Where to eat Basque Food in Paris

Where to eat Basque Food in Paris

One of the things I love most about Paris is  the city’s incredible diversity in culture and cuisine. You can easily find specialty food from all over the world in the city of light! Including of course, Basque food, or cuisine. If you’re not sure where to eat Basque food in Paris, this is the article for you!

Before we get into where to eat Basque food in Paris, I wanted to explain a little bit more about this incredible cuisine and its history.

What is Basque Food?

What comes to mind when you think of Basque food? Or Basque country? If you’ve never tried this delectable cuisine, you’re in for a treat!

Basque food is the cuisine hailing from the sun-drenched Basque country – the 100-mile stretch of land on the running along the French and Spanish borders. More specifically, Basque country refers to the land between Bilbao, Spain and Bayonne France, which frames the idyllic Bay of Biscay.

Today, the Basque country is perhaps most well known for the traditional bullfighting. Quite the controversial pastime! But bull fights in Basque country still draw hordes of curious spectators every year. But of course, the area is also famous for their stunning landscape and truly excellent food.

The Basque country has long been regarded as a separate and rather independent “region” much like Catalonia in Spain. Throughout the centuries, inhabitants of this area have developed their own culture, language and of course, cuisine. Heavy-laden with French and Spanish influences, the food from the Basque country is a delightful blend of flavors.

Basque dishes are varied due to the regions differing landscapes and cultural influences. Though for sure, you can count on eating plenty of cured meats and cheeses, seafood (especially salt cod) and all kinds of vegetables! Olives, sweet and spicy peppers, capers and tomatoes all play an important role in many Basque dishes.  Make sure to try some Piperade, which is a wildly popular spread made from tomatoes, sweet peppers and Piment d’Espelette.

Alright, now that your mouth is watering, here’s where to eat Basque food in Paris!

Bistro Basque

Courtesy of Bistro Basque – Sourced from their website

This casual, homey restaurant in Paris’ 10th arronidissement really embodies the Basque vibe. Not only is their menu focused specifically on Basque cuisine, but the atmosphere is also reminiscent of the region.

Here, you can taste a variety of typical Basque dishes like a tapas plate featuring olives, cured meats and Basque cheese. Or razor clams grilled à la plancha – a traditional regional way of cooking over a hot grill. Main courses like merlu aux piquillos capture all the flavors of the Basque cuisine: fire-roasted peppers, mild white fish and sun-ripened veggies.

There’s inside and outdoor seating available, the hidden outdoor terrace is especially nice in the summer. The Bistro Basque’s late hours and proximity to Oberkampf and Canal Saint-Martin also make it popular with the late-night crowd.

bistrot basque – 20 rue du faubourg-poissoniére 75010

open Monday through saturday 12:00-15:00 and 19:00-23:00

Pierre Orteiza Paris

If you’re unsure where to eat Basque food in Paris, look no further than Pierre Orteiza. This a delicatessen/boutique combo specializes in Basque foods. And there’s a lot to choose from.

Dried meats and sausages hang from the ceiling and every last inch of space is stocked to the brim with Basque delights. Preserved goods like olives, tomatoes and sweet peppers line the shelves and their deli offers an impressive selection of Basque meats and cheeses, sliced to order.

They also offer home cooked meals like Basque Style Chicken and Axoa, which is a hearty dish of veal cooked with sweet peppers. You can pre-order these items on their website.

Pierre Orteiza is the ultimate place to find Basque food in Paris if you’re planning a picnic. They offer excellent charcuterie platters as well as tinned patés, rillettes and of course, foie gras. Grab a few items and head to a bakery for some fresh bread and you’ve got the makings of a perfect takeaway lunch, or dinner!

Between the tasty, homemade food and the friendly staff, you’ll feel like you’re truly in Basque country here.

There are two locations in Paris, one near Saint-Germain in the 6th arrondissement and one at Madeleine, in the 8th. If you want to dine in, go for the boutique in Saint-Germain. There’s an upstairs seating area for you to sit back and enjoy!

pierre orteiza – 18 boulevard saint-michel 75006

open Monday through saturday 10:00-20:00

Osaba

Is casual dining more your style? Osaba is the place for you! This cozy deli/eatery in the Saint-Germain neighborhood centers on the Basque tradition of tapas, or small bites, usually shared over drinks.

In Basque, tapas are called Pintxos and believe me, Osaba does them well. Of course, there are also classic main course dishes here, but Osaba is really designed for sharing. On their menu, you’ll find lots of large charcuterie plates, cheese boards and tapas platters. Not to mention, they serve homemade sangria by the liter!

This is also an excellent spot to try some Basque wines! The Basque region is famous for their wine, notably Taxakoli and Rioja varieties. Both of which are on the menu at Osaba. So don’t be shy, go ahead and ask the friendly staff for recommendations and try something new!

osaba – 29 Rue saint-placide 75006

open monday through friday 11:00-23:00

Le Volant Basque

Courtesy of Le Volant Basque – Sourced from lafourchette

At Le Volant Basque, there’s quite the variety of Basque soul food. Rich, hearty and with a definite sense of terroir you’ll be treated to the true classics of the region.

If you’re on the adventurous side, this is where to eat Basque food in Paris. On the menu at Le Volant Basque, you’ll find all kinds of specialities from meats à la plancha to various prepared delicacies like tripes and homemade foie gras. I recommend their cheese plate if you really want to get a taste for the regional products. It features classic sheeps-milk or brebis cheeses, served in traditional Basque style with a dark cherry jam.

le volant basque – 13 rue beatrix dussane

open tuesday through saturday  12:00-14:15 and 18:15-22:15