Unlike in many other European cities, it feels like small business can exist here without being muscled out by larger chains. At Sarment, where bistro plates and natural wines are the specialty, there is a sense of community; locals bid hello as they walk past the downtown restaurant. instagram.com/sarment.marseille

Perched high above the Mediterranean, diners can take in breathtaking views of the sea through the bay-window dining room of Les Bords de Mar. Chef Chester Tsai draws on his Asian heritage, the menu is strongly influenced by his Filipino and Taiwanese origins and focuses heavily on seafood sourced from local producers. lesdomainesdefontenille.com

An artisanal bakery where you’ll find freshly made baguettes, pastries, quiche, focaccia and more on display. Whether you want to satisfy your sweet tooth or refuel with a hearty sandwich, you’ll get your fix here. instagram.com/t65boulangerie

Those who love a good Insta pic are likely to fall over themselves to get a snap upon arrival at Tuba Club. An old club once occupied by a group of free divers in the ’80s, it has been impeccably transformed while staying true to the property’s origins. On the restaurant’s rooftop bar, pin-striped yellow lounges and parasols couldn’t be more inviting against the deep blue of the Mediterranean. Now with eight cabanons for overnight stays, it has the atmosphere of a stylish home. tuba-club.com

Make a booking for lunch at À Moro, where you can sit for two or three courses – all guaranteed to be delicious. The zucchini flowers are cooked in an impossibly light batter and served on top of aioli and should be followed by paccheri pasta with lamb ragu, then Corsican cheesecake (fiadone) with vino cotto. instagram.com/amoromarseille

A small, family-run eatery that blends African and Provencal cuisine, this intimate spot is a must for lunch when in Marseille. Inspired by seasonal and local produce, Libala’s menu is fresh, healthy and delicious. It also hand makes its own juices, which compliment the food. libalapretamanger.com

For those who appreciate casual eating, this is the place to graze your way through the day as you watch the ebbs and flows of the French Mediterranean lifestyle. At La Femme du Boucher, chef Laëtitia Visse is on a mission to reinvent offal. The bistro nourishes local customers with dishes like boudin blanc (white sausage) on brioche, a selection of terrines or pork belly confited in red wine. lafemmeduboucher.fr

For local Bart Tassy, it took living in LA to make him realise how much he appreciated a good baguette loaded with quality ham and butter. At his ‘food club’ Cécile, named after his grandmother, in the village of Malmousque, the simple but unforgettable baguette is a highlight, as are the praline brioche and salads. Tassy bucks the trend with all-day opening hours; he wants people to pop in whenever they like rather than adhering to regular French hours. ceciledeli.com

If you love natural wines, this spot is for you. Small plates are available and can be paired with wine for those feeling peckish. Very hip, very chic, cool is an understatement when describing Figure. instagram.com/figuremarseille

Deep Cafe serves some of the best coffee in Marseille. The cafe roasts its own beans and pours, even by Aussie standards, a good latte and flat white. Of course, French treats and pastries are also available to pair with your coffee. instagram.com/deepcoffeeroasters

A neighbourhood bar, Cafe de L’Abbaye is the perfect spot for a sundowner and stay on for a meal. Come summer months the outdoor terrace is packed with locals and tourists alike. The central location also makes it a great pit stop when sightseeing. instagram.com/le_cafe_de_labbaye_