Formerly the royal rope-makers' workshop, this long, vaulted room offers an elegant setting in which to dine just minutes from the Vieux-Port. Run by wine connoisseur Paul Léaunard, this gourmet restaurant has the region's finest selection of wines, some of which can be tasted by the glass: the perfect accompaniment to the excellent meat and poultry dishes on its menu.
Depending on the time of day and year, this café has a really nice feature: customers can come relax near the large swimming pool. The Sports Beach Café is also a place to have lunch or dinner, or even enjoy a drink at the bar in the evening. The magnificent terrace and the location on the seafront give the Sports Beach Cafe a nice pleasant atmosphere. In the winter, the wood-decorated interior makes it a warm and cozy place to hang out. Every Tuesday is salsa night and Thursday is Latina Obsessions with Latin rhythms.
The late Fonfon would have been proud to see that his restaurant's excellent reputation lives on. Still a family-run affair, one of the city's best places for seafood serves a mean bouillabaisse (cooked to perfection using ingredients fished from the sea close by), whilst other dishes including poisson à l'argile (clay-baked fish), and poisson grillé (grilled fish) should easily satisfy the most demanding of palates. Huge bay windows ensure a fabulous sea view while you dine. Très magnifique!
Just like Paris's renowned Café de Flore, La Samaritaine - situated on the corner of the Vieux-Port at the lower end of Rue de la République - has managed to hold onto its old-fashioned charm. And it's easy to see why, with its 1930s-style décor, deliciously light, traditional cuisine, piano bar and fabulous terrace looking out over the boats moored in the harbor making it the perfect rendezvous, no matter what time of day. The bar closes at 8:30 pm generally, but is open until midnight during the summer months.
La Chimère Café is a beautiful dining space that boasts an art-inclined interior decor. Its opulent chandeliers, cherubs and plush furnishing are inspired by Baroque, Art Deco and Belle Époque architecture. To match the regal aura are 70 inventive cocktails and drinks like Single Malt, Bourbon and Irish Whiskey. Revoke the prohibition era vibe with cigars and spirits while savoring their bar fare. On the seasonal menu are Petite Lobster Tail, Cod Croquettes, Octopus a la Gallega, and dessert Hot Cold Citrus Sabayon Seven at Chambord.
This family-run establishment is based a few kilometers away from Aix-en-Provence on the road to Puyricard, and has been in business for about 30 years. There is an enchanting range of chocolates, with constantly changing designs and colors. The reputation of this house is worldwide and this alone makes it a good reason to enjoy sampling their wares when in the town center. A simple must for chocoholics!
Le Comptoir Dugommier is a typical brasserie in Marseille. The place has a charming retro bistro look, although it seems pretty insignificant from the outside. But once you enter the establishment, you find the Comptoir Dugommier’s namesake (comptoir meaning “counter”) as well as a warm, friendly atmosphere and good food. Renovated in 2010, but still keeping its retro décor, Comptoir Dugommier has become one of the more crowded places in Marseille. It is strongly recommended to book in advance. The menu changes regularly, offering a limited selection daily. Comptoir Dugommier is, in short, traditional, good and not very expensive.
Going up the Canebière, right below the Réformés Church is Chez Noël. It's not very impressive looking, and the place is noisy with a dining hall feel to, and it is certainly not a place to come admire the interior. Yet, some say Chez Noël is one of the best pizza places in Marseilles, where people come for good food in a relaxed atmosphere. The pizzas are cooked in a wood fired oven in the dining area. Other dishes are great too, like the Bocconcini (rolled veal with Parma ham and mozzarella), fresh pasta, and other specialties of Provence ... Perfect after a movie or walking around the center of town. - P.Wicki
This brasserie, located at the top of the Canebière, is only open during the day. The menu offers excellent luncheon dishes and the desserts are delicious. A highly professional staff provides rapid service, either in the dining area, or outside on the pleasant terrace. This is truly a nice and affordable establishment in the city center.
This Chinese-Vietnamese buffet features eat-in and take-out service. A wide variety of starters includes Beef Samoussa, Fried Crab Legs, and banh bao; main dishes like Curry Chicken, Peking Duck and Peking Shrimp are complemented by lightly-seasoned rice. After dessert, try a steaming cup of jasmine tea before heading back out into the surrounding shopping district.