Marseille, with its Mediterranean and Provençal influences, is brimming with culinary delights to savor! Here, each dish tells a story, one of a region proud of its traditions and flavors. Whether you are drawn to seafood, sweet treats, or local specialties, the Marseillais cuisine will satisfy all your cravings. Ready for a gourmet tour?
Must-tries from the sea: freshness and tradition
Bouillabaisse: a Marseillais emblem
The bouillabaisse is much more than just a fish dish: it’s the soul of Marseille in a pot. This dish, born from the tradition of fishermen, combines various rock fish, cooked for a long time with spices and saffron. Served with a spicy rouille and croutons, bouillabaisse is a must for any visitor. Enjoy it at Vallon des Auffes, at Fonfon, where the atmosphere is as authentic as the recipe.
The oursinades: a feast of the sea
Every year, Marseille hosts the oursinades, where these funny marine creatures with black spines are enjoyed. A symbol of conviviality, this tasting brings together locals and visitors around the sea urchin, eaten raw with a bit of bread and butter. If you are in town during this time, don’t miss this unique experience!
Seafood: Mediterranean freshness
Marseille is also the paradise of seafood. Freshly caught, they are a true treat, whether it’s oysters, mussels, or baby cuttlefish with garlic and parsley. You can enjoy them in one of the many restaurants at Vieux-Port, where the seafood platters are as generous as they are delicious.
Appetizers and small pleasures: a Provençal touch
Tapenade: queen of appetizers
In Marseille, an aperitif without tapenade is unthinkable. This delicious paste made from black olives, enriched with capers, anchovies, and garlic, is served on toasted bread slices. It’s the perfect Mediterranean touch to start a meal or accompany an improvised picnic by the sea.
Panisses from l’Estaque
Originating from Italy, panisse is a preparation made from chickpea flour, fried until golden and crispy. It’s the snack of choice in l’Estaque, a neighborhood north of the city. These little golden sticks are enjoyed while walking, admiring the view of the Marseillais coastline.
Pastis: the quintessential Marseillais drink
Pastis is a must-have at aperitifs in Marseille. This strong and fragrant anise, served very cold, is the emblematic drink of the city. Whether on a terrace or in a small fishermen’s hut, pastis embodies the warm and convivial spirit of Marseille.
Sweet treats: the gourmet soul of Marseille
Navettes: a traditional cookie
Created in 1781, the navettes de Marseille are cookies flavored with orange blossom, often enjoyed at Chandeleur. These small delights, both crispy and tender, are perfect for a sweet break during your visit. Don’t miss the famous Four des Navettes, the oldest bakery in the city, located near the Abbey of Saint-Victor.
Calissons from Aix
Although originating from Aix-en-Provence, calissons are very popular in Marseille. These small diamond-shaped candies, made from a paste of almond and candied melon, are sweet and melt in your mouth. Their recipe is a well-guarded secret, protected by a protected geographical indication. A Provençal sweetness not to be missed!
Chichis frégis: a pastry from l’Estaque
Don’t confuse chichis frégis with churros! These thick and fluffy pastries, dusted with sugar, are a specialty of l’Estaque. It is said that their flavor is unmatched and that you must absolutely try them on-site, in one of the small stalls in the neighborhood.
Stews and comforting dishes
Pistou soup: a bowl of conviviality
Typical of summer, pistou soup is a vegetable soup enhanced with basil, garlic, and olive oil. It’s a dish shared with family, often served at summer gatherings and village festivals. Its intense flavor recalls the generosity of Provençal cuisine.
Marseillais aïoli: a mythical sauce
Aïoli is a sauce made from garlic and olive oil, which often accompanies vegetables, fish, or seafood. This traditional dish is a hymn to the simplicity and flavors of Provence. You will find it in many Marseillais restaurants, where it is served with pride.
Provençal daube: a classic of yesteryear
This beef stew marinated in red wine is a classic on Provençal tables. Prepared with love and slow-cooked for hours, Provençal daube is a comforting dish, perfect for cool evenings. Made with beef, garlic, onions, and herbs from Provence, it embodies the culinary know-how of the region.
Marseille, a gourmet adventure
Visiting Marseille is to dive into a culture rich in flavors and traditions. Each neighborhood, each alley, tells a story, often served on a plate. Let yourself be tempted by these delights, meet local artisans, and savor the generosity of this sunny city.
