Ahizpak — Restaurant in Bayonne

This is exactly what a restaurant which has been awarded Michelin BIB Gourmand mention should deliver.

Simply excellent food, in a great setting at a very reasonable price considering the quality provided.

Ahizpak is obviously a local Bidart institution, it was packed (and it is not a small restaurant) on a weekday lunch and most people were not eating the cheap fixed price lunchtime menu!

Obviously because of the food, great Basque cooking with a modern twist.

Tempura shrimp with a mouse of beetroot on sliced beetroot to start with? Wonderful!! Also a poached egg with a blue cheese foam, also magnificent, and served with really fresh good quality bread.

We both had the fish option on the menu, hake with a parsley crust served on such a tasty "smashed" potato bed. Generous portions of both fish and potato.

To finish the house speciality of an orange marmalade and grand marnier crepe soufflé. Oh wow!! And so many people were ordering it - I would go back for just that desert alone.

And by the way just about everyone in both dining rooms can get more than a glimpse of the sea. Note there is a big terrace for eating out in warmer times!

Do do try out this restaurant if you are anywhere around the Biarritz area, you won't be...

Unfortunately our experience was not positive. Despite the lovely table on the patio with views of the water, our party of four did not enjoy our evening. The wine, drinks and our pre-prepared entrees of sardines, gazpacho and terrine came out quickly. We waited an hour before we inquired about service as not a single staff came by to check in on us, refill our water or provide updates on the main course. The “madame” came and said, “What is the problem? It’s always like this and has been for 14 years”. Shortly thereafter, the kitchen staff came out with the main course. So service was not in keeping with our expectation but as the madame said it’s been this way for years and I guess it works for some. The food was mixed - solidly prepared beef, dry tasteless pork, fish in a heavy cream sauce. This experience wasn’t in keeping with our history of Michelin...

The food was amazing, delicious and beautifully presented. The restaurant is lovely and we had a wonderful view over the sea on the terrace. The unfortunate thing was the waitress who told me off for coming through the incorrect door upon arrival and was rude, offhand and moaned about her job all evening, we ordered white wine which she left on the table without a cooler and food was unceremoniously dumped on our table. The saving grace was the young man with the beard who worked hard to counter this woman's arrogance and ineptitude. 5stars for the food just cross your fingers she is not there...