Restaurant on Rue d’Italie, Aix-en-Provence: where to eat in the Mazarin district, what to taste and how to enjoy the city’s foodie side
Cheese shops, greengrocers, bakeries, churches and fountains: Rue d’Italie is best explored on foot. Here is how to enjoy it, then walk to Rue Espariat for a meal.
In short
- Rue d’Italie is the shopping street of the Mazarin district, a 17th-century grid south of the Cours Mirabeau.
- It is lined with food shops: cheese, fruit and veg, delis and bakeries.
- AROM, at 44 Rue Espariat, is a short walk away via the Cours Mirabeau, serving Mediterranean food with Eastern touches, 7 days a week.
Restaurant on Rue d’Italie in Aix-en-Provence: what visitors really look for
Rue d’Italie is the foodie artery of the Mazarin district, running south from the Cours Mirabeau towards Saint-Jean-de-Malte church.
This guide covers landmarks, food shops and the best times to stroll, then a walk to AROM. For a wider view of our restaurant in Aix-en-Provence, see our dedicated page.
Rue d’Italie and the Mazarin district at a glance
Unlike the winding lanes of old Aix, Mazarin’s streets cross at right angles.
A 17th-century grid south of the Cours Mirabeau
Archbishop Michel Mazarin, brother of the cardinal, had the area laid out in the mid-17th century on a regular grid.
On foot: Saint-Jean-de-Malte, Musée Granet, Four Dolphins fountain, Rue Cardinale
The late 13th-century Gothic church stands next to the Musée Granet; Rue Cardinale leads to the 1667 Four Dolphins fountain.
Why Rue d’Italie is a street for food lovers
Cheese shops, greengrocers, delis, bakeries
Everyday food shops make the street lively; ask for advice, it is part of the service.
Products to look for: olive oil, herbs, olives, seasonal fruit
Olive oil, herbes de Provence, olives and seasonal fruit are the foundations of Mediterranean cooking.
See our guide to Aix-en-Provence food specialities.
Where and how to eat around Rue d’Italie by time of day
The district changes rhythm through the day. Here is how to plan.
Lunch: grab a bite or sit down
Build a picnic from the shops, or walk to the old town. At week-ends, try a Mediterranean brunch in Aix.
Afternoon: pastries and tea
Visit the Musée Granet, then enjoy some oriental pastries in Aix-en-Provence.
Evening: dinner nearby or in the old town
Mazarin is quiet at night; head to the Cours. See our guide to eating on the Cours Mirabeau.
You can also read our tips on where to eat in central Aix.
Sundays and public holidays
Many shops open only in the morning, if at all; check before going.
From Rue d’Italie to Rue Espariat: walking to AROM
For a sit-down Mediterranean meal, AROM is our recommended restaurant in Aix-en-Provence, at 44 Rue Espariat.
A short walk via the Cours Mirabeau or Place d’Albertas
Allow about 5 to 10 minutes on flat, mostly pedestrian streets.
- 1Walk north up Rue d’Italie to the Cours Mirabeau.
- 2Follow the Cours west, then turn into Rue Espariat by Place des Augustins.
Book, take away or get delivery
Book online (Bebooker) or call 06 32 38 44 82. Delivery via Delicity.
What you eat: sharing plates, marinated grills, homemade desserts
Keftas on hummus, feta with honey, patatas bravas, tagliata and homemade tiramisu, open 7 days a week.
Half-day food walk ideas
Two car-free routes mixing heritage, food shops and a meal.
Market and heritage: Mazarin, Musée Granet, lunch
Shops in the morning, church and museum, then lunch on Rue Espariat.
Evening: aperitif, dinner, stroll on the Cours
Golden-hour stroll in Mazarin, dinner at AROM, then a walk along the lit Cours.
Practical tips: parking, buses, getting around on foot
The district is best explored on foot.
Parking
Use the Mignet, Cours Mirabeau or Rotonde underground car parks.
By bus
City buses serve the Rotonde, a few minutes’ walk away.
Pedestrian area
Much of the centre is pedestrian; wear comfortable shoes.
Accessibility
The route is flat; call ahead to check step-free access.
With children
Short distances and shady squares; AROM has a kids’ dish.
FAQ about Rue d’Italie and the Mazarin district
Where to eat near Rue d’Italie?
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Food shops for a quick bite, or AROM at 44 Rue Espariat, 5 to 10 minutes’ walk away.
Is the Mazarin district lively at night?
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It is quiet; the evening buzz is on the nearby Cours Mirabeau.
Can you eat there on Sundays?
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Some shops open in the morning only; AROM serves continuously on Sundays.
Where to find Mediterranean or Eastern food nearby?
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AROM serves homemade Mediterranean food with Eastern touches, 7 days a week.
How long to walk to the Cours Mirabeau?
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Rue d’Italie opens onto the Cours; Rue Espariat is 5 to 10 minutes away.
Should I book?
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Yes at week-ends and in season: online or on 06 32 38 44 82.
After Rue d’Italie, time to eat
5 minutes from Rue d’Italie, AROM welcomes you at 44 Rue Espariat, 7 days a week with continuous service. Book a table or order online.
Further reading
More guides for your food walk in Aix-en-Provence.
To learn all about our table at 44 Rue Espariat, see our page resto aix en provence.