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Biarritz is considered by many the jewel of the South Western French coast, and it’s easy to see why. There is something for everyone here, whether you’re a surfing fanatic or a food connoisseur. There is so much going for this bustling Basque town, and the culture and cuisine that seeps in from Spain is a big draw for many. Awash with Michelin starred restaurants, Biarritz is truly a dining destination fit for a King.

Cuisine of the Basque Country – Bonito del Norte with red peppers

Le Clos Basque

This Michelin star restaurant serves up the epitome of Basque dining, with an authentic atmosphere brimming with the flavours of northern Spain and a rustic setting to match. Their menu is wholly Basque, but includes traditional as well as more contemporary dishes. All the ingredients are locally sourced and of the highest quality. Le Clos Basque is very popular so book a table in advance to avoid disappointment.

Address: Le Clos Basque, 12 Avenue Louis Barthou, 64200 Biarritz, France +33 5 59 24 24 96

Le Pim’pi

For an escape from the more polished side of Biarritz life (though still serving Michelin star quality food), look no further than Le Pim’pi: a small, rustic restaurant where the food is consistently highly rated and always prepared with skill. Choose a dish from their blackboard of daily specials and enjoy the bohemian French atmosphere that exudes from the bare stone walls of this place.

Address: Le Pim’pi, 14 Avenue de Verdun, 64200 Biarritz, France +33 5 59 24 12 62

Le Port Vieux Beach

Santa Maria

Located right on the edge of Plage du Port Vieux, this little restaurant is the perfect spot for lunch, dinner, or an aperitif at sunset. It’s small and unpretentious but boasts an impressively broad menu. We recommend the Ocean Salade, which combines all the different flavours affiliated with this Aquitaine town.

Address: Santa Maria, 6 Espl. du Port Vieux, 64200 Biarritz, France +33 5 59 24 53 11

Biarritz Beach at sunset

Blue Cargo

Tucked away beneath the chateau, sits the restaurant-club Blue Cargo. Set in this stunning location looking out over its own private beach, Blue Cargo is the kind of place you could easily spend your whole day, and maybe into the early hours of the next. If you’re looking for a party vibe, this is the place. Alongside it’s fantastic menu, Blue Cargo also serves up great music and a wonderful atmosphere.

Address: Blue Cargo, plage d Ilbaritz, 64210 Bidart, France +33 5 59 23 54 87

Crampotte 30

Bar, Restaurant, French

Piments dEspelette
© Pinpin/WikipediaCommons
If you’re looking for somewhere fun and relaxed, try tapas bar Crampotte 30. Although the actual restaurant is a bit on the small side, the outside area is spacious. Sit back with a glass of wine and a selection of their original tapas, and enjoy the wonderful view over the port. Fantastic on summer evenings, this place is great if you’re looking for a taste of Biarritz life.

Café du Commerce

If it’s local food you’re after, then make sure you frequent Café du Commerce for lunch or dinner (or both!). Serving everything from Chiperon (small squid) to Axoa (minced veal stew]), and lots of Piments d’Espelette (peppers from Espelette, a local Basque village), you will find that everything on this traditional Basque menu has been sourced from the markets and farms of the region.

Address: Café du Commerce, 1 Rue des Halles, 64200 Biarritz, France +33 5 59 41 87 24

Le Victoria

Restaurant, French

Duck Foie Gras
© Luigi Anzivino/WikiCommons
Le Victoria is great if you’re looking for somewhere with a varied menu. Here, you will definitely find something for everyone. Aside from the classics, this restaurant also offers a range of vegetarian options, whilst still adhering to the region’s Basque traditions. One of Le Victoria’s most attractive aspects is its friendly and informal atmosphere, and this combined with the broad menu makes it a great place to bring children to.

Chez Ospi

If you’re looking for somewhere accessible but away from the well worn tourist trail, try Chez Ospi, a Michelin star restaurant run by two brothers, Fabien and Julien, located in the center of town. This place offers great service, sumptuous food and excellent value for money. The duck foie gras served with peach confit is a particularly delicious choice.

Address: Chez Ospi, 6 Rue Jean Bart, 64200 Biarritz, France +33 5 59 24 64 98

L’Impertinent

Located in a quiet area of the town, not far from the center, l’Impertinent is a popular haunt for tourists and locals alike and it is easy to see why. This modest, relaxed restaurant is highly acclaimed and has been awarded a Michelin star for it’s outstanding food. Although seafood is the speciality here, everything on the menu is superb and, combined with the fantastic atmosphere, this place is not to be missed.

Address: L’Impertinent, 5 Rue d’Alsace, 64200 Biarritz, France +33 5 59 51 03 67

Seafood Platter

Fumoir Marin

Biarritz has always been renowned for its seafood, and at Fumoir Marin it is at its best. Begin your evening with one of their original cocktails before tucking in to a dish of your choice from their outstanding menu. For the foodie’s amongst you, I recommend the seafood platter which will not disappoint. The staff are friendly, and keen to help with wine pairing and recommendations. This place is tasteful, both with regard to the interior and the simple, quality food it serves.

About the author

I currently study History of Art and English Literature at Edinburgh University. Whilst living in this beautiful city I like to take full advantage of the plethora of Art and culture right on my doorstep! Other than studying, I spend my days visiting art galleries and exploring the Scottish capital. I love to travel, discovering exciting places and meeting new people. I also have a passion for Art and Illustration, which ignited whilst studying it several years ago, and it has grown more and more over time. I have journals full of drawings from trips around England, Europe and even further afield. I also enjoy writing and documenting my experiences, both for myself and also to share with a wider audience.

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