An intimate rooftop restaurant tucked within the boutique riad hotel Izza, Noujoum offers a menu that honours Morocco’s rich culinary heritage
Arriving at Noujoum, the eclectic, intimate rooftop restaurant tucked within the boutique riad hotel Izza, feels like a secret haven, offering respite from the city’s hustle while echoing the timeless elegance of Marrakech itself. After weaving through narrow alleyways and the noise of the bustling souks – the clatter of metal, the calls of merchants, the rhythmic hum of conversation – all fall away the moment you step through the subtle, intricately designed wooden carved doorway. Inside Izza, the cool air is scented with jasmine, and the soft glow of lanterns illuminates the ornate, Moorish-inspired arches and plush velvet cushions scattered across the intimate space. This 1960s counterculture era of spiritual escapism and human connection is kept alive at Izza through her shared dining spaces and the acts of local musicians.
A particularly sustainable Moroccan menu balances tradition with innovation, with dishes such as rabbit ravioli and crab croquettes, alongside monkfish tagine. Noujoum is celebrated for its vibrant cuisine, characterised by aromatic spices, bold flavours, and colourful presentations. But beyond its culinary allure, the restaurant at Izza also embraces sustainability as a core principle in modern gastronomy. A Moroccan menu harmonises traditional dishes with environmentally conscious practices, emphasising local ingredients, reducing waste, and supporting small-scale farmers. Izza has created a menu that honours Morocco’s rich culinary heritage while promoting ecological responsibility.
Moroccan food is inherently sustainable, rooted in traditions that enhance seasonal ingredients and resourcefulness. Staples like couscous, lentils, and preserved lemons reflect centuries-old practices of maximising flavour while minimising waste. This heritage aligns seamlessly with today’s focus on reducing carbon footprints and fostering sustainable food systems.
The seasonal menu at Noujoum, curated by British consultant chef Paul Weaver, reflects a deep commitment to local and sustainable gastronomy. Ingredients are sourced from the vibrant souks, local organic farms, and the Izza rooftop garden, creating a menu that celebrates the richness of Morocco. By blending traditional cooking techniques with European influences, Noujoum’s dishes offer a harmonious fusion of flavours that showcase the best of Moroccan cuisine.
Embracing Izza’s signature relaxed ambience and world-class hospitality, the lunch and dinner menus feature an array of small plates and sharing dishes. Highlights include crab and leek croquettes, king prawns with langoustine and saffron mayonnaise, and beef carpaccio with truffled artichoke, pickled girolles, and pastilla. Vegetarian delights such as baked spiced aubergine caponata with stracciatella, basil, and capers, alongside standout mains like Noujoum’s monkfish tagine with charred peppers and fennel, ensure a variety of offerings. The seafood, sourced sustainably from Ace Maree Fish Supplier, is complemented by the finest local and international wines.
Leading the kitchen is head chef Ahmad El Hardoum, a seasoned professional with over 15 years of experience in Marrakech’s renowned restaurants and hotels, including Le Palais Paysan and El Fenn, where he served as chef de cuisine. Supporting him are Pastry Chef Abderazzak El Boukhari, whose decade of expertise delivers exquisite, unforgettable desserts. Together, they bring creativity and culinary mastery to Noujoum, offering guests an exceptional dining experience.
Known as the ‘House of Friends,’ Noujoum at Izza draws inspiration from the hedonistic intellectuals and creative visionaries who flocked to Marrakech in the 50s, 60s and 70s. At its heart lies the legacy of luminaries such as Jack Kerouac, Jimi Hendrix, Yves Saint Laurent, and Grace Jones. However, Izza’s most profound influence is Bill Willis, the celebrated architect and bon vivant who helped shape the city’s identity.
For four decades, Willis lived a bohemian life at Dar Noujoum, his cherished home in Marrakech. Renowned as the pioneer of Moroccan-style interiors, he designed opulent residences for the likes of Yves Saint Laurent and redefined the aesthetic of the red city. His iconic style weaves through every corner of the boutique hotel, particularly the Bill Willis Bar.
This elegant space pays homage to Willis’ genius, with intricate details that echo his most famous projects. The bar’s floor nods to his work on Rick’s Café Américain, immortalised in Casablanca, while the tadelakt walls and zellige tiles reflect the timeless craftsmanship found in his own home. Adorned with artefacts and photographs that chronicle Willis’ vibrant life, the bar stands as a testament to his enduring influence on Moroccan design and the bohemian spirit of Marrakech.
Riana Pervez was a guest of Izza in Marrakech. Find out more about the hotel here.
