Riad Numero 9

Eating

Even the cooking is full of delightful surprises.

Breakfasts might include fresh juices such as lime and anise, homemade yoghurt with fruit and pancakes, goats cheese and pumpkin omelettes, fresh bread with honey and his own jams. Bruno, who managed a restaurant in the Marais district of Paris for 10 years, cooks superbly. He will provide lunch or dinner for guests on request: a light herb and pomegranate salad with a lime and sesame dressing perhaps, or the freshest swordfish steaks with fennel and anise.

If you want to head out, the spectacular 19th-century Palais Mnebhi is very close, but Bruno and Stephen can recommend a few lesser known restaurants, from the cheap and cheerful Medina Café near Bab Boujloud, which has "a good sheesha (water pipe) and is comfortable for women alone", to the ceremonial dining and live music of Maison Bleue.