L'Impératrice, from bistronomy to disco, it's just a small step

This is the sixth instalment in our summer series, and if you’re new here, you should know that we’re spending the whole summer exploring new restaurants in the Basque Country. Last week, we had a lovely time at Chéri Bibi, Bibi Beaurivage’s neighbourhood wine bar, where fine wines go hand in hand with hearty, home-style cooking. This week, we’ve got a breathtaking view of the Atlantic.

L'Impératrice, from bistronomy to disco, it's just a small step

Perched above the Old Port, the former address of Le Petit Café is reborn under a royal name and lives up to all its promises, from morning coffee to evening disco ball.

We descend a few steps towards Biarritz's Old Port to discover L'Impératrice, the new identity of the former Petit Café, a well-known spot for Biarritz locals perched above one of the city's most beautiful beaches. Behind this takeover is a group of friends led by the three co-managers: Frédéric Montamat, head chef, Benoît August, and Adrien Asteggiano, determined to breathe new life into the place and the festive atmosphere so characteristic of Southwest France.

An address named after a woman who profoundly marked the city's history: Empress Eugénie. Renowned for her beauty, fiery temperament, elegance, and zest for life, she particularly loved to swim in this cove, which has become one of Biarritz's symbols. This legacy inspired the creation of this place, where today the simple joys of everyday life are celebrated overlooking the Atlantic.

From early morning, the balconies overlooking the beach gently come alive. A steaming coffee, a few pastries, the salty air rising from the sand, and already the feeling that the day begins differently here. Then, as lunchtime approaches, the ocean view becomes the most delightful appetizer.
In the kitchen, Frédéric Montamat creates bistronomic cuisine that reflects his own style: generous, precise, and deeply rooted in the local terroir. Having worked at establishments such as Le Moulin d'Alotz in Arcangues, this chef and charcuterie artisan pays meticulous attention to the ingredients. Fish comes directly from the Saint-Jean-de-Luz fish market, with trout from Banca regularly featured, while meats and charcuterie occupy a place of honor on his plates. This is an area he knows particularly well, as he is the heir to Maison Montamat, a name well-known to connoisseurs of fine Basque charcuterie.

At lunchtime, fresh dishes take center stage. You might find yourself torn between a refreshing salad, a vegetable-focused selection celebrating seasonal produce, or a beef tartare prepared to order and enhanced with a signature seasoning. This cuisine is perfect for a lunch on the terrace or an impromptu dip in the waters of the Old Port.

In the afternoon, time seems to slow down. Conversations linger, glasses are slowly refilled, and one simply enjoys the spectacle of bathers coming and going with the rhythm of the tides. A suspended interlude that is an integral part of the charm of this place.

Then comes evening, and with it a different atmosphere. The oil lamps are lit, the reflections of the setting sun set the windows ablaze, and the restaurant reveals its most elegant side. The menu then becomes more refined, with dishes designed to complement the view. The flambéed prawns on a bed of aniseed-infused sauce open the proceedings, while the lobster linguine, served with a light shellfish jus, reminds us how omnipresent the ocean is here.

And because a dinner overlooking the sea always deserves a beautiful conclusion, the dessert menu knows perfectly how to keep guests for a few more moments. The pistachio and orange blossom cake is clearly worth a visit with its delicate oriental notes, while Maison Noisette blends vanilla fromage blanc and strawberry-yuzu coulis in a fresh and indulgent composition.
Those who appreciate simplicity will be tempted by the artisanal ice creams from Desamy, to be enjoyed in the last rays of the day.

Finally, as the plates disappear and the conversations become more relaxed, the disco ball takes center stage. True to the spirit of its illustrious inspiration, L'Impératrice then reveals its most festive side. Cocktails gradually replace cutlery, the music slowly rises, and the Biarritz night can begin.
From the first coffee of the morning to the last drink of the evening, everything seems to have been designed to allow you to fully enjoy what Biarritz has to offer that is most precious: the ocean, the light, the convivial atmosphere … with the added bonus of reasonable pricing, even for drinks. Such attention to detail is rare enough in this sector to warrant highlighting.

📍 L'Impératrice — Place du Port Vieux, 64200 Biarritz

➡️ Next week, we leave the coast for a Sunday to a picture-postcard village and an inn that makes the heart beat faster.

Article written by Anaïs de Garbure & Xipirons.

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