Here is the list of my favorite restaurants in Aix en Provence that I update twice a year . If you have a car or mind using a taxi you can go to the ones outside of Aix en Provence. If you only have time to go in the city, there are a lot of options and a couple in Marseille. I categorized them by type of food or occasion.
Updated December 4th 2024
Here are my $ (price) ratings:
$$$$$:Over 70€
$$$$: 50€ – 70€
$$$: 30€ – 50€
$$: 15€ – 30€
$: 5€-15€
Best DINNER in the city
Etude $$$$$
Dinner (Mon-Fri)
Lunch (Tues-Sat)
24 rue Aumone Vieille
0442913756
https://www.etude-aix.fr
Simply the best restaurant in Aix en Provence. It changed its name this year from Sauvage to Etude and retooled its menu a bit, but it’s still the same chef. Be careful, it’s only open Tuesday through Saturday for lunch and Monday-Friday for dinner. The perfect place for a special occasion.
Classic/Creative French cuisine
Ama Terra $$$$$
Breakfast Lunch Dinner
Every day
Villa Saint Ange
0442951010
https://amaterra-restaurant.com/en
I had been wanting to go to this restaurant for some time since the menu was created by the eminent Michelin-star chef, Pierre Gagnaire. I finally got the chance to visit for my 11-year wedding anniversary and it delivered in many ways. Seated outside on a warm May evening, I felt like I was miles away from Aix, when in reality it is located right outside of the city center, just a 15-minute walk from the Hotel de Ville. I ordered the carpaccio de daurade royale (pictured), the gigot d’agneau (lamb) and the tarte aux pommes (apple tart) for dessert. The meal also came with several amuse-bouches, a pre-dessert and petit fours, which were delicious little extras. For a special occasion or a romantic night out, this is the perfect spot.
Narcisse $$$$
Lunch & Dinner
Every day
1 rue des Etuves
0442212527
https://www.narcisse-restaurant.fr/
A fine-dining restaurant tucked away on a quiet street. Operated by a young couple, the vaulted dining room downstairs provides a cozy ambiance, while the food is definitely creative and worth a taste.
Kitchen Gallifet $$$$
Lunch (Tues-Sun)
Only open June 1st – October 1st
52 rue Cardinale
0953843761
https://www.hoteldegallifet.com/fr/p/216/gallifet-kitchen
If you’re looking to celebrate a special occasion and want a restaurant with a beautiful outdoor courtyard, this is a great choice. Perfect if you’re here between the months of June and September because this restaurant is only open 4 months a year. With a visiting chef each year, the food is innovative and delicious.
Vieilles Canailles $$$
Lunch & Dinner
(Tues & Thurs-Sat)
7 rue Isolette
0442914175
https://vieilles-canailles.fr/
The definition of French terroir food, e.g. mostly meat (sorry vegetarians!). So if you are a meat lover this place is a real treat. Fred, the waiter, will regale you with a detailed description of the menu and Pierre, the owner and chef, will find the perfect wine to pair with what you’re eating. It was my first favorite restaurant in the city and it’s still one of the best.
Mitch $$$$
Dinner
(Mon-Sat)
26 rue des Tanneurs
0442266308
https://www.tripadvisor.fr/Restaurant_Review-g187209-d779386-Reviews-Mitch-Aix_en_Provence_Bouches_du_Rhone_Provence_Alpes_Cote_d_Azur.html
If you want a very tasty restaurant with a friendly atmosphere, this is the place to go. Most dishes are original and very tasty. Vegetarians are welcome. A good “authentic French restaurant”.
La Méduse $$$
Dinner
(Tues-Sat)
10 rue Portalis
0984277279
https://lefooding.com/caves/la-meduse
A wine bar that serves delicious food and natural wine. It has some of the best wine in town in my opinion. If you go, I recommend asking Antoine to recommend which wine you should drink. It’s been one of my favorites places for dinner for 6 years now.
Vintrepide $$$
Lunch/Dinner
(Tues-Sat)
48 rue du Puits Neuf
0983889659
https://www.vintrepide.com/
A classic French restaurant with a little more pizzazz than the standard bistrot. With a constantly changing menu that reflects the products in season, this is another good “authentic French restaurant.”
Licandro Le Bistro $$$
Lunch/Dinner
(Fri-Mon) (Thurs only dinner)
18 rue de la Couronne
0627200399
https://www.licandrolebistro.com/accueil
The best restaurant for dinner on a Sunday or Monday night. I went here for my birthday a couple of years ago and it was an absolute delight. From langoustine and asparagus with ricotta gnocchi to tarte tatin of lamb, you can’t go wrong.
La Flamme $$$
Lunch/Dinner (Thurs-Sat)
Dinner (Tues, Wed)
Lunch (Sunday)
9 rue Aumone Vieille
0659599588
https://laflamme-aix.fr/
This is a steakhouse for all you meat lovers out there, although they also offer one fish dish. I had pork cheeks, which were delicious and my wife had lamb, which she loved. The service was professional and friendly and we left with our bellies stuffed!
La Kemia $$
Lunch/Dinner (Mon-Sat)
Dinner (Monday)
44 rue de la Verrerie
0785100860
This is what is called a “bistronomique” restaurant, which means it combines a casual atmosphere with gourmet ingredients and techniques. The menu mainly consists of small plates for sharing, such as friend gnocchis, baked feta or fish churros. The next time I go, I want to try the aged prime rib (for 2 people). As we left they offered us a digestif on the house and I chose an Italian liquor called Liquore violetta, which was delicious if you like violet.
Mammo $$$
Lunch/Dinner
(Tue-Sat)
15 rue Constantin
0442211939
An authentic Corsican restaurant on Aix’s new « foodie » street. A charming setting, delicious dishes and a friendly waitstaff.
Les Galinas – La Table Provençale $$$
Lunch/Dinner
(Mon-Fri)
10 rue Constantin
0987191577
https://lesgalinas.eatbu.com/?lang=fr
Right down the street from Mammo is Les Galinas, which calls itself « une table provençale. » Created for people in the restaurant industry who enjoy good food cooked well, enjoy convivial dining and outstanding regional dishes. Great wine selection too. Please note that it is closed on the weekend. I often go there for gourmet foodie tours.
Drole D’endroit $$$
Lunch & Dinner (Tue-Sat)
14 rue Annonerie Vieille
0442389554
https://droledesite.fr/
A good place for families or large groups. The décor is rather eclectic as are the dishes, which combine traditional French food with a modern twist. For those with a big appetite, the dishes are quite copious and you won’t leave hungry.
Chez Lion $$$
Lunch/Dinner
(Wed-Sun)
26 place des Tanneurs
0442595889
https://chezlion.fr/fr
Another authentic Corsican restaurant, which makes you feel like you are on the « Ile de beauté. » Lion(el), the owner, is very friendly, and the food is copious and hearty. Highly recommend!
Best lunch/snack in the city (many are take out only)
First of all, in France we often eat lunch by just going to a boulangerie. Here you will find my list of favorite boulangeries in Aix.
Manlio’s $
Lunch/Dinner Take Out only
(Tues-Sat)
1 rue Jacques de la Roque (near the Saint Sauveur cathedral)
09 81 30 36 52
Simply the best pizza in Aix, in my opinion. Unlike most pizza you find in France, this is a thick crust pizza called rustica romana. They also have real roman suppli. If you want to grab a couple pizzas for dinner I recommend going before 5pm because they tend to run out.
Nguyen Thanh $
Lunch/Dinner Take Out only
(Tues-Sat)
16 rue Gaston de Saporta (near the Saint Sauveur cathedral)
0442234914
https://www.nguyenthanh.fr/
Some of the best Vietnamese street food in Aix. They are so good there’s usually a line for lunch that starts at 11 am. Whether you want spring rolls, a bo bun or nems this is the perfect place.
Le Samos $
Lunch/Dinner
Open every day
13 rue des Marseillais
When you talk about fast food in France, it’s not tacos or burgers, it’s kebabs. I haven’t tried all of them in Aix, but this one is really good and right in the city center.
Miel Sushi $$
Lunch/Dinner Take Out only
(Tues-Sat) 15 rue Aumone Vieille
They have very fresh sushi and bento boxes that are perfect if you’re looking for a little sushi to enjoy in your apartment. The best sushi takeout in the city in my opinion.
Cafe des Negociants $$
Lunch (Mon-Sat)
4 Avenue Pasteur
0782507932
https://www.tripadvisor.fr/Restaurant_Review-g187209-d7967298-Reviews-Cafe_des_Negociants-Aix_en_Provence_Bouches_du_Rhone_Provence_Alpes_Cote_d_Azur.html
This is a typical, old-school French restaurant that is only open for breakfast and lunch. A great place for a coffee in the morning or classic French fare that won’t break the bank. I had the classic steak with pepper sauce (sauce au poivre) and it didn’t disappoint.
Mesa $$
Lunch (Tues – Sat)
Dinner (Thur & Fri)
13 rue Rifle Rafle
0960003220
https://www.le-guide-sesame.com/fr/adresses/mesa
I love this place! The perfect place for lunch during the week. Not far from the green markets in Aix, it serves Mediterranean cuisine that changes weekly.
Azimut – Comptoir Méditerranéan $$
Lunch (Tues-Sun)
4 rue du Gibelin
09 83 64 34 82
https://www.tripadvisor.fr/Restaurant_Review-g187209-d31083401-Reviews-Azimut_Comptoir_Mediterraneen-Aix_en_Provence_Bouches_du_Rhone_Provence_Alpes_Co.html
This place serves delicious Mediterranean food in a cozy setting. I recommend trying the borek: spinach and feta wrapped in crispy filo dough. Your tastebuds will thank you!
Gua Bao $
Lunch/Dinner
(Tues-Sat) Take Out only
7 rue Rifle Rafle
Take out only, specializing in Chinese gua bao (steamed buns with a variety of fillings). A tasty meal that you can take home or eat on one of Aix’s many benches.
Green Tea $
Lunch/Dinner
(Tues-Sat) Take Out only
10 rue Granet
https://linktr.ee/greenteaaix
Delightful pad thai, spring rolls, rotating daily specials and genuine bubble tea. Mouthwatering street food made with quality ingredients.
Frères Brioche $
Lunch/Dinner
(Mon-Sat) Take Out only
5 rue Boulegon
Delicious little sandwich in a very soft and tasty brioche roll. I recommend the beef barbacoa, the chicken with spices or the shrimp à la marseillaise.
Italian/Pizza restaurants
Délices de Capoue $$
Lunch/Dinner
(Tues-Sun – Lunch only served on the weekend)
34 rue Brueys
0664006663
https://www.ddcpizza.com/
With outposts in Corsica, Marseille and Bangkok! their Aix restaurant opened in 2020. Quality, authentic pizzas with a variety of fantastic toppings.
Four Aixois $$
Lunch/Dinner
(Tues-Sat)
4 rue Boulegon
0442384979
Our go-to pizza place with excellent pizzas and great focaccia sandwiches.
International cuisine
Izumi $$$$
Lunch/Dinner
(Tues-Sat)
3 rue Isolette (near Espariat)
0442524586
The best Japanese food in Aix, hands down. Izumi is not a simple sushi restaurant, but serves refined Japanese cuisine. Like most good restaurants everywhere, I highly recommend reserving a table in advance. If you’re looking for authentic Japanese cuisine, this is the place to go.
Bistrot Wu $$$
Lunch & Dinner (Wed-Sun)
15 rue Boulegon
0782507932
https://www.bistrowu.com
An authentic fine-dining Chinese restaurant with a modern take on traditional dishes. Everything here was delectable and the service was discrete and amiable. If you want to try something a little different than your typical French fare, I would highly recommend Bistrot Wu.
Chez Ama $$$
Lunch/Dinner
(Tues-Sat)
9 rue Isolette
04 42 26 38 32
https://www.chezama.com/bienvenue
The only Ethiopian restaurant in Aix. A very nice family atmosphere with hearty cuisine. Ama will greet you with open arms and you will leave with your belly full.
Las Casas Empanadas $$
Lunch/Dinner
(Tues-Sat)
29 rue Boulegon
0769216323
I’ve never had empanadas that were so tasty! The chimichurri and ceviche are exquisite as well.
Chez Hanson $$
Lunch/Dinner
(Tues-Sun)
6 rue Lieutaud
0442229707
There are a lot of good Vietnamese restaurants in France and this is one of my favorites in Aix. If you’re looking for some homemade family food, this is the place.
Tita $$
Lunch
(Tues-Sat – does serve dinner on Saturdays)
11 rue des Bernardines
0986464046
https://www.titaaix.fr/
The best Mediterranean food you can find. Whether you’re looking for falafels or a shakshuka, this is the perfect place.
Kyoto le petit japon $$
Lunch/Dinner
(Thur-Tues)
9 rue Constantin
0987045557
https://kyoto-lepetitjapon.fr/?lang=fr
A favorite place for sushi and other Asian cuisine among locals. With a wide-ranging menu, friendly staff and excellent quality, Kyoto is also located on Aix’s new « foodie » street. Make sure you reserve or get there early, because it fills up very fast!
Phatsara $$
Lunch/Dinner
Open every day
4 rue Van Loo
09 82 55 50 55
https://phatsara.fr/fr
Classic Thai food. If you’re looking for a pho you found the right place.
marseille
L’Ecaillerie $$$
Dinner (Wed-Fri)
Saturday lunch & dinner
Sunday lunch
26 rue d’Endoume
Marseille
0749701878
https://lecailleriemarseille.fr/
This small plates seafood restaurant is perfect for a bite when you are visiting Marseille. Not far from the Vieux Port, but away from the tourist traps, sit down, order a glass of natural wine and tuck into the many delicious and seasonal dishes on offer.
Figure $$$$
Dinner (Mon-Fri)
90 Boulevard Vauban
Marseille
0665570887
https://lefooding.com/restaurants/figure
This hip wine bar serves small plates and delicious natural wines. The vibe is fun, a mix of young and old and an evening spent here is a guaranteed good time. More geared towards groups of friends or couples, definitely a place to check out when in Marseille.
Onassis – Poissonnerie Kennedy $$$
Dinner (Tues-Sat)
245 Corniche Président John Fitzgerald Kennedy
Marseille
0644849391
https://www.onassismarseille.com
I went here for my 12-year anniversary and my wife and I thoroughly enjoyed it. Downstairs is Poissonnerie Kennedy, which is a wine bar that serves platters of seafood and shellfish, while upstairs is the “secret” restaurant Onassis, which takes you on a voyage around the world with its fixed 5-course menu for the reasonable price of €59.
Grand Bar des Goudes $$$$ –
Les Goudes, (45 minutes from Marseille St Charles)
Lunch/Dinner
(Thu-Mon)
0491734369
https://www.grandbardesgoudes.fr/
If you’ve ever heard of bouillabaisse, an elaborate fish soup from Marseille, or wanted to try it, this place has the best! Make sure you reserve the dish at least 48 hours in advance…it’s absolutely worth it.
Best restaurants outside the city (need car)
Hélène Darroze à Villa La Coste $$$$$$
Chateau La Coste (20 minutes away from Aix)
Lunch/Dinner
(Wed-Sun)
0442283559
https://www.villalacoste.com/restaurant-provence/
I went to this restaurant twice before it received its first Michelin star two years ago. The food and location is some of the best in the area in my opinion. You can read all about it here.
I heard they are currently aiming for their second Michelin star.
Le Vivier $$$$$
Isle sur la Sorgue (1 hour away from Aix)
Lunch/Dinner
(Wed-Sun)
049038528
https://www.levivier-restaurant.com/
If you happen to go to Isle de la Sorgue, which is a beautiful place, I highly recommend this Michelin starred restaurant. You can read all about it here.
La Petite Maison $$$$$
Cucuron (40 minutes away from Aix)
Lunch/Dinner
(Tue-Sun)
0490682199
http://www.lapetitemaisondecucuron.com/
Located in the charming provencal village of Cucuron, this Michelin starred restaurant is extremely cozy and serves traditional French cuisine. Come with a large appetite because the portions are gargantuan!
Le Art $$$$$ –
Chateau de la Gaude (15 minutes away from Aix)
Lunch/Dinner
(Wed-Sun)
048493093
https://chateaudelagaude.com/
If you’re looking for a “culinary moment,” this place will deliver. Located on the grounds of Château de la Gaude, you’ll be able to enjoy this beautiful chateau and their delicious wine as well.
Le Moulin $$$$
Lourmarin (40 minutes away from Aix)
Lunch/Dinner
Open every day
0490680669
https://www.beaumier.com/fr/proprietes/hotel-le-moulin/gastronomie/
This restaurant is also located inside of a charming hotel, so if you want to do a little escapade for a couple days this is the perfect place. Whether it’s homemade falafels or pavlova for dessert it’s delicious.
Café du Progrès $$$
Menerbes (1 hour away from Aix)
Lunch/Dinner
(Tues-Sat)
0432501232
https://www.cafeduprogres-menerbes.com/
I just went there to celebrate my 10-year wedding anniversary and it was perfect. The view from the terrasse is incredible and the food is creative and delicious, while still remaining reasonably priced.
Jeanne $$$
Antibes (2 hours from Aix)
Dinner
(Tues-Sat)
0493345574
https://www.jeanne-antibes.com/
A cozy little wine bar tucked in the back streets of old Antibes. Local seasonal dishes and a great wine selection make this place a must-visit when in Antibes. I highly recommend the accras if they are on the menu!
Le Figuier de Saint Esprit $$$$
Antibes (2 hours from Aix)
Dinner
(Thur-Mon)
0493345012
https://www.restaurant-figuier-saint-esprit.fr/
A one-star Michelin restaurant in old Antibes. With a beautiful fig tree as the centerpiece of the dining room, this restaurant offers a six-course meal at €75/person. Perfect for special or romantic occasions.
Au Clair de la Vigne $$$
Bandol (1 hour from Aix)
Lunch/Dinner
(Thur – Mon)
0494322858
https://www.au-clair-de-la-vigne-restaurant-bandol.fr/
Set back behind the waterfront promenade in Bandol, this inviting restaurant offers a copious and delightful menu (appetizer, main course, dessert) at only €40. With an extensive wine list that includes, of course, world-famous Bandol wines, sit back, relax and enjoy a leisurely meal.
La Petite Verrière $$$
Le Puy Sainte Reparade
Lunch/Dinner
(Fri-Tues)
0611420572
https://restaurantlapetiteverriere.com/?lang=fr
The perfect place to eat an authentic French meal near Chateau La Coste. This place has a great prix fixe menu and focuses on locally-sourced produce. A delicious treat at a reasonable price.
Options per day in the center of Aix.
Reservation recommended (especially for dinner)
Sunday
Lunch
Licandro, Ama Terra, Bistrot Wu, Chez Hanson Chez Lion, La Flamme, Narcisse, Samos
Dinner
Licandro, Delice de Capoue, Bistrot Wu, Ama Terra, Chez Hanson, Chez Lion, Narcisse, Samos
Monday
Lunch
Les Gallinas, Les Negociants, Mesa, La Kemi, Vieilles Canailles, Azimut, Manlios, Samos, Narcisse, Ama Terra, Licandro, Kyoto, Gua Bao, Green Tea, Chez Hanson
Dinner
Etude, Vieilles Canailles, La Meduse, Mitch, Les Gallinas, Licandro, Narcisse, Ama Terra, Chez Hanson, Gua Bao, Kyoto, Narcisse, La Kemia, Samos
Tuesday
Lunch
Kitchen Gallifet (if open), Ama Terra, Chez Ama; Chez Hanson, Drôle d’endroit, Four Aixois, Green Tea, Gua Bao, Izumi, Kyoto, Las Casas Empanadas, Les Gallinas, Les Negociants, Mammo, Manlio’s, Mesa, Miel Sushi, Narcisse, Nguyen Than, Azimut, Samos, Etude, Tita, Vieilles Canailles, Vintrepide, La Kemia, Mesa, Freres Brioche, Phatsara
Dinner
Ama Terra, Chez Ama; Chez Hanson, Delices de Capoue; Drôle d’endroit, Four Aixois, Gua Bao, Izumi, Kyoto, La Flamme, La Meduse, Les Gallinas; Mammo, Miel Sushi, Mitch, Narcisse, Samos, Etude, Vieilles Canailles, Vintrepide, La Kemia, Phatsara
Wednesday
Lunch
Kitchen Gallifet (if open), Ama Terra, Bistro Wu, Chez Ama; Chez Hanson, Chez Lion, Drôle d’endroit, Four Aixois, Green Tea, Gua Bao, Izumi, Kyoto, Las Casas Empanadas, Les Gallinas, Les Negociants, Mammo, Manlio’s, Mesa, Miel Sushi, Narcisse, Nguyen Than, Azimut, Samos, Etude, Tita, Vieilles Canailles, Vintrepide, La Kemia, Mesa, Freres Brioche, Phatsara
Dinner
Bistrot Wu, Ama Terra, Chez Ama; Chez Hanson, Chez Lion, Delices de Capoue; Drôle d’endroit, Four Aixois, Gua Bao, Izumi, Kyoto, La Flamme, La Meduse, Les Gallinas; Mammo, Miel Sushi, Mitch, Narcisse, Samos, Etude, Vintrepide, La Kemia, Phatsara
Thursday
Lunch
La Kemia, Kitchen Gallifet (if open), Ama Terra, Bristrot Wu, Chez Ama, Chez Hanson, Chez Lion, Drôle d’endroit, Four Aixois, Green Tea, Gua Bao, Izumi, Kyoto, La Flamme, Las Casas Empanadas, Les Gallinas, Les Negociants, Licandro, Mammo, Manlio’s, Mesa, Miel Sushi, Narcisse, Nguyen Than, Azimut, Samos, Etude, Tita, Vieilles Canailles, Vintrepide, Mesa, Freres Brioche, Phatsara
Dinner
Ama Terra, Bristrot Wu, Chez Ama, Chez Hanson, Chez Lion, Delices de Capoue, Drôle d’endroit, Four Aixois, Gua Bao, Izumi, Kyoto, La Flamme, La Meduse, Les Gallinas, Licandro, Mammo, Mesa, Miel Sushi, Mitch, Narcisse, Samos, Etude, Vieilles Canailles, Vintrepide, La Kemia, Mesa, Phatsara
Friday
Lunch
Ama Terra, Bristrot Wu, Chez Ama, Chez Hanson, Chez Lion, Drôle d’endroit, Four Aixois, Green Tea, Gua Bao, Izumi, Kyoto, La Flamme, Las Casas Empanadas, Les Gallinas, Les Negociants, Licandro, Mammo, Manlio’s, Mesa, Miel Sushi, Narcisse, Nguyen Than, Azimut, Samos, Etude, Tita, Vieilles Canailles, Vintrepide, La Kemia, Mesa, Freres Brioche, Phatsara
Dinner
Ama Terra, Bristrot Wu, Chez Ama, Chez Hanson, Chez Lion, Delices de Capoue, Drôle d’endroit, Four Aixois, Gua Bao, Izumi, Kyoto, La Flamme, La Meduse, Les Gallinas, Licandro, Mammo, Mesa, Miel Sushi, Mitch, Narcisse, Samos, Etude, Vieilles Canailles, Vintrepide, La Kemia, Mesa, Phatsara
Saturday
Lunch
Ama Terra, Bristrot Wu, Chez Ama, Chez Hanson, Chez Lion, Drôle d’endroit, Four Aixois, Green Tea, Gua Bao, Izumi, Kyoto, La Flamme, Las Casas Empanadas, Licandro, Mammo, Manlio’s, Mesa, Miel Sushi, Narcisse, Nguyen Than, Azimut, Samos, Etude, Tita, Vieilles Canailles, Vintrepide, La Kemia, Mesa, Freres Brioche, Phatsara
Dinner
Ama Terra, Bristrot Wu, Chez Ama, Chez Hanson, Chez Lion, Delices de Capoue, Drôle d’endroit, Four Aixois, Gua Bao, Izumi, Kyoto, La Flamme, La Meduse, Licandro, Mammo, Miel Sushi, Mitch, Narcisse, Samos, Vielles Canailles, Vintrepide, La Kemia, Mesa, Phatsara
