The Best of Biarritz – where to eat and drink in the French coastal town
Finally (You call, we play) a (more or less) complete overview of where to eat and drink in the French coastal town where holidays go more than well for more than a season: Biarritz. The nice thing about Biarritz? Do you have a minute? We call it the 'old chic' of the city combined with the laid-back surf atmosphere thanks to the turbulent coastline dudes en chicks from far away (surfers in the area? vacation!). We mention the classic French cuisine, occasionally some of the faded glory that goes with old chic (do you also feel so nice and normal) and the unvarnished je ne sais quois that hangs in the air in Biarritz much more than in any French city. However you do it, be sure to save these: The Best of Biarritz - where to eat and drink in the French coastal town.
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Number 1 by far: restaurant Chez Albert, sort of the rough (and actually cooler) blue and white brother of Le Club 55 (in Ramatuelle, further along the French coast). Fish and seafood on the menu and then the best of its kind. Service a bit on the arrogant side, but enough that you can still have it just right. The delicious sole (Sun) perfectly fried in butter and the pink shrimps (shrimp) make everything right anyway. Book early and you will get one of the best spots: in the shade on the terrace, overlooking the (rough) harbor and the people strolling by. 1 day in the city? Chez Albert. Or (and?_ join the neighbors of the popular Juan Pedro's House, recognizable on weekends by the long line. It's not there for nothing: the paella here is magnificent and it's also a nice 'budget' place (it's not really cheap anywhere, but still).
In the (really nice, creative) neighbourhood affectionately called 'Bibi' (Basque for 'little'), restaurant Chéri Bibi is a must-see in the 'contemporary business' category; in our opinion the restaurant you should visit (recap: for seafood to Albert, for contemporary Basque cuisine to dear Bibi).
Owner and born and bred Basque chef Sophie Larrazet is known for her creative interpretations of traditional Basque dishes. Everything, mind you, is seasonal and with a lot of attention to fish from the Bay of Biscay. Tips? Yes! Merlu à la Koskera (hake Basque-style) and the Axoa de Veau (spiced veal) served with local Espelette peppers. Also a 'must' (no must, but still): dive into the wine list because it has a number of Txakoli wines (a fresh wine with a little bit of fizz) from the Spanish Basque Country and surprising options from small French wineries. (image via Facebook Chéri Bibi)
Only in high season (from the end of May to the end of summer) and then an ab-so-lu-te (sorry not sorry for this urgent tone) De Puta Madre is in the garden and conservatory of the beautiful accommodation (tip tip tip) of Villa Magnan (Villa Magnan can be booked all year round). Just outside the city centre and the ultimate Frenchness in all its beauty and deliciousness; just google it. From Mother's Day
One of the few beach addresses within walking distance of the heart of Biarritz is the cozy Le Surfing. Yes, we also thought that if you name your tent after 'surfing', the business itself would be disappointing. A too Obvious name = often wannabe material. But no, none of that is true: at Le Surfing it's genuine surf cool laid-back atmosphere that you expect from Biarritz. In addition, the food is genuinely good – simple but good – and the service is second to none. Great address for your beachcravings, although without sand, but with your eyes on the sea and the surfers. Surfing
Honestly? As for the 'things to do' list we don't get much further than enjoying the wonderful combination of city and beach, because that mix is perfect here. Although you may miss the small food hall – Les Halles – definitely not to be missed. At the front is a small market with genuinely nice products such as bags and classic hats. The market closes around 13:11 and a glass of wine and a bite around XNUMX:XNUMX is the standard. A walk takes you over the famous Rock of Basta. This bridge is impossible to miss. The same goes for Rocher de la Vierge, a small island from where you have a beautiful view over the city. Grande Plage is a no brainer, but we preferred sunbathing on the small city beach of Plage du Port Vieux (and then get an ice cream at Grande Plage in the evening). Sunbathing (and surfing) is something that locals on the beach of Anglet. Big and wide, more locals than tourists. This is where you The Beachhouse find (we also found the catering industry a bit meh). The small town Guéthary is great fun for a few hours, just like Saint Jean de Luz (you can easily spend a day there; we found it surprisingly nice here, about a 20-minute drive from Biarritz). San Sebastian (40 minutes drive) skipping it is really not an option… Oh! And have a drink on the roof terrace of Hotel de la Plage – also recommended in the evening as all kitchens open around 19.30pm.
Pizza? Yes, always. Different from other pizza? PIUMA Pizza. The authentic Italian pizzeria distinguishes itself by its creative pizzas, although fortunately there are also classics on the menu. The bases are airy and crispy: feather means 'feather' in Italian for a reason. Aha.
The pizzeria is known for its 48-hour sourdough and high-quality ingredients from both Italy and the Basque region. Signature pizzas include the Tartufo with truffle and the Basquaise with local Espelette peppers. The interior of the shop doesn't get any oohs and aahs from us, but the terrace is a particularly nice place to be.
Quite a lot of creative cuisines in Biarritz, which is perhaps not so surprising thanks to the mix of France and Spain that starts just a few kilometers away. And also Restaurant Aiete is there for those who like a Basque experience: the name “Aiete” refers to a historic district in San Sebastián. Sounds like a plan, although we found the dishes a bit too much 'fuss' (sorry!)… When there is a burger on the menu, we find a sandwich with hachee meat slightly annoying (sorry!). You would rather go for one of the signature dishes such as Ttoro (Basque fish soup) or Merluza a la Koxkera (cockles). The place itself is pleasantly unadorned with empty wine bottles on the panelling and simple wooden tables and chairs – nice.
Back to 'you only have one day, what are you going to do': hang out at Etxola Bibi! This small hut is located in a small park where all ages come together, all day long. Etxola Bibi, which means 'little hut' in Basque, is exactly that: a small wooden hut with a collection of picnic tables. At the back, a strip of green (with excellent and well-maintained public toilets) and petanque courts where mainly middle-aged (and older) French men play (and many people watch - lovely atmosphere). In the rest of the park, parents and their kids hang out, or people are reading a book, while on the other side of the hut, the railing is completely full of drinking youngsters. Railing? Yes: from here you have a beautiful view of the sea (Etxola Bibi is located at about the same altitude as Le Surfing, only a few meters higher above sea level). You can tap your own beer using a simple system (simply with your debit card) and order simple but good dishes.
Here you sit down in a real family restaurant, but a family restaurant with a star… Not for nothing a household name in the city and it has been for many years. The dishes are simple in terms of ingredients, but you get creative works of art in front of you. And the wines are – of course – very good. The perfect wine in combination with the dishes ensure an unforgettable evening. Promise. The rosebushes.
No fuss, nothing complicated, but very good? Le Pim'pi the place to be. Actually, you've come to the right place for everything. Meat or fish lover? All good. Everything they serve here is simply delicious. Oh and they have many local wines that go perfectly with the dishes. Plus points for the service. The Pim'pi
Ah Hello Bali Bowls Biarritz, beautiful Tropicana Bali style take away bar for the tastiest fruity containers for the beach. Although you can also sit on the half tree trunks at the white corner building that is Bali Bowls. Summer in a container, and in a corner building. Bali Bowls
One of the city's most beloved restaurants and has been for years. La Café du Commerce is such an address with those hip bistroformal and casual looks that so many restaurants are copying these days. With the difference that La Café du Commerce hasn't changed in years. Authentic, then. And good. Although we like the atmosphere better than the food - whoops. You can find the bistro right next to De Hallen van de stad, the covered market. That makes it good for people watching on the terrace. Expect French classics in terms of food: oysters, snails, croissants and freshly baked pains with home-made jam in the morning, steak Tartare, simple sunny side up egg dishes with a lettuce leaf, portion of fries on the side. In short: an address for the whole day. The Trade Cafe
For a pan of French mussels, a beer and with a bit of luck live, music you have come to the right place Ventilo Café. If there is anything to do in the city, it is in front of this café that the street is full.
It should come as no surprise that we always, absolutely always, look for the Best Burgers in town, wherever we are. In Biarritz this is the case Le CAB. Without a doubt. Is the place very pleasant? Meh, it's ok. It is tasty and perfect for your quick, slightly fatty meal cravings.
Ceviche galore! Read more: Saline Ceviche Bar,
If you've had enough of French cuisine (we don't understand, because as far as we're concerned you can never have enough of it), then this Mexican restaurant is a nice change of scenery. You can get spicy food and delicious tacos, and you shouldn't miss the Sangria. Lesson 3 salsa
Fantastic food for a small price, right across from Les Halles. Seems commercial, in the category 'quick walk through' but we found Le Bar Jean a breath of fresh air. And it is cozy there too. Delicious fresh fish dishes, a great steak and warm service. John's Bar
More holiday or weekend away practices? Then give it a try Lisbon! And yes, we also found the best burgers there in town. Read more: 30x The Best of Lisbon.
For a little beach bar (read: literally on the beach) you have to get in the car (or you have to like cycling) and go to Surfing, a bit further north than the city centre of Biarritz. The shop is, contrary to what the name suggests, not right on the beach, but it is close by. On the other hand, The beach house in Anglet a small swimming pool (more for the kids or paddling) and the bar within reach. And the food at The Beach House is surprisingly good. That is to say: during lunch. Or brunch. Whatever you call it. A recommendation to jump in the car or taxi for, especially for those with kids: inside the front of the shop is a section set up for the kids, nice in the air conditioning. Note: the shop is not right on the beach, but on the 'second line'. The beach house
