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 ★ 4.3
15 Quai de Rive Neuve, 13007 Marseille
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.
Le Pelle-Mele ★ 4.2
8 Place aux Huiles, 13001 Marseille
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.
Le Cafe de l'Abbaye ★ 4.2
7e · 3 Rue d'Endoume, 13007 Marseille
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.
Le Cafe de la Banque ★ 4.0
6e · 24 boulevard Paul Peytral, 13006 Marseille
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.