Benji’s Basque Restaurant has been a beloved dining destination in Bakersfield, California since 1986. Known for its rich tradition, warm hospitality, and authentic Basque cuisine, Benji’s offers a true taste of the Basque Country in the heart of Kern County.
Benji’s is famous for its family-style dining experience, where guests can savor hearty dishes like lamb, fish, and perfectly grilled steaks, all accompanied by traditional Basque sides such as soup, beans, vegetables, and French bread. The bar is equally renowned, serving expertly crafted cocktails, wines, and the house favorite, Picon Punch.
Perfect for celebrations or casual meals, Benji’s combines rich culinary heritage with community spirit.
Simple spot for traditional Basque cuisine, including unique dishes like pickled tongue & frog legs.
Jackie F
Recently moved back to Bako after 8 years of being down south-so I missed this local fave so much. Restaurant gives cozy home vibes and meal was the comfort I remembered. I got the traditional set-up which was more than enough food. I also had a Moscow Mule from the bar which was perfect. The best thing about this food is that it’s comforting, yet not heavy-if that makes any sense. Service was top-tier, all our servers were so friendly. Never had to ask for drink or food refills at all! Highly recommend!!
… moreRakesh Samtani
The food was good, but needs a little bit more meat on the bone. The veal medallions lacked mushrooms, the filet mignon looked lonely, needs a little more appealing to the eyes, snails were good and the creme brule sealed the deal in the end.
Service was outstanding, and a quick note, if you need to order souffle for desert, make sure you let them know 45 mins before, if not, you are out of luck.
… moreJAB
Amazing!! Never really had any food like it! It’s comfort food but it’s done super well! Portions are big, food it’s hearty, and super satisfying! I got the chicken breast with basque tomato sauce and it was delicious, everything was! I can see why this place was packed. Great food, great service, if I lived nearby I’d be here regularly! Delicious!
… moreJesús Fernandez
As a Basque in California! I was expectant to go to Benji’s. Frankly the restaurant is not offering real Basque Dishes as “Bacalao al pil…pil, or simmilar.. but the food is really good indeed and the deso price/quality… superb! Oso Ondo Benji Jauna!! Laster itzuliko naiz!!
… moreEd Fung
This is an amazing restaurant that gives you an insane amount of food! Food that’s enough to feed a whole village! I ordered their seared scallops and the entree came with soup, salad, French fries, buttered corn, beans, bread and salsa. My side order of beef tongue was one of the tastiest. Will definitely return next time I’m in Bakersfield.
… moreKipper S
The cabbage soup was amazing. I had the rack of lamb. The portions were a little small on the meals but overall good. The lamb was cooked really well and extremely tender, I just didn’t personally care for the sauce.
… moreJudy A
The best Basque restaurant in Bakersfield. The food and service never disappoint. Arrive early and enjoy a cocktail. The food is always delicious and the service is first rate. Save room for dessert. The souffle or baked Alaskan needs to be ordered same time as your main course.
… moreRobert Lopez
Bakersfield has a large Basque population and Benji’s is one of my favorite local Basque restaurants. I’ve enjoyed the family style dinner here for many years and it’s always delicious. Lamb is a mainstay of Basque cuisine in the U.S. and I judge Basque restaurants by their lamb chops. And here they are excellent—tender, good cuts and smothered with garlic (if you request). The side dishes, which precede the main course, are awesome. Vegetable soup with beans on the side, salad, green beans and fresh cut french fries. A Basque specialty—thinly sliced beef tongue in a savory vinaigrette sauce—is also a side if requested. (It’s actually very good). You won’t go wrong eating at this family owned restaurant.
… moreLeslie Iacono
Old school basque place. Everything is served family style, soup, salad, beans, bread, pickled tongue, salsa for the whole table. Not many vegetarian options, garlic mushrooms, fries, house salad, butter and garlic pasta. They made a great margarita. Our server was super nice, great with her timing. The restaurant is like banquete style, tons of tables, no music, bright lights in the back room.
… moreTiffany
The food didn’t look great. It looked like mounds of food on a plate. A few people in our group said their food was overcooked. I was looking forward to frog legs but they are no longer on the menu. I hear it’s for the best. My salmon wasn’t great, the texture was off and it was one note.
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