A wine bar and seafood restaurant: l’écaillerie
Have you ever been to a wine bar and seafood restaurant? First of all, you’ll enjoy some bottles of fine wine, ideally from the local region, then you’ll sample the delights of seafood! The full-length ballet of dishes begins with a glass of dry white wine and seafood, which is this establishment’s speciality. Oysters, crab, octopus, sea urchins, prawns and much more besides are served on a platter with homemade sauces (mmm – black garlic mayo!), shaped into balls or served as a tartare, for example. The menu changes regularly, showcasing all of the sea’s treasures and secret dishes from southern France, such as a focaccia prepared in a similar way to a pissaladière with anchovies and bottarga. It’s a true flavour experience that your taste buds will love. At this restaurant, you can dine in the sunshine on a terrace shaded by Abbaye Sainte Victor. And if you’d love to tuck into a seafood platter by the sea, these platters are also available to take away and can be enjoyed while (almost) dangling your feet in the water!
📍 L’écaillerie, Rue d’Endoume 26, Marseille 7e, France. Seafood platter from EUR 32.
Go on a foodie voyage of discovery at Chez Yassine
When it comes to street food, you’re in for a treat when you come to Marseille. Chez Yassine is our favourite top spot of all. Since it has a sizeable Tunisian community, Marseille has also embraced some aspects of Tunisian cuisine. Nothing could be simpler than having a quick bite to eat at Chez Yassine. If you don’t fancy the delicious leblebi or kefteji (two comforting Tunisian dishes with surprising spices), you can also opt for a brik instead. Get ready for a burst of flavours! The non-vegetarian version of this speciality (which is also known in Marseille as brik à l’œuf or ‘brik with egg’) has a foodie secret hidden inside: sink your teeth into pan-fried eggs with tomato sauce, onions, peppers and merguez sausage. If you’re not fussed by a fried brik, why not opt for a Tunisian sandwich (the chapati) instead? It might sound extremely simple, yet the recipe is very tricky to master. This dish is a (very) good bread and a juicy omelette with parsley inside. There’s nothing complicated in here. After all, it’s often the simplest of family recipes that surprise us! At Chez Yassine, the most important things are the flavour and the Tunisian hospitality you’re greeted with when you stop by for a bite to eat. Wait until you’re served these exceptional Tunisian couscous dishes on large plates, and you’ll come back to Marseille just to dine at Chez Yassine.
📍 Chez Yassine, Rue d’Aubagne 8, 13001 Marseille, France.
The famous pain bagnat – at Bagnat
You love traditional pain bagnat. Well, now you’ll taste it in all its variety at Bagnat. Head behind Abbaye Sainte Victor to enjoy your sandwich in peace and quiet. All you have to do is walk through the door of the pink storefront and place your order. Now, here’s the tricky part. Do you go for the classic version with tomatoes, tuna, spring onions, anchovies and basil? Or do you go for the spicy version, which the two chefs working in the kitchen have added a homemade harissa to? The menu changes frequently. The classics are permanent fixtures on the menu, but it also features ciabattas that are generously filled according to the chefs’ inspiration. There is also a vegan option that is suitable for everyone. Once you’ve bought your chosen sandwich, why not walk along the water’s edge and take in the view while you eat? That’s when you definitely know you’re in Marseille!
📍Bagnat, Boulevard de la Corderie 124, 13007 Marseille, France. Sandwich from EUR 9.
Marseille street food at Pain à l’Ail
One establishment is an expert when it comes to Provençale street food, and the other creates finger food inspired by childhood flavours. Pain à l’Ail is the place to go for a true taste of Provence: aioli, octopus salad, pain bagnat (again!) and our favourite speciality: bouillabaisse bread. This is bouillabaisse with a twist: it comes in a crispy baguette. It’s served with some tasty homemade mayo that’s to die for!
📍Pain à l’Ail, Rue de la Tour 5, 13001 Marseille, France. Sandwich from EUR 6.90.
If you’d like to go to an unusual and socially responsible restaurant, why not dine at Les Beaux Mets?
This is the perfect place to eat if you’d like to have a meal somewhere unusual on your visit to Marseille. Sandrine Sollier is the chef in the kitchen and is ably assisted by inmates working as her commis chefs. You won’t miss this restaurant when you get there – it is located in Baumettes prison. This renovated, warm and welcoming restaurant has one purpose: helping prisoners to prepare for their release by strengthening their connections with the outside world. No alcohol is served here, but the mocktails, syrups and infusions that the team design are delicious. You don’t have to worry about cafeteria-style cooking here. You can simply look forward to top-quality plated table service. The menu is short and to the point, focusing on local produce and sharing. Why not try saddle of rabbit, sardine tartine, prawn curry or fig tart? If you’re in the mood for solidarity, uniqueness and gourmet dishes, then make a beeline for Les Beaux Mets!
📍 Les Beaux Mets, Centre Pénitentiaire des Baumettes, Traverse de Rabat, 13009 Marseille, France. Set menu from EUR 35.
You’re sure to feel at ease now if you previously had any misgivings about Marseille’s cuisine. So, what are you waiting for? Hop on the train to Marseille and make sure you’re hungry when you arrive! You’ve just got to try everything.