbil gardens, roughly 10–15 minutes away for a longer outdoor break.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are Cafe Clock’s hours, and when should I visit?
Cafe Clock opens daily from 9 a.m. to 11 p.m. Morning suits breakfast and architectural sightseeing nearby; evening visits work well when paired with a scheduled performance.
How expensive is it, and do I need a reservation?
This is a moderately priced, $$ restaurant rather than a ticketed attraction. Contact the cafe ahead for larger parties, and reserve classes separately; consult the official menu for current food prices.
How long should I allow?
Allow 1 to 1.5 hours for a relaxed meal and tea. For a workshop or performance, use the advertised session length and add time for the walk through the medina.
Is Cafe Clock suitable for families and visitors with limited mobility?
The informal dining format suits families, although children need supervision on stairs and terraces. Uneven approach lanes and stairs to upper seating require advance access planning for wheelchair users and anyone avoiding steps.
When planning a wider itinerary across Fez, consider pairing your visit with nearby highlights such as EL FORNO (0.2 km away).
