Sizzling Steaks, Heavenly Pastries, and Fine Wines: Toulouse's Culinary Hotspots Revealed

While Toulouse may not always steal the spotlight in conversations about French gastronomy, this hidden gem holds a treasure trove of culinary delights waiting to be explored. From iconic dishes like cassoulet to the rich tapestry of provincial wines, Toulouse offers a feast for the senses that will leave you craving more. Join me as I take you on a culinary journey through this captivating city, sharing my favourite spots and introducing you to traditional Toulouse food and drink.

As I planned my trip to Toulouse, I had concerns about catering to the dietary preferences of my travel companions, both of whom were vegetarians. However, to my delight, I discovered some hidden gem options to satisfy every palate. Rest assured that the recommendations I present here incorporate dishes for all tastes, ensuring that vegetarians and non-vegetarians alike can savour the true essence of Toulouse’s culinary scene.

I have compiled my favourite spots and what’s best they can follow each other on a fantastic food tour itinerary.

First stop: Lunch at my favourite Toulouse Café – La Fiancée

Imagine this: It’s a chilly December day in Toulouse, and the highly anticipated World Cup final is just moments away from commencing. The atmosphere is electric, with the city’s streets hushed in anticipation as France prepares to face off against the renowned favorites, Argentina. Uncertain of where to witness this grand event, one thing is clear: I need to soothe my hunger before the bustling crowds stop my search for a viewing spot.

My stomach growls insistently, urging me to find a place for lunch, and amidst numerous recommendations, “La Fiancée” keeps catching our eye. Determined, we make our way to the café, only to be greeted by a lengthy queue. But as we all know, long lines often signify an extraordinary culinary experience. Undeterred, we patiently wait for an entire hour, eagerly scrutinizing the menu, switching between sweet and savory options.

Stepping inside, the café reveals a captivating interior. Though small in size, its clever seating arrangement incorporates two floors. For an optimal experience, I suggest securing a seat upstairs near the balcony edge, granting you a view of Toulouse’s enchanting pink-hued buildings while also allowing you to observe the lively interplay between people and the bustling kitchen below.

Now, onto the food—an embodiment of what a contemporary French brunch should aspire to be. The menu, though concise, boasts brunch essentials. My personal recommendation: the breakfast bun. This delectable creation combines a mouth-watering fusion of gooey cheese, fiery spices, crispy bacon, and a fluffy bun—an irresistible wake-up call that ensures you’re fully fuelled for a day of sightseeing. And of course, no café experience is complete without a perfectly paired coffee. La Fiancée stands out as the sole establishment in Toulouse that serves specialty coffee, making it an absolute must-try.

Address: 54 Rue Peyrolières, 31000 Toulouse, France

Second stop: satisfy your mid-day cravings at my favourite tearoom – Le Salon d’Eugenie.

We stumbled upon “Le Salon d’Eugénie” during our walk to the city center, and its elegant exterior immediately caught our attention. Resembling a sophisticated Parisian patisserie that had gracefully found its place amidst Toulouse’s winding side streets. What’s even more enticing is their mouthwatering selection of cakes and pastries, which are absolutely decadent.

One thing we appreciated about this place is their inclusivity, offering a range of gluten-free options. Just a heads up though, this café is quite popular, and you’ll either need to make a reservation or expect to wait in line outside.

Now, let’s talk about the food. As you might already know from my previous reviews, lemon meringue pie holds a special place in my heart as the epitome of dessert perfection. Throughout my gastronomic expeditions, I’ve sampled countless renditions, yet none have quite matched the magnificence served within these walls. Each slice boasts an impeccable balance of tangy lemon, fluffy meringue, and a buttery crust that elevates it to celestial heights. In fact, I couldn’t resist sneaking a bite from my friends’ plates, and each one delivered a rich and delightful punch.

“Le Salon d’Eugenie” is a delightful find where you can indulge in delectable treats that will satisfy both your eyes and taste buds.

Address: 16 Rue des Lois, 31000 Toulouse, France

Third stop: get your French fix at this steak restaurant – le café Chouchou.

Finding a traditional steak restaurant in France that also caters to vegetarians can be quite a challenge. However, our quest became remarkably easier when we discovered “Le Café Chouchou.” This delightful establishment provided the ideal introduction to a Toulouse dining experience, offering a wide range of culinary staples, including the beloved cassoulet. The prices are affordable, and the service is truly exceptional, ensuring you’re well taken care of throughout the evening.

Now, let’s delve into the food itself. I opted for the classic steak with fries, and it was prepared to perfection, cooked exactly to my liking. But what truly elevated the dish was the accompanying sauce—truffled brie cream. Its exquisite flavor was nothing short of exceptional, possessing an addictive quality that compelled me to slather it on everything within reach. My vegetarian friends thoroughly enjoyed the diverse selection of veggie options available.

However, I must admit that the dessert fell a bit flat, failing to live up to the high standards set by the main course and starters.

Address: 37 Rue des Filatiers, 31000 Toulouse, France

Final stop: wash it all down at this inventive wine bar – Le 5 wine bar:

If you’re eager to embark on a wine-tasting journey across the diverse regions of France but concerned about the price of each bottle, look no further than “Le 5 Wine Bar.” This extraordinary establishment incorporates my favorite concept for wine tasting. Here’s how it works: an enticing array of wines is on display, each priced per 15ml, 45ml, and 100ml. Upon entering, you receive a card that can be topped up and easily inserted into the slots to select your desired wine and pour size. Remarkably, you can savor a variety of wines for as little as 30 cents per glass.

This acclaimed bar has garnered numerous nominations as the best wine bar in the world, offering not only tastings but also food pairings to enhance your experience. What truly sets this place apart is the opportunity for exploration. With a limited budget, I was able to traverse the vast landscapes of France’s wines, embracing the true spirit of taste and travel.

And here’s the best part: once you’ve sampled them all and discovered your favorite, you can confidently indulge in the perfect choice for the remainder of the night. “Le 5 Wine Bar” truly embodies the essence of wine appreciation, providing an affordable and delightful avenue to discover and savor the remarkable wines France has to offer.

Address: 5 Rue de la Bourse, 31000 Toulouse, France

Want to explore traditional Toulouse cuisine?

As always, when travelling a new city or country, immerse yourself in the culture by trying the community’s staple dishes. Let me know how many you managed to tick off in the comments below!

Traditional Dishes:

Cassoulet: A hearty stew made with white beans, various meats (such as pork, sausage, and duck confit), and flavored with herbs and spices. Cassoulet is considered one of Toulouse’s signature dishes.
Saucisse de Toulouse: Toulouse sausage is a pork sausage seasoned with garlic, white wine, and various herbs. It is often grilled or cooked and served with lentils or other accompaniments.
Confit de Canard: Duck confit is a classic French dish. Where duck legs are salt-cured and then slowly cooked in their own fat until tender and flavorful. It is often served with potatoes or salad.
Garbure: A traditional hearty soup made with cabbage, various vegetables, and meat (typically ham or duck). Garbure is a comforting dish enjoyed during the colder months.
Fénétra: A savory pie made with layers of dough filled with a mixture of pork, veal, spinach, eggs, and spices. It is typically served at room temperature.

Traditional Drinks:

Armagnac: A type of brandy produced in the Gascony region, including Toulouse. It is aged in oak barrels, resulting in a rich and complex spirit often enjoyed as a digestif.
Fronton Wine: Toulouse is surrounded by the Fronton wine region, known for its red wines made from the Négrette grape. These wines are typically fruity, medium-bodied, and pair well with local cuisine.
Pastis: Although not exclusive to Toulouse, pastis is a popular anise-flavored aperitif in the region. It is usually diluted with water, turning it into a refreshing and lightly alcoholic drink.

Struggling to find what to do in Toulouse? Check out my guide on what this hidden city has to offer here: