The story
Chez Maya in Saint-Jean-de-Luz redefines the typical sandwich shop by treating fast service with serious culinary attention. Delphine Zampetti founded the spot after building a reputation in Paris through her former project, CheZaline. Her background includes winning the 2013 Guide Fooding Best Sandwich award, a recognition that now guides the daily output here. She treats every takeaway order as a complete plate rather than a hurried snack.
Guests frequently return for the chicken preparation that mimics a traditional pot-au-feu, then gets finely chopped and tucked inside a half baguette from Etxe Goxoan. Mustardy mayonnaise, grated carrots, cornichons, and fresh dill balance the rich meat without weighing down the bread. Other popular options include a red mullet fillet escabeche marinated with fennel and white wine, alongside pork terrine served on buns with guindilla peppers. Sweet finishes lean toward an apple-quince cake or a straightforward apple crumble.
The boutique storefront sits directly beside the historic Petit Grill Basque, sharing the same street while maintaining its own distinct pace. Delphine’s team designed the interior to feel quietly cheerful, leaving room for customers to collect their orders and move along. This focused service model earned the spot a placement on the 2026 Le Fooding list, where reviewers praised the consistent quality of the takeaway portions. It remains a reliable destination for those seeking honest cooking without a table reservation.
Recognition
Location
