9 Best Local Restaurants in Biarritz

Halles de la Ville de Biarritz is the city’s market hall. The building dates from 1885, though stallholders had congregated here since 1847. Gourmands won’t be able to resist browsing its food stalls, run by passionate producers, cheesemongers, fishermen and artisan bakers.

It’s a great place to learn about local culinary traditions as you chat with those who know them best. However, even the most dedicated foodie will be tempted to put their shopping bags down once they see the number of bars, cafes and bistros that crowd the streets in the vicinity of this covered market.

Chez Albert is a well-established restaurant on the Biarritz harbourfront. There are plenty of tables on the terrace for alfresco dining during the warmer months. The restaurant specializes in seafood, with a good selection of fish and shellfish.

Its signature dish is John Dory, oven-roasted and served with seasonal vegetables. Chez Albert’s seafood platters are also a popular choice, particularly to share. Round off your meal with a homemade dessert or ice cream made by the award-winning Thierry Bamas.

Le Clos Basque earns a mention in the prestigious Michelin Guide for its modern take on French cuisine inspired by Basque regional influences. It’s a popular hangout for locals, particularly its terrace. Inside, the sophisticated decor is all about the exposed stonework and Spanish-style tiles.

Begin with an imaginative fricassée that combines squid and snails, then move on to a creamy risotto, roasted hake or braised pork. Round off your meal with goats’ cheese and quince jelly or a refreshing fruit sorbet.

Le CAB is a burger joint in the Halles district of Biarritz. At the hands of its talented kitchen team, the humble burger is elevated to a gastronomic delight. If you’re looking for good food at a budget-friendly price, this is a smart choice.

Fluffy buns made in the Colombini bakery contain patties made from the finest beef. Accompaniments such as tasty Comté cheese or Bayonne ham from the Acacias farm in Urt showcase local produce and add a dash of Basque flair to what’s served.

Le Bar Jean first opened its doors in the 1930s and this market hall favorite in Biarritz is as popular as ever. The place has a distinctly Spanish vibe, serving up an endless stream of classic tapas dishes such as patatas bravas, ham croquettes and calamari.

If you need something a little more substantial, then order a bowl of mussels or share a pan of paella with a friend. Wash it down with a pitcher of sangria and savor the convivial atmosphere until the small hours when they close up for the night.

Le Pim’pi is a modern bistro serving contemporary French cuisine. Its owners make a dynamic and passionate team and their enthusiasm for cooking comes across loud and clear on the plates that emerge from the busy kitchen.

Colorful, exquisitely presented and exciting, the dishes are as stylish as they are flavoursome. Try the tender beef cheeks or succulent duck breast paired with juicy figs. The decor is pared back but chic, allowing the food to take center stage.

Haragia is a Biarritz restaurant that specializes in char-grilled meat cooked over a wood fire in an open kitchen. Its name is the Basque word for ‘meat’. Start with chorizo or a plate of charcuterie and follow with beef, veal or pork, for which they charge by the kilo. It’s a simple menu but the meat is cooked to perfection and the atmosphere’s warm and welcoming.

The place is easy to overlook, close to the city’s market but set back from the street. Persevere if you walk past the first time around – it’s worth the effort.

Crampotte 30 opens its doors for the summer season and is much missed during the winter months. This simple place sits at the center of Biarritz port. It’s a tiny place wedged between the Biarritz Nautical Association and the access road, but its colorful tables and umbrellas spill out onto the street in an attempt to squeeze everyone in.

Crampotte 30’s patrons come in their droves for a well-priced selection of pintxos: local goats’ cheese, Basque sausage, mussels, shrimp in their shells and Galician octopus, to name a few.

Le Passage is a lively bar on the Rue du Center in Biarritz that would be just as at home over the border in foodie San Sebastian. Its sleek black exterior and stylish interior set the scene for a sophisticated evening. Boards heaped with generous portions of cooked meats or cheeses accompany the extensive cocktail menu.

This is a great place to hang out with friends and share a platter of food as you chat. Not surprisingly, that makes it a favorite with the locals.