Chéri Bibi, the neighborhood wine bar we were all looking for

Our food reviews continue! Last week, we dropped anchor on Rue Mazagran at La Marine, Tancrède and El Piex’s cheerful home port in Biarritz. Every week, the Guide du Pays Basque sets out to discover a place that’s well worth a visit. This week, we’re settling down on a terrace in Biarritz.

Chéri Bibi, the neighborhood wine bar we were all looking for

A former fish shop, a carefully curated wine cellar, an attentive team, and a terrace brimming with life. Chéri Bibi hasn't changed its name, but it has changed its life.

Head to the Bibi Beaurivage district, one of Biarritz 's most charming, to rediscover a local institution that has been a fixture for years: Chéri Bibi. A name well-known to regulars, its history predates its status as a restaurant. Originally, the building housed the neighborhood fish shop, where residents would come to buy their catch of the day and exchange news. Even then, this establishment held a special place in the life of the neighborhood.

Over the years, several teams have succeeded one another behind the stoves and the bar. First François and Fanny, then Adrien and Augustine, who have contributed to making Chéri Bibi a recognized address on the Biarritz scene.

Today, Charlotte Venot takes the reins alongside four partners. After studying art history, she chose to dedicate herself to wine and spent nearly eight years honing her palate behind the wine bar at the Halles de Bacalan in Bordeaux. This experience now informs the identity of Chéri Bibi, where the wine cellar plays a central role. The aim is simple: to offer a discerning yet accessible selection, where hidden gems from independent winemakers, limited-edition vintages, and grand crus sit side by side, always with the same focus on quality and the work of the producers.

A menu designed for all tastes and budgets, whether you're looking for a great discovery or an exceptional bottle to share with friends.

Opened at the end of April, coinciding with Bibi's birthday celebrations, the place retains its name but adopts a different approach. Charlotte envisioned a more spontaneous, open, and vibrant space. Her ambition is clear: to make Chéri Bibi a true neighborhood bar and plate-sharing establishment, where people can share several dishes or simply relax on the terrace with friends for a drink at the end of the day.

Because while the cuisine retains its focus on quality ingredients and meticulous preparation, the atmosphere is now more relaxed and informal. It's a place where locals, visiting friends, wine enthusiasts, and simply curious people mingle, all drawn to the ambiance, free from formalities or ceremony.

The decor has also been slightly redesigned. Charlotte's mother being an antique dealer, some beautiful finds have graced the space. A huge wooden wine rack now runs along one wall, housing a carefully curated selection of wines. Here and there, silver cutlery, a few trinkets, and vintage finds add extra character to this establishment, which has always cultivated a simple and welcoming charm.

In the kitchen, Marius is at the helm. Originally from Brittany, he has always worked close to the ocean. From Réunion Island to Dinard, via the Gironde estuary, Cap Ferret, and several renowned establishments such as L'Artichaut and Carthagène, his journey has finally led him to Biarritz, where he now joins Charlotte in this new adventure. His menu evolves with the seasons, reflecting both the freshest ingredients and the chef's current inspiration.

That evening, the terrace was already bustling with life, a mix of locals and visitors alike. To get into the mood, we started with a gin and tonic made with Citron Caviar gin from the Distillerie du Petit Grain in Saint-Jean-de-Minervois, a testament to the attention paid here to spirits as much as to wines. Next came a gazpacho of peas, feta, and mint, particularly welcome in the face of the summer heat.

Guided by an attentive, but never intrusive team, we continued with a black pudding from Éric Ospital accompanied by a creamy polenta with large red corn, before switching to a fresh and perfectly executed vitello tonnato which went wonderfully with the recommended glass.

Finally, it was impossible to resist a nod to Charlotte's beloved Southwest France with an Vieille Prune de Souillac. This iconic brandy from the Lot region, aged for many years in oak barrels and produced by a company owned by one of her partners, boasts generous aromas and a beautiful, lingering finish. It's a choice that finds its perfect partner in a plum baba topped with a mountain of whipped cream—a truly indulgent and unapologetic treat.

That was all it took to make us eager to return and discover the upcoming summer menu. One thing is certain: Charlotte and her team have already succeeded in their mission. They've made Chéri Bibi a place where people come as naturally for a drink as for a meal, a lively and welcoming neighborhood spot where fine wines sit alongside honest cuisine, with no other ambition than to have a good time. A significant advantage: the late service allows you to take your time, admire the sunset, and then come back for a leisurely dinner after nightfall.

📍 Chéri Bibi — 50 rue d'Espagne, 64200 Biarritz

➡️ Next week, we're heading back up to the Old Port for an address that celebrates life from dawn to the last drink.

Article written by Anaïs de Garbure & Xipirons.

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