Marseille is a city that refuses to be defined by a single flavor. As France’s oldest city and the sun-drenched capital of Provence, it is a living crossroads where North African spice markets, Italian fishing traditions, and Corsican charcuterie collide with the briny freshness of the Mediterranean.
This is not the butter-and-cream cuisine of Paris; it is a vibrant, noisy, and deeply soulful food scene defined by olive oil, garlic, and the catch of the day. Eating here is as much about the atmosphere as it is about the plate. You can watch fishermen unload their boats in the Vallon des Auffes while eating sea urchins, or find yourself squeezing into a tiny bistro in Le Panier where the menu is scrawled on a chalkboard.
From the aroma of wood-fired pizzas to the sweet scent of North African pastries, Marseille offers a sensory journey that feels more like a bustling port town in the Mediterranean basin than a typical French metropolis. However, navigating the culinary landscape of France’s second-largest city can be overwhelming.
For every hidden gem serving transcendent bouillabaisse, there are tourist traps serving overpriced frozen seafood with a view. To truly understand Marseille, you must eat where the locals eat, embracing the city’s rough-around-the-edges charm and its unpretentious approach to dining.
The local cuisine is anchored by legendary dishes that carry the weight of history. The most famous is bouillabaisse, a fisherman’s stew that originated as a way to use up bony rockfish that couldn’t be sold at market. Today, it is a ceremonial dish, served in two parts: first the rich, saffron-infused broth poured over crusty bread rubbed with garlic and rouille, followed by the perfectly cooked fish.
Beyond the iconic stew, Marseille is the undisputed capital of pastis and pizza trucks, but it also boasts a thriving neo-bistro scene led by young chefs reimagining Provençal traditions. Whether you are hunting for the perfect pieds paquets (stuffed sheep’s feet and tripe) or a modern tasting menu, this guide covers the essential tables that define the city’s gastronomic identity.
Here are the 17 best restaurants in Marseille to add to your itinerary.
Chez Nous
| Address | 22 Pl. Notre Dame du Mont, 13006 Marseille |
|---|---|
| Maps | Click here |
| Website | Click here |
| Opening Hours | Monday: Closed Tuesday: Closed Wednesday: 7:00 – 10:00 PM Thursday: 7:00 – 10:00 PM Friday: 7:00 – 10:00 PM Saturday: 7:00 – 10:00 PM Sunday: 7:00 – 10:00 PM |
| Phone | 04 91 37 66 24 |
quite frankly the best meal i’ve had in france - and i have had many. if given the chance, i would definitely return the next time i were in marseille. very cosy and warm ambiance, restaurant ran by a couple who are extremely hospitable, language barrier not an issue, the lady running the service was very patient and cheerful.
a charm to have dined at a place that is unequivocally a hidden gem
Great food, from the grilled fish special to the apple tart dessert. The chef personally guided us through the menu and the waitress was attentive. Easiest to go with the menu of the day, but everything that came out to the other tables looked amazing, and guests were thrilled. Make reservations because there is limited seating, and once it's full that's it.
Friendly service, this is an old Marseille restaurant. The food is delicious and has a deep flavor that reflects the passage of time. I was impressed by the owner's friendly service. The restaurant quickly filled up with regular customers. I will leave with good memories.
Wow! Incredible dining experience. Theres only two of them running the family run restaurant. The lady was incredibly kind, sweet and patient. Easily one of the best restaurant owners I've ever experienced. She was very attentive to every single table and it was a full house. Always giving us attention and making sure we had everything and checking if all was okay. We had fresh delicious oysters, tasty hot escargots, tried the Marseille specialty which is essentially tripe. And then finished off with their steak with potatoes and green beans. Honestly, what a wonderful gem and I couldn't recommend this place enough. The hospitality and ambiance felt like everyone was one big family. This is the first place I will recommend to anyone coming to visit Marseille. Merci!! Et a la prochaine!!
Delicious cousine, with french cousine, available, attentive and nice staff, acceptable prices. We were satisfied and we can really recommend:-). And a "digestivo" gratuito at the end as icing on the cake 🙂
La Mercerie
| Address | 9 Cr Saint-Louis, 13001 Marseille |
|---|---|
| Maps | Click here |
| Website | Click here |
| Opening Hours | Monday: 12:00 – 2:15 PM, 7:15 – 9:30 PM Tuesday: Closed Wednesday: Closed Thursday: 7:15 – 9:30 PM Friday: 7:00 – 9:15 PM Saturday: 12:00 – 2:15 PM, 7:15 – 9:30 PM Sunday: 12:00 – 2:15 PM, 7:15 – 9:30 PM |
| Phone | 04 91 06 18 44 |
This is one of the top five meals I’ve had in years. We reserved same day with no problems. The service was immediately friendly as the owners dog created us with a wagging tale. The servers are incredibly kind and attentive. The menu is very easy…5 course or 6 course tasting menu. Chef’s choice and boy do they deliver. We went with the wine pairing and I can’t recommend enough. The first dish was a cold courgette soup, with citrus and crème fraiche with a side smoked sardines tostada. Incredible. The creativity was inspiring and it kept building from there. The wines are equally impressive. This is an incredible food journey worth your time.
This was the best meal of the entire trip! We did the tasting menu, so we didn't know what we'd get, but it was all fantastic. The food was all so creative, unique, but, most importantly, delicious. The wine pairings also brought the experience to the next level -- each wine was thoughtfully selected and explained by the sommelier, and they truly did elevate their respective courses. But perhaps best of all, they were very accomodating of our 4-year old son. He got to share bites of the tasting menu with us, but they also made a lovely spring gnocchi dish for him that was a perfect addition if he was unsure of any given course (he loved every course too). The staff was friendly and super attentive, and many of them spoke great English when our miniscule, broken French no longer sufficed.
A surprise tasting menu with interesting ingredients, beautifully presented. Each dish is well balanced and complements each other, overall a very pleasant experience.
Also reasonably priced
Sat at bar - nice energetic but not overly so scene - set menu - delicious through and through - did wine pairing - nice option - plucked a vin jaune off the btg - bottle list and btg list interesting and reasonably priced.
Essy and enthusiastic return.
La Mercerie offers a nice dinner set meal. The staffs are lovely with good service mind. All the dishes are well prepared and delicious.
Le Bouchon Provençal
| Address | 6 Pl. aux Huiles, 13001 Marseille |
|---|---|
| Maps | Click here |
| Website | Click here |
| Opening Hours | Monday: 12:00 – 3:00 PM, 7:00 PM – 12:30 AM Tuesday: 12:00 – 3:00 PM, 7:00 PM – 12:30 AM Wednesday: 12:00 – 3:00 PM, 7:00 PM – 12:30 AM Thursday: 12:00 – 3:00 PM, 7:00 PM – 12:30 AM Friday: 12:00 – 3:00 PM, 7:00 PM – 12:30 AM Saturday: 12:00 – 4:00 PM, 7:00 PM – 12:30 AM Sunday: 12:00 – 4:00 PM, 7:00 PM – 12:00 AM |
| Phone | 04 91 33 44 92 |
This restaurant is the epitome of classic French bistro from the ambiance, the food, and the building!
I had the Gnocchi and it was delightful, so fresh and yummy! Several of my group had this dish along with a variety of other dishes. All delicious!
It is a very busy place, make your reservations whenever possible, you will not be disappointed!
Best lunch we had in France. Service was kind, but be prepared, it may take some time so try not to be too rushed. However, the food was all excellent and exceeded expectations.
This cozy restaurant in the heart of Marseille, small but had a great atmosphere with amazing food, good service, beef was very tender. Octopus cappuccino was interesting, overall it was good experience.
we chose this restaurant carefully based on it's ambience and meeting the owner outside who took our reservation, we were looking forward to our final lunch during our stay. Well, we appreciated the kind service, My French wife who grew up on Fish soup was really disappointed with a fish soup entrée for €16 the bowl was half full and incredibly strong in flavor such that it overwhelmed. my chicken dish was nicely cooked, but also the whole thing was unseasoned and a little bit light for €26, I mean, why not throw a carrot or broccoli on the plate? finally the brioche dessert was too soft and gooey and not that interesting .
Friendly staff and delicious, unpretentious food. The restaurant was very busy and I assume that’s why the onion soup was served in a different dish than expected, but overall I was very happy with my meal and the experience.
Alivetu - Table Méditerranéenne
| Address | 145 Rue Sainte, 13007 Marseille |
|---|---|
| Maps | Click here |
| Website | Click here |
| Opening Hours | Monday: Closed Tuesday: 7:00 – 9:30 PM Wednesday: 12:00 – 1:30 PM, 7:00 – 9:30 PM Thursday: 12:00 – 1:30 PM, 7:00 – 9:30 PM Friday: 12:00 – 1:30 PM, 7:00 – 9:30 PM Saturday: 12:00 – 1:30 PM, 7:00 – 9:30 PM Sunday: Closed |
| Phone | 09 83 70 38 94 |
This place is a must-visit for anyone who enjoys trying new things and trusting the chef to surprise them. You can choose between a 4- or 5-course menu—I highly recommend going for the 5 dishes for the full experience.
The atmosphere is cozy with a smart-casual vibe, making it ideal for a dinner with your partner or a small group of friends. A fun touch is that you can decide whether you want the waiter to explain each dish or leave it as a guessing game—we chose the latter and really enjoyed it.
The wine pairing was excellent and complemented the food perfectly. If you get the chance to visit, don’t hesitate—you’re in for a memorable experience.
Excellent food and value. We had fun attempting to guess the creative ingredients.
A wonderful “blind” tasting experience where you pick either 3 or 5 courses and let the chef do his magic! We are real foodies and loved the experience. A nice little touch: you can either have the dish explained or eat it and guess what was in it! My chef partner loved this! Beautiful food, amazing ingredients. Highly recommend. Small intimate restaurant.
Really lovely place with a warm and relaxed atmosphere.
The staff is very kind and welcoming. The lady who served me was very nice and professional. I asked for wine by the glass instead of ordering a bottle, and her recommendations were spot on. First an orange wine, very interesting and full of character. Then a Corsican white, clean, fresh, high acidity, great minerality and no oak. Both matched perfectly with the dishes.
I had the cauliflower velouté, which had a beautiful texture and was really delicious, though in my opinion it could have been just slightly warmer. The carrot dish was a true piece of art, with a beautifully balanced sauce and very fresh carrots. The seabream was superb, especially paired with the fennel, which added great freshness, and the beetroot slices brought a lovely balance to the dish. Fresh, elegant and very well balanced.
The menu changes every week depending on the freshest products available, which makes the experience even more exciting. It is a great place to enjoy both lunch and dinner, and somewhere that definitely makes you want to come back to see what the next menu brings.
An absolute discovery. Top quality food. Amazing flavour combinations. Friendly service. Reasonable price. Top.
Ciel | Rooftop | Marseille
| Address | 17 Rue Haxo, 13001 Marseille |
|---|---|
| Maps | Click here |
| Website | Click here |
| Opening Hours | Monday: 12:00 PM – 12:00 AM Tuesday: 12:00 PM – 12:00 AM Wednesday: 12:00 PM – 12:00 AM Thursday: 12:00 PM – 12:00 AM Friday: 12:00 PM – 12:00 AM Saturday: 12:00 PM – 12:00 AM Sunday: 12:00 PM – 12:00 AM |
| Phone | — |
Why 4 and not 5?
1. We ordered drinks and were asked if we wanted still or sparkling water. We said still thinking it meant tap water since we didn’t even ask for any but we were charged for it and barely even drank it, so it felt like a waste of money and maybe like a way to increase the bill?
2. We noticed that all tables were served bread except ours, we thought they’d bring us too but never did and were too shy to ask after almost finishing our meals.
3. It’s a relatively expensive restaurant but the portions are on the smaller side. We were still a bit hungry after eating. The bread would have definitely helped here!!
The positives: the steak and its sauce were amazing!! Highly recommended! The Purple Rain cocktail was great and the gnocchi was good. The service was fantastic, and the sunset view and colors of the sky were magical.
We booked in advance to make sure we got there in time for sunset. A week earlier we tried without a reservation and there were no seats left so I recommend making a reservation.
Incredible place for lunch. 7 stories above the city with views of the old port and Notre Dame. This place stays cool even in super hot heat waves because of the cool breeze. Food with great. Drinks were good too. Mediterranean cuisine. I got the octopus lunch. Make sure not to miss the small glass door along the street with small writing with Ciel on the door. Very nondiscreet. The other reviews say to make a reservation but I got seated as a walk in.
Amazing views of marseille. Cool concept to have lunch on the top floor (7th floor by elevator). Great service. Mille feuille was spectacular and pasta Arabiata was great too. Too bad the osso-buco was not cooked long enough and was not fall off the bone.
I visited twice during my stay in Marseille! It is a lovely spot with amazing views of the city (and sunset) and a great menu. We first visited for drinks and they accommodated us w/out reservations - thank goodness! We had a blast. The decor around the entrance elevator is very interesting and the rich blue elevator doors ate striking! Conversation pieces for sure!
Our next visit, we made reservations to catch golden hour sunset - it was packed but we were well tended to! I ordered the risotto which was delicious. We also ordered this amazing pistachio dessert that Inhave no idea how to pronounce (see photo), give it a try!
Make a reservation ASAP & watch the sunset, you will not be disappointed!
Simply perfect! We had a great evening here, we hope we can return, the pasta, octopus, carpaccio, olives, cheese and pizza were very good. Service was outstanding.
O'Bidul
| Address | 79 Rue de la Palud, 13006 Marseille |
|---|---|
| Maps | Click here |
| Website | Click here |
| Opening Hours | Monday: Closed Tuesday: 12:00 – 2:00 PM Wednesday: 12:00 – 2:00 PM Thursday: 12:00 – 2:00 PM, 7:30 – 9:30 PM Friday: 12:00 – 2:00 PM, 7:30 – 9:30 PM Saturday: 12:00 – 2:00 PM, 7:30 – 9:30 PM Sunday: Closed |
| Phone | 04 91 33 93 78 |
Absolute delight of a place. A hidden gem with great food and service!
Found this place on Google Maps by accident and I am so happy that I did! The chef, who is also the waiter, patiently walked us through the menu. He is such a nice person and was smiling throughout our experience there.
The food was phenomenal and it’s hard for me to describe how good each of the dishes are. If there is any fault I can find, it would be the beef was tougher than expected. However, I realized that it is the common standard in France.
Would recommend all the dishes in the photo and definitely would visit again.
P.S there is a lunch set which is pocket friendly and worth it!
Found this place by chance and was amazed. Delicious, tasty seasonal food with an urban twist. Great service by the chef, who works completely alone. Good portions, good prices. Overall one of the best food experiences in Marseille. Thank you ❤️
This restaurant is a hidden gem. The food was so delicious, we couldn’t stop at just two mains—we ended up ordering a third! Every dish was full of flavor and clearly made with care. Food came quickly too and definitely make a reservation! Highly recommend for anyone craving incredible food and generous portions. We’ll definitely be returning to Marseille just for Chef O’Bidul’s food!
Had a wonderful experience. Went back a few days later. 2 trips to Marseille from California to eat here. Never the same menu. You have to make reservations. Just delightful. UPDATE!
Back again from California. The food is so good!!!!!!
RESERVATIONS ONLY!!!!
Update! 3RD TIME BACK
My wife has been coming here for years. We come to Marseille for the food and culture. This in one of four places that my wife and I come to Marseille for. Literally. And it never disappoints.
Hole in the wall serving a small menu of seasonal dishes. We had the butternut pumpkin soup with egg, and fried cheese in filo dough skin (they only have 2 starters on the menu) - both very yummy and the best we've had in France so far. For mains, we had salmon and beef (also the only two on the menu). The salmon was cooked to perfection (slightly crispy skin, not fully cooked through, very tender), although I find the sauce (just lemon juice and butter) way too sour. Would still recommend it though. I find the beef in France to not be very good compared to steaks in the US/Japan, so I wouldn't recommend any beef in France. The beef at this place is no exception.
Highly recommend this place.
Rolling Smoke
| Address | 61 Rue Sainte, 13001 Marseille |
|---|---|
| Maps | Click here |
| Website | Click here |
| Opening Hours | Monday: Closed Tuesday: 7:00 – 10:00 PM Wednesday: 7:00 – 10:00 PM Thursday: 7:00 – 10:00 PM Friday: 7:00 – 10:00 PM Saturday: 7:00 – 10:00 PM Sunday: Closed |
| Phone | 04 91 55 68 86 |
Everything exceeded my expectations. The food was beautiful, delicious, and perfectly prepared. There wasn’t a single thing to complain about—it was an absolutely wonderful and happy evening.
An amazing experience! We ordered a wine pairing menu. The food is delicious and the wines even more so! We visited on our last night in Marseille and I am so glad we left the best for last! Excellent service and authentic tastes, such a cozy atmosphere in the restaurant and great music that matches perfectly. This one must be the best place to eat when in Marseille, especially for couples. Thank you for a beautiful dinner!
1- For this price point I would have expected to at least have a decent air conditioning. It was hot as hell, not just for us but for all customers. 2-The waiter was clueless about his job, served us the wrong menu, served us soup without spoons etc. 3- The food was really not worth the price, and I'm not saying so just because I am am unsatisfiable jerk, you can find better food elsewhere for much less of the price.
Creative food in a charming setting - exactly what we're after for a lovely evening. Very much looking forward to another trip to Marseille for another amazing dinner at La Poule Noire!
A small restaurant on a quiet street.
I have ordered a set menu, food was well presented.
Very happy with the starter and the dessert, they were delicious. The main, beef brisket, was not tender enough unfortunately, it was a little disappointing.
It was overall a lovely meal.
Wood la cantine gourmande
| Address | 8 Rue de la Guirlande, 13002 Marseille |
|---|---|
| Maps | Click here |
| Website | Click here |
| Opening Hours | Monday: Closed Tuesday: 10:00 AM – 6:00 PM Wednesday: 10:00 AM – 4:00 PM Thursday: 10:00 AM – 4:00 PM Friday: 10:00 AM – 10:00 PM Saturday: 10:00 AM – 10:00 PM Sunday: Closed |
| Phone | 04 91 91 93 42 |
Creative and fun. Delightful and refreshing. Tug away but doesn’t miss out on atmosphere. Lovely team. Spot a lot of technician working for the summer fair eating here - it’s like an open secret. The tuna dish - maybe sesame instead of peanut? Loving it. Thank you!!
I loved this place! It is located just one block from the right side of the Vieux-Port de Marseille, close to the Hôtel de Ville and the magnificent InterContinental hotel. The service was fantastic and warm—just as people are in the south of France. The menu was excellent, offering a great variety of dishes from seafood and beef to fresh salads. All the ingredients are local, fresh, and cooked with love. Everything is delicious, from the starters to the mains and desserts. I also highly recommend trying the local Marseille beer, La Minotte—it's really good! It's a wonderful spot to enjoy a great meal, plus it's dog- and kid-friendly with a lovely view from the terrace.
A culinary delight tucked in the corner across from the water. To start the servers are friendly, helpful and knowledgeable about the menu. The menu has unique options you don't often find at a reasonable price. They put their own spin on simple items like corn, so you can enjoy them in a whole new way! Drinks are simple, refreshing and tasty. I highly recommend this establishment.
Welcoming, friendly and multi lingual staff, right off the Port. The food was really amazing and flavoursome. Would recommend
We went to Wood La Cantine Gourmande for lunch after seeing it recommended again and again online, so expectations were fairly high.
It’s easy to find but tucked away in a lovely little hidden square above the Vieux-Port, which immediately gives it a nice, relaxed feeling.
We ordered the smash burger, Caesar salad and a couple of syrups to drink.
The food took around 25–30 minutes to arrive, which felt particularly long as several people who arrived after us seemed to be served before us. But eventually, it came.
The smash burger looked enormous: two patties, generously layered and covered in sauce. I wasn’t entirely convinced when I first saw it.
And then I tasted it.
Astonishingly delicious.
The meat was cooked beautifully, the flavours worked, the sauce made sense once you actually ate it, and even the bun was special. Genuinely one of those burgers that completely surprises you. It also came with an enormous portion of very good fries.
The Caesar was another story. It was certainly generous, with huge pieces of Parmesan, plenty of chicken and bacon, but for me there was simply too much of everything and not enough lettuce. The dressing was also quite overpowering. Having eaten a beautifully light and balanced Caesar at Marius Bar a few days earlier, the contrast was particularly noticeable.
And perhaps that’s my wider observation about eating in Marseille in summer. It is HOT, yet so many restaurants seem determined to feed you as though you’re preparing for winter! Personally, I would have happily traded half those excellent fries for a simple green salad.
We ate everything, though, and the chef was lovely.
Would I return specifically for the Caesar? Probably not.
Would I return when craving that burger?
Absolutely.
When it works, Wood really works. That burger alone is worth knowing about.
Entre Terre & Mer
| Address | 13 Rue du Panier, 13002 Marseille |
|---|---|
| Maps | Click here |
| Website | Click here |
| Opening Hours | Monday: Closed Tuesday: 6:30 – 11:00 PM Wednesday: 6:30 – 11:00 PM Thursday: 6:30 – 11:00 PM Friday: 6:30 – 11:00 PM Saturday: 12:00 – 2:00 PM, 6:30 – 11:00 PM Sunday: 12:00 – 2:00 PM, 6:30 – 11:00 PM |
| Phone | 04 91 35 11 59 |
Fantastic local neighborhood restaurant with a Great staff!! Walked by this place while investigating the local vibes, this one had it all… laid back vibe, smooth healing energy, many locals and a few tourist sitting outside and enjoying their seafood( mainly Fresh Oysters and cooked Prawns)!! It was exactly what we were searching for!!
1) so fresh you could taste the sea in each Oyster!!
2). Prawns so fresh and sweet!!
3) Great wait staff!!
4) peaceful colorful neighborhood
5). Highly recommend
What a find! A small place with a small menu. Very good and helpful service made for a delicious and delightful dining experience. Fresh seafood and a board of meats and cheeses all of which was amazing. Make San online reservation and go! You’ll not be disappointed.
It’s very cozy here, with a lovely neighborhood and a charming place itself. The oysters are incredibly delicious, it’s worth choosing the most expensive ones. We also really enjoyed the baked Camembert. Highly recommended.
Entre Terre & Mer is an excellent Restaurant, nestled in the beautiful and vibrant Rue de Panier.
Busy and full of life, sitting outside isn’t for those that want a quiet meal, (although we did)
Booking in advance would likely remedy that with seating inside.
We shared a seafood platter, which was perfect for two. It was supremely delicious, being as fresh as it’s possible to get. The Oysters were big and creamy and sweet, the Prawns crunchy and bursting with flavour and there were a delightful assortment of Cockles and Whelks. The only thing missing was the Crab, which I would love to go back to try.
It was extremely busy when we went, and our order got somewhat lost for a bit. But the food was so good, it was an easy mistake to forgive. The staff were also very friendly, and made the effort to speak to us in English, and humoured our broken French.
All in all some of the best seafood I have had in France. Well worth a visit, and even a detour.
Rating: ★★★★☆
Entre Terre et Mer is a charming spot with really good food and sweet staff who are always smiling. The location is perfect for enjoying a beautiful sunset while you dine. The seafood and charcuterie are top-notch, and the drinks pair perfectly with the meal.
However, be sure to make a reservation—waiting times can be long if you don't. Overall, I would definitely recommend this place if you're looking for great food and a relaxed atmosphere with a view.
Le Plongeon
| Address | 1 Rue Méry, 13002 Marseille |
|---|---|
| Maps | Click here |
| Website | Click here |
| Opening Hours | Monday: Closed Tuesday: 7:30 – 10:00 PM Wednesday: 12:00 – 2:00 PM, 7:30 – 10:00 PM Thursday: 12:00 – 2:00 PM, 7:30 – 10:00 PM Friday: 12:00 – 2:00 PM, 7:30 – 10:00 PM Saturday: 12:00 – 2:00 PM Sunday: Closed |
| Phone | 04 91 91 77 37 |
We had a great family dinner at Le Plongeon and really enjoyed the experience. The menu is on the smaller side, but everything is thoughtfully put together and well executed. They offer a prix fixe option for appetizer, entrée, and dessert, which made ordering easy.
For starters, we had the tartare and the seafood soup. The standout was definitely the seafood soup, rich, creamy, and full of flavor, with croutons that added a perfect crunch and texture.
For the entrées, we ordered both the chicken and the fish. Both dishes were delicious and let the quality of the ingredients shine through without overcomplicating things.
Overall, it’s a simple menu done right with good food, good service, and a relaxed atmosphere that’s great for a family dinner. We will definitely be back.
It's a little restaurant just a few minutes away from the port and main themes. The service was polite, knowledgeable and provided information in fluent English. The selection of plates was small, with super fresh and tasty plates!!!
A perfect restaurant to eat and enjoy a beautiful night in Marseille!
I came here for lunch in Marseille after my Mediterranean cruise, while waiting for my flight.
Everything was perfectly balanced and full of flavor without being too heavy.
The staff was very kind, and you could really feel the chef’s passion in every dish.
It was such a lovely way to wrap up my trip.
If you visit, don’t overthink it — just order anything on the menu, it’s all delicious!
Must try this restaurant if you are on Marseille.
Good food and service. Fish rilette entree and some.. fish with fennel salad and pureed as sides. Fish was fried well, crispy exterior, moist and flakey inside.
Absolutely fantastic the food is just excellent and delicate a true chef in the kitchen what a spot I will be back ♥️
Maison Charlie
| Address | 38 Rue Caisserie, 13002 Marseille |
|---|---|
| Maps | Click here |
| Website | Click here |
| Opening Hours | Monday: 8:00 AM – 6:00 PM Tuesday: 8:00 AM – 6:00 PM Wednesday: 8:00 AM – 6:00 PM Thursday: 8:00 AM – 6:00 PM Friday: 8:00 AM – 6:00 PM Saturday: 9:00 AM – 4:00 PM Sunday: Closed |
| Phone | 04 91 52 44 82 |
Service was fast and net. The coffee was very good!! I don’t be so satisfied with the wrap!! But maybe it was not in my taste!!
Super enjoyable breakfast 😘 Cute and very delicious "Focaccina du jour (≈ mini-Focaccia of the day)" which they can warm up for you, and a nice and rich but not too heavy "chocolat chaud (= hot chocolate)" ✨️ Lovely indoor and outdoor sitting, I sat outside to soak in the life and people passing by 😚 Excellent and friendly service, definitely recommend visiting for a wonderful experience, merci!!!
This was my favorite coffee shop in Marseille. Our barista was a gentlemen who didn’t make the language barrier feel awkward. Our macchiato and lattes were fantastic of course. The star of the show is their focaccia and babka. You can’t go wrong with any choice of flavors. Seek this place out!!
Hot spot for a local vibe experience!! Great staff and delicious fare, we chose the pick 3,,,focaccia+drink+dessert for 9.50!!!! Food was delicious and perfect temperature!! We had Maison Charlie at the foot of our rental and the location cannot be beat!!!! We thoroughly enjoyed our experience! Highly recommend
This little lunch cafe served a fabulous sandwich, drink, and dessert for a very reasonable price. The owners work here, and they named the restaurant after their daughter. Great value for tourists, and there are steps nearby where everyone sits with a view of the harbor (near Hotel DeVille). Many locals enjoy this restaurant too.
La cigale vieux port
| Address | 92 Quai du Port, 13002 Marseille |
|---|---|
| Maps | Click here |
| Website | Click here |
| Opening Hours | Monday: 11:30 AM – 10:30 PM Tuesday: 11:30 AM – 10:30 PM Wednesday: 11:30 AM – 10:30 PM Thursday: 11:30 AM – 10:30 PM Friday: 11:30 AM – 10:30 PM Saturday: 11:30 AM – 10:30 PM Sunday: 11:30 AM – 10:30 PM |
| Phone | 09 54 62 79 36 |
Great atmosphere and lovely service! Incredible sized portions! Tuna tarte incredible! Mussels average but great price! Cheap wine and good cocktails. Cod was a bit dry but sauce helped
The only highlight here is the view in the old port of Marseille. The food is meh and several tables next to us had food sent back to the kitchen. Our food was ok, but the fries were on the colder side.
Bouillabaisse was full of bold flavour. It filled with big chunks of fish to get that complex body and texture. The beautiful fish stew embodied the true essence of the sea. 🐟
I also enjoyed the Mussels and Fries. (Formule Moules Frites Maison) The mussels were fresh and tasty, they were cooked perfectly with a soft and tender texture. 🙂
The sailor style in a fragrant sweet white wine broth brought out the natural sweetness of the mussels. 😋
We were recommended this place by locals, and it truly lived up to the hype! The staff was incredibly friendly and helpful, and the view of the port was simply breathtaking. The overall experience was exceptional, and I highly recommend it as the best restaurant in town.
Great place with great view on the Old Port and the cathedral.
We chose the bouillabaisse from Fonfon, which is a cheaper version with only 4 fishes instead of 7. It was delicious! In the real restaurant where the recipe comes from, this dish is very expensive, so the one in La Cigale is a great alternative.
Desserts are good too, all homemade.
Bistrot l’Horloge
| Address | 11 Cr Honoré d'Estienne d'Orves, 13001 Marseille |
|---|---|
| Maps | Click here |
| Website | Click here |
| Opening Hours | Monday: 7:00 AM – 12:00 AM Tuesday: 7:00 AM – 12:00 AM Wednesday: 7:00 AM – 12:00 AM Thursday: 7:00 AM – 12:00 AM Friday: 7:00 AM – 12:00 AM Saturday: 7:00 AM – 12:00 AM Sunday: 8:00 AM – 12:00 AM |
| Phone | 04 88 08 33 03 |
Dont bother coming here for breakfast! the scrambled eggs look and taste like recycled food (i put it nicely). The hot chocolate does not rescue the experience. The two old guys taking orders and serving the food look shabby and careless. Outdoor sitting available but if the food is not good, what is the point. Really, dont bother.
We had a very delicious lunch at Bistrot l‘Horologe! Nice beef, and also the Gnocci with Truffle sauce were very good! Also the chicken starters. It also was the best service we had in Marseille during our trip. Very friendly and kind!
We had a really wonderful meal here last night. We got a nice table by the fountain. The service was attentive and the quality and quantity of food outstanding!
Food was delicious. The fact that it was also fantastically presented was a plus. We had no reservations so we had to wait a little bit but no issues. The staff was very helpful to clarify our questions.
Definitely recommend this place.
Casual and cozy French Bistro Restaurant. The food were amazing abd the staff were friendly and nice.
Recommend to reserve before heading there.
We tried their specials, fush of the day and Pork steak. Everything was delicious.
Le relais 50
| Address | 20 Quai du Port, 13002 Marseille |
|---|---|
| Maps | Click here |
| Website | Click here |
| Opening Hours | Monday: Closed Tuesday: 12:00 – 2:30 PM, 7:30 – 10:00 PM Wednesday: 12:00 – 2:30 PM, 7:30 – 10:00 PM Thursday: 12:00 – 2:30 PM, 7:30 – 10:00 PM Friday: 12:00 – 2:30 PM, 7:30 – 10:00 PM Saturday: 12:00 – 2:30 PM, 7:30 – 10:00 PM Sunday: Closed |
| Phone | 04 91 52 52 50 |
On the occasion of a wedding anniversary, we had the pleasure of dining at Le Relais 50.
We received an exceptionally warm welcome and enjoyed attentive, personal service throughout the evening. The chef personally introduced each course, providing thoughtful explanations that made the experience even more special.
The cuisine is outstanding Southern-inspired gastronomy, offering a beautiful balance of flavors and textures, with frequent creative nods to the tastes and ingredients from the chef's childhood.
Thank you for an unforgettable culinary experience, with exceptional food, a wonderful atmosphere, and impeccable service!
Food was great, and so was the service! I came with my family and we had a wonderful dining experience from start to finish. The head chef was incredibly attentive. He personally checked in on us several times to make sure everything was perfect. You could really feel the care and pride he puts into both the food and the overall experience. And the servers were all very nice as well. We couldn’t have asked for a better evening. Thank you so much again!
We had a wonderful dinner at Le Relais 50 on Bastille Day. The special Bastille Day menu was truly exceptional. Every dish was delicious, beautifully presented, and thoughtfully prepared. The flavors were outstanding, and the presentation was worthy of fine dining.
One of the highlights of the evening was when the chef personally came to our table to share his story, his culinary roots, and the inspiration behind his signature dishes. His passion for his craft was evident and made our dining experience even more memorable and meaningful.
The service was impeccable, attentive, professional, and genuinely welcoming. Every detail was perfect from beginning to end.
Thank you for making our visit to Marseille on Bastille Day so special. We highly recommend Le Relais 50 to anyone visiting Marseille and look forward to returning.
What a wonderful discovery at the Vieux Port! We were looking for a lunch spot on a bustling, sunny Friday after being out on the sea. Finding a table via Google booking was a lifesaver, and the restaurant exceeded all expectations. The lunch menu is excellent value, offering fixed prices (€25/€33/€39) for 1, 2, or 3 courses. Between my wife and me, we ordered all the available options, and we were blown away by the finesse in every dish. Beyond the food, the service was wonderfully cheerful. Meeting the chef was so cool, he was so polite and passionate about their responsibly sourced ingredients. This unexpected culinary highlight completely made our last day in Marseille. We can't wait to come back for dinner next time!
The term meal does not begin to describe the experience, Le Relais 50 is phenomenal. The assortment of amuse bouche were an unexpected delight on their own, the meal itself was amongst the best food we have ever eaten. Chef Hamza presents an incredibly high quality dining experience using locally sourced ingredients, he shares his vision and passion personally with his guests. It's not just a restaurant, but it is a reason to visit Marseille. Simply fantastic.
Peron Restaurant
| Address | 56 Cor Président John Fitzgerald Kennedy, 13007 Marseille |
|---|---|
| Maps | Click here |
| Website | Click here |
| Opening Hours | Monday: Closed Tuesday: 12:00 – 2:00 PM, 7:30 – 9:00 PM Wednesday: 12:00 – 2:00 PM, 7:30 – 9:00 PM Thursday: 12:00 – 2:00 PM, 7:30 – 9:00 PM Friday: 12:00 – 2:00 PM, 7:30 – 9:00 PM Saturday: 12:00 – 2:00 PM, 7:30 – 9:00 PM Sunday: Closed |
| Phone | 04 91 52 15 22 |
Went to Peron restaurant for our emerald anniversary. Flower arrangements were set up on our table, and the staff made us feel very special and made the evening very eventful. The food was excellent and well presented. Expensive but well worth it for the occasion.
It was an exquisite experience - from the flavors of the dishes to the sunset view from the window, accompanied by beautiful music. The atmosphere felt truly special. It was an unforgettable experience.
Beautiful views, food is delicious. But comes at a cost. Service very slow, the gaps between the courses really put us off and we decided not to have the dessert for that reason. Glad we tried this restaurant but unlikely to return.
Highly satisfied with the food, service, and evening dining at Peron! Everything from the appetizer (loved the blinis and fish egg pate!) to dessert was amazing. All the seafood was very very fresh, and well seasoned. Great open space with amazing balcony view of sunset to add! The staff was very kind, attentive, and made us feel relaxed. Definitely a memorable treat in Marseille.
Gorgeous food and impeccable service. We were served by an excellent waiter (whose name I regrettably forgot to ask for!) who spoke extensively to each and every dish, and recommended a chilled red wine we otherwise would have had no chance of finding on the extensive list.
We had a cuttlefish tagliatelle and scallops that were to die for, and the tuna steak and rockfish were well executed. Upon request as an off menu item, fresh sea urchins were available as well.
It is slightly pricey but if you're visiting and looking for gorgeous views over equally gorgeous food, this is a good spot to book.
Le Refuge
| Address | 22 Rue du Refuge, 13002 Marseille |
|---|---|
| Maps | Click here |
| Website | Click here |
| Opening Hours | Monday: Closed Tuesday: Closed Wednesday: Closed Thursday: 12:00 – 2:30 PM, 7:30 – 10:00 PM Friday: 12:00 – 2:30 PM, 7:30 – 10:00 PM Saturday: 12:00 – 2:30 PM, 7:30 – 10:00 PM Sunday: 12:15 – 3:00 PM |
| Phone | 09 81 06 46 48 |
I had been looking forward to eating at Le Refuge for a long time. The food and location looked great, and I had spotted it among the many restaurants in the Panier neighborhood.
I ordered the roast chicken, while others in my group ordered the panisse and grilled squid.
My dish, the chicken, looked great visually but was difficult to eat due to the lack of taste and strange texture. I’m not sure if it had been frozen and then cooked too quickly, but it was dry, rubbery and quite frankly difficult to chew. I could not finish it. A friend tried to help and also could only manage one bite.
Otherwise, the panisse was quite good, and my friend enjoyed the squid. The atmosphere is lovely and the staff are very friendly.
If you go, best to avoid the chicken.
Perfect food and terrace!!! 💯 "Panisses du refuge (≈fried chickpea flour I think)" - I was skeptical how nice it would be, but WOW the light crispy batter on the outside with some tasty seasoning, and the soft fluffy chickpea flour in the inside, it was fantastic!!!
"Tentacules d'encornet geant (squid tentacles)" - I thought it won't be as good as octopus, but very happily surprised at how fresh, flavourful and delicious it was! The sweet sauce and sides were a great match too.
Sitting in the terrace with a nice soft winter sun, perfect temperature also added to the amazing experience. And of course the staff was friendly and efficient, definitely have a meal here while exploring this beautiful part of Marseille 😍👍🏻
Great little bistro. Food, service and atmosphere were great. Prices reasonable too.
The evening was still hot. The open terrance needs canopy or umbrella.
The waitress has a very chill calm vibe and manages her services well.
Food was amazing and within our budget.
They love what they do, and you will taste it 🥰
The best fish in marseille and from starters of chickpea fries to beef carpacio we had a really fresh and delicious meal and enjoyed the time to talk to the host as well. This restaurant is kind of a concept where everything fits together.
Thank you so much for making the last evening so beautiful.
Dont forget to reservate before, its mosttimes full.
AM par Alexandre Mazzia
| Address | 9 Rue François Rocca, 13008 Marseille |
|---|---|
| Maps | Click here |
| Website | Click here |
| Opening Hours | Monday: Closed Tuesday: Closed Wednesday: 12:00 – 2:00 PM, 8:00 – 9:30 PM Thursday: 12:00 – 2:00 PM, 8:00 – 9:30 PM Friday: 12:00 – 2:00 PM, 8:00 – 9:30 PM Saturday: 12:00 – 2:00 PM, 8:00 – 9:30 PM Sunday: Closed |
| Phone | 04 91 24 83 63 |
AM par Alexandre Mazzia ⭐️⭐️⭐️ Michelin
I appreciate the creativity and ambition behind the experience, but unfortunately, this one wasn’t for us.
With close to 70 different bites and dishes over the course of the meal, there was simply too much going on. Many dishes were intense in flavour, with a heavy use of spices and contrasting elements, but very few felt truly balanced or allowed us to simply sit back and enjoy the food.
Instead of a refined 3-Michelin-star experience, the pacing felt rushed and overwhelming — almost like going through a 3-hour fine-dining buffet, with flavours coming at you one after another. At times, it honestly felt a little like rojak — creative individually, but collectively too conflicting.
The wine pairing unfortunately intensified the experience rather than balancing it, and by the end, we felt more tired from trying to make sense of all the different flavours than excited by them.
I can respect the chef’s creativity and the technical work behind the meal, but considering the reputation and price point, we left disappointed. Sometimes less really is more. Trying too hard.
I had dinner at this wonderful restaurant last weekend with my boyfriend and two other friends as part of my birthday weekend celebration. The food was absolutely amazing. We picked the grand voyage menu, which was the larger menu. The menu is served in 4 to 5 waves and each wave has multiple small delectable bites. Each little bite has an entire world of flavor in it and completely different from the next bite. I can only imagine the level of skill and work that is required to execute each piece.
The service was very attentive and efficient, but not intrusive. Of course it is a somewhat fancy place, and we were smart addressed for the occasion, but definitely not stuffy. The servers certainly have a lot to remember, and with each course they explained to you more or less the contents or flavor profile of each bite, which is actually quite a lot to remember and can’t be easy to deliver in English so high praise to them for that.
Again, this is a three Michelin star restaurant so of course you are going there for the experience and to taste wonderful bites that you will never taste again. Therefore, I cannot understand some of the nasty comments on this page. If people wanted a more humble or affordable experience, they can certainly find it elsewhere in Marseille.
I travel the world quite a bit with my partner, and we do dine in some wonderful restaurants all around the world, and I can definitely say this place deserves it stars. I can only imagine how hard the chef and the kitchen staff must work to produce all of this.
An evening of incredible highs at Am Mazzia. The service was truly top-notch, striking that perfect balance between professional and welcoming. While the menu consists of 'small bites,' don't let that fool you, the progression is so well-paced that you feel perfectly full by the end.
My only disappointment was the timing of the kitchen; the Chef departed before our dinner was finished. We would have loved to hear more about the 'grand voyage' of the menu and the inspiration behind all the courses. An excellent meal, though it felt like a story that ended just a few pages too early.
Creative, hectic, chaotic, delicious. Spicy, sour, sweet. African, French, Japanese. Intellectual, emotional, and simply fun. A grand voyage of 40 rapid-fire impressions. An absolute masterclass of creative cuisine.
We LIKED it, but didn’t LOVE it. Sadly. They are a Michelin 3* (and they make sure you know it), but they just try too hard. They vomit artistic expression all over the table, and it was hard to tie everything together.
Also, for English speakers, their English isn’t great (way better than our French!!) and they don’t give you a menu before, so you’re left guessing a bit. They do introduce plates, but it was hard to understand.
Last, be careful of the pricing on the caviar and lobster upgrades. Both are REALLY expensive. Both being $120-130+ (each!!). The blue lobster was great, but I was surprised when the bill arrived. They didn’t give prices on the menu, which I found odd.
This place has the artistic muscles to be great, but they try too hard. I’ll take Bocuse a hundred times over (by simple comparison)! For $700-1,000 person, it fell short.
Tips for Dining in Marseille
Dining in Marseille operates on a different rhythm and set of rules than other French cities. The service can be brusque, the menus can be intimidating, and the portions are often generous.
Understanding the local customs, the geography of the neighborhoods, and the etiquette surrounding specific dishes will not only save you from a bad meal but will elevate your entire experience in the Phocaean city.
1). Book ahead, especially for the classics
Marseille is a busy working city, and the best tables—particularly those famous for bouillabaisse—are often fully booked with locals by Wednesday. A reservation is non-negotiable for dinner Thursday through Saturday.
2). Order bouillabaisse 24 to 48 hours in advance
Authentic bouillabaisse cannot be made on a whim. The best restaurants require you to pre-order the dish when you book your table so they can source the specific rockfish and prepare the broth properly. If a restaurant offers “bouillabaisse” on the standard menu without a pre-order or a high price tag, it is likely a poor imitation.
3). Embrace the late seating
Marseille runs on Mediterranean time. Restaurants generally open for dinner at 7:30 PM or 8:00 PM, and the dining rooms don’t fill up until 9:00 PM. Arriving at 7:00 PM will usually result in dining alone in an empty room.
4). Know your neighborhoods
Don’t try to eat in the Vieux-Port and Le Panier for lunch and then rush to the beach for dinner; traffic can be brutal. Group your dining by geography. The Vallon des Auffes and Endoume are great for seafood, while Noailles and La Plaine offer the best value for North African and international cuisine.
5). Be direct with the staff
Service in Marseille is famously direct, but it is rarely rude. A simple “Bonjour” upon entering is mandatory, and making an effort to speak a few words of French goes a long way. If you have a dietary restriction, state it clearly; the kitchen will usually accommodate you, but they don’t appreciate ambiguity.
6). Carry cash for the small spots
While most established restaurants take cards, some of the best pizza trucks, hole-in-the-wall couscous spots, and market vendors in Noailles are cash-only. Keep a €20 note on you to avoid missing out on the best street food in the city.
Exploring the restaurants of Marseille is an exercise in understanding the city’s soul. It is a place where a Michelin-starred chef and a fisherman’s widow might use the same exact fish, simply prepared differently. The beauty of eating here lies in the contrasts—the grit and the glamour, the spice and the sea.
Whether you find yourself elbow-to-elbow with locals at a zinc bar in the Panier or watching the sunset over the Château d’If from a terrace in the Vallon des Auffes, the memory of the food will linger long after the pastis has worn off. Bon appétit.
