La Sqala occupies a bastion of the 18th-century Portuguese fortifications at the northern edge of the old medina — a robust stone structure built to defend the harbour and subsequently converted into one of the most characterful restaurants in Casablanca. The dining rooms are within the thick walls; the main draw is the garden courtyard, shaded by bougainvillea and fruit trees, which provides a quiet escape from the city's noise.
The menu is traditional Moroccan: tagines, couscous, pastilla, harira soup, and good Moroccan pastries. The quality is consistently high and the setting does most of the work. Lunch here is a pleasant ritual — the food arrives slowly, the garden is cool, and the bill is reasonable. Popular with Casablancans as well as visitors. Arrive at the weekend with a reservation or expect to wait.