Marseille is the anti-Paris—a sun-baked, gritty port city on the Mediterranean that wears its complex, multicultural history on its sleeve. When Bourdain visited in 2015 alongside his frequent foil, Chef Eric Ripert, for Parts Unknown (Season 6), he wasn’t looking for pristine bistros. Marseille is defined by its connection to the sea and its deep North African influences, creating a culinary landscape built on robust seafood stews, fragrant spices, and a defiant, rebellious spirit. His angle was to explore this dynamic intersection of cultures. He wanted to understand how a city historically maligned for its grit was quietly producing some of the most exciting, soul-satisfying food in France. From the austere, Michelin-starred perfection of a legendary bouillabaisse to the bustling, aromatic warmth of an Algerian couscous joint, Bourdain sought to capture the true, unvarnished flavor of this vibrant port. It’s a journey that proves the best French food isn’t always found in the capital. Here is a look at the essential stops that define the rebellious palate of Marseille.
The great Anthony Bourdain left his mark everywhere he went. When his death was announced to the world in June 2018, media throughout the globe chimed in and listed all the great things he had done for their respective city. Whereas before, tourists would shy away from exotic foods, thanks to him, travellers now go the extra mile to find and try local bites. With this in mind, here are all the restaurants Bourdain visited and the dishes he tasted when he shot Anthony Bourdain Marseille, France for his show, Parts Unknown Season 6 Episode 3 (originally aired October 4, 2015):
DISH – Shellfish Carpaccio, Lobster and Seasonal Fish, and Bouillabaisse – Anthony Bourdain Marseille
WHAT IS IT?
Shellfish Carpaccio is a dish of thin pieces of shellfish meat, served raw. Lobster and Seasonal Fish are often lightly cooked to preserve its natural flavors. Bouillabaisse is fish stew that originated from Marseille.
WHERE IS IT?
Le Petit Nice
17 Rue des Braves
Marseille, France
READ MORE: Alex Hotel Near Gare St. Charles, Marseille – It’s the little things that count
ANTHOYN BOURDAIN MARSEILLE NOTES
Le Petit Nice is a Michelin-starred restaurant in Marseille owned by Chef Gérald Passédat. Here, Anthony Bourdain and Eric Ripert enjoyed a meal of Shellfish Carpaccio of raw mussels and clams, and lightly seared slipper lobster, weever, anglerfish and red gurnard. They also had the famous Bouillabaisse of Chef Gérald Passédat, made of Dorade and Dentex.
READ MORE: La Poule Noire, Restaurant in Marseille – Covering All The Bases
DISH – Couscous Royale – Anthony Bourdain Marseille
WHAT IS IT?
Couscous, lavished with vegetables, chickpeas, Merguez sausage, chicken, hunks of lamb and meatballs.
WHERE IS IT?
Fémina
1 Rue du Musée
Marseille, France
ANTHOYN BOURDAIN MARSEILLE NOTES
In Parts Unknown Marseille, Anthony Bourdain described Fémina as “an Algerian restaurant that serves one of the better Couscous in” Marseilles.
DISH – Beef Tartare and Pied et Paquets – Anthony Bourdain Marseille
WHAT IS IT?
Beef Tartare is made from raw ground meat, often served with seasonings and typically topped with raw egg. Pied et Paquets is a stew of sheep’s foot that has been cleaned, tenderized and cut into pieces. Cleaned sheep’s tripe is then cut into squares and stuffed with onions, parsley, garlic and salt pork before being rolled and wrapped into pouches. These are then stewed for several hours in a sauce of white wine, tomatoes, bacon, onion and carrots.
WHERE IS IT?
Chez Georgiana
72 Rue de la Paix Marcel Paul
Marseille, France
Unfortunately, this restaurant has since closed its doors.
ANTHOYN BOURDAIN MARSEILLE NOTES
At Chez Georgiana, Anthony Bourdain and Eric Ripert shared a meal of Beef Tartare and Pied et Paquets, along with the Chef Georgiana and some of the other female chefs in Marseille. The Beef Tartare had Bottarga, apple and celeriac in it. Chez Georgiana is reportedly closed.
DISH – Meat and Cheese Charcuterie – Parts Unknown Marseille
WHAT IS IT?
Slices of cured meats and cheeses, arranged on a charcuterie board.
WHERE IS IT?
U Mio Paese
2 Rue George
Marseille, France
ANTHOYN BOURDAIN MARSEILLE NOTES
U Mio Paese is a cured meat and cheese shop that has been family-run for more than 70 years. Here, Anthony Bourdain and Eric Ripert enjoyed a charcuterie of pancetta and various cheeses, along with white and red wines.
READ MORE: Address Book: The Best of Marseille
This 2015 episode perfectly captures Bourdain’s deep affection for cities with a little dirt under their fingernails. By juxtaposing the high-end, hyper-local seafood of Le Petit Nice with the rich, immigrant-driven flavors of places like Fémina, he painted a nuanced portrait of modern France. It’s memorable for showcasing his effortless dynamic with Eric Ripert, as they both marveled at the robust, unapologetic nature of dishes like Pied et Paquets. It serves as a potent reminder that a city’s culinary soul is often shaped by those who arrive by sea, bringing new spices to old traditions. If you travel to the south of France, skip the Riviera’s polish and head to Marseille to experience the dynamic, flavorful heart of the Mediterranean.
