Toulouse’s Centre Ville, better known as The Pink City of southern France, offers locals and travelers alike a unique adventure each day. From exploring the Basilica of Saint Sernin to relaxing along the River Garonne, there’s oodles to see and do here. What’s more, the restaurants and eateries on offer are truly top-notch too!
Michel Sarran is one of Toulouse’s most popular restaurants, located right next to city center. Top chef Michel Sarran creates a comfortable atmosphere to make all patrons feel at home. The indoor garden adds to the beauty of this joint, and the extensive wine list completes the dining experience. The high-quality food combined with personable service keeps new and returning customers all raving about this perennial city favorites.
Price: Fine-dining Opening hours: Mon to Tue 12-1.45pm/8-9.45pm, Wed 12-1.45pm, Thurs to Fri 12-1.45pm/8-9.45pm Watch out for: The fantastic tasting menus Address and telephone number:Michel Sarran, 21 Boulevard Armand Duportal, Toulouse, France, +33 5 61 12 32 32
Open since the 40s, Chez Emile went from guest house to renowned restaurant in the heart of old Toulouse. The surrounding area of Place Saint-Georges feels like a charming village out of a fairy tale. Inside the restaurant is just as enchanting too, with beautiful decorations and traditional French cuisine to match. It is recommended to book in advance, since Chez Emile has some of the best cassoulet in town!
Price: Mid-range Opening hours: Mon 7.30-9.45pm, Tue to Sat 12-2pm/7.30 – 9.45pm Watch out for: The cassoulet! Address and telephone number: Chez Emile, 13 Place Saint-Georges, Toulouse, France, +33 5 61 21 05 56
For a taste of home cooking, La Roulotte offers a quiet cafe atmosphere in the bustling city. Its small menu of entrees, dishes and desserts changes weekly, featuring the likes of large salads of the moment, eggplant lasagne and tiramisu. Be sure to book ahead at this small cafe though, as it often fills up quickly. The Sunday brunch is also worth a special mention; unique each week and a fine start to the day!
Price: Mid-range Opening hours: Wed 7.30-10pm, Thur to Sun 12-2pm/ 7.30-10pm Watch out for: Sunday brunch special Address and telephone number: La Roulotte, 38 Rue Peyrolières, Toulouse, France, +33 5 62 89 43 01
Previous winner of the TripAdvisor Certificate of Excellence, Le Retour du Marché is a fine restaurant to stop at while exploring the center of the city. Its location just 15 minutes away from the Musée des Augustins makes it a great spot to either start or end a day of visiting one of Toulouse’s many museums. Although Le Retour du Marché is another hidden gem, it’s still famed for fresh local produce and earthy market cuisine.
To further engulf yourself in the culture of Toulouse, why not enjoy a musical and a meal in one? L’Ouverture Restaurant Musical’s Italian cuisine complements a unique night of song and serenade. Guitarist and cook Santy Masciarò performs at the beginning of the night, with the music of Bach, Albeniz and Barrios forming the backdrop. L’Ouverture’s Syracuse-inspired menu includes antipasti, pasta with pesto zucchini and lamb with rosemary – all delicious!
Located in the historic heart of Toulouse, La Braisière has been offering simple yet gourmet local foods for over 40 years. Between beef and whole-roasted ducks, meat lovers can enjoy freshly grilled food almost any day of the week. Yes sir, La Braisière’s wood-fired grill, also known as “the roaster”, cooks up a real medley of things to get excited about!
Price: Fine-dining Opening hours: Mon to Sat 12-2.30pm/6.30-1pm Watch out for: Duck fat frites Address and telephone number: La Braisière, 42 Rue Pharaon, Toulouse, France, +33 5 61 52 37 13
If you don’t have time to sit down at a local restaurant, you can always grab something quick at Les Coudes sur la Table. Not your typical fast food restaurant, this one only serves food made with fresh, French ingredients and organic produce. With healthy and sweet options available, guests can enjoy everything from salads to chocolate chip cookies. Nice.
Another TripAdvisor Certificate of Excellence winner, Les 4 Z’Arts provides traditional and Mediterranean market cuisine. Its location next to La Daurade and between the amazing sites of Couvent des Jacobins and Basilique Notre-Dame de la Daurade makes customers feel right at home in the middle of Toulouse. Les 4 Z’Arts’ ground floor has incredible views of La Garonne, while its basement creates a pub-type feel with its numerous cocktails and cozy bar.
Price: Mid-range Opening hours: Wed to Fri12-2pm/7.30-11pm, Sat 12-2.30pm/7.30-11pm, Sun 12-3pm Watch out for: Fresh fish of the day Address and telephone number: Les 4 Z’Arts,, 11 Place de la Daurade, Toulouse, France, +33 5 61 23 91 77
Not far from Les 4 Z’Arts lies La Cave au Cassoulet, featuring the famous southern French dish, cassoulet. Cassoulet is a slow-cooked casserole typically containing pork sausages, goose, duck or sometimes mutton, pork skins and white beans. The restaurant itself is dressed in European architecture and hidden down in the basement through a brick tunnel; rustic and cozy!
Near Jardin Pierre Goudouli, Le Bon Vivre looks to offer guests a slice of the good life with its earthy cuisine. For the past quarter of a century, Alain and Huguette Meliet have been creating dishes including duck, pig, fresh vegetables and tasty pastries here. They rightfully pride themselves on their nutritional dimension and specialized Huguette culinary knowledge. With the goal of bringing friends old and new together, Le Bon Vivre provides a full meal with a starter, main course and dessert on its set menu.
Price: Mid-range/Fine-dining Opening Hours: Sun to Thurs 11.30am-2.45pm/6.45-11.30pm, Fri to Sat 11.45am-2.45pm/6.45pm-12.30am Watch out for: The homey atmosphere and earthy foods Address and telephone number: Le Bon Vivre, 15Bis Place du Président Thomas Wilson, Toulouse, France, +33 5 61 23 07 17
