Chez Maya

The sandwich queen has struck again! In this deliciously kitsch boutique pressed up against the Saint-Jean-de-Luz institution Petit Grill Basque (which just got a makeover from Iñaki Aizpitarte), the incredible Delphine Zampetti (the former owner of CheZaline in Paris and winner of the 2013 Guide Fooding Best Sandwich award) is satisfying hunger pangs with her mouthwatering take-away goods. The proof the day we went for lunch: a massive red mullet fillet escabeche seasoned with onions, fennel, spices and white wine; then a stunning sammie made with chicken from Maison Garat, prepared like a pot-au-feu but all chopped up, imprisoned in a half baguette from the Etxe Goxoan bakery along with mustardy mayonnaise, grated carrots, cornichons, shallots, onions, lettuce and dill. What else is there to nosh on? Buns with pork terrine and guindilla peppers, some classic eggs mimosa, leeks vinaigrette, celery and parsley tabbouleh, octopus and fennel salad, curried vegetable risotto… And for something sweet, an incredibly gourmet apple-quince cake or apple crumble. // Loulou Pic

FEELING THIRSTY? : Basque Euskola cola (€2 a can), ginger beer (€3.80), Basa Jaun hard cider from the Domaine Bordatto (€10 for 750 ml), La Superbe beers (€3.50) and even a few wines at very reasonable prices – a Loire sauvignon from the Puzelats (€14 a bottle), Erotasuna marselan from the backcountry (€16).
PRICE: : Sandwiches €5.50 to €8, desserts €5, take-away dishes €18-45/kg.