What Food To Try in Aix-en-Provence and Food Prices
How much does lunch and dinner cost
Examples of food prices, cafes, street food and other dining options in Aix-en-Provence for 2025.
National currency: Euro, symbol — € (international currency code EUR).
General Cafe Price Guide
Average prices in Aix-en-Provence cafes and restaurants
$21.8
Quick Lunch for One
Starting from $13.1
$76.4
Dinner for Two
to celebrate your trip
Starting from $54.58
$12
Combo Meal
Starting from $9.82
What to Try in Aix-en-Provence
Must-try Dishes
Aioli - Garlic mayonnaise - A creamy blend of garlic, olive oil, and egg yolk often served as a dip for fresh vegetables or seafood. Locals love to enjoy it on a relaxed Sunday afternoon with friends, typically accompanied by a glass of rosé.Socca - Chickpea pancake - A thin, crispy pancake made from chickpea flour, baked in a wood-fired oven until golden. You’ll often find it sizzling on the streets of Aix-en-Provence, perfect for a quick bite while exploring the town.
Daube Provençale - Provencal beef stew - A hearty stew featuring beef braised with red wine, garlic, and herbs, served with soft polenta or crusty bread. Typically enjoyed for dinner, this dish brings locals together on cozy winter nights.
Tapenade - Olive spread - A rich paste made from finely chopped olives, capers, and olive oil, served with toasted bread. It’s especially popular during picnics, where everyone dips into the same bowl, sharing stories over a leisurely afternoon.
Ratatouille - Vegetable medley - A colorful dish of seasonal vegetables like zucchini, eggplant, and tomatoes, slow-cooked to develop deep flavors. Locals often savor this classic dish in summer, preferably with a drizzle of local olive oil, as a side or main.
Panisse - Chickpea fritters - Deep-fried squares of chickpea flour, known for their crispy exterior and soft interior, best enjoyed hot. These are perfect for an afternoon snack with friends, but make sure to catch them fresh from the fryer.
Pissaladière - Onion tart - A savory tart topped with caramelized onions, anchovies, and olives, baked on a bread-like base. Often seen at markets, it’s best enjoyed warm and makes for a delightful lunch option during a busy day of shopping.
By the way, a common mistake is asking for something sweet when ordering ratatouille—this dish is all about the savory flavors and seasonal vegetables!
Desserts & Drinks
Café au Lait - Café au Lait (coffee with milk) - Strong brewed coffee mixed with steamed milk, creating a creamy texture that's perfect for morning sips. You'll find locals enjoying this at outdoor cafés, especially during leisurely weekend brunches when the sun warms the terraces. Ratafia - Ratafia (fruit liqueur) - An aromatic liqueur made from local fruits, particularly cherries or apricots, steeped in brandy. Typically served as a digestif after meals, it's especially popular during festive gatherings, bringing a warm touch to celebratory toasts.
Pastis - Pastis (anise-flavored aperitif) - This iconic anise-flavored drink is mixed with water, turning a milky white, and is enjoyed before meals. Locals sit in the sun with a glass in hand during warm evenings, pairing it with some olives or nuts for the full experience.
Calisson - Calisson d'Aix (almond dessert) - A delightful treat made from crushed almonds and candied melons, shaped into small lozenges and topped with royal icing. Perfect for special occasions, you can often find them at local markets, wrapped beautifully and smelling like sweet nostalgia.
Glace - Glace (ice cream) - Rich, creamy ice cream that comes in local flavors like lavender or olive oil, served in generous scoops. It's a favorite during the hot summer months, with locals indulging in it while strolling the streets during evening promenades.
By the way, be sure to take your time with these delights; savoring them is part of the Aix experience!
Food and Groceries in Aix-en-Provence
Vegetables, Fruits and Bread
| Bread | $2.81 |
| Oranges | $2.43 |
| Potatoes | $1.82 |
| Apples | $2.25 |
Beverages
| Water 1.5L | $0.79 |
| 0.5L Local Beer | $3.27 |
| Imported Beer | $2.73 |
| Wine Rating >4.0 | $7.1 |
Various Groceries
| Chicken | $8.6 |
| Rice | $1.36 |
| Local Cheese | $10.97 |
Overview of Cuisine and Specialties
Recently, I wandered over to one of the bustling squares for lunch, drawn in by the aromas wafting from nearby cafés. I snagged a seat outside, where locals were crowding around tables, all breaking bread around noon—a quintessential Aix-en-Provence scene. It’s fascinating to observe how here, lunch is a leisurely affair, often stretching over a couple of hours. It’s not just a meal; it’s a social event, the kind of scene where time seems to dissolve, and you’d find yourself engaged in animated conversations rather than just rushing through a plate.
One misconception I’ve encountered often from visitors is that places will cater to their schedules. Many tourists expect to find restaurants open late into the night like in bigger cities, but here dinner starts on the earlier side—usually around 7:30 PM, with some places wrapping up by 9 PM. If you’re inclined to eat like a local, show up on the earlier side, or you may find yourself staring sheepishly at closed doors.
I had a simple yet delightful lunch at a small bistro yesterday. I paid around €15 for a hearty Salade Niçoise, which also came with a glass of local rosé. If I’d wandered closer to the more touristy areas, like Cours Mirabeau, that same meal would likely set me back at least €5 more. It’s those subtleties that make dining out in Aix an exploration itself.
While payment customs are quite straightforward—credit cards are accepted almost everywhere—do keep some cash handy (you never know when a charming little place, off the beaten path, might only take cash). Also, tipping is not as ingrained here as in some other countries. Rounding up the bill or leaving a small tip is appreciated but not necessary.
A common pitfall for new arrivals is expecting to blend in without adjusting their dining habits. Eating slowly and embracing the long dinners is a delightful aspect of the culture. I remember cringing when a friend tried to rush through a meal, oblivious to the amused looks around. So, take a page out of the local playbook: relax and enjoy the ambiance.
For anyone considering dining out during peak hours, be warned—lunch rush can be quite fierce around 1 PM, especially during the tourist season. If you want a quieter experience, shoot for an earlier or later meal. And oh, and before I forget, reservations are a must on weekends, particularly in the more popular spots. Otherwise, you could be left standing outside while locals saunter past you to their reserved tables.
All in all, the dining culture here is rich and inviting, with little quirks that make each experience unique. Embrace it fully!
One misconception I’ve encountered often from visitors is that places will cater to their schedules. Many tourists expect to find restaurants open late into the night like in bigger cities, but here dinner starts on the earlier side—usually around 7:30 PM, with some places wrapping up by 9 PM. If you’re inclined to eat like a local, show up on the earlier side, or you may find yourself staring sheepishly at closed doors.
I had a simple yet delightful lunch at a small bistro yesterday. I paid around €15 for a hearty Salade Niçoise, which also came with a glass of local rosé. If I’d wandered closer to the more touristy areas, like Cours Mirabeau, that same meal would likely set me back at least €5 more. It’s those subtleties that make dining out in Aix an exploration itself.
While payment customs are quite straightforward—credit cards are accepted almost everywhere—do keep some cash handy (you never know when a charming little place, off the beaten path, might only take cash). Also, tipping is not as ingrained here as in some other countries. Rounding up the bill or leaving a small tip is appreciated but not necessary.
A common pitfall for new arrivals is expecting to blend in without adjusting their dining habits. Eating slowly and embracing the long dinners is a delightful aspect of the culture. I remember cringing when a friend tried to rush through a meal, oblivious to the amused looks around. So, take a page out of the local playbook: relax and enjoy the ambiance.
For anyone considering dining out during peak hours, be warned—lunch rush can be quite fierce around 1 PM, especially during the tourist season. If you want a quieter experience, shoot for an earlier or later meal. And oh, and before I forget, reservations are a must on weekends, particularly in the more popular spots. Otherwise, you could be left standing outside while locals saunter past you to their reserved tables.
All in all, the dining culture here is rich and inviting, with little quirks that make each experience unique. Embrace it fully!