A new concept that makes a lot of sense: a local seafood market that becomes a sort of "fish house"…read moreand cooks up some of its products on limited occasions, namely Friday evenings.
We were a group (works really well for groups!) and we had shrimp and oysters to start, along with a simple wine that was perfectly matched to the food. Everything was really fresh. Next, a choice of either local grilled sea bass or daurade (in French, bream in English?), a good size fish, perfectly cooked and with a side of homemade fries TO DIE FOR. They kept offering me more but I tried to stay reasonable... Chez Claire is one of the best restaurants I've been to in a while, just a combination of good things: came out feeling good and not stuffed, having eaten excellent fresh seafood, being treated well by nice people, and all at a very reasonable price, probably not even half of what restaurants on the port would charge for a lesser meal.
The style of cooking was simple but good which really enhanced the fish. The hosts were really nice and friendly, and dynamic. The only thing I can think of that was missing was explanation about the seafood as they clearly know a lot about their field, and I think its enjoyable and interesting to learn, but that's just me, and I admit I didn't think to actually ask them on the spot.
The other remarkable aspect is the neighborhood. Belle de Mai neighborhood It is not a place known for evenings, restaurants or tourism, and you have to find it, so it is definitely off the beaten track for many people including both Marseillais and tourists. But it's near the Friche Belle de Mai, and it's also an authentic neighborhood that is pretty cool to walk through (like for an afternoon) once you've seen the more mainstream sights.
