The best restaurants PAYS BASQUE NAVARRE - RIOJA

Chef Francis Paniego (Ezcaray, 1968), a native of La Rioja, heads the kitchens of this gourmet restaurant, awarded a second Michelin star in 2013. Trained by the great Basque chefs Juan Mari Arzak and Pedro Subijana, he offers a cuisine very rooted in his beloved Rioja. The restaurant is located in the hotel of the same name, in a beautiful century-old house decorated in the spirit of the times. A place not to be missed, therefore, to approach the great gastronomic wealth of the region and its local products.

The dining room is bright and refined, and the cutlery is in the most classic style. It is a family united around the same cause that welcomes you, the Txapartegi brothers and their aunt. The young chef, Gorka, already has a background as an artist that allows him to do the cooking he loves, traditional and inventive at the same time: egg with truffled potato and garlic soup, candied artichoke and his veil perfumed with bacon... The fish is not à la carte, as it depends on the catch of the day. In the adjoining room, there is a tavern at more accessible prices.

A great Tolosa classic, known throughout the country for its excellent cuisine. This traditional house is famous for its chuletón a la parrilla (grilled prime rib) - the best in the world according to the American magazine Forbes! - served with absolutely divine piquillo peppers! The secret of its delicious meat lies in the art of cooking, an art that has been going on since 1954. As an appetizer, try Navarra asparagus or bellota ham. There is very little choice on the menu, but all the products are excellent. Not to be missed!

A gastrobar in due form, serving inventive dishes in mini format: caramelized liver tapa with applesauce, excellent Kobe beef burger, eggplant roll with piquillo cream, marinated sardine with grapefruit vinaigrette... And our favourite: the squid sandwich! All this can be enjoyed around the bar in a modern bistro setting, with old black and white photos, and on the slate, the list of tapas and wines available by the glass. A must stop on the tapas route in Logroño.

A must-see gastrobar on Calle San Juan, where exquisite tapas, pintxos and raciones are served around high tables. Fish and shellfish are the main attraction: the tuna tataki is a classic of the house. But don't forget to try the carrillera simmered in red wine... Wine obviously plays a key role in the restaurant's offer: more than a hundred references are offered by the glass, in addition to a superb selection of bottled wines. One of our favourite addresses in Logroño!

A modern day tavern located in the centre of Zumaia. The slate displays a wide selection of wines served by the glass, while the counter is loaded with tasty pintxos. But it is above all to feast on divine tostas that you come to this address! They are garnished with red tuna, cod, smoked salmon, anchovies... Tapas of great delicacy, served with a smile! For a more substantial meal, opt for the delicious cazuelas (small dishes served in terracotta ramekins). Our favourite in Zumaia!

A magical place, facing the ocean, to eat a burger, pintxos, or more sophisticated dishes in the restaurant area - mostly fish-based. Inaugurated in 1998 in the Playa de Atxabiribil, El Peñón has three terraces on different levels. With its sublime view of the ocean, it is a privileged spot to drink a cocktail at sunset time. The restaurant's à la carte menu: tuna tataki, salmon tartar and sautéed chipirons are a tasty option. Also nice salads and several dishes for children!

In the modern part of Durango, an excellent table has been run by the Kortabitarte brothers since 1999. Here you can discover an innovative cuisine, combining local products with avant-garde techniques. A la carte, don't miss the unmissable huevos carbonizados (literally, "charred eggs") and the exquisite carrillera (simmered beef cheek). On Thursday evenings, there is a superb "de campeonato" menu, where you can try the tapas that have won prizes in various gastronomic competitions!

The Bar Gaucho is an authentic and ancient institution in Pamplona, whose counter is besieged by customers both in winter and summer! Its inventive pintxos have won numerous awards, both in the mix of flavors and in the presentation. Lovers of quietness, avoid this bar always full. Among the many combinations available(huevo trufado and tortilla in particular), don't miss the pintxo de foie, a classic of the house. More than just a pintxo bar, the Bar Gaucho is the soul of Pamplona.

The most famousasador of the city, where they have been grilling superb beef ribs since 1963, to be enjoyed with a good bottle of cider! A little far from the historical center, the restaurant occupies a modern room: the walls are entirely covered with light wood, wood in which were carved the broad tables occupying the vast room of service. The atmosphere is very friendly, with the asador welcoming both regulars and meat lovers passing through the city. An essential stop for carnivores!

Awarded the gold medal at Navarre's Pintxo Week in 2017 for its famous "boomveja" (lamb-based preparation), this bar-restaurant offers creative cuisine to be enjoyed in the form of pintxos or a value-for-money 5- or 7-course menu. Young, inspired chef Iñaki Andradas is at the helm, having become a master in the art of combining the roots of traditional Navarrese gastronomy with the various contemporary elements and movements of haute cuisine. A culinary voyage in store.

The Asador El Fogón de Etayo is our favourite address in Puente La Reina, where you can enjoy excellent regional cuisine in a pleasant setting, blending old stone with contemporary details. Grilled meat and fish, fresh vegetables from the garden (artichokes, asparagus, peppers, etc.): this restaurant relies on good seasonal produce to offer traditional dishes. Don't miss the pochas au chorizo, a very tasty white bean soup, as well as the unavoidable grilled meats "a la parilla".

The best pintxos bar in Hondarribia, without hesitation! First of all, plan to arrive early to find a place on the terrace, as the house does not take reservations. At the counter, you will find a bevy of very appetizing pintxos, but we advise you to order à la carte to try out more elaborate preparations. The "huevo mollete" and "hondarribia", which have won numerous awards in pintxo competitions, are not to be missed, as is the delicious "txerribeltz", pork in three textures with beetroot mayonnaise. Divine!