Top things to eat in Marseille

While traveling, one of the top priorities apart from seeing monuments and famous places is to try the cuisine. Marseille is known for its gastronomic paradise, a gateway to the south. It has a culinary culture that combines recipes and traditions from North Africa, Provence, and other Mediterranean cuisines.

Marseille has different things to offer that satisfy your gourmet desires. If you are a vegetarian, you can find many options as the regional cuisine is focused mainly on fresh vegetables. Here are some of the recommendations for top things to eat in Marseille.

Top things to eat in Marseille

To help you experience the unique cuisine, here’s a list of 5 must-try foods in Marseille.

1. Bouillabaisse

The most classic and famous dish in Marseille is Bouillabaisse. Earlier, this soup was an ordinary meal for local fishermen, but now it is served in many restaurants. If you are a true seafood enthusiast, you will love it. You can get a thick, creamy broth and multiple types of fish, lobster, crab, mussels, shrimp, and sea urchins. It also includes a combination of vegetables such as potatoes, garlic, onions, herbs, and spices. The seafood soup has a creamy texture and a salty taste. Try this dish with rouille — a spicy red-orange sauce with slices of grilled bread. Traditionally, the vegetables and fish are served separately.

2. Tapenade

It is a popular appetizer in Southern France. Since ancient times, crushed olive sauces have existed in the Mediterranean; the recipe for tapenade originated in Marseille in 1880. It is made from black or green olives, anchovies, olive oil, capers, garlic, and spices. It is a real gourmet treat.

The dish's name comes from the Occitan word for capers, as this ingredient made the dish different. You can have it as stuffing in baked goods, dip spread on toast or a sauce to soak the bread, and get the vegetables to stick into it.

Also, Read: Which are popular beaches in Marseille?

3. Pastis

It is an anise-flavored aperitif and a symbol of France as the petanque and baguette. This drink became popular in Southern France in the 1930s, especially in Marseille. This refreshing drink comes from the Occitan word “Pastis”, which means mixture. In Marseille, it is nicknamed “Pastaga”.

Get Pastis as refreshment on hot days. It is served with a jug of ice cubes and cold water. You can add 5 measures of water for each Pastis, and it will change its color to a milky soft yellow tone. Enjoy the anise and herb flavors in the drink.

4. Navettes

Navettes are boat-shaped cookies and very popular during Christmas, but they are always available in Marseille. You can try this orange-flavored Navette from the oldest bakery — Four des Navettes. It is one of the best things to eat in Marseille, but its recipe is still a secret. The traditional Navettes have an orange taste, but you can also get them in different varieties now with vanilla, cinnamon, chocolate, lavender, and spicy flavors.

5. Panisse

Try Panisse, another special dish from Marseille. It is a chickpea flour pancake made of chickpeas flour, salt, olive oil, pepper, and water. For gluten-free vegans, this dish will impress you with a crispy crust and smooth silky texture. Usually, they are sold by dozens in any shape wrapped in small paper. It is baked, fried, and served with a dipping sauce. You can enjoy it as a side dish with salads, seafood, and meat.

What’s more in Marseille?

Marseille is a famous gateway to the French Riviera. Here's a list of the best attractions to explore around this French coastal city.

1. Old Port
2. Basilique Notre-Dame de la Garde
3. Calanques National Park
4. Musée d’Histoire de Marseille
5. La Corniche
6. Le Panier
7. MuCEM
8. La Plaine and Noailles
9. Stade Vélodrome
10. Boulevard Longchamp
11. Cité Radieuse
12. L’Estaque
13. Musée des Docks Romains
14. Beaches
15. Cuisine

Shore excursions in Marseille offer free time for eating and shopping. Many cruise lines offer Marseille as a port of call. They take care of everything and let you enjoy the beauty of Marseille. You can check our cruise booking sites for cruise options and an itinerary that suits your needs.