L’Epuisette

L’Epuisette is located in the old port of Vallon des Auffes, which makes for a magical backdrop with great views of the sea and fishing boats close by. The cuisine served is gourmet Mediterranean, greatly appreciated by both locals and tourists alike.

• Web:

  www.l-epuisette.fr

• E-mail:

  contact@l-epuisette.fr

• Address:

  158 Rue du Vallon des Auffes, Marseille

• Phone:

  +33 4 91 52 17 82

• Opening hours:

  Tue–Sun noon–1:30pm / 7:30pm–9:30pm

La Côte de Boeuf

Being in Marseille, you might experience seafood burnout. If you do, try and give La Côte de Boeuf a shot. This place serves gigantic steaks grilled to perfection, and the wine list is just as impressive to match. Staff speak English, and will be glad to accommodate your requests.

• Web:

  www.lacotedeboeuf.net

• E-mail:

  contact@lacotedeboeuf.net

• Address:

  35 Cours d'Estienne d'Orves, Marseille

• Phone:

  +33 4 28 31 26 03

• Opening hours:

  Daily noon–2:30pm / 7pm–11:30pm

Le Café Thaï

This traditional Thai restaurant has an exquisite patio garden, a refreshing green retreat with wrought iron chairs. Here, flavourful Thai food comes served in an inspiring and fun environment. Food is reportedly authentic, cooked to order by trained chefs.

• Web:

  lecafethai.fr

• Address:

  136 Rue du Rouet, Marseille

• Phone:

  +33 4 91 25 44 45

Le Miramar

This restaurant is located in the heart of the Vieux Port (along with all the other upmarket local fish restaurants). Le Miramar has earned its spotless reputation due to serving excellent bouillabaisse. The restaurant's menu is, however, rather varied, and includes meat dishes, too.

• Web:

  lemiramar.fr

• Address:

  12 Quai du Port, Marseille

• Phone:

  +33 4 91 91 10 40

• Opening hours:

  Tue–Sun 12:30pm–2:30pm / 7pm–10:30pm

• Subway:

  Métro Vieux Port

Le Petit Nice

Le Petit Nice is a lovely family-run seaside inn that seems almost to be trapped in time, keeping its nostalgic charm from days gone by. The hotel’s restaurant has been awarded 3 Michelin stars, thanks to head chef Gerald Passedat’s exquisite sense for flavour and presentation, consistently offering unforgettable gastronomic experiences.

• Web:

  www.passedat.fr

• E-mail:

  contact@passedat.fr

• Address:

  Anse de Maldormé, Marseille

• Phone:

  +33 4 91 59 25 92

Les Trois Forts

Make sure you book a table at this restaurant in advance, and ask for the corner table to get the best views of the Old Port. Gourmet restaurant Les Trois Forts is located at the top floor of the hotel Sofitel Marseille Vieux Port, and offers a feast for all senses.

• Web:

  accorhotels.com

• E-mail:

  H0542-FB3@sofitel.com

• Address:

  36 Boulevard Livon, Marseille

• Phone:

  +33 4 91 15 59 56

• Opening hours:

  Tue–Sat noon–1:30pm / 7:30pm–9:30pm

• More info:

  Inside the Sofitel Marseille Vieux Port.

Dock des Suds

Dock des Suds has hosted musicians and bands from all over the world, including artists from countries like Cameroon and South Korea. Housed inside a former warehouse, it is a spacious venue where a concert or event is on most days of the week. Check the schedule to see what's on when you are in town.

• Web:

  www.dock-des-suds.org

• E-mail:

  contact@dock-des-suds.org

• Address:

  12 Rue Urbain V, 2e, Marseille

• Phone:

  +33 4 91 99 00 00

Espace Julien

Espace Julien is the place to listen to live music in Marseille. Bands and genres played here vary — everything ranging from hip hop to jazz, reggae and chanson française has sounded here. Check their website to see who is performing when you're in town.

• Web:

  www.espace-julien.com

• Address:

  39 Cours Julien, Marseille

• Phone:

  +33 4 91 24 34 10

Le Bar de la Marine

Le Bar de la Marine is a beautifully decorated 1930s bar made famous by French author Pagnol who used to frequent it. The bar is also known for being the set of a romantic wedding proposal in the popular British comedy "Love Actually". Enjoy the views of the port and a fresh breeze in the outdoor seating area. The place is open all day long and gets buzzing at the weekends, when locals and visitors gather for assorted evening drinks.

• E-mail:

  bardelamarine13@gmail.com

• Address:

  15 Quai Rive Neuve, Marseille

• Phone:

  +33 4 91 54 95 42

• Opening hours:

  Sun–Wed 7am–2am, Thu–Sat 7am–3am

Le Bazar Marseille

Le Bazar Marseille throws big parties for the city's young and trendy. There are four bars and an outside VIP area to enjoy, and drinks are professionally crafted. Do mind that dress code and face control apply, and bring your dancing shoes along with the pair you're wearing.

• Web:

  www.bazarmarseille.com

• E-mail:

  mendossa1@gmail.com

• Address:

  90 Boulevard Rabatau, Marseille

• Phone:

  +33 6 58 52 15 15

O’Brady’s

Another good Irish pub (along with the old port's Shamrock) is the O’Brady’s. Here you can enjoy a beer or two in a cosy atmosphere in the company of good friends. They also host live bands and broadcast sporting events, and — rumor has it — serve the cheapest pint of Guinness in the city.

• Web:

  www.obradys.com

• Address:

  378 Avenue de Mazargues, Marseille

• Phone:

  +33 4 91 71 53 71

• Opening hours:

  Mon–Sat 11am–1:30am, Sun noon–12:30am

Polikarpov

The Polikarpov is a famous bar ideally located near the Old Port. This is a good place to go for some pre-party drinks, shots or aperitifs. Enjoy your drink outside, on the breezy outdoor terrace in one of the old town squares. It tends to get rather busy in the evenings.

• E-mail:

  polikarpovmarseille@gmail.com

• Address:

  24 Cours d'Estienne d'Orves, Marseille

• Phone:

  +33 4 91 52 70 30

Café Populaire

Whether you come during the day for lunch and a cup of joe or at night time for a low-key drink, the snug and friendly atmosphere of Café Populaire will certainly pull you in. This charming and stylish bistro has a lot to offer — food is above par, and both the glass roof and open kitchen add to the unique ambience.

• Web:

  restaurantguru.com/Cafe-Populaire-Marseille

• Address:

  110 Rue Paradis, Marseille

• Phone:

  +33 4 91 02 53 96

La Caravelle

Ideally located in the port area (the first floor of Hotel Bellevue, to be exact), La Caravelle is a restaurant and live jazz venue that has become an institution in Marseille. It is a good place to enjoy a couple of drinks, breakfast or brunch, or maybe some exquisite French cooking in the evening.

• Web:

  www.lacaravelle-marseille.com

• E-mail:

  anthony@hotel-marseille.pro

• Address:

  34 Quai du Port, Marseille

• Phone:

  +33 4 91 90 36 64

Le Café de la Banque

Le Café de la Banque is a classic Parisian-style cafe and bistro that seems charmingly stuck in time. The cafe offers a reasonably priced, varied menu and a good selection of drinks and coffees, and is certainly worth the short 10-minute walk from the old port.

• Web:

  www.lecafedelabanque.com

• Address:

  24 Boulevard Peytral, Marseille

• Phone:

  +33 4 91 33 35 07

Les Arcenaulx

It is a diverse crowd that throngs to this intellectual restaurant that also functions as a bookshop, salon de thé and a Provençal produce seller. Dishes include the classic Filet de bœuf “Rossini” and set menus. The wine list include labels from all across France and beyond.

• Web:

  www.les-arcenaulx.com

• E-mail:

  restaurant@les-arcenaulx.com

• Address:

  25 Cours d'Estienne d'Orves, Marseille

• Phone:

  +33 4 91 59 80 30

• Opening hours:

  Daily noon–2pm / 7:30pm–10:30pm

• Subway:

  Métro Vieux Port

Les Buffets du Vieux-Port

The buffet you will find at this restaurant is more than enough to please just about anybody. It does not matter what you are in the mood for, you will find everything and more on tables loaded with fine meats, salads, seafood, an astonishing selection of cheeses and, naturally, dessert and pastries.

• Web:

  lesbuffetsduvieuxport.eatbu.com

• Address:

  158 Quai du Port, Marseille

• Phone:

  +33 4 65 85 89 70

• Opening hours:

  Mon–Sat noon–3pm / 7:30pm–10:30pm; Sun noon–3pm

Torrefaction Noailles

It is hard to miss the intriguing entrance to this cafe, which looks more like a shop of curiosities than anything else. There are, indeed, some curious edibles and drinkables inside — coffee beans are imported from all over the world, and there is confectionery as far as the eye can see.

• Web:

  www.noailles.com

• E-mail:

  boutique@noailles.com

• Address:

  56 La Canebière, Marseille

• Phone:

  +33 4 91 55 60 66

• Opening hours:

  Mon–Sat 7am–7pm, Sun 10am–6pm