Restaurants

Biarritz Smugglers

4.5 979 reviews Closed 20 Av. Victor Hugo, 64200 Biarritz, France

Discover this place

Les Contrebandiers Biarritz is a restaurant located at 20 Av. Victor Hugo in the heart of Biarritz, France. The establishment offers a menu that blends traditional Basque flavors with contemporary twists, featuring a range of small plates and shareable dishes. Menu highlights include pimientos del padron, croquettes filled with cepes and truffle or squid, and a signature spicy mayonnaise called El Pollo Loco. The selection also features artisanal cheeses like Brebis Ossau Iraty and Bleu Pur Brebis, along with desserts such as Tarte Tatin and Choconuts Espuma Praline. The atmosphere is casual yet refined, designed to encourage social dining and exploration of regional ingredients. Les Contrebandiers presents a culinary experience that emphasizes local produce and creative pairings, making it a notable spot for those interested in a modern take on Basque cuisine within a convivial setting.

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Amenities & More

Service options

Outdoor seating
Dine-in
Takeout

Highlights

Great beer selection
Great cocktails
Great coffee
Great wine list

Popular for

Lunch
Dinner
Solo dining

Dining options

Breakfast
Lunch
Dinner
Catering
Counter service
Dessert
Seating
Table service

Amenities

Bar onsite
Gender-neutral restroom
Restroom

Atmosphere

Casual
Cozy
Trendy

Crowd

College students
Groups
Tourists

Note: Amenity details are aggregated from verified visits, the venue's website and Google. They may change without notice. We recommend confirming key details (pet policy, accessibility, reservations) directly with Biarritz Smugglers before visiting.

Reviews for Biarritz Smugglers

4.5

979 reviews

100%

25%

Review highlights

Based on 979 reviews

Les Contrebandiers Biarritz is widely praised for its vibrant and authentic tapas experience, blending Spanish and French culinary influences. Reviewers consistently highlight the restaurant’s delicious and diverse menu, featuring standout dishes such as grilled squid, aubergine, and a variety of cheese plates, with desserts like gâteau basque receiving special mention. The atmosphere is described as lively and bustling, reflecting its popularity, especially given the no-reservation policy that encourages a relaxed waiting experience often accompanied by wine. Service receives positive remarks for being friendly and efficient, though some note it as modest rather than exceptional. Patrons appreciate the quality of the food alongside thoughtful touches like complimentary house water and exceptional bread. Overall, Les Contrebandiers Biarritz is recommended for those seeking a genuine local tapas spot with a warm, communal ambiance and consistently satisfying fare.

Clive Low

Apr 23, 2025

Great foods and you need to accept so so services.

Adriana Tostón

Apr 07, 2025

Really good "tapas" restaurant, it's a mix of spain and France typical plates. You cannot book in advance, but it's worth it to wait a bit. They give free water in a house bottle. We have tried the pollo loco(really tasty!), the aubergine (delicious), plate of 2 cheeses, and pâtes (delicious), croquettes and the gâteau basque as dessert. We highly recommend the dessert! Super nice atmosphere! They have a shop where you can buy wine and other products.

Mairead Meara

Apr 06, 2025

Amazing food and excellent service. I recommend the beef Tzatzki and octopus salad, it was stunning! We got 6 dishes for 2 people

Olivia Wheatley

Mar 17, 2025

Incredibly popular and busy- no reservations, but you can stand/sit outside with a glass of wine while you wait.A great busy atmosphere and service that is efficient and friendly.The food is delicious and you could have anything off of the menu and be pleased.We had 4 plates between 2 of us, plus the bread and some cheese to finish.I highly recommend a visit.

Nancy Karches

Mar 13, 2025

Such a good local spot. Incredible service, wine, and tapas. Went twice in 4 days. First time I got the Serrano ham and some tomato bread and cheese. The baguette that comes with everything was some of the best bread I’ve ever had. The second time I went we got a bunch of things. Among the best were the squid (grilled squid in this delicious sauce), and the white fish carpaccio.

Ferdinando Giammichele

Jan 31, 2025

Facing the busy market square, this bistro is perfect for a quick bite before a stroll on the seaside promenade. Salted caramel beignets with vanilla Chantilly cream are to die for.

Sung Hee KO

Jan 28, 2025

Food was amazing especially grilled squid. Staff were friendly and attentive even though it was a busy night. Atmosphere was fantastic, highly recommended!

Erkki Tapola

Jan 20, 2025

Delicious. They know their fish, calamari and desserts. I’ll be back.