Pepe Nero Marrakech is a unique, luxury experience. Photo by Emily Salgado

Pepe Nero Marrakech is The Place to Celebrate

Updated on April 25, 2023

Pepe Nero Pool Marrakesh Morocco
Brimming Beauty at Pepe Nero Marrakesh, Morocco

When my niece, Emily, and nephew, Andres, said they’d be visiting me in Morocco for 48 hours, I wanted a perfect place to take them for dinner. I sought somewhere signature Moroccan — mysterious, exotic, and beautiful. A place that practices hospitality and serves a mix of traditional local and European delicious dishes. Pepe Nero Marrakech granted every desire and more.

Mysterious…The night began with the thrill of intrigue.  Afraid I could never lead us through the medina, a medieval labyrinth of darkness, deserted streets, and closed shops at night, I was relieved that  Chahid Essafa, truly a Customer Service Extraordinaire, said he’d send a guide to escort us. Excited, we waited in front of Café de France, mesmerized by the lanterns glowing across Jemaa el Fna square. Behind us, a man in a black suit appeared.

Pepe Nero escorts guests to the restaurant by request.
Pepe Nero escorts guests to the restaurant by request.

He serenely introduced himself, turned, and led the way, shielding us from errant motorcyclists as we wound around corners and down solemn streets. Only our shadows and those of a few feral cats stretched up the red clay walls as we silently walked under lamplights. Though our destination was less than ten minutes away, adrenaline flowed from the surreal setting and suspense of wondering behind which wall our journey would end.

And then Emily and Andres experienced what I love about this city.  A desolate alleyway. A door swings open. Inside…paradise.

Pepe Nero Marrakesh
Pepe Nero is the former palace of Moroccan royalty.

Pepe Nero Marrakesh Morocco
Guests enjoy poolside dinner at Pepe Nero Marrakech. 

U.S. guests visit expat aunt at Pepe Nero Marrakesh
Cindy McCain with Marrakesh guests Emily and Andres Salgado.

Pepe Nero Marrakesh offers Italian and Moroccan cuisine in a former Pasha's palace.
Pepe Nero Marrakesh offers Italian and Moroccan cuisine in a former Pasha’s palace.

Beautiful…Carrara marble,  cedar ceilings, and Moorish fountains transport guests to another time.   We ate by the Andalusian pool flanked by flaming torches from a James Bond dream set. Trees reached for the moon—gorgeous that night—as we sat under the stars. Bougainvillea draped from the second-story balcony.

View from second floor apartments of Pepe Nero

Flowers cascade from second floor Pepe Nero apartments

Exotic… Pepe Nero Marrakech is the restaurant within Riyad Al Moussika, the former palace of “Lord of the Atlas,” Pasha of Marrakech from 1912-1956.  According to BBC, Thami El Giaoui at the time of his death “was the most powerful man in Morocco and one of the wealthiest men in the world.” Guests can rent one of six luxury suites overlooking the two lavish courtyards. Breakfast is served on the terrace rooftop overlooking the Atlas mountains.

Guest room at Pepe Nero Marrakesh
Guest room at Pepe Nero Marrakesh

Guest suite at Pepe Nero Marrakesh
Guest suite at Pepe Nero Marrakesh

Guest room at Pepe Nero Marrakesh
Bed fit for a queen at Pepe Nero Marrakesh where royalty lived.

Luxurious en suite bath at Pepe Nero
Luxurious en suite bath at Pepe Nero

Brimming beauty at Pepe Nero Marrakesh
Brimming beauty at Pepe Nero Marrakesh

Haute cuisine...Guests can choose from two menus—one Moroccan, one Italian–prepared by Mr. Khalid Essafa Robazza, Cordon Bleu Chef and owner.  We three went with Moroccan because When in Rome… (and Emily and Andres had just come from there).  We feasted on salads and Harira Soup (a tradition), then roasted leg of lamb, lamb tagine, and Pastilla di Piccione (pigeon pie–a local delicacy).  The waiters were attentive, kind, and patient as we toured the riad, Emily and I tag-teaming behind the camera.

Fresh orange juice welcome drinks at Pepe Nero
Welcomed with fresh orange drinks

Emily and Andres Salgado at Pepe Nero Marrakesh
Emily and Andres Salgado at Pepe Nero Marrakesh

Cindy McCain and Nephew Andres Salgado at Pepe Nero. Photo by Emily Salgado.
Cindy McCain and Nephew Andres Salgado at Pepe Nero. Photo by Emily Salgado.

Emily Salgado at Pepe Nero Marrakesh
Emily Salgado at Pepe Nero Marrakesh

Cindy McCain Southern Girl Gone Global at Pepe Nero Marrakesh
Thrilled to be celebrating life with family at Pepe Nero

Meal at Pepe Nero Marrakesh
Our starters at Pepe Nero Marrakesh

Lamb Tagine at Pepe Nero Marrakesh
Lamb Tagine

Roasted Shoulder of Lamb at Pepe Nero Marrakesh
Roasted Shoulder of Lamb

Cinnamon-glazed Pastilla at Pepe Nero
Cinnamon-glazed Pastilla
Server pouring mint tea Moroccan style at Pepe Nero
Our excellent server pouring mint tea Moroccan style at Pepe Nero

The food was so delicious, the dining experience so exceptional and the wine list so tempting, I returned the following week with my friend, Jasna, to try one dish off the Italian menu–lasagna that was the best I’ve had anywhere– so I could save room for dessert. As a Kentucky girl, I chose the Bourbon Vanilla Crème Brûlée with the crunch-cream topping–my new favorite dessert in all of Morocco. Pepe Nero provides complimentary cake for birthday parties.  It’s a five-star dining experience at affordable prices, and I’m already looking forward to the next celebration.

Lasagna at Pepe Nero Marrakesh
Lasagna at Pepe Nero Marrakesh

Best crème brulée of my life at Pepe Nero Marrakesh
Best crème brulée of my life at Pepe Nero Marrakesh

Cordon Bleu Chef/Owner Khalid Essafa Robazza  and Southern Girl Gone Global Cindy McCain at Pepe Nero
Pepe Nero Marrakesh Cordon Bleu Chef/Owner Khalid Essafa Robazza

Southern Girl Gone Global Cindy McCain with Pepe Nero Manager Manager Chahid Essafa
Gracious Manager Chahid Essafa

Southern Girl Gone Global Cindy McCain with Khalid, Member of Wonderful Waitstaff at Pepe Nero Marrakesh
Khalid, Member of Wonderful Waitstaff

Cindy McCain, Southern Girl Gone Global at Pepe Nero Marrakesh
Nights to remember at Pepe Nero Marrakesh

Cindy McCain

I'm Cindy McCain, Southern Girl Gone Global, who flew from my empty Nashville nest to write/teach for three years in magical Marrakesh, Morocco and the Caribbean. Now back in Nashville, I'm still sharing tales, tips, and takeaways from living abroad, exploring 27 countries, and finding treasures in my own backyard. My travel/lifestyle blog offers destination itineraries and reviews of stays, spas, restaurants, and excursions; recipes/books/movies that transport; and life lessons I'm still learning as a single mom who is both a Stage 5 Clinger and a Gypsy Soul. It's a celebration of letting go of fear, holding tighter to faith, and finding freedom in roots and wings. Featured in Yahoo! News, US News and World Report, Expedia, Orbitz, StyleBlueprint, SheKnows.com. Named in Top 35 Baby Boomer Blogs to Follow in 2020-2023 by Feedspot, Top 50 Travel Blogs of 2016 by UK’s Market Inspector and recipient of the Nashville Area Chamber of Commerce Journalism and Hispanic Community Award.

One thought on “Pepe Nero Marrakech is The Place to Celebrate

  • December 17, 2015 at 1:42 PM
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    Beautiful!!

    Reply

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