Biarritz Bonheur
Restaurant, Bar & Rooftop
In homage to the former name of Galeries Lafayette, “BIARRITZ BONHEUR” opened its doors in May 2025, unveiling its restaurant, bar, and rooftop with an exceptional panoramic view over Biarritz’s Grande Plage. Imanol Harinordoquy and Jean-Michel Suhubiette wanted to revive this historic and iconic location.
Art Deco decor, dear to the Imperial City; a menu crafted by Michelin-starred Chef Matthias Marc and Nicolas Garbay, former sous-chef at Hôtel du Palais; a cellar with local, international, and rare wines for memorable delights; varied cocktails, classic or daring; Basque-inspired finger food and the BB Touch; a smiling team at your service for a successful experience… that’s the true recipe for Happiness!
When Happiness Rhymes with Heart!
Imanol HARINORDOQUY and Jean-Michel SUHUBIETTE certainly have heart.
Imanol needs no introduction, a former international rugby player with a rich track record, notably wearing the Biarritz Olympique jersey for over a decade. The local boy who grew up in Saint-Jean-Pied-de-Port (Garazi in Basque) is also a lover of good food and fine wines. While keeping a foot in the world of his beloved sport by becoming a consultant on Canal Plus, he is organizing his post-sporting career and professional transition by cultivating his love for the finer things in life. In 2014, he created his first wine cellar and wine bar, “Les Contrebandiers,” in Biarritz, then franchised and developed the concept.
An essential local figure in the Basque Coast’s restaurant scene, Jean-Michel puts his heart into his work! His extensive experience in hospitality, from bartender at the Le Crillon palace in Paris to Maître d’Hôtel for the private apartments of the Elysée Palace in the 80s, until his return to Biarritz in the 90s to work at the iconic Restaurant Le Corsaire du Port des Pêcheurs, and then setting up his own establishments with his twin brother Alain (Irish Pub, Les Colonnes, and l’Ilunabar in Guétary), Jean-Michel is an expert professional and entrepreneur driven by a profession he deeply loves.
With Biarritz Bonheur, Imanol and Jean-Michel bring their dream to life after 4 years of hard work to offer a friendly, exceptional place with a strong Biarritz and Basque DNA, a place where you will feel that unique imprint and dynamic that they know how to instill in everything these two friends undertake.
When Happiness Rhymes with Flavor!
You’re about to (re)discover flavors at Biarritz Bonheur, as Michelin-starred Chef Matthias MARC and his Executive Chef Nicolas GARBAY know how to combine and enhance them to delight your taste buds.
Trained by great Michelin-starred chefs including Michel Portos at Saint James, Christophe Moret at Lasserre, and Amaury Bouhours at Le Meurice, Alain Ducasse at Hôtel de Paris… Matthias Marc gained renown through his art and his successful appearance on the Top Chef 2021 show. Awarded a Michelin star for his restaurant “Substance” (opened in 2018) by the Eclore group in the 16th arrondissement in Paris in 2021, he subsequently opened two other restaurants with the same group: “Liquide” and then “Braise”.
Executive Chef Nicolas GARBAY knows the imperial city well, as he comes from the neighboring palace, Hôtel du Palais. This native of Béarn worked in Paris and Montreal for several years. He was notably the executive chef of Café Holt at Holt Renfrew in Montreal for nearly 5 years. From his many travels, he cultivates and masters world cuisine. From his roots, he elevates Southwest cuisine, its authentic and iconic products and recipes.
Their meetings with Imanol and Jean-Michel to develop, sign, and implement the Biarritz Bonheur menu represent a gathering of enthusiasts, lovers of flavors and local products, of uninhibited culinary art, always in good spirits and shared happiness.
Rooftop
With its covered pavilion and terrace offering an exceptional view over Biarritz’s Grande Plage, our rooftop welcomes you for aperitifs and unforgettable ‘lunches with a view’.
“Good food and good wine, that’s paradise on Earth,” said Henri IV of Béarn, King of France and Navarre.
Paradise has now made its home at Biarritz Bonheur…
The Restaurant Menu
Must-haves, unique dishes, Basque and Southwest accents, fish and meats, vegetarian options… Chefs Matthias MARC and Nicolas GARBAY have catered to all tastes and preferences to create gourmet and elegant recipes.
The Rooftop Bar Menu
Classic, non-alcoholic, or subtle blends crafted by head barman Laurent Liermann and his team – an enticing menu (but not too much…) that will elevate the incredible rooftop view. Enjoy with pleasure and moderation.
The Wine Cellar
You’ll love the beautiful wine cellar as you enter the Restaurant… and you’ll love its contents. Local and international wines, classic and rare and exceptional wines, champagnes… a vast selection that will appeal to amateurs and connoisseurs alike.
Groups and Private Events
Celebrations, seminars, product launches… private or professional: Biarritz Bonheur (Restaurant and/or Rooftop) can be partially or fully privatized. Contact our team to assist you with the organization.