Le Petit Nice

Marseille, France

Cobalt vistas of the sea take centre stage in this crisp white dining room, tucked away in an 18th-century estate near Marseille's harbour. Gérald Passedat's menus read like an ode to the Mediterranean's maritime culture, designed to explore the ocean at various water depths. Fish and shellfish are presented in a delicate saffron broth; slices of sea bass sit on ribbons of courgette, lemon, wild fennel and basil (a tribute to Passedat's grandmother). Catch of the day with seasonal vegetables is as fresh as it comes, and, of course, the bouillabaisse is a standout, a thick soup with whole fish, potatoes cooked in the bouillon and a real fisherman's rouille, with a base of tomatoes, chilli and garlic. If you've room, cast your eye over the groaning cheese trolley – the white vacherin is rich and delightfully gooey. Visiting for lunch? A table on the sun-drenched terrace is a must.

Key Information

• Tasting menu from $452
• Lunch and dinner: Tue – Sat
• +33 4 91 59 25 92
• Visit Le Petit Nice's Website

Location

17 Rue des Braves, Endoume, Marseille, 13007 Marseille