The Best Restaurants in Saint-Jean-de-Luz in 2025 : Guide Gourmand du Pays Basque

Nestled between the Atlantic Ocean and the mountains of the Pyrenees, Saint-Jean-de-Luz, formerly renowned for its whale fishing, is a dream destination for food lovers. This emblematic town in the Basque country offers a rich culinary experience, where tradition and modernity meet to offer unique flavors. In 2025, the city's fine restaurants are reinventing themselves, and our ranking of the best Saint-Jean-de-Luz restaurants 2025 reveals some nuggets to be discovered without delay.

A Culinary Heritage Rooted in Tradition

Luzienne gastronomy is rooted in local produce and Basque tradition. Every day, fishermen bring back treasures from the ocean: hake, chipiron, red tuna, not forgetting the famous koskera hake, the region's signature dish. The surrounding countryside also produces exceptional products such as Espelette chilli pepper, Bayonne ham and ewe's milk cheese.

The Culinary Institutions of Saint-Jean-de-Luz

Several of the city's establishments have preserved and enhanced this culinary heritage. Among them, the Michelin-starred restaurant Le Kaïku, located opposite our hotel, is an unmissable reference. Housed in a 17thᵉ century house, it offers inventive cuisine that highlights local produce. Chef Nicolas Borombo creates dishes here that combine tradition and modernity, offering a unique culinary experience.

Another emblematic address, Zoko Moko seduces with its warm atmosphere and refined cuisine. Chef Sébastien Gravé's menu changes with the seasons, highlighting local Basque produce. His culinary approach, praised by the Michelin Guide, makes this a popular address for gourmets.

The Emergence of New Innovative Tables

The gastronomic scene in Luz is constantly evolving, with the emergence of new talents redefining the codes of Basque cuisine. Among them is chef Iñaki Aizpitarte, who last March took over Le Petit Grill Basque, a local institution. Far from the tasting menus of his starred Parisian restaurant, he offers authentic cuisine faithful to local traditions. His return to his roots has been hailed by critics and regulars alike.

Another notable initiative is chef Mathieu Moity's Erroa, a hybrid concept combining gourmet restaurant and tapas bar. Located right in the center of town, Erroa offers a unique culinary experience, where gourmet tapas rub shoulders with more elaborate dishes. This duality reflects the chef's desire to offer accessible yet creative cuisine.

Another well-kept treasure on Rue de la République is the restaurant Les Pigeons Blancs, expertly run by Anabelle Mathys. Every day, they serve local produce prepared in the regional tradition.

The Influence of Gastronomic Guides

Gastronomic guides play a major role in recognizing the culinary talents of Saint-Jean-de-Luz. The Michelin Guide, a benchmark in the field, has awarded a star to several of the region's establishments, recognizing their excellence. Among them, Le Kaïku and Ekaitza feature prominently, testifying to the quality of their cuisine and service.

The Le Fooding guide, known for its quirky, modern approach to gastronomy, also highlights innovative and daring addresses. In particular, it salutes establishments that dare to shake things up while respecting local culinary traditions.

Commitment to Sustainable and Responsible Cuisine

More and more chefs in Luz are taking an eco-responsible approach, favoring short supply chains and seasonal produce. This sustainable approach meets a growing demand from consumers concerned about the environmental impact of their food. It also reflects a desire to preserve the region's culinary heritage and natural resources.

Gastronomic events in Saint-Jean-de-Luz

The town regularly hosts culinary events celebrating Basque gastronomy. Among them, the Festival des Jeunes Chefs highlights the creativity and talent of the new generation of chefs. These events help reinforce Saint-Jean-de-Luz's appeal as a leading gastronomic destination.

To finish

Saint-Jean-de-Luz has established itself as a city where gastronomy is an art of living. From deeply rooted traditions to bold innovations, the culinary scene in Saint-Jean-de-Luz offers a diversity of taste experiences to delight even the most demanding palates. Whether you're a fan of traditional cuisine or in search of new flavors, this Basque city will seduce you with the richness and quality of its gastronomic offerings.

After your gourmet escapade, let yourself be tempted by our hotel by booking your room here.