I have had a soft spot for the Basque Country since my trip there in September 2013, and I also have a special love for the cuisine of that region. I remember eating so well there that just thinking about it makes my mouth water…

In short, what was my joy when I was invited to test the gourmet restaurant Axuria, listed in the Michelin guide and offering cuisine with true Basque flair.

Chef Olivier Amestoy, a native of the region of course, crafts authentic and gourmet cuisine by revisiting local produce with his own twist.

I particularly appreciated the decor of the place, mixing wood and a soothing pale blue, which gives an impression of chic warmth and welcome.

The little extra that I really appreciate in a restaurant: even before you order, they bring you a few small bites to whet your appetite. That day, it was little cheese puffs and charcuterie, followed by a fish velouté, if I recall correctly…

To try / the starters:

• Scottish salmon cannelloni and crab remoulade

• Prawn tail ravioli, spiced consommé

To try / the main courses:

• Sea bass fillet, creamy risotto and mushrooms, langoustine jus

• Palombe (Wood Pigeon) supreme roasted in a Wellington-style crust (the first time I ate Palombe was actually in the Basque Country, where restaurants put this pigeon on the menu during hunting season).

Not to be missed / the desserts:

• As for desserts, I will especially remember the house specialty: the soufflé.

It is interesting to note that this is a dessert that is becoming particularly trendy in gourmet establishments, since in 2014 I enjoyed sublime ones at Cook & Lab and at the Restaurant Fontevraud.

The one at Axuria, a Grand Marnier soufflé, certainly does not pale in comparison to its peers. It is truly a must-have of this institution, and I understand why some customers come specifically to this restaurant to enjoy it.

It is airy and tasty to perfection, and its variation as a chocolate soufflé (sporadically on the menu) is also very successful, even if, personally, I remain more of a fan of the Grand Marnier version.

Restaurant Axuria
54 Avenue Felix Faure, 75015 Paris

Tel: 01 45 54 13 91
Open every day from 11 am to 2:30 pm and from 7 pm to 11 pm

Prices: Menu 28 € (1 starter and 1 main course of your choice) / lunch menu 24 € offered from Monday to Friday, excluding public holidays (starter/main or main/dessert)

Photo credits: Mademoiselle Bon Plan
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