Kechmara
Kechmara is a modern bistro, bar, and gallery space on Rue de la Liberte in Gueliz. The ground floor houses a restaurant with an open kitchen and rotating art exhibitions on the walls. A rooftop terrace adds outdoor seating with views over the neighborhood. Art shows change monthly, and the venue occasionally hosts live music and cultural events. The menu is European-Moroccan fusion: salads, burgers, pasta, and Moroccan dishes with modern twists. Mains cost 80-160 MAD (7.40-14.80 EUR / 8-16 USD). Cocktails run 90-140 MAD (8.30-13 EUR / 9-14 USD). Beer costs 40-60 MAD (3.70-5.55 EUR / 4-6 USD). The crowd skews younger and more creative than Grand Cafe de la Poste. Graphic designers, NGO workers, young professionals, and tourists who appreciate good design share the space.
What to Expect
A space that feels more Berlin or Lisbon than Marrakech. Clean lines, white walls with art, and a crowd that cares about design. The rooftop adds character on warm evenings. The energy is creative and conversational.
Gallery meets bistro meets bar. The art gives each visit a slightly different feel. The energy is smart and social without being pretentious.
Curated playlists: indie, jazz, electronic, and world music at background volume. Occasional live acts and DJ sets for special events.
Creative casual. Jeans and interesting shoes. The crowd has taste but doesn't do formal.
Creative professionals. Design-conscious travelers. Art enthusiasts. Anyone who wants a Gueliz evening with substance.
Cards and cash accepted.
Price Range
Mains 80-160 MAD, cocktails 90-140 MAD, beer 40-60 MAD
≈ EUR 3.70-14.80 / $4-16
Hours
Tue-Sun 12 PM to midnight
Insider Tip
The rooftop terrace is the best spot for evening drinks. Check their social media for art exhibition openings and event nights, which draw the most interesting crowds. The burger is surprisingly good. The art on the walls is for sale; ask the staff about the current artist.
Full Review
Kechmara is the venue in Gueliz that most reflects what modern Marrakech could become if the medina's tourism machine didn't dominate the city's identity. The space is designed with genuine care. The ground floor restaurant uses its gallery walls to rotate monthly exhibitions, which means the visual environment changes regularly. The art is curated, not decorative. Some of it is genuinely interesting.
The restaurant operates at a higher level than the average Gueliz eatery. The kitchen takes the burger seriously (good beef, proper brioche bun, house-made sauces) and does creative things with Moroccan ingredients in otherwise European dishes. The salads are fresh and well-composed. Portion sizes are fair for the price.
The rooftop terrace is compact but well-designed. A dozen tables, soft lighting, and views across Gueliz's rooftops to the Atlas Mountains on clear days. The terrace works best at sunset and in the early evening hours. As the night progresses, the energy shifts downstairs to the bar area.
The cocktail program has more ambition than most Gueliz bars. You'll find drinks that use local ingredients (orange blossom, mint, argan) alongside standard cocktail builds. The execution is good. The wine list is short but curated.
The crowd is Kechmara's other asset. Marrakech's creative community is small but concentrated here. Photographers, gallery owners, writers, and the occasional filmmaker share space with well-traveled tourists who found Kechmara through a design blog rather than a guidebook. Conversations start easily. The regulars are welcoming.
Closed on Mondays. This catches some visitors off guard.
The Neighborhood
Rue de la Liberte is a quieter Gueliz street parallel to Avenue Mohammed V. The immediate area has shops, apartments, and a few other restaurants. It's a 5-minute walk from the main Gueliz avenues.
Getting There
A 5-minute walk from Place Abdel Moumen or Avenue Mohammed V. By taxi, 10-15 MAD from central Gueliz locations. The restaurant is well-signed on Rue de la Liberte.
Other Venues in Gueliz
Le Comptoir Darna
Iconic Marrakech restaurant and bar with live belly dancing, a dimly lit interior, and a crowd that mixes tourists with wealthy Moroccans. The atmosphere peaks after 10 PM when the entertainment starts.
Bazaar
Rooftop and indoor lounge on Place Abdel Moumen Ben Ali. DJ sets on weekends, hookah, cocktails, and a mixed international crowd. One of Gueliz's more reliable nightlife options.
Cafe du Livre
Bookshop-bar on Rue Tariq Ibn Ziad. A rare combination of cold beer, good wine, and actual books. Draws expats and educated Moroccans. Low-key atmosphere with conversation-level music.
Grand Cafe de la Poste
Colonial-era brasserie on Boulevard El Mansour Eddahbi. High ceilings, art deco details, and a terrace that fills for evening drinks. French-Moroccan cuisine. Popular with business travelers and older tourists.