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
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…
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…
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…
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…
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…
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…
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…
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…
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…
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…
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…
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…
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…
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…
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…
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,…
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…
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,…
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…
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…
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…
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…
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…
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…
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,…
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…
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…
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…
Bayonne
Run by a welcoming Basque-speaking family, this unpretentious cafe-brasserie is an absolute institution, where everyone knows everyone (which some people…
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…
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…
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…
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…
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…
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…
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…
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…
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…
