Le Ventre de l'Architecte  

This is the only place in Marseille where you can dine inside an architectural marvel, designed by Le Corbusier. Last year saw a fire that traumatized lovers of this idiosyncratic icon, but all is well. And at Ventre de l'Architecte Alexandre Mazzia, with papers from Passart, Gagnaire, Roellinger and Bras, continues his adventurous path, imposing delicacy through a discreet complexity. Most of all, he is sensitive to his materials, combining seasonal products like clams with cabbage Romanesco or rouget, black radish and purslane. Bouzigue oyster on sweet onions balanced by pomegranate seeds and grilled pine nuts - daring and brilliant; sole with little presence but with firm flesh and full of life, larded with spinach and clementine butter.... The ideas fuse and intranquility has been banished at this intrepid table where, each evening, Alexandre Mazzia invents two unbelievably balanced menus. Perfect welcome and advice on dishes and wines. The pleasure of a moment.