Marseille, France’s oldest city, is a melting pot of Mediterranean flavors, Provençal traditions, and seafood delights. With its rich culinary history, influenced by North Africa, Italy, and the French Riviera, Marseille is a paradise for food lovers. Whether you're craving fresh seafood, traditional stews, or sweet treats, this guide will take you through the must-try dishes and where to find them.
1. Bouillabaisse – Marseille’s Iconic Seafood Dish
No trip to Marseille is complete without trying bouillabaisse, the city’s signature fish stew. Originally a fisherman’s dish, this flavorful soup is made with a variety of fresh fish, shellfish, and aromatic Provençal herbs, served with rouille (a garlicky saffron-infused mayonnaise) and crispy croutons.
🦞 Where to Try It:
Chez Fonfon (Vallon des Auffes) – One of the best spots for authentic bouillabaisse.
Le Miramar (Old Port) – A classic high-end restaurant specializing in the dish.
L'Épuisette (Vallon des Auffes) – A Michelin-starred take on this traditional meal.
2. Panisse – The Chickpea Snack You’ll Love
Originally from Liguria, panisse is a Marseille favorite. These golden, crispy chickpea flour fries are similar to polenta fries and are served as a snack or appetizer, often with a sprinkle of salt and lemon juice.
🍟 Where to Try It:
Chez Magali – A small family-run eatery known for homemade panisse.
Bar de la Marine – A great spot near the Old Port to enjoy it with a glass of local wine.
3. Pissaladière – The French Riviera’s Answer to Pizza
A cross between a pizza and a tart, pissaladière is a Provençal specialty featuring a caramelized onion topping, anchovies, and black olives on a thin, crispy dough. It’s the perfect street food snack while exploring the city.
🍕 Where to Try It:
Four des Navettes – A historic bakery selling traditional Provençal treats.
Maison Saint-Honoré – A well-known bakery with excellent pissaladière.
4. Aioli – The Garlicky Provençal Dip
A simple yet powerful dish, aioli is a garlicky mayonnaise-like sauce served with boiled vegetables, seafood, and sometimes salt cod. It’s a staple in Marseille’s cuisine and a must-try for garlic lovers.
🧄 Where to Try It:
Le Petit Nice Passedat – A Michelin-starred restaurant with an elegant version of aioli.
La Boîte à Sardine – A casual seafood restaurant serving it in a more traditional style.
5. Navettes de Marseille – The City’s Famous Biscuits
These boat-shaped biscuits, flavored with orange blossom, are a Marseille specialty. Traditionally eaten during Candlemas (La Chandeleur), navettes are crunchy and slightly sweet, making them the perfect souvenir to take home.
🍪 Where to Try It:
Four des Navettes – The oldest bakery in Marseille, baking navettes since 1781.
Le Pain de l’Opéra – A great bakery offering fresh and fragrant navettes.
6. Pieds et Paquets – A Traditional Stew for the Adventurous Eater
For those willing to try something unique, pieds et paquets is a slow-cooked dish made of lamb tripe and stuffed parcels (paquets) in a rich tomato and white wine sauce. It’s a hearty meal full of bold flavors.
🥘 Where to Try It:
Chez Etienne – A classic Marseille bistro serving authentic pieds et paquets.
Le Lauracée – A fine-dining restaurant offering a refined version of the dish.
7. Oursinade – A Seasonal Sea Urchin Delight
If you're in Marseille between November and March, don't miss the oursinade, a festival dedicated to eating fresh sea urchins. These little spiky delicacies are enjoyed raw with a squeeze of lemon and a glass of white wine.
🌊 Where to Try It:
Seafood markets at the Old Port – The best place to taste freshly caught sea urchins.
Chez Michel – A seafood restaurant offering seasonal oursins.
8. Tapenade – The Ultimate Provençal Spread
A delicious olive spread made with black or green olives, capers, anchovies, and olive oil, tapenade is a staple in Marseille’s cuisine. It’s perfect as an appetizer with crusty bread or as a dip.
🫒 Where to Try It:
L’Idéal – A gourmet deli with excellent tapenade.
Les Halles de la Major – A food market offering local artisanal products.
9. Chichis Frégis – Marseille’s Version of Churros
If you have a sweet tooth, try chichis frégis, a Provençal version of churros. These long, crispy fried dough sticks are coated in sugar and sometimes filled with chocolate or jam.
🍩 Where to Try It:
L’Estaque – A waterfront area famous for street vendors selling chichis frégis.
Chez Roger – A legendary spot in L’Estaque for these sweet treats.
10. Pastis – Marseille’s Signature Drink
No food guide would be complete without pastis, Marseille’s favorite aperitif. This anise-flavored liqueur is typically served diluted with water and enjoyed as a pre-dinner drink.
🍸 Where to Try It:
La Caravelle – A historic bar with a great selection of pastis.
Le Café de l’Abbaye – A local favorite with a fantastic view of the Old Port.