Long before Michale Curtiz’s iconic 1942 film became a box office smash, Casablanca served as an important business and commercial center. Gradually the city has had a ripple effect and eyes around the world are tuning into Casablanca’s art and culture scene. This shift was particularly evident in 2019 when several airports in key cities like Boston, Philadelphia, Beijing, and Miami added direct routes to Casablanca.
Casablanca's trendsetting and liberating ambiance is woven into the fabric of everyday life. Beyond its importance as the leading financial capital, Casablanca is also known for its strength in the arts. France and Morocco’s artistic and intellectual circles were primarily privy to this burgeoning community. Renown artists such as Moroccan modern painter Mohamed Melehi- recognized who linked Bauhauism to Islamic art- have long made an impact on the city.
Melehi, alongside his innovative “Casablanca School” peers like Farid Belkahia, Mohammed Chabâa, Bert Flint and Toni Maraini influenced post-colonial art during the 1960s in both Casablanca and beyond.
Casablanca offers a wide range of dining experiences coupled with live music. Nightlife can be found in elegant restaurants, jazz bars, clubs and upscale hotel settings located around the United Nations Square and on the Corniche. The Corniche is well-appointed near Casablanca’s business district and frequented by the fashionable Ain Diab neighborhood crowd. It is also considered one of the city’s green areas.
Here is a guide to some of the best places to experience Casablanca's vibrant nightlife:
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Top Nightlife Spots in Casablanca
1. Le Petit Rocher
Founded in 1932, the Little Rock House is a renovated waterside bistro cottage that once served as a lighthouse. Its history includes hosting performances of talented musicians during the 80s and 90s. Today the restaurant stands as a cultural institution that has endured several, stylistic makeovers. Over the past decade, Le Petit Rocher has been reimagined into an elegant and contemporary space with coastal views. In keeping with the past, it is also one of Casablanca’s top choices for an evening of tasty food and lively music.
In 2000, Little Rock focused on recreating a menu for the senses. Today it serves fresh seafood, inclusive of seafood platters, paella, and other fresh catch of the day.
2. La Bodega
Located near Boulevard Mohammed V Art Deco, in the heart of Casablanca’s Art Deco district, La Bodega is a hybrid tapas bar-restaurant. It is the perfect destination for those interested in listening to everything from salsa to Arabic pop. The restaurant offers a fusion of both French and Spanish cuisine.
La Bodega’s innovative tapa style menu is curated by Chef Jilali and serves up Andalusian and Catalan inspired charcuterie, seafood, and mixed grill. Beyond its savory delights, La Bodega’s wine list is extensive and is especially enjoyed when the restaurant transforms from a rustic and cozy space into a saucy Jazz Club.
3. Rick’s Cafe
This romantic restaurant and piano bar was inspired by the 1942 film Casablanca made famous by Humphrey Bogart and Ingrid Bergman. Since it’s 2004 opening, the restaurant has set a high bar for dinner and jazzy evenings in Casablanca. From Tuesday to Sunday, Issam Chabaa plays classic French, Spanish and Brazilian songs on the piano and American favorites like Summertime, The Lady is a Tramp, and Blue Moon.
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Sundays, in particular, are programmed to host jazz sessions for local and amateur jazz musicians living in Casablanca or passing through. In addition to its superior entertainment, the two-floor romantic eatery is distinguished by its decor. Curved arches, a sculpted rooftop bar, balconies, balustrades, stenciled brass lighting, and an authentic 1930’s piano have thoughtfully been added to transport clients into the ’40s and ’50s.
Among the menu items are fresh fish entrees like sole meuniere or richer selections like steak or foie gras and goat cheese salad. Rick’s Cafe was established by the former Kathy Kriger, who was an American diplomat in Morocco.
4. Skybar 28
Skybar 28 is well-appointed at the top of the five-star 28 stories B-Twin Center, Kenzi Tower Hotel. It is considered the top destination for visitors to Casablanca who is in search of cocktails and dinner with a view. The luxurious hotel tower was designed by the internationally renowned architect Ricardo Bofill who thoughtfully opened up the restaurant to profit from the Atlantic Ocean views.
The Art deco themed penthouse bar has an intimate lounge setting and subdued lighting. Skybar 28 is the perfect setting for an evening of classy tapas, wine, and live music after a day of exploring Casablanca.
5. Cabestan
Created in 1927, this trendy, upscale seafood restaurant offers some of the most spectacular views of the Casablanca rocky coast. A favorite of artists, designers, politicians, and businessmen Cabestan is the place to be post-sunset. Designers Sophia Sebti and Yachar Bouhaya created three elegant spaces that have become the choice destination for those who desire an evening of fine bistro cuisine accompanied by music and an exceptional ambiance.
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In addition to the stunning sea views, Cabestan’s menu, created by Chef Fabien Caboy, is the reason it continues to buzz. Menu favorites include Mediterranean tapa dishes, fresh oysters from Dakhla, and herb-infused linguini and clams pasta.
6. Le Kimmyz
Le Kimmyz is a lively French bistro with a high-quality gastronomy menu and extraordinary wine selection. Depending on the day of the week, the restaurant’s funky decor transforms from being a Parisian style musical brasserie into an upscale sports bar.
7. Le Jardin del Opera
Le Jardin del Opera is a chic brasserie situated across from the Grand Casablanca Theatre. It is defined by Casablancans and travelers to Morocco by its French heritage, culinary menu and inspired “garden opera setting”. Le Jardin’s concepts are executed by restaurant head Farid Al Achbili and director Joël Boivert.
The menu has been set to meet a high standard with its offer of exotic yet simple cuisine. Dining choices are comprised of original recipes that respect fresh ingredients of the season. Le Jardin del Opera’s foie gras with Moroccan white wine pairing is not to be missed.
8. Le Casablanca Lounge Bar
Le Casablanca Lounge Bar is situated inside Le Casablanca Hotel, a luxurious property in the exclusive Anfa neighborhood. This trendy lounge, Art Deco bar immerses visitors in a world of glamour. The cocktail bar is staged in a harmonious space of high ceilings, chandeliers, luxurious red and black velvet sofas, marquetry furniture, haute couture beveled mirrors, and accented handmade stucco lace. Taste of refinement and elegance can be found at Le Casablanca’s terrace while sipping a glass of champagne.
Beyond the Usual Spots
While the establishments listed above offer a great starting point, Casablanca has much more to offer those willing to explore. Here are a few additional options worth considering:
- Casa Fish: Specializing in fresh seafood, located on Place Ahmed El Bidaoui near the Old Medina.
- Aussie-owned trendy café: Located in the Gauthier district, known for artisanal coffees and organic, healthy, locally sourced food.
- Stylish cocktail bar/lounge: Offers good food, creative drinks, live music, DJ performances, and dancing.
- Lively Spanish style tapas/sports bar: Features live music and salsa dancing with an energetic vibe.
Casablanca’s tramway is new, efficient, clean and cheap, but petit taxis are another budget-friendly option, and practical at night. They work like Uber Pool and has room for 3 passengers.
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Tips for Enjoying Casablanca's Nightlife
The rhythmic pulse of Darija rap mingles with the scent of mint tea and shisha as you explore Casablanca after dark. To fully appreciate Casablanca's nightlife, consider these tips:
- Explore Different Neighborhoods: Ain Diab and the Corniche for upscale beachfront experiences, Maarif and Gauthier for trendy lounges, and the historic city center for more traditional offerings.
- Embrace the Timing: Prime nightlife hours run significantly later, with many venues not reaching their peak until after 11 PM and continuing until 3 AM or later.
- Consider Rooftop Lounges: Venues like Sky 28 at the Kenzi Tower Hotel offer panoramic views.
- Enjoy Live Music: Visit Complexe Culturel Sidi Belyout for authentic musical experiences.
- Pace Yourself: Alternate high-energy venues with recovery periods.
- Stay Hydrated: Carry a collapsible water bottle and refill it throughout the night.
- Book Accommodations Wisely: The Gauthier district offers numerous boutique hotels within walking distance of quality lounges and music venues.
Remember that the most memorable nightlife experiences often emerge from conversations with locals, spontaneous detours, and willingness to adjust your itinerary as new opportunities appear.
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