Rick’s Café, Casablanca

Rick’s Cafe, Casablanca, Morocco © Edward Mack

“Of all the gin joints in all the towns in all the world…”

It just wouldn’t feel right to start this review without a quote from Casablanca. Rick’s is, after all, an homage to the film. It isn’t the original café — which never existed — but it was built in 2004 as a loving reproduction based on the film.

From the outside, Rick’s could be any other restaurant in Morocco, but step inside and you’ll be swept back in time to the 1940s. The elegantly decorated riad and the gentle jazz piano invite you to pretend you belong to a different time, for one night at least.

If you go for dinner, you will need reservations, as Rick’s is one of Casablanca’s only higher-end restaurants. The menu features seafood and Moroccan staples in addition to international cuisine such as hamburgers.

I wasn’t lucky enough to get a table on the night I went to Rick’s, but instead sat at the bar, which may have been even more pleasant. The bartender crafted me a gin martini, taking care to ask my preference of gin, vermouth, garnish and how much of each. Like the location, the bartender was a throwback — engaging me in interesting conversation and introducing me to the other guests at the bar, so that by the end of the night everyone was friends.

© SnippyHolloW | Flickr

I was a little skeptical that Rick’s, being built post factum, would be a low-quality theme restaurant. This could not have been farther from the truth. Rick’s, before anything, is an elegant, classy location, and a tribute to the movie second. The only hint it was themed at all was the movie playing at the bar. When the check came, there was a bit of a negotiation over what I had and hadn’t ordered. As I had moved to a different seat and was being served by a waiter, this may have been an honest mistake or not; just be aware if you go.

And remember, if you go, it may be the beginning of a beautiful friendship.

Rick’s Cafe Casablanca

248 Rue Sour Jdid

Casablanca, Morocco

212 5222 74207