The choice of restaurants in Biarritz is truly amazing, located in the Frances Basque Region you have everything from French / Spanish to all the regular international delights that cater for every culinary taste. Obviously we will never be able to list every restaurant available in Biarritz, but I will try and give a simple selection of restaurants and cafes that I like to visit on my weekends in Biarritz.

Let’s start light, you arrive in Biarritz on Thursday a little hungry and tired, go to Pizza Emporium next door to the Radisson Hotel which is definitely the best pizza in Biarritz. Baked in real wood fire oven its great value. It also serves great paella in the summer and it has a great selection on its menu and the wine list is simple but excellent. Great value all round with average dinner for 2 with wine and coffee about €30.

After a hard days sightseeing and shopping on Friday, have a delightful pastry and coffee in the Miramont Café, about 200m on the same side as Lafayette on the Main St. With its wonderful views of the Grande Plage you won’t want to leave! Coffee and cake for 2 costs about €12.

Friday night why not try a nice big steak at the OK Corral, about 200m from The Radisson heading towards town. You won’t get a better steak anywhere in the Basque coast. All the meat is Spanish and cooked on a charcoal grill with all finesse of French cooking. Also try the fajitas they are tasty and again great value. A steak dinner for 2 with wine and coffee costs about €50. They also have a bar there which is small but lively.

Saturday get up early and head for the market just off Main St. On the way stop and have a coffee in one of the many cafés / restaurants on Victor Hugo, beside the bustling market. Give your senses a treat with the sights and smells of all the locally grown natural produce, available to shoppers and retailers. Your mouth will be watering when you leave.

Saturday night pick up the phone and book Champagne et Gourmandise (Ph: 0033559411011) just outside Biarritz, near the railway station. A taxi is the best way there and should cost about €12 Euro for 4 people. You will not be sorry you made the effort to get here. It’s a bit more expensive than the average restaurant in Biarritz but certainly cheaper than some of the over priced Michelin star restaurants in Dublin or London. When I try and explain the quality of the food and atmosphere, the great service that this restaurant oozes freely, its quiet difficult. Everything about this restaurant is good, sorry not just good but excellent! The house is an old typical Basque country residence obviously added to but still very tasteful. The food is typically French with a strong Basque influence. Always a miraculous menu and wine list is amazing. I can’t say enough about this restaurant. If you want a treat or surprise that somebody special, this is the place. An average 5 course meal with wine cost about €120.

Sunday you will have to go for a long walk to loose some of that extra weight, head down to Champ de Moor in Anglet and walk the wonderful coastal pathway. Then sit and relax in one of the many cafés / bars available.

Sunday night try Le Bistro des Halles (Ph: 0033559242122) on Rue du Centre, near market. It might be better to book. The bustling atmosphere in this small pretty restaurant is engrossing; the food is excellent with a menu specializing in fish. The average meal with wine and desert costs about €50 for 2.

This weekend is a small sample of meals available in Biarritz. There are so many still to be found and discovered. I think the best rule of thumb is try and eat where the locals eat  and you can never go wrong.
Remember when in Rome...


Also Highly Recommended

La Ferme Ostalapia - A wonderful Basque farmhouse set in a magnificent country setting with breath taking views of the majestic Pyrenees and the surrounding country side. About 5km from Biarritz between Guethary and St Jean de Luz. This restaurant is typically Basque with a great selection of the best of local products including fish and game. Everything served fresh and with a smile. If you’re lucky enough you can enjoy your evening meal on the terrace overlooking the vastness of the Pyrenees. Typical meal for 2 with wine approx €110. Tel: +33(0)559547379, www.ostalapia.com

Opale - Small discreet restaurant on the corner opposite cinema in central Biarritz. Well worth a visit the food is excellent with such a varied menu that there is something for everybody! Book early to avoid disappointment, Opale is a favourite with the locals! 17, Ave Edouard VII Tel: +33(0)5 59 24 30 30

Cidrerie Hernani - Basque style restaurant close to Cote Basque. Large trellis tables with rustic benches lend to a truly Basque style welcome. Open cooking and singing Basque songs all add to the wonderful Atmosphere, great fun and even better food. Try the Cote de BoufThe locals say it’s the best steak in Biarritz. The selections of starters are vast and its best book in advance. 27 Ave du Maréchal, Joffre, Biarritz, Tel: +33(0)5 59 23 01 01

Clos Basque - Another restaurant well worth a trip, inexpensive but always great food, typically Basque with a charming terrace out front. 12 rue Barthou, Central Biarritz, Tel: +33(0)559242496

La Fleur de Sol - A true gems very near the beach in Anglet at the start of the forest, it’s worth a visit. French style cuisine in a bright environment, excellent menu and a good choice of wine! Only one bad point service is a little slow but the food is worth the wait! 5 Ave de la Foret, Anglet, Tel: +33(0)559638866

La Table des Frères Barboure - A very famous restaurant with rave reviews! Well Worth a visit. Chemin de Taliena, Bidart and Guéthary
 

Highly Recommended Bars and Night Clubs

Les 100 Marches - Watch the sunset over the beautiful Cote Basque and enjoy a cold beer.This bar is outside, used mainly by locals and always a good atmosphere. Watch the locals play bowls in the shade of the overhanging trees. A trip to Biarritz must include a visit here! Square Jean Baptiste Lassale, TEL: 0559247581

Queens bar - Small karaoke bar on the main street, always good fun.

New Quay Bar - On the main street tends to be frequented by tourists live music most nights!

El Caveu Nite club - near market, small & always full with great music and open till late.

Bar Jean - Opposite Market, Tapas and wine, lively with mostly locals but worth a visit.