Henna Café

Overview & Concept

Henna Café is a distinctive social enterprise café located in Marrakech's medina at 144 Arset Aouzal Road, just a three-minute walk from the bustling Djemaa el Fna square. Founded in 2011 as a cultural association, the café operates as a multi-purpose venue combining food service, henna artistry, and art gallery spaces. The establishment is run by American artist Lori K. Gordon and Moroccan Berber Rachid Karkouch, and operates seven days a week from 11:00 AM to 8:00 PM. The café is deeply committed to supporting local communities, hiring exclusively Moroccan staff and partnering with local artists and cultural organizations.

Culinary Experience

The menu reflects a thoughtful approach to inclusive dining, featuring traditional Moroccan dishes alongside fusion creations and specialized dietary options. Signature items include crispy lentil crepes, Berber burritos made with traditional Moroccan bread, falafel with fresh vegetable accompaniments, and vegetable tajines. The café offers approximately 34 gluten-free menu items clearly marked on the menu, with staff trained in celiac awareness. Vegan and vegetarian options are abundant, including avocado toast, hummus, salads, and vegetable-based mains. Popular beverages include the non-alcoholic Berber Mojito and a selection of seven varieties of Amazigh tea infused with ingredients such as wormwood, wild thyme, and geranium leaves. Pricing is exceptionally affordable, with soups and salads starting at 25 dirhams, mains at 40 dirhams, drinks at 15-25 dirhams, and desserts at 20-30 dirhams. Signature desserts feature amlou, a traditional spread made from almonds, honey, and argan oil.

Henna Artistry & Gallery Spaces

The café operates a professional henna studio on the ground floor, staffed by skilled local artists. The establishment uses exclusively 100% natural henna and holds ICNHA certification as a natural henna provider. The Henna Gallery and Hand of Fatima Gallery display work by local artists, while the art shop sells pieces that support community projects. Many visitors book henna appointments upon arrival, enjoy lunch on the terraces, and return for their tattoo afterward. A comprehensive design catalogue is provided, with fixed pricing and professional aftercare instructions.

Physical Layout & Atmosphere

The venue spans two floors within the medina's winding streets. The ground level houses the henna studios and art galleries, while the upper level features two peaceful rooftop terraces overlooking the medina's traditional architecture. The space is decorated with henna-adorned paper flowers, Moroccan artistic touches, and displays of Amazigh artifacts alongside hand-colored historic photographs of Morocco's artistic traditions. Despite its proximity to the souk's energy, the café provides a tranquil retreat. Access involves climbing a flight of steep stairs to reach the upper dining areas.

Social Mission & Community Impact

Henna Café operates as a 100% charitable organization, with profits funding educational programs and community initiatives. During normal operations, the café provides up to eight free classes daily. The establishment works closely with El Fenn Maroc, a non-profit cultural association supporting Moroccan artists, and Lori K. Gordon's Six Degrees Consortium, which uses art to address social and cultural barriers. The café's commitment to hiring local staff and promoting Moroccan artists ensures that visitor spending directly supports the community.

Accessibility & Practical Information

The café accepts credit cards and offers free WiFi. It remains open 365 days a year, though hours may be shortened during Ramadan (11:00 AM to 4:45 PM with last orders at 4:45 PM). The location is easily accessible from central Marrakech, situated near the Pasha's Palace taxi stand and approximately a 10-minute walk from the Koutoubia Mosque. Staff speak English and are knowledgeable about dietary requirements and cultural sensitivities.