Eating Out

You certainly won’t be short on places to eat in Marseille with a variety of restaurants dotted throughout the city covering numerous specialities.  One dish that is hugely popular and that you’ll spot on offer in many places is the local bouillabaisse dish, which is basically a fish stew. Considering it’s a port city, this is no surprise.

If you spot somewhere you like the look of, it may be worth calling in or getting their phone number and making a reservation as

1. Chez Ida

Address: 7, rue Ferdinand Rey

Currently the number one restaurant in Marseille according to TripAdvisor, Chez Ida offers its patrons a mix of cuisine in a homely atmosphere that proves very popular with customers and all at a good price. Keep in mind too that Friday night is usually karaoke night.

2. Les Trois Rois

Address: 24, Rue des Trois Rois

Located on a bustling street full of restaurants, the area is a little trickier to find as it’s slightly off the beaten track but there is a nice mix of food on offer and at a decent price.

3. O’Bidul

Address: 79, Rue de la Palud

Another very popular restaurant with the users of TripAdvisor, somewhat on the small side but your taste buds will be happy with your choice of restaurant. The prices are very reasonable and booking in advance is advised.

Night Life

The stadium is located in an area that is quite residential and while there are a few spots nearby to eat and drink, it’s probably worth heading out in Marseille City Centre if you’re looking for a night out post match (whether it be to celebrate or drown your sorrows), with the Vieux Port probably the most popular area.

Coincidentally enough, two very popular spots around Marseilles are both Irish.

1. O’Brady’s Irish Pub

Address: 378, avenue de Mazargues

Located about 10 minutes away from the stadium, O’Brady’s is a popular spot regardless of whether there is a match on. The pub usually attracts a mix of people so you’ll hear more than Irish accents and there’ll be banter aplenty. Many a visitor recommends the Guinness.

2. Shamrock Irish Pub

Address: 17, quai de Rive-Neuve

A popular spot for sports fans, there’s usually a good crowd in for any match, soccer or rugby. Live music is also part and parcel of the pub’s offering.

Some of the other popular bars around Marseille include the following:

3. La Caravelle

Address: 34, Quai du Port

An interesting mix of jazz and tapas, this old style venue will feel like somewhat of a step back in time but it somewhat legendary in the city. It also offers some pretty decent views of the city and there’s usually live music at the weekends.

4. Bar de la Marine

Address: 15, Quai du Rive Neuve

Getting a mention more for its famous film connections, more than anything else. This restaurant was the location of Colin Firth’s proposal scene at the end of the 2003 rom-com Love Actually.

The famous French writer Marcel Pagnol apparently frequented this charming little restaurant as well and it is apparently the setting for the 1930s film Marius.

5. Le Trolleybus

Address: 24, quai de Rive Neuve

Spread over a number of areas, Trolleybus exists in a building that used to be a weapons store in the 1600s. Open until the early hours, all musical tastes are catered for across three areas – La Dame noir Dancing , Whiskybar and La Suite – with everything from pop to rock to house. As is to be expected in a major European city though, drinks can be a little expensive.

Main Image Credit: Ophelia photos. Used under CC licence.