Le Petit Nice is Chef Gérald Passedat's extraordinary restaurant, nestled in the heart of Marseille, Southern France. It is part of Le Petit Nice Passedat, a stunning five-star boutique hotel overlooking the Mediterranean— a true hidden gem that feels like a peaceful haven just a few kilometers from the city's vibrant center. Perched on the Corniche JF Kennedy, its breathtaking setting gives the illusion that the hotel and restaurant are suspended between sky and sea.
Le Petit Nice Passedat is a cherished family legacy. Established in 1917 by Chef Passedat’s grandfather, Germain, it began as a restaurant and was later entrusted to his father, Jean-Paul, who transformed it into an elegant hotel and a Michelin two-star dining destination. After graduating from the Nice Hospitality and Culinary School and honing his craft in prestigious maisons—including Le Bristol, Les Frères Troisgros, and Michel Guérard— Chef Gérald Passedat followed in their footsteps, taking the helm of the family business in 2000. Under his leadership, the restaurant earned its coveted third Michelin star in 2008, a distinction it has proudly maintained ever since.
View from the Dining Room - Photo credit Cuisine Inspired
Beyond being a family story, Le Petit Nice is also a love letter to the Mediterranean— a lifelong source of inspiration for Chef Passedat, who crafts exquisite seafood-centric dishes that celebrate the region’s natural bounty. Over the course of the year, his kitchen showcases more than 65 types of fish, all sourced from local fishermen using small boats and long lines to ensure sustainable practices. Prioritizing non-threatened species, Chef Passedat frequently highlights lesser-known varieties such as tub gurnard, red porgy, and comber fish. His cuisine is an ode to the richness and diversity of the Mediterranean Sea— an exploration of subtlety, nuance, and harmony. Each course strikes a delicate balance of flavors, elevating the marine treasures he works with while remaining true to their essence.
Asparagus, Red Mullet, Cocotchas Salad - Photo Credit Cuisine Inspired
From start to finish, every dish is visually stunning, imaginative, and meticulously conceived. The Amuse-Bouche selection, for instance, is an impressive array of ocean-inspired delicacies. Among them, the abyssal broth— tinted with mallow and infused with deep, evocative flavors— immediately immerses guests in Chef Passedat’s marine universe.
One of the chef’s signature dishes is the Lucie Passedat Sea Bass, a heartfelt tribute to his grandmother. A tender slice of steamed sea bass is delicately adorned with ribbons of courgette and cucumber and a thin slice of truffle, served atop a vibrant bed of red and green tomato marinated in lemon, basil, coriander, wild fennel, and olive oil.
Alongside Chef Passedat’s exceptional cuisine, we adore the restaurant’s minimalist decor and breathtaking views, which frame the ever-changing beauty of the Sea.
The tranquil yet sophisticated ambiance, warm and professional service, and thoughtfully curated wine list all come together to create a truly unforgettable experience.
During our latest visit, we opted for the Passedat Menu and felt like each bite evoked the essence of the Mediterranean, honoring its depth, delicacy, and abundance. Here is how the experience unfolded:
Amuse-Bouche Selection
Asparagus, Red Mullet, Cocotchas Salad
Lucie Passedat Sea Bass
Sea Garden, Shellfish, and Herbs
The Crustacean
Scorpionfish, Morels, Conger Eel, Dashi of the Rising Sun
The Cheese Cart (optional addition)
A Gentle Ascent (Pre-Dessert + Dessert)
That evening, it felt as though Chef Passedat had guided us on a breathtaking diving excursion, unveiling the countless wonders of his aquatic world.
A Gentle Ascent - Photo credit Cuisine Inspired
Le Petit Nice Passedat Anse de Maldormé Corniche JF Kennedy 17 rue des Braves 13007 MARSEILLE