Where to Eat Gluten-Free in Marseille

I find it horribly ironic that me, a gluten-intolerant individual, fell in love with France. For reasons unbeknownst to me, I fell head over heels for the country that gained UNESCO Heritage recognition for its baguette. I find myself in a country known for its world-class pastries, breads and everything covered in wheat flour. Jokes aside, bread plays a major role in French culture and cuisine. And truth be told, it’s not the easiest country in which to be gluten-free. In 2020, I moved to southern France to teach English and have done my best to maintain my gluten-free diet in a wheat-coated world. I’m writing this post because I haven’t found any guide like it for the city of Marseille. Sure, I’ve scoured TripAdvisor and tried lots of Google searches. But these resources fall short in helping you eat gluten-free in Marseille; there’s so little information available. If you’ve been searching high and low for where to eat gluten-free in Marseille, look no further. Here are some of my favorite restaurants with gluten-free options in Marseille.

Eating gluten-free in France

I’ve been to fast-food places in Europe that offer gluten-free buns. So when I stopped by a fast-food place in Marseille, I asked if they had gluten-free buns — to which he met me with a dumbfounded look and then proceeded to say, “We have halal.” All that to say, eating gluten-free in France isn’t a cake walk, but it is changing and improving.

Rule of thumb says the bigger the city, the easier it is to eat gluten-free. It’s not always accurate, but for instance, in Paris, you’ll have way more options than your average Provençal village. I’m the queen of ordering a burger without the bun, and that is still an option. But if you want to eat gluten-free in Marseille with a bun, read on.

Little disclaimer

When talking about intolerances and auto-immune diseases, I need to start out by saying that I’m not a health professional. I’m gluten-intolerant, and three members of my immediate family have Celiac disease. It’s been our life for over a decade now. I’m writing this post to serve as a starting point for those following a gluten-free diet. But even within this diet, there’s a wide spectrum of tolerance levels and how much (if any) cross-contamination can be handled. Restaurant menus are subject to change, and if you are severely intolerant, please ask before ordering. Ask for an allergen list, double check with your server or the chef. Again, this article should not be used as medical advice but rather a springboard for finding and eating gluten-free in Marseille.

Brunch + Cafés

La Pépite

If you are wanting an 100% gluten-free kitchen, then La Pépite is calling your name. This bakery and pastry shop serves up gluten- and lactose-free sandwiches, pastries, cookies, quiches, crêpes and more.

Deïa

Brunch in Marseille with gluten-free options? I was thrilled to learn that Deïa had gluten free options, including gluten-free eggs Benedict. This cute brunch spot is located close to Vieux Port and is sure to please.

Baghera

Located in the historic Panier neighborhood, Baghera serves up several gluten-free options both savory and sweet. Their menu changes so be sure to take a peek on their Instagram for current listings.

Oh Faon

Gluten-free and vegan? It doesn’t sound possible or perhaps even worthwhile. But Oh Faon will make you realize that gluten-free and vegan need not be exchanged for flavor and presentation. This pâtisserie will win you over with its decadent, unique pastries that double as candy for the eye. When it comes to gluten-free pastries in Marseille, Oh Faon is my favorite.

Bulle2Café

I am weak when it comes to this cafe’s gluten-free peanut butter chocolate cookie! From time to time, they also serve Basque cheesecake, which is naturally gluten-free. Don’t hesitate to ask the staff about gluten-free options.

De Bon’heur

This cafe serves up brunch and other goodies to snack on. Their menu changes, but they typically have a gluten-free cake of the day. Be sure to check their Instagram for the most up-to-date menu.

Carlotta With

This deli-bakery is located in the chic Vauban neighborhood just steps from Notre Dame de la Garde basilica. Carlotta With serves up various gluten-free options (along with gluten-full ones). Their menu changes but can include gluten-free cookies, brownies, falafels, rice dishes, carrot cake and beyond. Their dishes are labeled with “gluten-free” and “vegetarian” and “lactose-free,” which makes it easier to make your selection.

Te Miti

This coffee and pastry shop is sure to charm you with its bright blue and white decor — and its dog that you might see hanging out inside. Sip on a flat white or matcha latte. And gluten-free friends can enjoy Te Miti’s assortment of pastries such as gluten-free brownies and financiers. And during the summer, they serve macaron ice cream sandwiches. You’ve heard of cookie sandwiches with a scoop of vanilla ice cream in between? Well, make it French and make it your own. You choose the flavor of ice cream, the drizzle and the topping.

Restaurants

Panama Latino Food

Just steps away from the beach, Panama Latino Food will have your full attention on your plate and not the sea views. Most of their menu is already gluten-free. Their lunch specials are all gluten-free, and the staff was well-versed on dietary needs. They serve up empanadas, ceviche and marinated beef and chicken. Finish your meal with an order of flan coco or crème brûlée au rhum de Panama. I will definitely be heading back!

Le Bistro du Panier

I’m used to ordering burgers without the buns, but at le Bistro du Panier, I get to eat like everyone else! This burger shop in one of the oldest neighborhoods in Marseille offers gluten-free buns.

Pain à l’Ail

Want to taste Provençal street food but make it gluten free? You can’t go wrong with Pain à l’Ail, which is sure to tempt with its panisses, a Marseille speciality of fried chickpea fries or rounds. The staff was knowledgeable and responsive when I asked about gluten-free options, which are also noted on their menu.

Lulo Bar

I’m kicking myself for not stumbling upon Lulo Bar until several years of living in Marseille. This Colombian tapas bar is located in the lively, artsy neighborhood of Cours Julien and serves up an almost entirely gluten-free menu. Their hours and days of operation change so be sure to check on Instagram.

Bistro Venitien Chez Marie

One of the things I miss most about living in the United States is the ease of finding a gluten-free pizza. It’s much harder in Marseille, but I’m delighted to have found Bistro Venitien Chez Marie, which serves gluten-free pizza and pasta. If you make a reservation, don’t hesitate to note how many people will be eating gluten-free. I came once to enjoy a gluten-free pizza, and they said they had used up all their stock earlier that day due to a large table with lots of gluten-free orders. They said they order their supply from Italy, and when it’s gone, it’s gone. They encouraged me to let them know in the reservation so that they can set it aside. I highly recommend a visit to Bistro Venitien Chez Marie!

Papa Fredo

This Italian restaurant in the Cours Julien neighborhood proposes gluten-free options such as pasta and pizza.

Matza

Craving Levantine food during your trip to Marseille? Matza serves up a variety of gluten-free choices for its mezzes and meals.

Tiger Milk

Tacos, ceviches, guac: this Latin American-inspired restaurant is just steps away from the Vieux Port and has a variety of gluten-free options clearly marked on its menu. Don’t skip the fun cocktails!

Eating gluten-free in French grocery stores

Perhaps you’d like to cook or eat at home during your trip to Marseille. Most of Marseille’s major grocery stores will have gluten-free options. When you go to a grocery store such as Monoprix, Carrefour or Super U, you’ll want to head to the “Bio” section, which has a selection of organic and special diets products. There’s typically a gluten-free section with pasta, bread, crackers and cookies. I also like stopping by Picard, a store that sells frozen foods. In select locations, they sell gluten-free mac n’ cheese and pizza.

You might also be interested in the best ice-cream spots in Marseille or Marseille’s best beaches.

Eating gluten-free in Marseille may not seem simple at first glance, but the reality is there’s lots of fun places to try during your trip to Provence. Did I miss a spot? Please tell me in the comments; I’d love to try it out and add it to my list. Bon appétit !