01
Shared antipasti or a starter?
A board in the middle of the table is a good start.
Practical guide · Business lunch
How to host a successful business lunch at an Italian restaurant near Marseille
Etiquette, timing and dish choices for the person who invites.
In short
An Italian table is a safe choice for a business lunch: a clear menu, options for most diets and shared antipasti that ease the conversation. Pick an accessible venue with parking, book ahead stating covers and dietary needs, allow about 90 minutes and settle the bill discreetly, asking for an invoice.
Why choose an Italian restaurant for a business lunch
Italian food is familiar, generous without being heavy, and its codes are known to everyone.
Food almost everyone enjoys
Pasta and pizza suit most guests, including vegetarians.
Shared antipasto, a natural icebreaker
Sharing a board relaxes the first minutes of the meeting.
Good time-to-quality ratio on weekdays
Homemade pasta or pizza is served quickly without cutting corners.
At Pepe Zino in Aubagne, the chefs and manager are Italian and the cooking is 100% homemade. From Monday to Friday lunchtime, a Lunch Set is available: see the menu.
Choosing the right venue
Access, noise level and opening hours matter most.
01
Access and parking
Pepe Zino is in the Paluds area of Aubagne, reached via the A50, with free parking nearby.
02
Noise level and room layout
120 covers including 60 in the veranda; ask for a quiet table.
03
Hours that fit a work schedule
Open 7 days, 11:30 AM to 3:00 PM and 7:00 PM to 10:30 PM.
Learn more about our Italian restaurant on the edge of Marseille.
Booking like a pro
When and how to book
Book the day before, stating covers, purpose and dietary needs.
Small group, team or client
From 2 to 30 guests; beyond 30, a partial private hire is possible.
See our article on the difference between trattoria, ristorante and osteria.
Ordering without fuss
The menu covers antipasti, salads, pasta, pizzas and desserts.
02
Pasta or pizza?
Short pasta and pizza eaten with a knife are the tidiest choices.
03
Dessert and coffee
An espresso closes the meeting naturally.
Discover our antipasti in Aubagne.
Alcohol at lunch
Follow your guest’s lead; mocktails and soft drinks are available.
The ideal 90-minute business lunch
A five-step rhythm for a 12:30 meeting.
- 12:30
Welcome
Be seated before your guest arrives.
- 12:40
Quick order
Suggest a shared board and order fast.
- 13:10
Business over the main
Discuss the core topic.
To avoid
- —Laptops on the table.
- —Messy dishes.
Who pays? Bill etiquette
The host pays, discreetly, ideally before the bill reaches the table. Ask for an invoice for expenses.
Beyond lunch: client dinners, team gatherings, company events
Pepe Zino welcomes business meals and company events with tailored options.
See our company events page.
Frequently asked questions
How long should a business lunch last?
About 90 minutes. Lunch is served from 11:30 AM to 3:00 PM.
Should I book for a weekday lunch?
Yes, to secure a quiet table.
Can I ask for a quiet table?
Yes, mention it when booking.
What should I order?
Short pasta or a pizza eaten with a knife.
Can you host a group of colleagues?
Yes, with tailored options; private hire from 30 guests.
Can I get an invoice?
Ask for it when paying, with your company name.
Further reading
Everything about the venue on our page restaurant italien Marseille.
Book your table for your next business lunch
Tell us the number of guests and the purpose: we will seat you somewhere quiet.
Booking by phone, 7 days a week