PROVINCE - Restaurants in Basque Country
Nestled between southwestern France and northern Spain, the Basque Country is a sumptuous provincial land boasting renowned seaside resort locations, notably Biarritz, Bidart, Guéthary, Saint Jean de Luz and Ciboure.
Since the 19th century, this Franco-Spanish coast has attracted the ranks of French society, and recent efforts have multiplied the area's recreation locales. Luxury hotels, quality restaurants, casinos, thalassatherapy, spas and magnificent rock and sand beaches are the Basque Country's trump cards. For sportsters, there are more than 10 golf courses within less than 50 kilometers, as well as numerous sites for tennis, swimming, football, rugby and hiking open year-round. Reputed for its tumultuous ocean, surfers the world over come to challenge Biarritz's rollicking waves - from one to two meters high in July and August to four to six meters large from September to April. The coast's proximity to the Pyrenees mountains creates a temperate and comfortable climate all year, though at times it comprises sustained rains which weed out the true Basque Country enthusiasts.
If you've got some time to spare, make a point to visit the back country for magnificent views of the Pyrenees in Arcangues, Arbonne, St. Pée sur Nivelle and, a bit farther away, Saint Jean Pied de Port.
In the Basque Country, gastronomy is omnipresent in all its forms.
Eat in Paris and Adressesgourmandes.com have selected the best gourmet restaurants in the Basque Country, as well as the most popular eateries with either an exceptional view or a great ambiance (or both...).
To your palates...
Biarritz
If you're searching for gastronomic restaurants, try "La Villa Eugénie", "Les Platanes" and "Sissinou"; for good restaurant-brasseries "Philippe", "Café de la Grande Plage", "Chez Albert" on the port, "Plaisir des Mets" near the market, "Bar Jean" close to the Anglet beaches, "La Concha" and "Fleur de Sel".
And close to Biarritz at Bidart Ilbarritz, "Blue Cargo".
For more great options, consult our list of over 30 Basque Country restaurants.
Arbonne - Arcangues
On route to Arbonne and close to Château du Clair de Lune is "Campagne et Gourmandise".
Within the exceptional confines of the small village Arcangues, next to a flower-covered school and just steps from the city golf course and church, is the crowd pleaser "L'Auberge d'Achtal"; in Arcangues and on the way to Arbonne try "Le Moulin d'Alotz".
Bidart - Guéthary
In the countryside, we suggest "Ferme Ostalapia" and "Table et Hostellerie des Frères Ibarboure". During the summer, admire surfers until nightfall along the shore in Guéthary at "Les Alcyons" and "Etche Terra", and on Cénitz beach at "Cenitz Ostatua". If you're craving a restaurant frequented by young surfers and revelers, visit "Brasserie Hétéroclito".
If you make it to Bidart Ilbarritz, we suggest "Blue Cargo" and "La Plancha", and in Bidart, "La Cucaracha" and "La Tantina de la Playa"
This list is not exhaustive; for further choices, review our list of more than 30 other local restaurants.
Saint Jean de Luz
An old city where every street is charged with history, featuring St. Jean-Baptiste's church, where Louis XIV married the king of Spain's child. The port, bay and many magnificent sunsets also draw many of the same vacationers time and again.
Our selection of restaurants:
"Zoko Moko", "La Taverne Basque", "Le Kaïku", "Olatua" or "Petit Grill Basque- Chez Maya".
Ciboure
Situated on the extension of Saint Jean de Luz's port and separated by a bridge. The typically Basque homes of Ciboure announce the proximity of Spain.
Dip your feet in the water across from the port at "Chez Dominique", "Pantxua" and "Chez Mattin".
For more options, view our selection of more than 30 Basque Country restaurants.