Barnetche

(Temporarily closed for renovations, reopening planned for spring) This place lives up to its name: insolent, cheeky and even irreverent! There is something rather rock 'n' roll about German-born Fabian Feldmann, a creative chef who likes to break the rules – which isn't to say he is unfamiliar with them having been classically trained in some prestigious establishments, such as L'Oasis in La Napoule and Pierre Gagnaire in Paris. But in his Biarritz restaurant he gives free rein to his imagination, with occasionally outlandish results that always hit the mark. The finest raw materials, most no

The name is a tribute to the founder of this modest eatery, which opened in the late 1940s. It has since morphed into a pleasant contemporary bistro under the impetus of an enthusiastic young couple who are no strangers to the business. Originally from Deux-Sèvres, the chef fell in love with the Basque Country and its produce and his slate menu stars an updated interpretation of Gallic classics, often with game taking the limelight in season, illustrated by roasted fillets and crispy confit legs of woodpigeon, paired with mashed potatoes and a big-boned jus.

Outside the bustling city centre, this bright, bubbly bistro with caramel-coloured walls and cheerfully mismatched furniture celebrates each season (the name is made up of the first letters of the four seasons) in a happy-go-lucky vibe. Chef Idir Fseil, a fan of fermentation, but also of flame-licked and plancha cooking, crafts a tasty market-fresh score: white asparagus, trout, almond milk and foamy Basque blue cheese; pork belly, seaweed, yellow beetroot, yuzu seasoning and carrots; beef tartare, fermented black radish, bottarga and little grenaille potatoes.

Having worked at Choko Ona in Espelette, Brice Goeuriot and Margaux Le Baillif have a taste for nuance, as reflected in their refined interior decorated with natural materials by Basque artisans. The result is on point – an upscale and comfortable setting with a warm and friendly vibe. A lot of work has gone into sourcing produce from small-scale organic farmers and producers from the Landes and Basque regions, and the chef's blind menu is stacked with complex dishes, in which ingredients are often prepared in several guises (eg lamb leg, chop and shoulder confit). Aromatic plants and herbs ar

In Le Petit Bayonne neighbourhood, a couple who trained at the Ferrandi School in Bordeaux run this discreet restaurant, which they have refurbished in a pared-back style. Loïc cooks the savoury courses; Faustine, the daughter of a pastry chef, is on desserts. Together, using the finest local produce, they meticulously prepare flavoursome dishes – eg line-caught meagre and a medley of heirloom vegetables, Kintoa pork risotto and pickled chanterelles, followed by a superb apple dessert that leaves no doubt as to Faustine's talent.

Goxoki means an "inviting place" in Basque, which is perfectly suited to this restaurant run by the Hourcastagnou family in the Petit Bayonne neighbourhood. In a timelessly elegant setting, the food shines a spotlight on local seasonal produce. Regulars come back often to tuck into the indulgent, generous dishes.

On the banks of the Nive beneath the arcades, this inviting eatery savvily mixes old stones and beams with a contemporary edge. The traditional score, updated with Basque overtones, stars wholesome indulgent flavours: bourguignon-style braised chuck beef and cheeks with a pastry stuffed with fresh herbs and winter veg or the granny-approved house dessert, cocolait. Very popular with the locals, La Grange is just the place to get a glimpse of the real Bayonne.