Dining in Marseilles

We have lots of delighful fresh [sea-based] meals in Marseilles.  On our arrival, we just wander along the harbor, looking for something that piques our interest for lunch and settle in at La Soleil for octopus salad and dorade.

Settling in at La Soleil in the port

Octopus salad, dorade

We enjoy our lunch so much that we come back for dinner, starting with a shrimp appetizer, followd by bar (sea bass) and grouper.  And, to end the evening, down the street, a small gelatto.

Sprimp (and a few mussels)

Bar and grouper

Great ending

The next evening, we return to La Soleil for moules frites (moules frites a la maison) and seafood salad (l'assiette de la mer).

Moules frites and seafood salad

The next evening, it is time for the Marseille specialty bouillabaisse, at Chez Fon Fon in the small fishing port of Vallon des Auffes, a location packed with restaurants.  We have one bouillabaisse (five separate fish) and one sole meunier.

Harbor at Vallon des Auffes

Champagne and appetizers to start, view from our table

Sole on its way to the kitchen and coming out

The fish in the bouillabaisse and the broth

The whole package

Bouillabaisse was originally mde by Marseille fishers, using fish which they were unable to sell to restaurants or markets.  The traditional bouillabaisse now has three to five types of fish and other seafood, served with toasted bread and rouille and provencal vegetables.  All of the seafood and the toasted bread lathered with rouille end up in the broth as some point as we slowly serve ourselves this fabulous dish.

As we dine, night descents on the harbor, the lights come up, and the crowds appear to enjoy the fabulous meals.

Harbor at twilight

We finish up and head out, looking back fondly at Ches FonFon.  What a fabulous meal and dining experience!

The place for bouillabaise