Femina (Le), Marseille

Open the door to this restaurant, with its rather nondescript exterior, and you'll discover an Arabian palace with heavily ornate decor, as kitsch as could be, offering the very best of its culinary delights. The owner extends a warm welcome with a recommendation to try an unusual type of couscous made from barley and lightly seasoned with fragrant spices. The choice on the menu is wide, including a couscous served with grouper originating from Tunisia. The tagines follow the traditional combinations of lamb with prunes or honey, or spiced chicked with fruit, and just one taste releases an enigmatic blend of sweet and savoury. Given the excellent quality of the food, Le Femina is very good value for money. Expect to pay around 120F (EUR 18.28) for dinner à la carte.