Les 3 Portes

Description:

• This hip and intimate pizzeria -- located underneath a section of the medina's ramparts -- is owned and managed by a group of young and vibrant sisters and cousins hailing from Casablanca, who after initial local resistance are now operating one of Essaouira's most popular restaurants. A welcome variant for those suffering from tagine and couscous fatigue, the menu offers a fairly simple yet delicious range of Italian standards. Eleven choices of toppings from their wood-fired pizza oven include a Mogador with tuna, prawns, and calamari, and an Indian with chicken and onions. There's also a selection of pastas and risotto; the saffron and seafood is a personal favorite. There are veggie options as well, and a take-away service is handy for those wishing to eat on the beach. Alcohol is not available for purchase, but you can bring your own.

• © Frommer's 2013