History: Hollywood sets versus the real restaurant
The 1942 film Casablanca was shot in California—the famous café did not exist on Moroccan streets at the time. The real Rick's Café opened in 2004, founded by American diplomat Kathy Kriger as a homage to the movie, not a surviving film set.
That distinction matters for travelers: you are booking a working restaurant with live music and house rules, not a museum of props. The mood is deliberately cinematic, but the visit logistics match other polished Casablanca dining rooms.
How Rick’s Café feels inside
Expect low light, arches, brass details, white walls, and a Pleyel piano. In the evening a pianist often plays “As Time Goes By”—aim for a table around 18:30, before the densest seating wave.
When you reserve, ask for a second-floor table overlooking the piano: it is the best angle for phone photos. Professional cameras and tripods are not allowed—smartphones only, no flash, and no blocking service.
Practical tips for visitors
Reservations and dress code
Booking 2–3 days ahead is normal, especially Friday–Sunday. Dress code is smart casual: no beachwear or flip-flops. Keep the confirmation offline with your eSIM and Medina maps.
Getting there: Medina edge, facing the port
Address: 248 Bd Sour Jdid, on the edge of the old Medina opposite the port area. After Hassan II Mosque, a taxi or short walk is easiest; inside the Medina, look for the white façade and palms. For evening logistics, carry travel insurance and the usual big-port habits—valuables out of sight, hotel route planned.
One-day Casablanca plan with AlpacaBag
A calm dense day: Medina morning, Hassan II midday, Rick's Café at 18:30, Corniche afterward. If you want a different pace or side trips, build the day in the AlpacaBag route wizard.
| Time | Stop | Note |
|---|---|---|
| 09:30–12:00 | Old Medina | Markets and lanes at an easy pace; keep valuables close |
| 12:30–15:00 | Hassan II Mosque | Guided visit or the seaside exterior walk; check day’s schedule on site |
| 18:30–21:00 | Rick's Café | Reserved dinner table; best chance to hear “As Time Goes By” on piano |
| After 21:00 | Corniche Ain Diab | Oceanfront stroll or a late drink with El Hank lighthouse views |
For more Africa-city planning ideas, see our guides to safe Cape Town neighborhoods and what to see beyond the Waterfront. A city tour or transfer helps if you prefer not to hail taxis between the mosque and the Corniche at rush hour.
Build a calmer Casablanca day
Set your dates and pace—AlpacaBag schedules the Medina, Hassan II, Rick's Café, and the Corniche without the scramble.
FAQ
Do I need a reservation at Rick’s Café Casablanca?
Yes. For weekend evenings and peak season, book 2–3 days ahead on the official site or by phone. Walk-ins are only seated if tables free—and often not with a piano view.
What is the dress code at Rick’s Café?
Smart casual: neat trousers or a dress, closed shoes. Beach shorts, gym tanks, and flip-flops are usually turned away. If you come from the Corniche, leave time to change at your hotel.
How do I get to Rick’s Café in Casablanca?
The address is 248 Bd Sour Jdid, on the edge of the old Medina facing the port area. Taxi or a short walk after Hassan II Mosque works best. Inside the Medina, look for the white façade and palms at the entrance.
How much does dinner cost—and is it worth it?
Budget roughly 400–700 Moroccan dirhams per person with drinks. The kitchen mixes seafood, Moroccan classics, and international plates; you pay as much for film atmosphere and live music as for the food. If you only want the cinematic moment, a cocktail or dessert can be enough.
Can I use a professional camera inside?
No. Pro photo and video gear are banned; smartphones only. When booking, ask for a second-floor table overlooking the Pleyel piano—the best spot for atmospheric phone shots without a flash.