Request and menu
- Set date and time
- Contact the restaurant with your budget
The Bistrot de Nino journal
Organising a group meal in Cassis:the step-by-step guide
Date, menu, budget, logistics: a harbour friend's method to gather 15, 30 or 80 people around one table, and enjoy the meal yourself.
The essentials
Frame the type of group, a headcount range and the time (lunch or dinner). In summer, contact the restaurant as early as possible. Choose a group menu, often two starters and two mains, and share a budget per person from the start, with diets and allergies. Confirm numbers on time (at Le Bistrot de Nino, at least 5 days before), and plan access: car-sharing, train and car parks.
Gathering 15, 30 or 80 people in Cassis is a real puzzle: a tiny, busy harbour, a packed high season and tricky parking.
Here is a simple step-by-step method so that, on the day, you get to raise a glass too.
Step 1
Set the framebefore looking for a table
Answer three questions first: they shape the menu, the space and the timing.
Planning a work event? See our business meals and seminars page, or the one on birthdays at the restaurant.
- 01
The type of group
Family, friends, team outing or big celebration: each has different needs.
Teams need timing; celebrations need space and flexibility.
- 02
A realistic headcount
Give an honest range rather than a dream number.
Expect drop-outs and set your guests an RSVP deadline.
- 03
Lunch or dinner?
Lunch suits families and days with an afternoon outing.
Dinner is cooler in summer and more festive.
Step 2
Pick the right periodand plan ahead
In summer the harbour is very busy: the bigger the group, the earlier you should plan.
Spring and autumn offer softer light and more flexibility.
In summer, contact the restaurant as soon as the date is roughly set.
To choose your date, read about the best period to visit Cassis.
Step 3
Frame the menuand the budget
Why a group menu
The kitchen can coordinate and everyone is served together.
Two starters, two mains
A limited choice works best; collect choices in a simple table.
Share a budget per person
Say it upfront, and what it should cover.
Diets, allergies, children
Flag them when collecting choices, not on the day.
Step 4
The organiser'schecklist
Tick as you go and you won't forget anything.
D-30 and more Up to D-5 Choices and final number
- Collect choices and diets
- Confirm numbers at least 5 days before
The day Welcome and enjoy
- Arrive a little early
- Raise your glass
At Le Bistrot de Nino, menu and headcount are confirmed at least 5 days before the date.
Step 5
Logisticsin Cassis
The real challenge is getting everyone there together.
Getting there as a group
Car-share, park at the village entrance and walk down. See our guide how to get to Cassis and park.
The terrace
Check for shade, a harbour view and one shared space. Discover the largest terrace in Cassis.
Coming with a dog
At Le Bistrot de Nino, pets are welcome on the terrace. More on our dog-friendly restaurant page.
Step 6
Make the mealthe highlight of the day
Build a day around the table, all within walking distance of the harbour.
- 01
In the morning, take a boat trip to the calanques.
- 02
Stroll through the Cassis market.
- 03
Or go on a calanques hike.
- 04
At the table, enjoy the whole fish filleted in front of guests.
- 05
And toast with Cassis white wine.
Worth remembering
Pitfallsto avoid
Waiting for the full guest list before booking.
Letting everyone order à la carte.
Forgetting access and parking info.
Carrying everything alone: appoint a helper.
The Bistrot de Nino case
And with us,how does it work?
A harbour institution since 1962, with the largest shaded terrace in Cassis for 80 to 100 people.
Tailored menus to your budget, often two starters and two mains; confirmation at least 5 days before; pets welcome.
- Since 1962
- 80 to 100 guests
- Two starters, two mains
- Confirm by D-5
Have a date in mind? Organise your group meal on the harbour.
Good to know
Organiser questions
How far ahead should a group book in Cassis?
As early as possible, especially in summer.
Should the menu be chosen in advance?
Yes: a group menu keeps service smooth. Choices are confirmed before the deadline.
How to handle a budget per person?
Share it in your first request, with what it should cover.
Can we come with children or a dog?
Yes. Pets are welcome on our terrace; tell us the children's ages.
Lunch or dinner?
Lunch for families and outings, dinner for cooler, festive evenings.
What if the headcount changes?
Tell the restaurant as soon as possible, before the confirmation date.
Also worth reading
Plan the day around the harbour
Useful pages and articles to complete your planning.
Going further
From method to booking
Ready? Discover our formulas on our restaurant groupe Cassis page: the largest terrace on the harbour.
Group request
Tell usabout your project
A date, a headcount range, the occasion and your budget per person: write to us.
Planning a meal for a group?Tell us about your group
On the largest shaded terrace in Cassis, facing the harbour, since 1962.