The best restaurants for Bouillabaisse at the Côte d’Azure.

Bouillabaisse is a traditional Provencal dish made from fish, usually accompanied by croutons and rouille.

A must for any visitor to Marseille, it has become a true symbol of Marseilles culture.

“Quand ça bouille tu baisses…”(in english: When it boils you drop...) the cooking fire of course. It is from this old Provençal expression that we would come from the name of bouillabaisse.

In fact, the bouillabaisse would go back even to the foundation of Massalia by the Greeks. Roman mythology also evokes it: Venus would have made it to Vulcan to appease it and then put it to sleep in order to join Mars in all discretion.

Originally, a it was a simple and popular dish, which it still should be. On their way back from work, the fishermen from the calan between Marseilles and Toulon boiled a pot in which they put the unsold or damaged fish concocted in stew.

This fishermen's soup has been improved over time to become today a true gourmet dish. It’s the mix of local ingredients and the time it takes, that makes Bouillabaisse such a distinctive dish.

Bouillabaisse goes back even to the foundation of Massalia by the Greeks.

It’s a delicacy and can’t be made quickly. If you want to eat a good version of it, expect to pay up to 80€–it’s usually made for two people –and order it 24 hours in advance.

It shouldn’t be a dish that the chef can whip up at a moment’s notice; it’s a dish made ideally from supremely fresh fish, so better versions are usually found by the sea, using the fresh catch of the day.

Many of the best bouillabaisse restaurants are naturally in Marseille –it’s France’s second largest city, it’s on the coast and it’s where the dish comes from. But there are some good ones outside Marseille.

Where to get good Bouillabaisse at the French Riviera:

Chez Fonfon Fonfon is the granddaddy of bouillabaisse restaurants in Marseille. It was a key member of the Bouillabaisse Guild in 1980 and people rave about their fresh fish dishes. It isn’t just the food that’s amazing. The restaurant is situated in an amazing little inlet that has a tiny harbour and looks out onto the sea. For the past 50 years, it’s been at the top of its game.

La Bouillabaisse has become an institution at Fonfon, it has been for over 50 years the reputation of the restaurant.

Restaurant FonFon

140, Vallon des Auffes, Marseille

Tel.: +33 4 91 52 14 38

Cabanon de Jean

Just 20 minutes from the old port, Jean Paoli runs his cabanon.

That's where he was born, grew up and lives.Between the skirts of his mother and his escapades with the fishermen of the calanque, he fell in love with good food and the pleasure of sharing it. Perched in the heart of the national park of the creeks, you will taste the authentic bouillabaisse of his childhood, and discover a typically Marseilles way of life, between sea hill and song of cicadas.

Play a party of petanque or card with friends, take a siesta on the deckchairs, have a swimm in turquoise water or stroll and discover the cove .

Cabanon de Jean

Calanques de Sormiou - Parc national

Tel.: +33 6 70 99 16 94

Chez Michel

Chez Michel is a family runed restaurant that prides itself on delivering amazing fish dishes, one of which is bouillabaisse. It also has a great location, overlooking the sea. It isn’t open for long at each sitting so book a table and get there on time to make the most of your experience.

Chez Michel

6 r Catalans, Marseille

Tel : +33 491523063

Le Rhul

Le Rhul is a cliffside hotel overlooking the Mediterranean on one of the smartest roads along the coast of Marseille (the Corniche Kennedy). It was built in 1948 and has been run by the same family ever since. Like the restaurant Chez Fonfon, it is also part of the Bouillabaisse Charter, which pledges to deliver divine fish soup made from the best ingredients every time.

Le Rhul

269 Corniche Président Kennedy, Marseille

Tel.: +33 4 91 52 01 77

La Mère Germaine

At Germaine, one takes place since 1938, like a pampered guest with, in mind, the privilege of succeeding illustrious predecessors. The establishment is one of a kind. Located only a few meters from the sea, or softly dance fishing boats, not far from the most prestigious yachts.

La Mère Germaine

Quai Courbet, Villfranche sur Mer Tel. +33 4 93 01 71 39

Restaurant de Bacon

In 1948 the Sordello family sold pan bagnat (nicoise tuna sandwiches), beer, and lemonade at their “Buffet”. aThe Buffet became the Restaurant de Bacon in 1950: it was a little open-air caféon the coast run by Alphonsine Sordello, a seasoned cook.

For the next 20 years, she prepared fish soup, bouillabaisse, and fried fish with the help of her two sons Etienne and Adrien, nicknamed Didi.

This fish restaurant unites exceptional home cooking with impeccable service in an idyllic setting. Ideally located across from the old town of Antibes and on the Baie des Anges (Bay of Angels), you will be welcomed by the Sordello family, who are looking forward to titillating your tastebuds.

Restaurant de Bacon

Boulevard de Bacon, Cap d'Antibes Tel. : + 33 4 93 61 50 02

Chez Camille

Since 1913 Chez Camille offers authentic family cuisine.

Try the famous bouillabaisse, recognized as the specialty of the house which is cooked over a wood fire. But also fresh fishes and Mediterranean lobsters grilled over a fire are amazing.