Le Py-R – Here you will have the premium gastronomic experience that will make your stay in the city well worth it. In fact, we like it so much that we recommend making two bookings, one for lunch and another for dinner. The chef’s generous servings keep coming complimented with the best of what you can imbibe. The young chef who runs the restaurant, Pierre Lambinon, is eager to please and brimming with expertise. The restaurant looks like it was an old local haunt that was transformed into a modern, all-white setting (painted brick). Well-lit and always full, the food here is the primary reason people flock by the dozens on daily basis. We have nothing specific to recommend for this restaurant because every single dish was high-standard gourmet.
Le Bibent – This authentic brasserie will take you to another time in Toulouse history. The interior boasts a mixture of art nouveau and baroque. It is truly a gem in the pink city’s history in culinary arts. Situated in the heart of the city, it’s hard to miss. The word itself “Bibent” means “drink good” in the original Occitan language, which explains the large wine list. Go for the set menus, but don’t forget to order the delicious scallops.
Victor Hugo Marketplace – We know what you are think, a market for a restaurant is not your idea of fine dining, but you will be surprised at the culinary exquisiteness in the this central market. With 100 active stalls, this place celebrates 122 years of operation as the go-to market for fresh food in the Mid-Pyrenees. Here you can find everything from escargot to the best foie gras on earth to an open bar. Just sampling the food alone is worth the visit. On teh top floor there are 5 restaurants to choose from to finish of your post-sampling hunger. Don’t forget to pick up some Toulouse sausages from Maison Garcia and cheeses from Xavier and Betty.
N°5 Wine Bar – If you had to pick one restaurant to dine in on a short trip to Toulouse, make it this one. Husband and wife team, Thomas and Anne Cabrol, have crafted one of the most perfect menus we have come across our entire lives without making it too cluttered. The menu has the air of high-end gastronomic pinxtos of sorts with an unforgettable coupling of regional wines that are on tap! Not only is it an amazingly great place to have dinner, especially in the basement that doubles as a cellar, the place is one of the hottest digs for socializing in the city. However, the deliciacies at this place are the main draw. Make sure you have a taste of everything in the Enomatics system – an amazing wine dispensing system. This place is an oenological dream. Also, make sure to try the white-bait and the charcuterie!
Les Beaux Arts – If you are opting for some traditional French cuisine, head to this restaurant. Overlooking the Garonne River, this brasserie offers the finest South Western French cuisine aimed at astounding the tastebuds. Blending with the decor is Belle Epoque and Art Deco elements, this place is a stomping ground for local celebrities, including politicians, artists and athletes. The high quality of the restaurant ensures that you will have a satisfying meal. Try the half-shell oysters there.
