Maison CHILO

In this mountainous area on the edge of the Basque Country, this traditional establishment is simply charming. It is also the repository of a family history going back four generations. Ximun has now taken up the mantle, serving delicious traditional cuisine, characterised by generous portions and tasty well-matured broths and jus. The ingredients are local, and the suppliers are duly listed on the menu. This is comforting fare (think duck raviolo, mix of mushrooms, langoustine bisque; "Axuria" lamb: pressed lamb, macaroni gratin, Xipister, lamb jus), to enjoy in the bright, somewhat rustic-st

Two minutes from Pau Château, on the picturesque Place Gramont, imagine a nostalgic bistro with a zinc-topped counter, wood panelling and upholstered seating. Pau's foodies flock here, sharing good vibes as they tuck into fish fresh from the fish auction or 24hr shoulder of pork. The slate menu features traditional nosh served generously and sometimes enhanced by touches of citrus fruit or well-balanced smoky notes. The jovial front-of-house staff are an added bonus.

In the heart of the old town of Pau, twin brothers, one a chef and the other a pastry chef, have successfully launched their family business in a modern bistro-style setting laid out over two floors, complete with a pastry counter and tea room. The menu is a real draw, and also represents great value for money. This talented pair bring a touch of magic to their apparently simple dishes, drawing on sweet and sour jus and a medley of condiments to enhance their ingenious and generous, yet always light cuisine. Think confit pork belly, barbecue jus, pickled vegetables, radishes, polenta croquette

Here in the centre of the village, this duo, whose enthusiasm is infectious, have set up shop in a half-timbered building that sports the Basque Country's characteristic red and white. It was once a Basque pelota ground (the reception still has the old ticket windows and a glass door opening onto the trinquet). Chef Nicolas Montceau and his pastry chef partner Julien Bonnal, who is also in charge of plating up the dishes, swear by local produce. Their multi-course surprise tasting menu in several sequences is a delight, rife with harmonious combinations of flavours, delicious jus and sauces, a

A sprawling country estate on the heights of Bidarray and Itxassou is home to a 17C farmstead and outhouses. A panoramic terrace commands a jaw-dropping view over grandiose rolling countryside. Chef John Argaud, who trained with the best in the Basque Country (the Ibarboure brothers in Ithurria), as well as at Le Meurice Alain Ducasse in Paris, shines the spotlight on outstanding local produce. The food is crisp, legible and dotted with creativity; some ingredients are cooked over embers or finished on a hot stone for an added distinctive edge. An example: morels stuffed with sweetbread and du

Artzain means "shepherd" in Basque – in tribute to the owner’s father. Located in the centre of the village, this converted barn has retained a rustic feel, courtesy of old rafters and stone walls, which are contrasted with a contemporary edge thanks to furniture by Basque craftsman Alki. The menu features an enticing cast of seasonal and predominantly local ingredients that never disappoints: a country dish of black pudding, sausage, fresh pork belly, Tarbais beans and powdered garlic bread, or a wafer-thin tartlet of fresh goat’s cheese, confit lemon marmalade, squid and herb-spiked sorbet.

After spending almost 15 years in Chile, Michel Moutroustéguy and his partner decided to return to the chef’s homeland. In the peaceful Basque countryside, they orchestrate a concise, sensibly priced score in a market-fresh vein, as well as an inspired new take on traditional Basque classics. The chef seeks to highlight local seasonal produce, sometimes cooked over embers as he demonstrates his know-how picked up all over the world: sauces and jus that pack a punch, consummate craftsmanship and high-flying seasonings. From starter to dessert, everything is spot on!