Riad Malaïka

This award-winning, efficiently-run riad is well placed in the Scala district in the western part of the ancient medina. With no sign outside visitors might need to be guided there. An L-shaped salon wraps around a tiled fragrant courtyard off which a kitchen becomes a hive of activity from midday as several women prepare the evening meal. Guests can savour a slightly more diverse menu here - worth noting for those suffering from tagine-overload. Puddings are creative and sublime. On cold nights there's a cosy fire where you will be joined by Malik, the resident cat. A chatty parrot can be heard chirping perkily throughout the day. There's a choice of rooms over three floors with the most private being the top floor suite. This overlooks a sheltered roof terrace furnished with both shaded and exposed seating depending on whether guests want to be sun blasted or tucked away.