Top 4 Places to Eat in Marseille

View of Marseille harbor featuring a speedboat and historic buildings on a sunny day, capturing the essence of Mediterranean coastal living.
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Marseille's culinary landscape is a vibrant tapestry, blending traditional Provençal fare, exquisite fresh seafood, and global inspirations, creating a rich dining experience for all visitors.

1. Le Petit Nice Passedat

Cuisine: Fine Dining, Mediterranean Seafood

Perched by the sea, Le Petit Nice offers an unforgettable gastronomic journey with its three Michelin stars. Chef Gérald Passedat elevates Mediterranean fish and seafood to an art form, presenting innovative dishes that are both simple in appearance and complex in flavor. Dining here is an experience in refined elegance, perfect for a special occasion.

Price: Menus from €200-350+ per person

Getting There: Located on Corniche Président John Fitzgerald Kennedy. It is best reached by taxi from the Old Port area, which typically costs around €15-25.

2. La Mercerie

Cuisine: Neo-Bistro, Modern French

Stepping into La Mercerie, one finds a trendy neo-bistro with a chic, industrial-style ambiance. Chef Harry Cummins crafts subtle and imaginative dishes using local, seasonal ingredients, with options accommodating vegetarians and those with food allergies. The tasting menus for both lunch and dinner provide excellent value, offering a delightful tour of the chef’s talents.

Price: Lunch menu around €35, Dinner tasting menu around €62 per person

Getting There: Situated on Cours Saint-Louis, on the edge of the Noailles district, it is easily walkable from the Old Port (Vieux Port) or accessible via metro (Colbert or Vieux-Port stations).

3. La Boîte à Sardine

Cuisine: Fresh Seafood

La Boîte à Sardine presents a lively, nautically-themed setting, where the focus is entirely on impeccably fresh, locally sourced seafood. Guests can personally select their fish from the daily catch. The menu features inventive preparations like grilled shrimp, baby squid, and unique takes on fish-and-chips, all served with genuine warmth.

Price: Main dishes typically €15-30 per person

Getting There: Found on Boulevard de la Liberté, it is a short walk from the Noailles market area or a brief taxi ride from the Vieux Port, costing approximately €10-15.

4. Chez Etienne

Cuisine: Traditional Pizzeria

An iconic establishment since 1943, Chez Etienne is celebrated for its authentic Sicilian-Marseille pizzas cooked in a wood-fired oven. The atmosphere is unpretentious and bustling, perfect for families or a casual meal with friends. Their pizzas, with deliciously charred crusts, are a local legend and a must-try for any visitor. Beyond pizza, they offer exceptional caramelized squid and rustic beef skewers.

Price: Pizzas start from €10-18, Menus around €30 per person

Getting There: Located on Rue de Lorette in Le Panier district, it is within comfortable walking distance from the Vieux Port. Public transport is not generally needed for this central location.