L’Essentiel sur Saint-Jean-De-Luz

We went for dinner as a couple, the food is incredible, everything was very good. It is a little expensive, but it is normal considering the quality; In addition, they serve you a house appetizer that we thought was a nice touch and was very delicious. Highly recommended is the roasted scallop starter and the pigeon dish. We didn't order dessert and it was almost €80 (the house appetizer, 1 starter, 2 dishes and water) We don't give it 5 stars because, even though we loved the food, there was one detail that seemed ugly to us, and we assume it was because we are tourists, and that looks very bad: we only wanted water to drink and they brought us a bottle (quite expensive for water haha ​​€5) so far everything is normal, the thing is that when we looked at the other tables (the diners were French haha), they all had cold water in a jug (free). We don't mind paying for a bottle of water obviously, it's the gesture that we think was quite ugly. Also the fact that the menu is ONLY in French left us a lot to be desired, we were translating the menu with the mobile translator to be able to order, since the waiters do not speak any language other than French (although the waitresses were very nice with us)

Everything was super good, the service was great, even though they didn't speak English and we didn't speak French, we understood each other perfectly and we loved everything we ordered. Highly recommended!

Excellent food and very friendly

1st experience in this restaurant for a dinner. Tasteful decor, efficient and friendly service. For the dishes we really liked the original assortment of flavors. We will come back with pleasure.

When we leave the Essential, we only have one desire: to come back!

It is always a pleasure to taste the dishes and desserts offered by Mr Ortega. Over time it has become a delicacy. An essential epicurean stopover in St Jean de Luz. Also a big thank you for the welcome and the service always with a smile. ESKERRIK ASKO

I highly recommend, everything is there, the attentive staff, the delicious cuisine and the charming setting, nothing to complain about

Quite an experience! From the appetizers to the coffee, this meal was a success. What to say ! From welcome to goodbye! Smiles, flavors, surprises, sensations. A cuisine made from fresh local produce, inventive without being traditional from the region. A must if you want to eat well in Saint-Jean-de-Luz.

Recommended by friends, we were pleasantly surprised by this restaurant in which everything was there: Welcome, music, service and above all the excellent meal from starter to dessert all at an affordable price. I highly recommend

My husband and I took the 65th menu, starter + fish main course + meat main course + dessert, just incredible! Everything was perfect. We enjoyed ourselves from start to finish .Refined and exquisite cuisine! Well done to the chef. Very smiling and pleasant waitresses. Nice music. We recommend this restaurant with our eyes closed! Very nice address to try if you want to enjoy yourself!