La Villa Esponda

Restaurants nearby

• JarapeaBib 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!5.4km
• Les Pyrénées An institution in St Jean Pied de Port, passed down from father to son. Both the decor and the cuisine pay homage to the classicism and taste of the Basque country, all of which with good quality produce.129m
• Art'zainBib 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.10.4km
• Lore Ttipia - Auberge Ostape★ Michelin 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 du17.3km
• Restaurant Arcé This delicious eatery occupies a verdant spot at the foot of the Ispéguy Pass. The authentic Basque house sports an attractive long dining room, whose crisp white interior echoes the immaculate garb of the Basque pelota players pictured on the walls. Local produce takes pride of place in the seasonal, market-fresh cuisine. Some of the house signatures include trout au bleu, straight from the restaurant's tank, and calf’s head with Emile Arcé’s iconic gribiche sauce, or addictive caramelised pork belly. In summer, tables are set up on the terrace, lined with plane trees. After your meal, stroll9.2km

Includes Michelin / Black Pearl / guide picks (reference quality, no prices); data from Overture, Michelin Guide and others.