The story
Basa is a modern brasserie at 74 rue d'Espagne in Bayonne, a few steps from the cathedral, and it earned a Michelin Recommended listing in 2026. The kitchen works with organic Basque producers on a menu that reads as a Basque brasserie with a lot of personality.
Fabian Feldmann, who previously ran L'Impertinent in Biarritz, cooks with produce from local growers. Traditional plates such as boudin noir and calf's head sit alongside Asian-inspired dishes, including a bao filled with spiced steak and kimchi. Fish arrives from the Saint-Jean-de-Luz market, and the wine list leans toward independent growers working organic, natural and biodynamic.
The brasserie occupies the old commercial court, where architect Delphine Carrère kept the original doors and benches. A glass ceiling rises over the ground floor, which has terracotta walls and plenty of plants. The upper floor has large windows, a separate bar and long tables, and it can host private events for up to 50 guests.
Recognition
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Details
History
Behind the Bayonne cathedral, in the old commercial court with its monumental glass ceiling, the Biarritz-based architect Delphine Carrère gave a modern makeover to this big, chic café run by Sarah and Fabian Feldmann (the duo behind L’Impertinent in Biarritz). That’s where the indomitable ( basa in Basque) Bavarian chef celebrates organic, local produce in his revisited, cheeky cuisine. The day we went, the €23 menu featured all of the following: delightful calf’s head from the Belaun co-op in Aldudes, with sauce gribiche, a vinegary cider and potatoes from Arbonne; incredible meagre from Saint-Jean-de-Luz cooked over the embers, swimming in a tomato, chili and miso broth, with haricots verts and fennel blossoms; before some sweet and juicy strawberries with a verbena-infused cream and a muscovado sugar arlette biscuit. In the afternoon, make way for small plates (Ibaiama ham, homemade boudin, guindilla peppers, local cheeses…), ice creams and pastries, and on Sundays, for the brunch that’s centered around a good roasted chicken or fish from the Saint-Jean market. // G.R.
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