L'Ecaillerie ★ 4.4
Why locals love it: Newer Endoume room mostly known by locals, Carry sea urchins and Marseille clams off the morning landing.
Tip: Reservations only Saturday and Sunday lunch; walk in on Wed-Fri evenings.
Why locals love it: Tourists rarely make it to L'Estaque port; locals have eaten Magali's chichis here for 78 years.
Tip: Cash only; chichis straight from the oil, panisses by the dozen in a paper cone.
Address: 42 Plage de l'Estaque, 13016 Marseille
Why locals love it: Newer Endoume room mostly known by locals, Carry sea urchins and Marseille clams off the morning landing.
Tip: Reservations only Saturday and Sunday lunch; walk in on Wed-Fri evenings.
Why locals love it: Tucked at the foot of the Cours Julien stairs, easy to walk past, Lilian Gadola's daily menu changes each morning.
Tip: Book the bar for a single-pour-and-plate evening; closed Sunday and Monday.
Why locals love it: Cabanon kitchen in Les Goudes village 30 minutes south of the city, rocks-on-the-water seating most visitors miss.
Tip: Bus 19 from Rond-Point du Prado or taxi; book six weeks ahead.
Why locals love it: Small natural-wine room on Rue de Lodi most tourists never reach, full by 20:00 with neighbourhood regulars.
Tip: Closed Sunday and Monday; book the bar for a small-plates dinner.
Why locals love it: Tiny Endoume coffee workshop most visitors never venture out to find, espresso bar at the counter.
Tip: Open Tue-Sat with a mid-afternoon split; whole bean retail to take home.
Why locals love it: Le Panier ice cream parlour on Rue Caisserie locals queue for, the vanille noire flavour stays year-round.
Tip: Up to 24 rotating flavours; second location at 2 Rue de Lorette.