Belle de Mars

Rating: 14.5
Author: Gault&Millau

180 Rue du Rouet, 13008 Marseille, France

14.5/20
Chef's Restaurant

BOOK

4 PHOTOS

Chef: Michel Marini
Cooking: French
Style: Romantic | With family

Budget (€)

Indicative price per person (excl. drinks)

39 to 89

Gault&Millau's review 2026

There’s something of Alexandre Mazzia about this Marseille restaurant, where certain common threads emerge: that almost bistro-like feel in the dining room’s layout, the friendly service, the common thread running through a cuisine where spices and smoked flavors make a comeback, and the deconstructed dishes. Kim-Mai Bui and Michel Marini offer nothing less than a truly unique signature cuisine, reflecting the full depth of their backgrounds—he trained under Christophe Moret and she under Gérald Passedat. Their new venue in the 8th arrondissement has the feel of a veranda, with small, cozy rooms full of simplicity—a striking contrast to the quality of the dishes. At just 55 € for lunch, the four-course menu is a true rarity (which explains the months-long wait); featuring superb amuse-bouches, notably the creamy potato purée with sunflower seeds and the onion tartlet, before moving on to the starter of lightly seared tuna and salmojero, followed by the splendid candied eggplant with a hint of spice, served with sorrel cream, parsley, and burrata. The zucchini flower stuffed with a delicate fish filling is exemplary, accompanied by a small plate of asparagus, green beans, and zucchini flowers. Finally, the medley of desserts: olive oil madeleines, matcha shortbread, Vaucluse cherries, the unforgettable thyme and cocoa powder ice cream, and the little chocolate-filled choux pastry with tonka bean—a nostalgic treat. A concise and well-curated wine list, featuring excellent organic and natural wines.