Le Chantier

Le Chantier is a bistronomic restaurant on Hendaye’s historic fishing port, where the setting brings together the Bay of Txingudi, the boats on the water and the mountains of the Basque Country. Its position near the coast gives the dining room and terrace a strong maritime character, while the atmosphere remains warm, relaxed and suited to unhurried meals.

The menu follows a broad land-and-sea approach. Fish and other seafood reflect the restaurant’s coastal location, while carefully selected meats and vegetables bring the cooking back to the region’s produce. Ingredients are sourced through local partners, and the kitchen focuses on clear flavours and careful preparation rather than an overly elaborate style. The result is a refined form of bistro cooking with both ocean and regional influences.

Seafood is guided by the daily catch and arrivals, allowing the menu to follow what is available from the sea. Meat dishes provide a substantial alternative, and vegetables have a place alongside both categories. This balance makes Le Chantier suitable for mixed groups, including diners who prefer different styles of food within the same meal.

Homemade desserts complete the menu, with familiar ideas given a considered treatment. The restaurant also lends itself to extending the meal with coffee or conversation, making it appropriate for a leisurely lunch, an evening meal or a relaxed end to the day. The overall style favours shared time around the table, whether for a family gathering, a meal with friends or a smaller occasion.

The terrace is a central part of the experience, suspended above the waterfront and oriented towards the bay. The movement of boats and the combination of water, coastline and mountains provide a changing backdrop without taking attention away from the food. A table facing the horizon is particularly fitting for diners seeking the full coastal setting.

Located around a 40-minute drive from Biarritz, Le Chantier offers a destination for those exploring Hendaye and the southern Basque coast. The address is 7 Rue des Orangers, 64700 Hendaye, and the restaurant is open every day from 09:00 to 22:00. Reservations can be arranged by telephone, especially for a preferred table on the terrace or facing the bay.