after hearing so much about the fish market at marseille's old port, i was expecting something far…read moremore grandiose, along the lines of tokyo's tsukiji, perhaps. but when i scanned the quai des belges from my hotel balcony at around 7:30 this morning (the market opens at 8), i came to the conclusion that the fish market must be closed because i saw no signs of life there. lo, individual fishmongers gradually appeared and set up shop from 8 onwards, and by 9 or so there were a good dozen or so of them offering up some very fresh (some still alive and flopping around) denizens of the mediterannean sea. a tv crew filming something about a grisly old timer hawking mollusks added to the atmosphere, and i couldn't help but think that if i actually lived in marseille, this would be where i came to get my fresh fish. still, i couldn't help but get the impression that the heyday of this well-known fish market had long since passed.

Fresh seafood, quick service, and reasonable prices? It's hard not to appreciate this spot…read more The good: -Tasty seafood - simple, tasty preparations and quite an offering of raw delights -Great price point - probably the most reasonably priced fresh seafood I found on my trip -Efficient - order at the front, carry your drinks/prepared items to a table of your choosing, and the other items will be brought to you by a server when ready -Convenient location walking distance from the water The could-be-better: -My razor clams were too sandy :( Overall: recommended! My only regret is not getting the sea urchin.

Don't be worried about the line, it moves very fast!…read more You will need to self serve bread, sides, sauces, desserts and beverages on a tray as you wait to get to the cashier. Digital menus with the day's offerings are available in both French and English. You need to order all of your food (no additions w/o getting back in line) We ordered a combo of their imperial prawns, langoustine, oysters, and sea urchin, along with a bucket of steamed mussels and fries. We were given a buzzer after ordering and food was delivered to the table after we found a seat. Everything we ordered was delicious, super fresh, and well priced considering the tourist-y area. The langoustines and prawns were especially good! I would eat here over getting bouillabaisse any day They provide a handy lemon scented wipe, but there are also clean bathrooms down stairs.

Blowin' away! We had a great lunch here. The Canadian oysters and the shrimp were outstanding…read more Great value for the money.

From the owner: Ventes et dégustations de coquillages et crustacés. Plateaux…read morede coquillages à emporter ou possibilité de manger sur place.

From the owner: La plaine fraîcheur c'est des fruits et légumes frais toute l'année issus de productions locales.read more