Dear Marseillais(es), we’ve written about bouillabaisse, the best bars, the best cocktails,the best Michelin-starred restaurants, the best pizzas, the best kebabs, but we realized that we’d forgotten one of the South’s main assets: the panisses! Imagine the sun setting over the sea, a pastis in your right hand and a panisse in your left – isn’t that the perfect recipe for an aperitif? In any case, it’s worth a try! To make it easier for you to enjoy the experience to the full, we’ve listed below the top 3 best panisses in Marseille!
Chez Magali, the most emblematic
Founded in 1947, Chez Magali has become an iconic spot for all fans of this unmissable Marseilles specialty! For over 70 years, on the port of Estaque, panisses have been prepared and served in a warm, authentic atmosphere! In this historic kiosk in the heart of l’Estaque, you can enjoy panisses prepared in the traditional way, according to a secret recipe handed down for generations! Here, each panisse is made with a chickpea dough prepared on the side and deep-fried minute by minute! We promise you a unique culinary experience, and the desire to come back again and again to show your friends and family around!
📍42 Plage de l’Estaque, 13216 Marseille.
Le Bon Air, the highest of the high
If you haven’t yet discovered Le Bon Air, you need to do something about it! This place is the meeting we’ve been waiting for between the Basilica of Notre-Dame de la Garde and a sibling group of taste entrepreneurs! This unique venue offers an experience that combines conviviality with a breathtaking view over the city’s rooftops. Now in its second summer season, the buvette éphémère (temporary refreshment bar) is serving up half-moon-shaped panisses, gilded to perfection and prepared by Jon, Tom and Florian, the creators of La French Cuisine. Enjoy them from 4pm to 10pm, solo, in a duo or as much as you like, in a relaxed atmosphere where you can savour every mouthful with appetite. The concept? Quality street food, panoramic views and an exceptional setting where golden hour is synonymous with sharing and contemplation! See you there this summer!
📍Rue du Sanctuaire, 13206 Marseille.
The family-friendly boîte à Panisse
If you’re looking for a modern family atmosphere, we highly recommend La boîte à Panisse! The speciality here is home-made panisses (that goes without saying), to be enjoyed in an atmosphere where you could stay for hours without seeing the time go by! The deliberately small menu features fresh, local produce, and the panisses go perfectly with Marseille’s homemade fish & chips (as do the rest). And of course, don’t forget to dip the panisses in their homemade aioli, for an extra tasty touch!
📍23 Rue Caisserie, 13002 Marseille