From bouillabaisse to world champion burgers and award-winning restaurants, there is no shortage of gastronomic options in Marseille. But sometimes you want to get off the beaten track with a touch of originality. Without compromising on quality, we reveal the list of the most unusual restaurants in Marseille.
Dans le Noir, the unusual sensory restaurant
There’s no mystery (or almost none) about this restaurant—what awaits you is in the name! The concept is simple: enjoy your meal intotal darkness and let your senses do the rest. Because Dans le Noir is above all an extraordinary sensory experience. Savor a surprise gourmet menu at a shared table, guided by the restaurant’s expert team for an unforgettable moment.
Les Beaux Mets, the unusual restaurant in detention
The first restaurant in a prison open to the public, Les Beaux Mets offers a unique experience. Enjoy a delicious meal in the Baumettes prison, where the former women’s wing has been transformed to welcome guests. An unusual and bistronomic concept that contributes above all to the social and professional inclusion of prisoners.
Fada Bike Café, the unusual café-canteen for cyclists
Born out of a passion for cycling and a desire to help people discover the city in a more eco-friendly way, Fada Bike is Marseille’s go-to place for electric bikes. And because friendliness is the order of the day, the Fada Bike Café welcomes you to its ultra-cozy café-canteen for a gourmet break. Surrounded by helmets and bikes and blue and pink walls, enjoy a delicious specialty coffee or tasty homemade seasonal dishes.
Yuzu Record Bar, the unusual audiophile bar-restaurant
Nestled on Rue d’Aubagne, Yuzu breaks with the conventions of traditional bars with its vintage atmosphere punctuated by a selection of vinyl records. Here you can enjoy inventive Mediterranean cuisine (octopus puttanesca style, squid) accompanied by homemade cocktails, all in a stylish, no-frills setting. A true neighborhood hangout, the venue transforms into a lively dance floor on weekends, offering an immersive and unusual experience in the heart of Marseille.
Le Coude à Coude, the unusual restaurant inspired by Peaky Blinders
Discover a secret enclave in the heart of Marseille, ideal for a warm dinner in a surprising setting. Among the restaurants that are out of the ordinary, Le Coude à Coude stands out as a discreet address. On Avenue de Mazargues, it blends Corsican spirit withthe elegance of an English private club. People come here for its convivial cuisine to share, its extensive wine cellar, and its welcoming cocktail bar.
La Chapelle, the unusual restaurant in a sacred setting
Resembling a clandestine bistro, this restaurant tucked away on the first floor has plenty of surprises in store for its guests. First, there’sthe cozy atmosphere of a red lounge, candlelight, and trompe-l’oeil painted walls. Then there’s the elegance and precision of the dishes, accompanied by excellent wines and enjoyed with a view of Saint-Victor Abbey. Open Tuesday through Friday, and only during the winter, don’t wait to reserve your table at La Chapelle.
La Grotte, the unusual restaurant where time stands still
The unusual can sometimes be found in striking contrasts. In the heart of the beautiful Calanques, La Grotte surprises with its breathtaking decor. Dining here is like treating yourself to a tête-à-tête with the constellations thanks to its huge glass roof. Whether you fall for an artisan pizza or the catch of the day, the setting transforms your meal into a moment suspended between land, sea, and stars.
La Coquinière, the uninhibited unusual restaurant
If the name already gives you a clue, the suggestive decor of the dining room confirms what we already knew. In a very different vein, La Coquinière welcomes its guests in an offbeat and uninhibited atmosphere. First and foremost a restaurant, it offers bold and flavorful cuisine, with a touch of lightheartedness depending on the theme of the evening. Burlesque striptease or Loto Fripon, take your pick!
Aposto, the most exclusive unusual restaurant
A long-kept secret, Aposto is a private table d’hôte hidden away in an alleyway in Malmousque. In a most welcoming atmosphere, Nadia and Philippe invite a maximum of 20 guests to discover their cave of wonders. The small villa with blue wooden shutters is decorated with a multitudeof antique objects for a “homey” effect. Meanwhile, the dishes showcase fresh, seasonal ingredients cooked with care.