سماء · “the sky” in Arabic
SAMA, the rooftop facing the Koutoubia, above the Marrakech medina
5.0 on Google · 80 reviewsSunset tonight
—
Medina, Marrakech
5pmHead upstairs
A rooftop above the medina.
Sama means “the sky” in Arabic. It is the rooftop of the Rmili family, the people behind Diaffa and La Rôtisserie de la Paix.
Leave the heat of the alleys below, climb the stairs, and the Koutoubia is right there in front of you. Green and white striped banquettes, brass, a flamingo neon, a wall of mirrors. You come for a sunset drink and stay far longer than planned.
- Open
- Wednesday to Monday, from 5pm
- Closed
- Tuesdays
- Address
- 1 Rue Jbel Lakhdar, on top of Diaffa
6:30pmGolden hour
The first drink, as the light turns.
This is the moment everyone comes up for. The minaret turns gold and the music slowly rises. Arrive an hour before sunset: the tables facing the Koutoubia go first.
Sunset
—
Golden hour from
—
Calculated daily for the medina.
Book for sunset
7:30pmDinner
Cocktails and plates to share.
A menu made for big tables and long evenings. The family has been hosting Marrakech since 1946, and you can feel it in the service.
8:45pmBlue hour
The Koutoubia, and its reflection.
The sky turns violet, the string lights come on and the minaret appears in the mirror wall. It is the photo everyone takes.
Share yours with @sama.marrakech.rooftop
10pmNight
And then, the night.
Music from sunset until late, and DJ nights with guest selectors. The weekly line-up is on Instagram.
Private hireThe rooftop, yours
Private hire & events
A birthday, a dinner with friends, a company evening or a launch: SAMA can be booked in full or in part, with the Koutoubia as your backdrop.
Up to 140 seated guests, across three spaces to book together or separately: the main space in the centre, the bar area and the secret terrace (24 covers).
Food, cocktails and music are tailored to your event. Tell us the date, the number of guests and the mood, and we will come back to you with a proposal.
- Birthdays & private parties
- Group dinners & weddings
- Corporate evenings & offsites
- Launches, photo shoots & filming
The family
A family hosting Marrakech since 1946.
FAQ
Before you come up
Where is the SAMA rooftop in Marrakech?
On the roof of Diaffa restaurant, in the medina, at 1 Rue Jbel Lakhdar, a few minutes’ walk from the Koutoubia and Jemaa el-Fna square. The rooftop faces the minaret.
How do I get to SAMA?
SAMA is about 400 m from the Koutoubia and 500 m from Jemaa el-Fna square, as the crow flies. There is a private car park nearby, not run by SAMA. By taxi, ask for “Diaffa restaurant, Rue Jbel Lakhdar”.
When should I come to SAMA for the sunset?
About an hour before. Today’s exact sunset time is shown at the top of this page.
Do I need to book at SAMA?
It is recommended for sunset and at weekends, on WhatsApp at +212 6 65 63 30 90. Walk-ins are welcome for drinks, depending on availability.
Can I book the SAMA rooftop for a private event?
Yes, in full (up to 140 seated guests) or by space (the main space, the bar area or the 24-cover secret terrace), for a birthday, a group dinner, a company evening or a launch. Send the date and number of guests on WhatsApp at +212 6 65 63 30 90.
What are SAMA’s opening hours?
Wednesday to Monday, from 5pm to 1:30am. Closed on Tuesdays.
What does SAMA serve?
House cocktails and sharing plates, with music from sunset until late and DJ nights.
Who owns SAMA?
The Rmili family, who are also behind Diaffa (opened in 1994 in a 16th-century house) and La Rôtisserie de la Paix in Guéliz, since 1946.
What does SAMA mean?
Sama (سماء) means “the sky” in Arabic.
Visit
Plan your visit
Getting here
SAMA is about 400 m from the Koutoubia and 500 m from Jemaa el-Fna square, as the crow flies, right in the heart of the medina.
Private car park nearby (not run by SAMA). By taxi, ask for “Diaffa restaurant, Rue Jbel Lakhdar”.
Opening hours
Wednesday to Monday
5pm – 1:30am
Closed on Tuesdays