Posted on 11th May 2009

The creation of Lionel Lévy, a young chef from Toulouse who was raised at the school of the great Alain Ducasse, Una table au sud is a reminder of how good Mediterranean seafood cuisine can be.
Awarded a Michelin star in 2005, Una table au sud serves innovative cuisine with daring re-elaborations of traditional dishes such as bouillabaisse and a menu that changes every month, according to the inspiration of the Chef.

The restaurant boasts a very fine location at the first floor of a building overlooking the lovely Vieux Port of Marseille.
The interior is as colourful as elegant, with dark red walls, hardwood flooring, candy-cane striped seats and large windows which allow great views on the port: a warm, homey feel.

On the food front, since I had basically come to try Lionel’s legendary bouillabaisse milk-shake, it is opportune to say a few words about this amazing plate.
What surprised me at first was the dessert-like look of the plate. The bouillabaisse milk-shake presented itself with a langoustines foam topping several layers of different ingredients I did my best to identify, although some remained pleasurably misterious to me.
The balance of different powerful flavours was harmonious and I enjoyed it till the last drop.
The other dish of the menu I appreciated the most was a tender, yet incredibly rich fricassé de morilles et ailerons de volailles. It almost melted in your mouth, freeing all kind of wild flavours.
The oher dishes were extremely well executed, but after the bouillabaisse milk-shake, there is no way you will remember them in a few months.

However, the general impression I was left with leaving restaurant was of uncompromised quest for quality in ingredients, preparation and service, with a convenient touch of creativity.
The competitive wine list, with a lot of vintage pearls under 30 Eur, is another sign of this attention to quality.

When I think of my experience here, it is hard not to recall a that it said in Marseille: the two best things that came out of Marseilles, it is said, are Zinedine Zidane and bouillabaisse, the latter probably being the best if you have to choose in the aftermath of a visit at Une table au sud.

Looking forward to going back and again a lot of compliments to Lionel Lévy and his team.

Address: 2 Quai du Port – 13002 Marseille

Tel. : 33 (0) 4.91.90.63.53

Website: http://www.unetableausud.com/