French Basque Country
For a memorable Basque meal, stop at the Michelin-starred Ithurria, established by the Isabal family in an old pilgrims’ hostel and now run by Maurice…
Must-see restaurants in French Basque Country
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St-Jean de Luz
To spoil yourself, Nicholas Borombo's stellar Michelin-starred address is the place to dine in St-Jean. Known for their modern interpretation of Basque…
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Biarritz
This rustic bakery in a hidden vale 8km south of Biarritz is set in a historic mill that still grinds the flour using the stream that runs beneath the…
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St-Jean de Luz
Duck down a side street into this stone-walled restaurant for excellent French food with a Basque twist. There are two options: order grilled fish or…
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Bayonne
Run by renowned chef Sebastien Gravé (who also runs a place in Paris), this is Bayonne's top spot. It's committed to big Basque flavours, but explores…
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St-Jean de Luz
For the full-blown French market experience, this tiny corner restaurant hidden away in Les Halles is a must. Pull up a stool at the counter under its…
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St-Jean Pied de Port
This two-Michelin-starred restaurant at the Hôtel des Pyrénées is renowned for miles around, and is where chef Firmin Arrambide works wonders with market…
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French Basque Country
Located right on the beach, this terrace with views offers sumptuously created fare featuring local seafood. You can't go wrong if you want to splash out…
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French Basque Country
This red-and-white half-timbered hotel is characteristic of the architecture of the Basque Country, and its food is equally classic – piment d'Espelette…
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Biarritz
A small and resolutely old-fashioned place unfazed by all the razzamatazz around it. The daily specials are chalked up on a blackboard – most are of the…
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Biarritz
Tucked back in a tiny alley near the central market, this convivial steakhouse has a few small tables and an open kitchen with the grill on show as the…
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Bayonne
Bayonne's covered market is a beauty, standing right by the river and brimming with Basque Country goodies. After it closes, there are a couple of corner…
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Bayonne
This convivial stone-walled dining room is managed ably by warm proprietors who circulate making sure all guests are happy. And happy they are with the…
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Biarritz
If you want your fish fresh off the boat, then this venerable place down by the old port is just the ticket – you can literally watch the catch being…
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Biarritz
A little dose of American deli culture is on offer here: burgers, salads, smoothies and health shakes, followed up by delicious cupcakes and proper…
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Biarritz
This is one of those places, hidden down an alley and in a cave-like building, that's so discreet that only a local could have pointed it out to you…
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Bayonne
Rough and ready, and all the better for it, this atmospheric corner bar near the market is guaranteed to be packed with a mix of after-dinner drinkers,…
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French Basque Country
Pêcherie Ducamp is one of the best places in town to indulge in the local seafood. Sit at a table overlooking ocean-sized tanks swimming with the imminent…
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Biarritz
This quirky place morphs from a shop selling jars of foie gras in the day to a tapas bar in the evening. Needless to say the tapas are foie gras–heavy,…
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Biarritz
One of Biarritz' more traditional tables, with a sweet front patio sheltered by climbing plants and an awning. The menu is proudly Basque, so expect…
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St-Jean Pied de Port
Fresh, wholesome dishes are served under the plane trees on a beautiful riverfront terrace in summer – expect seasonal local specialities, charcuterie and…
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Biarritz
One of the oldest tapas venues in town (in business since the '30s), Bar Jean is traditional and full of atmosphere – from the flamenco soundtrack to the…
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Bayonne
This is the place to come to join the Bayonnais for authentic tapas – there's a huge selection, from chorizo sausage to spicy prawns, and loads of local…
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St-Jean Pied de Port
Farmers from the surrounding hills bring fresh produce – chillies, local cheeses and much more – to the town's Monday market. In high summer, a weekly…
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Biarritz
Attached to a wine shop, this trendy spot opposite the covered market is great for an imaginative spin on traditional tapas – try the Txirula sausage and…
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Bayonne
Beautifully conceived and created sweets, canapés and finger foods by Joëlle and Maitena Erguy make this a special stop for a light snack or pick-me-up,…
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Bayonne
It might not look like much from the outside, but this is a great place to try classic bistro dishes shot through with some southwestern flavours. The…
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Biarritz
This marketside place serves an impressive selection of hams, cheeses, wines and, our favourite, sardines in oil. There's a raised wooden outdoor terrace…
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Biarritz
First opening its doors in 1938, this is an authentic and high-quality tapas bar beside the market. It also does full meals, which can be eaten out on the…
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Bayonne
Run by a welcoming Basque-speaking family, this unpretentious cafe-brasserie is an absolute institution, where everyone knows everyone (which some people…
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Bayonne
As Basque as a game of pelota, this simple and rustic little restaurant, located inside a former brothel, serves one thing and one thing only: axoa. A…
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Biarritz
One of a cluster of restaurants along rue du Centre that get their produce directly from the nearby covered market, this bustling place stands out from…
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St-Jean de Luz
It's a bit rough around the edges, but this old-school restaurant makes up for its lack of finesse with bags of nautical atmosphere: fishing nets, oil…
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Biarritz
This place is the locals' tip for the best burgers in town. Options range from a classic burger with Emmental cheese to a chicken burger spiced with…
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Bayonne
In a tucked-away spot on the edge of the town's artisan quarter, this burger-bar (BBR to the locals) has proved a popular addition to Bayonne's dining…
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Bayonne
Tartes salées (savoury tarts and quiches) and salads are the order of the day at Julie's place, which is usually crammed at lunchtime with local shop…
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Biarritz
A classic corner bistro, just as good for an evening aperitif as for a faux filet steak cooked on a sizzling plancha (metal hot plate). Don't expect any…
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St-Jean de Luz
It won't take long to peruse the menu at this old portside classic. It's essentially a choice of grilled sardines or grilled tuna – all freshly caught…
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Bayonne
For a change from Basque and Spanish cuisine, Mario's place is a great bet. The Sicilian-born chef serves up quality, no-fuss Italian food, plus pizzas…
