Budget Eats in Marseille, France

Eating out in the French port city doesn’t have to be expensive. Here are some of the best places to eat on a budget.

First of all, it’s important to know eating at lunchtime is key if you are saving pennies. Most restaurants offer set menus at lunch for bargain prices compared to á la carte offerings in the evening. One such place is Les Pieds dans le Plat, a sophisticated joint in the Cours Julien area that offers three lunchtime courses for $22. It’s not the cheapest meal in town, but you’ll get gourmet food at a great price.

If you need to be more economical, check out Viaghji di Fondon on the harbor. Pick from a selection of dishes $5–7 each and sit at one of the few tables or take a cushion to the harbor wall.

Look out for the ubiquitous falafel and sandwich bars for something cheap you can eat on the run or dip into a boulangerie for a pastry. You can easily eat on a tight budget in Marseille, but make sure you have enough for one treat meal to experience the city’s great cuisine.