Marseille is having a serious glow-up. Once overshadowed by the glitzy glamour of Cannes and the picture-perfect charm of Nice, France’s second city has finally stepped out from behind the curtain. Sure, it might not have the Riviera polish, but what Marseille lacks in shiny façades, it more than makes up for with its mouthwatering culinary scene. Yes, folks, the best restaurants in Marseille are where this rough-and-ready port town truly shines.
This melting pot of cultures has turned Marseille into a foodie paradise, where you’re just as likely to find a killer pizza as you are a classic bouillabaisse. The best restaurants in Marseille offer a smorgasbord of global flavors—so ditch the French-only mindset and embrace the eclectic mix. With the best restaurants in Marseille booking up fast, reservations are essential if you want a seat at France’s hottest dining spots.
Ready to dive in? Here’s our handpicked selection of the best restaurants in Marseille that you simply can’t miss!
Table of Contents
Marseille’s Culinary Glow-Up: Where to Find the 8 Best Restaurants in Marseille
Mama Africa: Where Home Cooking Meets Celebrity Status in Marseille
When it comes to the best restaurants in Marseille, Mama Africa is the kind of place that’s as comforting as a warm hug from your grandma—if your grandma happened to be a culinary genius from Côte d’Ivoire. Félicité Gaye, the mastermind behind this beloved spot, has been serving up generous portions of home-cooked goodness since 1997, making Mama Africa a must-visit on any list of the best restaurants in Marseille.
After leaving Côte d’Ivoire in the ’80s, Gaye saw a golden opportunity in a forgotten shopfront in Noailles and turned it into a foodie haven. Now boasting two locations and a book full of famous fans (including Didier Drogba), Mama Africa is where you’ll find the kind of soul food that makes you forget all about the French classics. From yassa poulet to mafé and saltfish accras, this is the spot to savor African flavors alfresco by Cours Julien—definitely one of the best restaurants in Marseille you shouldn’t miss!
AM par Alexandre Mazzia: Michelin Stars and Street Food, Marseille Style
If you’re hunting for the best restaurants in Marseille, look no further than AM par Alexandre Mazzia—a place where three Michelin stars and street food collide in the most delicious way. Chef Alexandre Mazzia, who’s been wowing palates in Marseille for years, recently hit the global stage cooking for Olympic athletes. But it’s his unique blend of Marseille’s local ingredients with the exotic flavors of his Congolese childhood that truly sets him apart from the pack.
Dining here is like embarking on a culinary “voyage,” with tasting menus that are definitely worth the splurge. Mazzia’s dishes are as much a work of art as they are a meal, making this spot a must-visit on any list of the best restaurants in Marseille. If you’re looking for something a bit lighter on the wallet, don’t miss Michel par AM, his street food van parked nearby—proof that even the best restaurants in Marseille can have a laid-back, affordable side.
Chez Yassine: Where North African Flavors Meet Marseille’s Bustling Streets
When it comes to the best restaurants in Marseille, Chez Yassine is a true gem that captures the heart of the city’s North African community. Nestled in the lively Noailles neighborhood, this no-frills spot is all about authentic Tunisian cuisine that’s big on flavor and easy on the wallet. Yes, you might have to elbow your way through the local crowd for a table, but it’s worth every second.
Chez Yassine serves up dishes like leblebi, a soul-warming chickpea soup spiced with cumin, garlic, and homemade harissa. Or dive into keftiji, a veggie and fried egg delight, and don’t miss the spicy grilled merguez sausages—all for under €16. With daily specials that include lamb couscous on Fridays and fish on Sundays, it’s no wonder this spot is always buzzing. So, if you’re searching for the best restaurants in Marseille, Chez Yassine should be at the top of your list!
Epicerie L’Ideal: The Gourmet Treasure Trove in Marseille
If you’re on the hunt for the best restaurants in Marseille and want to take a piece of the city’s culinary magic home, Epicerie L’Ideal is your go-to spot. Founded by former food journalist Julia Sammut, this hip grocery store in Noailles is a gourmand’s dream. Expect shelves stocked with artisan pasta, spices, preserves, olive oils, and the legendary Bordier butters—perfect for any suitcase stuffer.
But wait, there’s more! Head to the back for a deli counter dishing out freshly made sandwiches (the local mackerel is a must-try), homemade tarts, and other baked delights to take away. It’s not just one of the best restaurants in Marseille—it’s a foodie paradise you’ll want to revisit again and again.
Four des Navettes: Marseille’s Biscuit Tradition That’s Blessed by the Archbishop
When discussing the best restaurants in Marseille, you can’t skip over its oldest bakery, Four des Navettes. Since 1781, this iconic spot on rue Sainte has been handcrafting the city’s beloved navettes—boat-shaped biscuits scented with orange blossom that are practically a local treasure. Forget pancakes on Candlemas; in Marseille, it’s all about these fragrant delights.
And if you needed any more reason to visit, know that the Archbishop of Marseille himself blesses both the biscuits and the original 18th-century oven every Candlemas morning. Talk about divine flavor! So, while exploring the best restaurants in Marseille, don’t miss this sweet slice of history.
La Mercerie: The Trendsetter in Marseille’s Culinary Scene
When it comes to the best restaurants in Marseille, La Mercerie is the name that’s sparking the city’s gastronomic revolution. With British head chef Harry Cummins at the helm, expect a menu that’s as hard to pin down as it is to forget—think seasonal Provençal produce with a twist, inspired by Cummins’ globe-trotting kitchen experiences.
The homemade pasta is a standout, a delicious nod to his time at London’s Zafferano. Whether you’re indulging in the veggie-friendly daytime prix fixe or splurging on the five-course evening tasting menu, you’re in for a treat. And here’s a rarity: La Mercerie is open on Sundays, unlike most other best restaurants in Marseille.
Sépia: A Garden Gem Among the Best Restaurants in Marseille
Stumbling upon Sépia in Marseille’s oldest public garden might have you double-checking your map, but rest assured, you’ve found a culinary treasure. Chef Paul Langlère, who honed his skills under the legendary Alain Ducasse, returned to his hometown to turn a humble snack bar into one of the best restaurants in Marseille. The menu is as seasonal as it gets, with produce often plucked from Langlère’s own garden. Expect a modern twist on French and Mediterranean classics—think pig’s foot (pied de cochon), chocolate mousse with a pinch of fleur de sel, and citrusy calamarata. For cocktails and tapas with a view, head next door to Sépia’s sister spot, Bar Julis.
Carlotta With: Brunch That’s Absolutely a Marseille Must-Try
When it comes to the best restaurants in Marseille, Carlotta With is giving traditional brunch a deliciously international twist. Charlotte Crousillat, inspired by her Algerian-Italian grandmother and globe-trotting adventures, serves up a breakfast-lunch menu that’s anything but ordinary. Imagine diving into an omelette with guanciale and pecorino, or pancakes crowned with hazelnut and mascarpone. And don’t miss the roasted cauliflower with tahini, hot pepper, and chimichurri red rice—talk about brunch goals!
But wait, there’s more! Carlotta With’s in-house bakery, Pompe, named after Marseille’s famed brioche, offers sourdough breads, croissants, and cheeky twists on the classic pompe, like a pompe dog and pompe praliné. It’s clear why Carlotta With deserves its spot among the best restaurants in Marseille.
Vanille Noire: The Ice Cream Revolution You Didn’t Know You Needed
Nicolas Decrite’s ice cream journey began with a scoop of inspiration from New York’s Il Laboratorio del Gelato, and boy, are we glad it did. At Vanille Noire, Decrite crafts ice cream flavors that are as inventive as they are delicious. Ever tried Beyrouth Nights? It’s a Mediterranean dream with orange blossom and caramelized pistachio—because why settle for regular when you can have extraordinary?
And let’s not forget the pink lemon flavor, born from a whimsical desire to ditch lime and add a splash of hibiscus for that perfect rosy hue. The pièce de résistance? Vanille Noire itself, a black vanilla ice cream with a secret salty twist that’s more mysterious than a magician’s hat trick. Dive into the unexpected at Vanille Noire—it’s a sweet surprise waiting to happen!
