L'Esquinade — Restaurant in Marseille

Tourist trap! The worst restaurant I have ever been in France.

The service was terrible, we spent 2.5 hours from being seated to getting the bill. We weren’t the only customers who experienced this, basically every customer was unsatisfied. There was a piece of sponge-liked object on the haricots of the main dish. I told that server but he just replied “d’accord”, not even an apology!

The 3-course menu costed 26€ but it didn’t worth the price at all. First, most of the products were industrial and not homemade, like the Aioli à la Provençale(main dish). The fish had no taste, I had to put the Aioli for the taste but somehow the aioli here tasted like a simple mayonnaise…..

secondly, the same main dish again. The haricots verts were those from the can (the colour and the texture tell you) but with a weird taste, maybe it was expired or the fact that I found a piece of sponge on it?! The potatoes and the carrots were tasted like simple boiled vegetables, not even a pinch of salt was added.

Thirdly, going back to the appetiser. I had ordered « seiches » but it turned out to be a dish of deep fried seafood. I thought the order was messed up but I was fine with it as we had been waiting for it for so long. But then I saw another table got the same after ordering the same dish.

Fourth, the desserts ( we took ice cream as we didn’t want to wait anymore and sorry no mood for the photo) was the cheapest one from the wholesaler (Metro) so please don’t expect much. They had grilled pineapples on the menu but not available anymore.

A phrase to conclude: never again. This experience totally...

Travel to Marseille from USA and was looking forward to a wonderful food experience. Second night in Marseille my travel companions and I decided to go out and enjoy a meal. We unfortunately encountered L'Esquinade at 10:30 pm and decided to patronize this restaurant (VERY POOR decision). We waited 10 minutes before being acknowledged and another 10 minutes before being seated although tables were available. Once seated it took our waited almost a 1/2 hour before coming to the table. We order the special ($20 for an appetizer, entree and dessert) and WAITED another 1/2 to received appetizers. Meanwhile 3 groups that came in after us received their drinks, appetizers, meals and left the restaurant before we received our entrees. Appetizers (Fish Soup) was absolutely the worst. Finally, at 12 midnight with no food we decided to cut our losses and asked for the check since our waiter DISAPPEARED and no one can explained why we had not received the main course. The manager wanted to charge us for our meals although we only had the appetizers and was ABSOLUTELY disrespectful and unprofessionally when we stated we only wanted to pay for drinks and appetizers. Waiter is clueless and should not be in the service industry. AVOID this restaurant at all cost. You will thank me later, GUARANTEED!! I would have given this place zero stars if I could. This place should be shut down. This restaurant gives Marseilles...

While visiting Marseille, I had to try one of the city’s classic dishes: bouillabaisse. I went to a traditional restaurant where they serve their own unique take on it, called “Bouillabaisse de l’Esquinade aux Poissons de Roche.”

I started the meal with a “Duo de Saumon et Sardines Marinés au Citron Vert.” Although fish usually pairs best with white wine, I decided to try a unique red they offered: “Gigondas Pierre Amadieu Cuvée Romane Machotte.” It turned out to be an excellent choice!

Then came the main dish, the bouillabaisse itself. The flavors, with hints of anise, were incredible—it felt like an experience of both the local culture and cuisine. They truly excel at preparing this traditional soup from the south of France.

For dessert, I had “Profiterole au Chocolat”—a French classic that was, unsurprisingly, amazing. Overall, I had a wonderful experience with each dish.

The atmosphere in the restaurant was lovely, and my server, Ines, went above and beyond. She was incredibly kind, took time to explain the dishes, and even helped me pronounce “bouillabaisse” like a local! Her attentiveness made me feel very welcome.

I’ll be in Marseille for a few more days, and I’d love to have my final meal here at this wonderful,...