Touloused & Confused: My "Coup de Coeur" Restaurants

Salut à tous !

After years of navigating the Pink City's food scene (and let's be honest, continually adding new restaurants to my "to-eat list" more than I care to admit), I've decided it's time to share my favorite spots with you all. Welcome to "Touloused & Confused" - because even after all this time living here, I'm still discovering new pépites around every corner!

Let's start with my "coup de coeur" restaurants - you know, those places that make your heart do a little boum boum when you walk through the door, or take that first bite. These aren't just restaurants, they're the spots that have become part of my Toulouse story. The places where I've celebrated good news, drowned my sorrows in excellent food, and convinced visiting friends that yes, Toulouse really does have incredible cuisine beyond cassoulet (though we'll definitely talk about that too)!

From cozy bistros tucked away in the red bricks to modern spots that would make any foodie jealous, these are the restaurants that have earned a permanent place in my heart... and my weekly dinner rotation. So grab a glass of wine (or a café, no judgment here) and let's dive into the places that make living in Toulouse absolutely délicieux!

Ready? C'est parti !

Mantesino: a taste of Italy

This intimate bistro had been on my "to-eat list" longer than I care to admit, partly because it is only open during the week and partly because reservations fill up quite quickly! When the occasion (and reservation) finally presented itself, my boyfriend (and foodie-in-crime) and I headed over à pied to test it out!

2 glasses of Lambrusco (a sparkling red aperitivo wine from the Emilia-Romagna region) and an amuse-bouche to start out with and I was already falling head over heels in love! Entrée-plat obligatoire for the dinner service (not that I was complaining!) and our papilles were over the moon with every bite! Italian flavors mixed with southwestern ingredients = a match made in heaven. All against a quaint, brick backdrop in the Saint-Aubin neighborhood makes for the perfect night out.

The pasta dishes (meat, seafood, or végé to choose from) as well as the entrées are well-thought out and presented ... and even copious! When we returned le midi to test a different menu, we still left happy and not at all hungry! As for the beverages, enjoy a selection of Italian wines and Spritzes, as well as digestifs.

Just make sure to save room for dessert!

Aux Pieds Sous la Table: a mélange of flavors & tastes

Another coup de coeur that's become my go-to for dinner out? Aux Pieds Sous la Table! This cozy restaurant changes their menu every week with seasonal ingredients, and honnêtement, it's become a huge part of my Toulouse food scene. Perfect for date nights, taking your parents out to eat, or even a nice restaurant for lunch on a weekday with friends or colleagues.

Each visit is like a little surprise - different flavors, new food combinations, and oui, sometimes even cocktails or a glass of local wine that'll leave you both full and totally impressed! The brick walls and friendly servers are just the pompon sur la Garonne, because let's be real, the food is the real star here.

Le Soulier: a new take on tapas

Nestled in the calm Saint-Étienne neighborhood with its picturesque places and narrow streets, Le Soulier is the little sister of Aux Pieds Sous la Table. And yet they couldn't be more different!

The base is the same - fresh, locally-sourced, seasonal ingredients and lunch menus that change weekly and are abordable. But reserve for an evening dinner and the whole vibe changes ... enter the tapas! No, no, we're not here for the patatas bravas or tortillas (although I will be writing about my favorite Spanish spots!), these elegant and innovative tapas come à la carte or as a menu making it perfect to test 4 different small plates. The way they fusion the flavors together is a whole new take on amuse-bouches or tapas. Add in their cocktail menu with classics, bien sur, but also their original creations that take funky ingredients to a whole new level and you're in for a fabulous night out.

Orto: street food the way it should be

Another Italian restaurant? Mama Mia, Orto is probably where I eat out the most in Toulouse! Smack dab in the center, à deux pas de rue Alsace Lorraine, this whole in the wall often has a small line of people waiting to order or get their meal ... and for good reason!

Orto specializes in paninis; soft, warm bread and chock-full of traditional and quality Italian meats and cheezes and flavors. Their small menu of eight sandwiches makes choosing just one a challenge and they always have a panino of the month that changes. Grab a sandwich or enjoy a menu with a dessert (ciao tiramisu!) and a beverage to wash it all down. Once you've made your decision, take your order to go and walk five minutes to La Daurade and enjoy your panino along the Garonne river.

My advice? Come hungry and bring a friend to split two sandwiches to taste as much as possible!

Bear's House:"Dealer de glouglou"

They said it (not me!) "dealer de glouglou" is indeed a great way to describe Bear's House ... a corner bar overlooking the iconic Canal du Midi. Their shady terrasse is a haven in the hot summer heat and the perfect place to grab one of their 10 on-tap beers (that are always changing) from different breweries diverses et variées ! Not a beer fan? Not a problem with their unique cocktail menu.

Hungry? Glad you asked! At Bear's House, we come for the beer and we stay for the tapas! Changing with the seasons (et selon les envies du chef !), their menu of small-plates is perfect for sharing, or keeping for yourself ... no judgement here! From meat dishes to a wide-variety of vegetarian options and even dessert, there's something for everyone with their flavorful dishes. Fun fact, sometimes they even do TTO (Tap Takeovers) or pairing menus with local breweries for an added touch that sets them apart. I'll drink to that!

Chez Jean & Gabi: a weekday hidden gem

This small red restaurant has been on my list ... since I moved to Toulouse! It's in the Compans neighborhood and I often passed in front of its cheery terrasse as it was five minutes away from my old colocation and my current apartment. So when the opportunity (and the available table) presented myself, I was excited to try it out!

The chaleureux and colorful interior and additional terrasse seating means tables fill up fast. Add in the fact that the restaurant is only open during the week, and its easy to understand why there is often a crowd (and that'd even before tasting the food!). Written on a chalkboard outside lies the menu for the week, déjeuner only, with classic French dishes & exotic flavors from around the world. With little bits and pieces of the chef's native Brazil making an appearance on the menu (mais pas que !), each dish is a real voyage. The dinner menu is similar, with different meat, fish, and vegetarian dishes on a small menu (making your choice hopefully easier!). All the ingredients come locally, and are organic and in-season. The ambiance? Good vibes. The dishes? Out of this world! The service? Aux petits oignons ! All that washed down with a perfectly paired glass of wine and you're in for a great time.

Boca: say hola to bocadillos!

One of my go-to restaurants (and their recent addition en face !) and a fun night out, Boca and Boca Dos are the epitome of good Spanish eats. Classic red bricks line the walls and the vibrant neon signs (and servers!) make you feel right at home in Andalusia. Start your evening off with a classic tinto de verano or gin and tonic before answering the hardest question of the evening ... "On mange quoi ?"

You've got your tapas ... classic, typical small plates ranging from everyone's favorite patatas bravas to tortillas to croquetas. And for the more adventurous they've got flavors from the Canary Islands, Balearic Islands, calamar and much more. But the real reason you came is the bocadillos, little sandwiches piled high with so many options and flavors it's hard to choose. Vegetarian, classic Spanish flavors, fromage, canard (and yes, don't forget we are still in Toulouse!) ... the list goes on and on.

All the more reason to come back!

Bon appétit !

xx lele