Best Cafés & Breakfast places in Tangier

Tangier has one of the strongest café cultures in Morocco. Cafés here were never just about coffee. During the International Zone era (1923-1956), they were meeting points for writers, artists, and exiles – Paul Bowles and the Beat generation had their regular tables in the city.

Some iconic spots are still open today, like Café Hafa (since 1921) and Gran Café de Paris. In recent years, new specialty coffee shops and breakfast places have joined them. After 10+ years in Morocco, these are the best cafés and breakfast places in Tangier worth your time.

Also, ready my Tangier travel guide here: Tangier Morocco ultimate travel guide. (the best travel guide ever – so many places and things).

Café Baba

THE LEGEND. Café Baba opened in 1941 and became an iconic Tangier landmark, attracting The Rolling Stones and other major cultural figures drawn to the café’s bohemian atmosphere. The café gained prominence in the 1940s when American heiress Barbara Hutton frequented it and sent celebrity friends from her villa parties. Over 76 years, the café has served kings, actors, filmmakers, and punk rock legend Patti Smith. The walls display photographs of famous visitors, creating a visual record of Tangier’s cultural heritage. Family-owned since its founding, the café remains legendary for its relaxed rooftop setting overlooking the medina and authentic historical atmosphere. Very simple, smoky, and only serves coffee and tea.

Cafe Culturel Cherifa

Cafe Culturel Cherifa is a simple, artsy café in Kasbah (close to Cafe Baba) known for its sunset views. Good for a relaxed drink at the end of the day. Love the interior!

Gran Café de Paris

Gran Café de Paris in Tangier has stood on Place de France since the 1920s. It’s a classic people-watching café – opens early, big windows onto the square, old-school waiters. It featured in The Bourne Ultimatum and was a regular haunt of Tangier’s literary set. Opens early, so it’s perfect when you need an early breakfast in Tangier Medina (or more at the end of the Medina), when everything else is closed. Love the historical interior.

I found Tsood in the Medina of Tangier (close to the Kasbah) by accident while looking for breakfast places that open earlier. It is a a small place, super chill and the staff are friendly. They serve Moroccan snacks and breakfast, but more ” European “- adapted versions, including matcha. Artsy and cool.

Alma Kitchen & Coffee

Alma Kitchen and Café is a trendy breakfast/brunch spot in the new town of Tangier. It’s known for its photogenic interior and good brunches. Many locals; perfect if you want international breakfast/lunch and matcha vibes.

Café Hafa

Café Hafa has been open since 1921 and is one of Tangier’s most famous cafes. Its stepped terraces sit on the cliffs above the Strait of Gibraltar, looking towards Spain. The drink to order there is mint tea. It’s been a haunt of writers and musicians for decades, from Paul Bowles to the Rolling Stones, and the terrace stays busy. In my opinion, it’s way too busy and crowded; many come just to take pictures. Located a bit outside the Medina, right next to the Phoenician Tombs, so can see both in one (mind the steep hill or get a taxi).

Cinema Rif Café

The Cinema Rif café is part of the Cinémathèque de Tanger on the Grand Socco. The art-house cinema was founded in 2006 and the café is a cultural meeting point. It’s a good spot for coffee, deserts, with a programme of films and events. I love this place – this is where the artsy younger generation of Tangier hangs out. Definetly check some movies there.

Las chicas boutique & coffee

Originally, I went to Las Chicas boutique in Kasbah to check local designers clothes/accesories and other beautiful things, but then I also ended up in their second-floor hidden cafe. I loved the interior, the views of the Kasbah, and the good service.