Obviously, they are out of business. Should have called first, instead I wasted time driving out. Too bad that they moved from skid row. Must have been what knocked them out! read more

The staff was great. The catfish was perfect. The fries and onion rings were good. The BBQ was yummy. The ribs were tender , the chicken had an excellent fry , the sausage was spicy. read more

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Noriega's is keeping a Basque tradition alive that started at the original Noriega's in 1940, right down to the same long tables and vintage dishware. There are a few things to remember if you're coming for a Basque meal. First of all, you're going for a feast, especially if it's your first time. You'll want to mention as soon as you get there that you'll be having the full setup, especially if the restaurant isn't busy, as everything is made from scratch and they'll need to start cooking. What will follow is a parade of simple, fresh, and delicious dishes that would seem more at home in a 19th century shepherd's tavern than a modern European restaurant. But the simplicity is rewarding and you'll want to put the garlicky salsa on everything. You can order al a carte but if you don't specify when ordering the setup they'll bring you their soup and entrees of the day. For us that was clam chowder, fried cod with an excellent tartar sauce, and sliced tri tip. Again, it was all simple fare, but executed well and delicious. As a lunch for two people we were full beyond imagination, and the setup also comes with a bottle of the house chilled red wine, from the same vineyard as the original Noriega's. It was smooth and refreshing on a hot day and paired well with the food. The owner was more than happy to talk to us about the history of the original restaurant and treated us like she was serving family. She also made an excellent pecan punch, a boozy American-Basque traditional cocktail that was the perfect pre-meal wake up call for the taste buds. All in all, you need to know what you're getting into when you go to Noriega's (unless you're planning on ordering from the soul food menu, which seemed like a popular choice for takeout). But if you have a party of two or more, have at least an hour or more to spend, and enjoy California history, Noriega's setup is a must-try. read more

I love the new Noriega's! Celebrated with friends here and we enjoyed every bite! First of all...that bar though! It's gorgeous! Talk about eye candy! Beautiful crystal chandeliers, marble bar and beautiful lighting! This area is where you wait until you are seated. My only complaint is - saw kids at the bar. Didn't like that. Bars are for adults. Both parents and staff should regulate that. I don't want to sit and enjoy a dirty martini with a 5 year old. The dining room takes on a whole different look. But i love how they hung up the wooden panels from the original Noriega's. Food was delicious! We had fried chicken and oxtail...nice portions and great original flavor. I'd definitely bring back the gang and have huge celebrations here. Ohhhh and service was amazing!!!! read more

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For years, I had scheduled every trip through Bakersfield so I could have dinner at Noriega's, so I was heartbroken to hear that the original restaurant had closed. Fortunately, a local family decided to continue the legacy at a new location. I was apprehensive at first, but I can confirm that they're doing a great job: perfect service, and the same huge servings of Basque favorites, including wine, at a very reasonable price. The modern new space isn't the same as the original vintage building, but everything else is what you'd hope for. read more

Had the best experience ever, from the moment I walked in, I was greeted with the most warm and friendliest vibe and totally liked the atmosphere immediately. I next called my daughter on her cell to come in from the car. I was ordering to go for the first time and observed they had a full bar area to sit and wait at. My daughter placed an order also, she too was impressed with the menu selections and atmosphere. We ordered to go and got home and tasted some of the best soul food in Bakersfield. The hostess filled us in on their many event nights and live music nights too. This restaurant is amazing and what made the experience ever better was the outstanding customer service from the hostess/server who shared she was a Bakersfield native. I did not get her name, but she was fabulous toward us on 4/30/24 a hour before closing and we will be back soon. Love It!!! read more

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Went here with a buddy for lunch for my first time, and quite the experience... We show up 5 minutes after they open, doors locked, and finally a few minutes later the waitress shows up (obviously very late). She had to turn the lights and TVs on for us before even getting seated. I ordered a beer, and to all of our surprises all they had was a 7 oz in a bottle with lemons... I attempted to order their basque lunch, which come to find out after the fact they can't serve that until noon. So, we weren't sticking around for another hour so had to switch up the order. I ordered the fish meal, and it was not very good. Over cooked, burnt, and looked like a cheap meal to be honest. I am sure we just happened to experience "one of those days", and I totally understand that. Our waitress, although very personable, was not very professional and it wasn't deserving of another visit in my opinion. read more

First time here for us. Tried all the other basque restaurants so had to give it a try. Everything we had was excellent. They serve different main courses on different nights so check the website. Tonight was beef stew and leg of lamb. It included bread salad with dressing blue cheese soup salsa beans potato salad cottage cheese spaghetti french fries pickled tongue. and ice cream with a bottle of red wine. You might think it is expensive but if you look at the quality of food and quanity it can't be beat. Just as good as any other basque restaurants in the area. This is not a place for small appetites or picky people. We will be back when in the area. We have so much food leftover we will not need to have lunch for several days. read more

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I LOVE this place. Went there at 4pm on a Thursday to grab a solo meal. Was in Bakersfield for an event and wanted to try some Basque cuisine. I had read that the custom is for large groups of people to experience a multi-course feast, so I figured as a single diner, I would just order something a la carte. I told the woman who waited on me that I wanted the garlic fried chicken. She suggested that I "treat myself" and get the whole set, with soup etc. I said ok why not! And WOW was I glad I did. I got the full Basque meal experience: cabbage stew, salad, beans, salsa, bread, a tiny square of cheese, two pieces of crispy garlic fried chicken, and two pieces of juicy, fall-off-the-bone short ribs. They even included red table wine, which they generously refilled. Everything was SO DELICIOUS I was in heaven. I had plenty leftover for a delightful lunch the next day. I thought to myself that I was probably going to get hit with a big tab, but I didn't care. Imagine my shock when the bill came out to only $33. Whaaaat!? I gave them a generous tip because they had been so kind and welcoming to me. On my way to the bathroom, I stopped to chat with a gentleman who turned out to be the owner--I believe the woman who served me was his partner. The two of them had purchased the restaurant from the actual Noriega family, who started the restaurant during what looked like pioneer times, judging from the vintage photos on the wall. They bought the family recipes and are doing their best to carry on their traditions. I'd say that they're doing a SPECTACULAR job. If you're looking to sample Basque cuisine in Bakersfield, I can't recommend Noriega's enough!!! read more

Gonna jump right ahead to WOW!!! First time for Breakfast here. Holy smokes it was amazing. Our server Shayne was so friendly, greeting us warmly and making us feel welcome the whole time. You start with bread, salsa, hard Jack cheese and jam. Great start but just the beginning. Everything was so tasty. Pork chops were cooked perfectly, and the basque sausage was a new and wonderful experience, with a great snap on the outside and layers of spices. French fries were seasoned and prepared just right and great with the meats and eggs, cooked as you like them. A little wine was a nice treat, first time having red wine with Breakfast. I was a fan. I am so happy we decided to try out their Breakfast (only available on Sat and Sunday). It won't be the last time. Now we need to come back for lunch and dinner. Thank you Noriega's for a lovely Morning we will be back. read more

Noriega's - Basque Breakfast. Wow!!! - Basque Near Me - Bakersfield, California

Kayla, our waitress, helped to make our exceptional dining experience even better! She was attentive, personable, and genuinely warm. They are open for breakfast at 7:00 A.M. on Friday, Saturday, and Sunday, in addition to their regular hours. Great fluffy omelettes, traditional French Basque prepared meat, and a great atmosphere at the former Cafe Med location. We miss Cafe Med, but at least a great dining and beverage tradition continues. read more

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Went by the restaurant today and there were not that any cars in the parking lot. Went to high doors and they were locked and tre inside of the restaurant was empty. Call their phone number and it has been disconnected. Ur looks like they suddenly went out of business. read more

The fried catfish plate is my absolute! I love all the sides they had to offer, from greens, yams, cabbage, and much more! I decided to go with the Mac n cheese and the chili beans and of course it is served with a fresh piece of corn bread! read more

Noriega's - This catfish plate is the best in town with the best sides Mac n cheese and chili beans! - Basque Near Me - Bakersfield, California

My wife and I were driving through Bakersfield and wanted to try one of the Basque restaurants that the city is famous for. We decided on Noriega's - one of the most famous - and were glad that we did. When we entered the restaurant a very nice gentleman told us that he ate there twice a week and that we were about to get a great meal. He was right! The set lunch is really massive. It started with a traditional vegetable soup, which was filled with fresh vegetables whose flavors synced with the soup perfectly. The salad had crisp lettuce and croutons and a light dressing. Beans and salsa, both delicious, were also served. The sides also included cabbage, huge carrots and nicely seasoned potatoes. We were also given slices of blue cheese and fresh bread and butter. The main courses of corned beef - served with horseradish - and Cornish game hen, were wonderful! The corned beef was especially good, some of the best I've ever had! If it sounds like alot it's because it is. We couldn't finish the meal. I was offered wine but because I still had a very long drive ahead I declined. I'm sure it's very good wine. The restaurant and Basque cuisine seem ideal for large groups and we saw a table set up for a large dinner party. The restaurant has a rustic atmosphere with tables and chairs from the original restaurant. Photos of the original restaurant are on the walls. Our hostess, Ida, one of the owners, was a delight - engaging, warm, friendly. She spoke about the food and the restaurant with a great deal of passion. We live quite far away so I'm not sure when I'll get back. But if I could I would soon. read more

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My wife and I just stopped by Noriega's new location on Stockdale. It's where Cafe Med used to be. Ida welcomed us as we walked in and took us on a brief tour. Lots of stuff from the original came over. It was interesting. But to the food and service. Incredible! You better be hungry. Everything was wonderful and the food just keeps coming until you tap out! You must check this out the next time you are really hungry read more

Noriega's - Ida welcoming diners to Noriega's! - Basque Near Me - Bakersfield, California

Hello, Went to Noriega last night... Friday night Dinner. 7pm Reservations . There was only the Three of US Eating in the Dinning Room. They Told Me there was a Choice option . On the Menu Friday Dinner is Beef Stew and lamb. Also Calm chowder. What we Were served was Reheated Lunch Tri Tip And Cod fish .... It was un edible. We did not Get any Calm Chowder. The Potato salad came straight from Smart and final! Lunch is $29 per person. It Cost Me $ 190 for three to not be able to eat because it was so BAD!!! Will tell everybody I know to not go there . Enjoy That $190 dollars Because It's The last Dollar U wil get Out of three of US. read more

We visited Noriega's last night and had a number of surprises; the things you want, but seldom realize when you go out to eat. The first surprise is how we were greeted at the door by the staff, who were there to welcome us to their house. We have eaten at many great restaurants, but this was a first. The second surprise was our waitress Shylinn, wow she was impressive, all the way through our meal. Shylinn took time to explain the dishes, and how the dinner would be served, and then asked if we had any variations. The third surprise is that our meal was much, much, much better tasting than we had considered possible. Real flavors, that had us wanting more, even though all 4 of us had a compulsion to continue the meal... Along with Shylinn, we had Kenny, who was a total gentleman, and ensured that even when Shylinn was not right there, we were receiving the same great service from him. The Third surprise was the abundance of food that was served; this is not a stingy kitchen, they provide significantly larger portions than any person on earth could ever eat. Seriously. We brought home enough food to provide us with at least two more dinners, (one of which we will have tonight) and I suspect a few lunches as well. The fourth surprise is though it seemed to be priced high when we walked into the restaurant, we felt guilty as we left, and were honored (not obligated like some restaurants) to leave a generous tip. It is a little difficult to find, but it is an adventure in fine dining if you are willing to get past the parking lot while it is being improved. Ask for Shylinn and Kenny and enjoy the least expensive, luxury meal of your life do not say no to the ice cream, it was top-of-the-line as well. Overall, one of the best meals we have ever had. read more

Have been there twice and had the best experience in a whole. Service and food is were great, cannot wait to go back and take the kids!

Alright, so here we are. Post-pandemic, and the moment I've been waiting for is here. I can return to Noriega's. I was heart-broken when they announced their closing, then I was hopeful with the promise of new owners attempting to save it. First thing: They have the recipes. The food is...basically right. There are some learning curves to getting everything out hot and making sure like dishes go with like. (soup came out just warm, beans came out hot, bread was maybe not so fresh) I chalk most of this up to a new business learning how to do this right. Nobody else serves like this, so servers/cooks do not have the experience of 100 years doing this style under their belt. I'll be coming back to check up on the progress multiple times because I believe in this place. The staff are wonderful even though they are dressed like airline stewardesses from the 70's. My biggest complaints have to do with 2 issues: 1. Pricing. They almost doubled the cost of dinner...which hey, yes the old place did close and that had to be at least in part due to pricing, but going from $24 a meal to $38 is just wild. No other Basque spot in town is charging along these lines. On top of that, I ordered some dry jack cheese and the plate was...$20. This is $5-$10 at other Basque restaurants. They did warn me, but I had to know what they were charging $20 for. A plate of cheese, over half the price of an X coursed meal? As much as a dinner at any other Basque place? Wild. 2. Let's talk decor? Look, I like a deal as much as anyone else, but I'm pretty sure the owners went to lamps plus and said give me 3 of everything. Not a single room has a cohesive lighting plan. There are 3 wildly different light fixtures in the bathroom alone! There are no less than 4 different Light styles hanging from the first dining area with 2 mismatched styles of 3 chandeliers each! There is a cold drab white illuminated by florescent lighting, and the best wall in the whole place has moody red wallpaper (seriously use this as your jumping off point) but it is partially covered by farm house window frames that, maybe?, should have pictures in them or something but it just looks tacky and does not go with a single idea in the entire restaurant. There are sweet green velvet chairs and bar lining...but then white marble bar top? The whole restaurant is having an identity crisis. It all has the appeal of a Rosedale estate sale. I know this decorating commentary is harsh, but you have something beloved and great. You hold the key to one of Bakersfield's best Basque spots. There are memories in that food. Childhoods, weddings, real human history. You're so close to having an amazing spot. Something far more memorable than Cafe Med ever had. Don't mess this up with fake frippery. Fried chicken was ON POINT. delicious. :) read more

I have been to the old Noriega's hotel and I loved their food. I have been to all the Basque restaurants in Bakersfield, and Noriega's is by far one of the best. This new location is so much more convenient, tastefully decorated, and lots of parking spaces. I think EVERYONE should come to the new Noriega's to taste & experience for yourself. I am really picky about what I eat since i do live out of my suitcase for work, so I am used to eating really good food daily. Also, they have complimentary wine served with their dinners. Let me add that the owner and the servers are SO nice and attentive. The server remembered my name and addressed me by my name. Definitely a personal touch. I am definitely coming back. They serve different entrees every night so I highly recommend calling for the menu and make reservations. For anyone who has not has Basque food, this is definitely a great Basque restaurant to try. Make sure you come hungry. THERE ARE SO MUCH DELICIOUS FOOD! P.S. I dined on Wednesday and they served this lamb stew and prime rib. The lamb stew tasted like my father used to make (and my father was an excellent cook). And not to mention the prime rib is tender, juicy, moist, and seasoned to perfection. I am going to be in a food coma after this sinful, gluttonous, and heavenly meal. read more

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The food here is as delicious as always since it's the same chef from the old Noriega's.. the ambiance however is a complete upgrade ..with beautiful chandeliers and marble counter tops and vintage photographs delicately framed .. the staff is fabulous brought out our food in a timely manner and took care of all our tables needs ... people have a hard time with change and are used to the old but I found this restaurants upgrade refreshing exciting and tasty... can't wait to go back for more!!! read more

Noriega's - Basque Near Me - Bakersfield, California

This was a fun place for our group to have a little get together. Although They were understaffed, Audree and Rileigh did a fantastic job keeping the food and drinks coming. They both deserve a raise! You girls handled the rush and being short handed like seasoned professional! (Bill, these girls deserve a raise!) Shoutout to the Chef for getting the food out on time and very tasty! We all know it's not the, "Old Noriega's" but get out and give them a shot! Staff is great, food and drinks are good and it has a great vibe with Audree and Rileigh taking care of your needs.. Try it out. We'll be back for sure. Kindness goes a long way read more

I'm so happy that Noriega's is back. We had lunch there today and the food was wonderful!! The brisket was perfect and the Basque sausages equally tasty. The soup was exactly as it always was...delicious. I do agree with some of the other reviews that the bread was kind of dry. Our service was good at our visit. I do miss the old building ambiance, but the new area is nice and closer to our home. I have seen some reviews complaining about "no menus" being given and sitting in the bar area without appetizers offered. Are these people not familiar with how the old Noriega's operated with family style tables? Do they not realize there are set menus items each day so you don't need menus to order? Also, with so much food offered during the meal, who wants to waste their appetite on appetizers? I think we need to allow this restaurant to grow and find their niche. They've only been open a short while so there will be growing pains. The food is fabulous and that is the reason we WILL be going back! read more

Three of us drove from the east side to have lunch Thursday, August 10th, at 2p, however the restaurant was not open, no signage advising of any closure. We were disappointment and will not gamble again on whether this restaurant follows posted website hours. Saturday 7AM-10PM Sunday 7AM-9PM Monday Closed Tuesday 11AM-9PM Wednesday 11AM-9PM Thursday 11AM-9PM Friday 7AM-10PM read more

Amazing! Bakersfield is know for having great Basque restaurants and Noriega's is know for authentic Basque cuisine. We came by for lunch and every bite was delightful. When you come there is a set price for the meal and the menu is already set. It takes all the work out of deciding what to order. There are 3-5 courses depending on the meal. You will be full and fully satisfied. Can't wait to return. read more

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Went here tonight and very impressed. Not real crowded which I was surprised. Need to get word out how how good it is!! Pictures say it all! read more

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Mother's Day dinner was a disappointment because of cold or lukewarm food and service. With Basque cuisine , there is a sequence in the order that it is served. The soup and beans were cold. The food servers didn't have anyone in charge to direct them. Chaos ensued. Not a good experience. There was no incentive for the servers to give excellent service with this mess hall mentality. Yours truly, The Ghost Gourmet read more

Ambiance is nothing special. You walk into a small bar with cafe seating. Very plain. The room in back where I happened to be today was nicer with some pretty lighting in the middle. The floor is tile so it is very loud in there. I was there following a funeral. The French bread was a little warm but crunchy hard like it wasn't fresh!! The potato salad was good but we couldn't get enough of it!! The garlic chicken was warm. At the very end they brought the French fries??!! No ice cream??? My friend paid a lot of $$ to have the lunch there. And the kicker is, because they over estimated the attendance, Noriega only sent home plain chicken. No set up like fries or beans, potato salad. No, Woolgrowers has always been my favorite and it will remain. read more

Same great family style meals and fantastic service at their new location. Thursday lunch special was corned beef and cornish game hen. The set up came with soup, salad, beans, salsa, bread & potato salad. More food than we knew what to do with! This new location has a nice clean feel to it and the place is decorated beautifully with gorgeous chandeliers throughout both bar and main eating area. Family style eating is always so much fun and surly you'll be chatting with all those sitting nearby. read more

Noriega's - Thursday lunch special. - Basque Near Me - Bakersfield, California

As someone who visited the Sumner location for years and years I was extremely saddened when they closed. I did visit a few times after the ownership/location change and was pretty surprised that the food had remained largely loyal to its namesake. After those few initial visits they announced breakfast service which we drove across town for on Saturday morning only to find the place locked up with nobody in sight. Our final visit was a few Saturdays ago where we were one of two couples dining. Thats a bad sign for Saturday evening dinner service. We were also unaware that the restaurant now had a soul food restaurant under the same roof. Another bad sign. The vegetable soup and the salad were awfully close but the tongue was off by far and grocery store deli quality at best. We chose beef stroganoff and fried chicken for the entree. The beef stroganoff was not a familiar choice but pretty good. The fried chicken was a different story. It was WAY over battered and not only poorly prepared, the one breast piece was absolutely raw. At least it was smothered in raw jarlic. I'm glad my wife cut into it and we didn't find that out the hard way. We also asked if hard jack was available and our server said it was for an additional charge. No problem. It was not traditional basque hard jack and was $24 additional. My fault for not asking. To top it off, as soon as we were seated it was clear the space was being set up for a party or private event. The gentleman setting up initially was very mindful of the diners but later on two more showed up who gave zero fucks about those of us dining, leaving the door open (it was cold outside) and making all kinds of noise. To top it off they stacked tables and chairs in front of the restroom door. Noriega's as us long time residents have known it is dead. RIP. read more

It was good but not the best, First of all we didn't get a menu and they had like three things. We got the Garlic Chicken and The beef cabbage. It tasted ok but they kept coming back to give us things that we didn't know we would get. We said we were pretty full at first so we didn't need much. They ended up giving us like the whole restaurant of food. Now we have like 5 takeout boxes. The ambiance is fine but there was like 2 other family's. The tables had an annoying plastic cover that would stick to you. They gave us the amount of food at least 7 people would eat. The reason i'm mad about it is because it was 240$ when we only ordered 2 things. read more

I want to thank Koie and everyone who worked my bridal shower at Noriega's Basque Restaurant. It was a very special day and the Noriega's team made it a perfect occasion! The owner let my family come in early to decorate the large private room, that was arranged perfectly for our party. We even had a local company come in early and set up a balloon arch. Overall, the food and service was great! We had over 30 guests and several even complimented the food, service, and shower in general. I'm so glad that we picked Noriega's and everything turned out great! read more

Noriega's - Basque Near Me - Bakersfield, California

The Place is OUT OF BUSINESS. I flew my plane into Bakersfield to visit my ranch and wanted Basque food. The place was empty. Lights off, doors locked. No note on the door. Such a shame. read more

Are you kidding me!?!? I forced my husband to see what the old cafe med had turned into and saw NORIEGAS!?!? How does everyone in town but me know about this? We went in and this family style place kept its roots by placing us right next to people we didn't know, the feelings came back. The girl who was our server on May 7th was sweet, quick with my wine and didn't even make me feel like an idiot when I asked if ox tail was beef. She had me cracking up. I wish I knew her name because she made the the whole experience so much fun. I will be back with giant family for dinner time. read more

Great food and amazing service! Shane took such great care of our family reunion lunch (family of 15)! She was super sweet, attentive, and on top of everything! Food was insanely tasty! Salad, soup, potato salad, ribs were fall off the bone with amazing seasoning, delicious tri tip - everything was great!!! read more

First visit to this location. They almost look closed when you first arrive but fortunately I walked up to check. They had the menu and prices located at the door when you walk in so makes it easy. As it is set up for family dining there is only one entrée. Tonight's was fried chicken and ribs. The meal is all inclusive from wine to dessert so don't let the price scare you away. I think it's fair for what you're getting. read more

It's a different experience... you are greeted by host at the bar before they move you inside to a, what I would define as, communal table where you are seated with other guests. Most of the food was really great, however I don't think it's worth the price. The service however, was amazing! read more

Stopped by for St Patty' day! Was greeted by the sweetest server. We sat at the bar ordered from the soul food menu. I had the best chicken and waffles. We also ordered a red snapper and Mac and cheese that was pleasantly delicious. If you like soul food and karaoke make sure you stop by on a Thursday! read more

Went for Father's Day lunch and it was so good! Tomahawks we're delicious as was the setup, and the service was excellent.

I have missed Basque food living in OC. Noriega's is worth the detour. Family style service where everyone sits at a long table and passes food around. Good hearty food and a place where you might meet your new best friend, read more