15 Must-Try Dishes in Marseille

The south of France exudes a serene charm. As you arrive at the historic and vibrant port of Marseille, you'll discover a lively Mediterranean hub teeming with diverse cultures and rich fishing traditions. This distinctive destination awaits you on your cruise to Europe.

Marseille offers its own unique escape, showcasing a wealth of activities to enjoy. However, it’s primarily celebrated as a culinary haven, having attracted a rich tapestry of cultures including Greeks, Italians, Armenians, North Africans, and Vietnamese, among others.

To help you savor the distinct fusion of flavors that Marseille has to offer, we've curated a list of 15 delicious dishes to try in the city.

1. Panisse

For those eager to explore chickpea-based delights, the panisse is a must-try Marseille specialty. These tasty bites are reminiscent of French fries but are crafted from chickpeas, then fried or baked and paired with a delicious dipping sauce.

2. Madeleines

A beloved treat in Marseille, madeleines are sweet sponge cakes shaped like shells. These almond-flavored delights are cherished all over France and are best enjoyed fresh. Be sure to purchase them at their peak and bring them back to the ship in their original packaging for the safety of fellow passengers.

3. Moules Marinière

Moules marinière, or marinated mussels, are a delightful treat that are fried, simmered in a savory stock, and then baked to perfection. Don't miss out on trying moules frites, a classic dish in Marseille that pairs mussels with crispy fries.

4. Navettes

Embracing its maritime charm, Marseille offers navettes—boat-shaped biscuits infused with orange flavor. Though they are especially popular during the Christmas season, these tasty treats are available throughout the year. Remember to purchase them pre-packaged and unopened for the safety of your fellow passengers on the ship.

5. Pissaladière

This delightful dish combines black olives and features a unique blend of pizza and puff pastry tart. A cherished tradition in Marseille, it consists of a flavorful filling of onions and anchovies nestled within a flaky tart crust.

6. Bouillabaisse

Renowned as Marseille's signature dish, bouillabaisse was once referred to as the poor man's soup. However, its fame has elevated its status, and diners are willing to pay a premium for this delectable offering. It's a substantial meal that seafood lovers truly savor.

The soup features a medley of seafood, with the specific selection often determined by the chef or the day's fresh catch.

The ingredients can vary widely, including various fish, shrimp, crab, lobster, mussels, and sea urchins, often accompanied by an assortment of vegetable seasonings like garlic, onions, potatoes, and fresh herbs. Locals proudly vouch for the rich, robust quality of the bouillabaisse crafted in Marseille.

7. Pieds et Paquets

Literally translated, pieds et paquets means tripe and trotters, or as some interpret it, stomach and feet. This dish is certainly not for the faint-hearted. However, while in Marseille, embrace local customs and give it a try. You can find pieds et paquets in many restaurants across the city that specialize in this traditional fare.

8. Aïoli

Although it resembles mayonnaise, aïoli in Marseille is a gourmet condiment crafted from garlic, lemon juice, eggs, and olive oil. This beloved dipping sauce pairs wonderfully with fries, cod, vegetables, shellfish, and nearly any dippable delight.

9. North African Food

Marseille boasts a vibrant North African immigrant community originating from former French colonies like Tunisia, Algeria, and Morocco, leading to an exciting culinary scene. Be sure to try leblebi, a Tunisian soup, or merguez, a spicy stew featuring Moroccan sausage.

10. Tapenade

This tasty spread is one you might need to acquire a liking for — it consists of a purée made from capers, anchovies, black olives, and plenty of garlic and olive oil. Affordable yet a true gourmet delight.

If you’re seeking a souvenir or gift from Marseille, tapenade is an excellent option. It’s compact, pre-packaged, and unopened, making it perfect for transporting and gifting once you return home.

11. Pizza

Marseille boasts its own unique style of pizza, found everywhere you look. What distinguishes Marseille pizza from traditional Italian varieties is the generous use of garlic, which enhances the dish's flavor. Most pizzerias add an olive to each slice for that distinctly Mediterranean flair.

12. Ratatouille

No exploration of Provençal cuisine is complete without experiencing ratatouille. This delightful dish originates from Nice and is essentially a vibrant stew of various vegetables that you can savor throughout your travels in Marseille.

13. Spices

Saffron, among many other spices, plays a key role in Marseille's culinary scene. Interestingly, while the French typically avoid heavy seasoning, the Mediterranean influences in Marseille encourage the use of bold flavors—the more exotic, the better.

14. Pastis

When visiting the Old Port of Marseille, be sure to grab a bottle of pastis, an anise-flavored aperitif inspired by Italian traditions. This strong and refreshing drink is made from star anise, a spice that hails from China.

Its unique sweet licorice flavor is also a popular ingredient in various Provençal dishes. Make sure to check with Dinogo about the cruise ship's policies on bringing pastis on board; generally, each adult over 21 is permitted to carry one 750 ml bottle of alcohol.

15. Wine

When you're in France, don't forget to buy some wine. A popular activity in Marseille is to take a shore excursion to Avignon and visit a local winery, Châteauneuf, where you can explore ancient vineyards. Be sure to grab a bottle as a keepsake.

As a tip, when browsing a menu in Marseille, pay attention to any prices followed by the letter 'P.' This stands for 'à partir de,' meaning 'from.' This indicates that you might pay more than expected for small additions, like a sauce for a simple mussel dish.

Shore excursions in Marseille provide plenty of time for enjoying local cuisine and shopping. Dinogo cruises handle all the arrangements, allowing you to relax and enjoy the authentic, charming atmosphere of European ports like Marseille.