La Passarelle — Restaurant in Marseille

Quieter location a few steps away from the marina with average food. I think they were going for cosy.

Unfortunately the experience is a nightmare. Accidents can happen and in this case I had a jar of mussel sauce fall into my lap as the waiter was trying to set the plate down. What became a bigger issue was the manner in which this was handled; a quick apology and she WALKED AWAY. When called out for help - she returned with a single napkin as i tried to wipe the table, my chair and myself off. At some point another jar 1/4 filled with sauce was placed on the table.

After grabbling desperately needed napkins from another table with no help from the staff, I headed to the toilet to try to clean myself up. To my surprise the toilet was located in literally the middle of the kitchen; You are walking thru and around the cooks 1-2 metres from a unisex toilet. Containers of vegetables and other kitchen utensils were packed around the door such that it could not open fully. Needless to say, my appetite for the food back at the table was much reduced.

Upon leaving I expressed my dissatisfaction and was not surprised when after a discussion in french between the 3 waiters in front of me, they presented the bill without any indication of concern or discount (fat chance).

I do not recommend this...

Just 10 mins walk from the tourist-trap establishments near the Vieux Port, this outdoor place was a highlight of our trip. So good we went twice. I don't often eat fish as I find it bland but that was not the case here. Both times I had sea bass accompanied with rose wine. The light seasoning on the fish really gave off its flavour. The desserts were very good too. The Corsican-style cheesecake was particularly memorable.

On the second trip it rained and they moved us under the footbridge (aka 'la passarelle') above our heads. We stayed dry throughout. The service was casual and this could annoy people in a rush, but who is in a rush in Marseille? I should say they messed up our bill both times by undercharging us. When I pointed this out to them on the second occasion, they still let us have one of the desserts for free.

This place seemed very popular on a Saturday and making a reservation could be wise. The only thing you lose out on is a view over the harbour but it's more than worth it...

I had dinner here with my partner on a Monday evening and it was wonderful. Even on a Monday La Passerelle brought in a full crowd. The setting is absolutely fantastic, you sit within a large private garden that makes you forgot you're in one of France's biggest cities.

The staff were very attentive, efficient and friendly.

The food... oh my the food... fantastic, small menus to me always suggest quality and that was definitely the case here. We shared a leg of lamb between two (€55) which could have fed a third person. Cooked to perfection, not too fatty and the meat fell apart. Vegetables were very fresh (could have had a few more).

I would normally give this a 5 but we were put under the only bright light in the place which dented the ambience a little for a romantic dinner. Will...