Ranked by TableJourney editorial score.
Anise-and-liquorice aperitif invented in Marseille in 1932 by Paul Ricard, served midday with five parts cold water poured over one part pastis. The water turns the drink milky cloudy through the louche effect.
Pastis was created in 1932 by Paul Ricard in the Sainte-Marthe district, after absinthe's 1915 ban left a market gap. Henri Bardouin and Janot followed as Provencal artisan producers. The 1:5 dilution ritual at the cafe table is unchanged since the 1930s; the Marseille midday pause centres on it. Bar de la Marine and Le Cafe de la Banque pour the canonical city version.
4 editor picks for Pastis in Marseille, ranked by editorial score. All Marseille signature dishes · Pastis across every city.
Bar de la Marine in Marseille's 7e has stood on Quai de Rive Neuve since 1929, the Pagnol-trilogy setting with 1930s decor intact, Marseille colours.
TipOpen daily 7am-2am; the terrace fills on weekend evenings with the youth crowd.
Le Pelle-Mele in Marseille's 1er on Place aux Huiles is the city's longest-running jazz bar, a small terrace and a stage inside, homemade tapas to go.
TipLive music most nights; small room, arrive before 21:00 for a seat.
Le Cafe de l'Abbaye in Marseille's 7e sits next to the Saint-Victor Abbey above the Vieux Port, a Provencal bistro with a single daily dish.
OrderWhatever the single plat du jour is at lunch; tapas at aperitif on the terrace.
TipOpen Mon-Fri 9am-10:30pm, weekends from 3pm; closes mid-afternoon between services.
Le Cafe de la Banque in Marseille's 6e in the Estrangin former banking district is a Haussmann brasserie with a wide terrace running the day's specials.
OrderThe plat du jour at lunch, a charcuterie board at aperitif.
TipOpen daily from breakfast through aperitif tapas to dinner; reservations for evening only.
Pastis makes more sense with someone from Marseille explaining it. These are the classes and tours we have checked, with booking links.
Guided tour · 3 hours
From Breakfast to Lunch, enjoy the food and drinks tour through Marseille's old towns: must-sees, must-eats, and must-drinks included !
4 hours
Discover the elegance of French haute cuisine in a remarkable château setting. Enjoy an exclusive chef’s table experience featuring a multi-course menu, exceptional wi...
Day trip · 6 - 8 hours
Explore Avignon, the Pope's Palace, and Avignon Bridge on a day trip from Marseille. Grab lunch at a local market, then travel a route through the southern part of Côt...
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