I’ve always been a serious fan of France and if you are seriously into your food and drink the chances are that you will be too. Over the years of visiting France at least once a year I’ve learned, though, that there is far more to the world’s most visited tourist destination than just Paris, Alps and the Cote d’Azur. Marseille for example…
This thrilling, life affirming port city is not only one of the most engaging cities in France, but for me one of the most enjoyable to visit on the continent. It is a proper big, bustling Mediterranean port city whose buzz is propelled by myriad cultures who all have a colour and influence of their own. In short it is every bit as eclectic as its signature culinary dish, its bouillabaisse, a delicious creation of half a dozen different types of fish and eel, as well as shellfish and saffron.
I’d like you to take a seat with me as I usher you in and reveal five of my favourite restaurants in Marseille. If you want to see more then just check out my Marseille Top 10 Restaurants guide for the excellent Pearlshare App. There are five more entries there and they all have full contact details, photos and maps. You can save the guide for yourself or even make up one of your own with even more restaurants on.
Go on, have a play and enjoy your dining tour of this glorious southern charmer.
Savour chef Ludovic Turac’s contemporary take on bouillabaisse at this plush Michelin starred restaurant overlooking the Vieux Port. Expect proper creation to match the steep for Marseille prices. Book.
Fancy something different? North African restaurants ripple through Marseille and this is one of the best. The Moroccan menu at this waterfront restaurant tickles the tastebuds – the tagines are especially good.
Chef Alexandre Mazzia’s restaurant has a zen-like dining room that is super stylish and boasts a creative menu that remains a surprise until it lands on your table. Well worth taking a chance on.
This charming café is one of Marseille’s few bistros and its daily changing chalkboard of Mediterranean fish dishes never disappoints. This archetypal French dining experience is guaranteed to fill you with more than a little joie de vie.
Marseille’s top pick for traditional bouillabaisse, which you can enjoy inside or served on their sun-soaked waterfront terrace. Lots of local wines by the bottle too – try the excellent dry white wines from Cassis just along the road.
