The Best Local Restaurants In Toulouse, France

Sunset in Toulouse
Sunset in Toulouse | © Maxime Raphael/Flickr
Shyla Watson

One of the many things that make Toulouse so unique is its one-of-a-kind dining scene. From casual cafes to elegant dining establishments, the city offers delicious cuisine, both French and foreign. Read our list to discover the best local restaurants in Toulouse, France.

1. Le May

Bistro, Restaurant, French

Le May, Toulouse
© cercamon/Flickr
Located on the outskirts of an alley, Le May is an adorably quaint French bistro that serves deliciously hearty meals. Gather your friends for a group dinner to celebrate a birthday, or join a loved one at a corner table for an intimate date for two. The attentive and friendly staff will tell you all about the daily specials and favorite menu items, many of which include gamey meats. Try lamb skewers with a side of sautéed vegetables, venison stew with potatoes, or a goat casserole. In addition to rotating daily specials, a fixed menu is available, featuring a combo plate of an appetizer, entrée, and drink. Be sure to sample their coffees, teas, and desserts, which you can enjoy on the quaint patio terrace.

2. Le Picotin

Restaurant, Dessert

Pilon de Poulet
©**AB**/Flickr
When you first enter Le Picotin, two things will happen. One is that you will find the restaurant to be in a brick basement, similar to a wine cellar, with distinguished arches, dark shadows, and dim, intimate lighting, and the second is that the friendly wait staff will give you a bib before seating you at your table. Why a bib? The small menu is strictly comprised of finger foods, many of which come accompanied with messy sauces. Order a platter of chicken legs, roasted quail, duck breast skewers, and juicy pork ribs. Pair them with a large bucket of fries, then for dessert, dip fruit and marshmallows into a sweet, rich chocolate fondue. This is a great place for groups looking to share a casual, yet delicious, meal. Be sure to order unlimited drinks, because the wine selection is superb.

3. La Gouaille

Restaurant, French, Cocktails

Fill up on French comfort food when you visit local favorite La Gouaille. This simple bohemian restaurant is traditional in terms of the cuisine offered, but eclectic in decor. Walls are covered in wood paneling, creating an intimate and warm atmosphere. Funky, colorful lights hang from the ceiling, and the walls are adorned with unique trinkets, including an acoustic guitar, currency from a variety of countries, hand drawn pictures, photos of guests, and even a mannequin. Order up an entrée, all of which come with bread, soup, salad, and cooked veggies. Then, if you’re lucky, the friendly staff will treat you to a free, after-dinner dessert cocktail, made of rum and infused with dried banana. La Gouaille, which frequently hosts live musical performances, is relatively inexpensive, and very accommodating; the staff is fluent in English, so feel free to chat away!

4. Le Florida

Brasserie, Seafood, Cocktails

Dine at Le Florida for a front row seat to the city of Toulouse. The restaurant features a large outdoor terrace that provides a great view of the capital, and is a popular place to sit and people watch. Come for lunch or dinner and order a burger and fries, seafood salad with shrimp skewers, or steak tartare. If you come with a group of friends, you can order the meat and cheese plate and a round of tasty cocktails. Le Florida is also open early for breakfast so if you’re the ‘early bird gets the worm’ type, you can feast on a plate of bacon, eggs, and freshly baked croissants. Finally, top off your meal with some of the best ice cream and frozen yogurt that Toulouse has to offer. Be on the lookout for street performers, festivals, and pop-up markets in the adjacent area.

5. Les Fondues de la Daurade

Bistro, Restaurant, French

Chocolate Fondue
©Denis Dervisevic/Flickr
This dining establishment is open in the evenings for delicious dinner and dessert. The menu includes glazed foie gras, duck confit, onion soup, and more. While the restaurant serves good French cuisine, it is known for their cheese and chocolate fondue. Order a pot for the table and dip breads and meats in liquid hot cheese for a savory snack, or pop some fruit into mouthwateringly, melted chocolate for dessert. The staff is very friendly, and won’t hesitate to engage in a conversation with you. Be aware that the menu is in French, so if you are a tourist visiting the area, bring a dictionary or your smartphone to translate. Les Fondues de la Daurade also gets crowded on the weekends, so stop by early to grab a seat.

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