Casual Dining in Toulouse

Toulouse is the perfect destination for foodies seeking an authentic and intimate gastronomic experience. But just because it’s French food doesn’t mean everything has to be fancy and haute cuisine. One can’t talk about Toulouse’s culinary landscape without spotlighting its fantastic casual dining spots. 

There’s a delightful simplicity in cuisine du marché (food crafted from fresh market produce), a hallmark of casual dining here. Below, we’ll embark on a journey through some of the city’s best spots for casual dining.

And if you’d like to take your explorations of Toulouse’s culinary scene to the next level, consider joining us for a Walking Food Tour in Toulouse. 

Seasonal Menus When Dining Out in Toulouse

A major plus of Toulouse’s casual eateries is their ever-changing menus. Instead of a fixed set of dishes throughout the year, many restaurants in the city do a fantastic job of celebrating the cuisine du marché.

This approach showcases the freshest seasonal offerings, often sourced from bustling markets, such as the Marché Victor Hugo and Marché des Carmes, or directly from regional farmers. It’s an ode to sustainability, ensuring you savor the best of each season’s produce.

(The markets themselves are also great places for eating out. We particularly like dining at the upstairs restaurants at the Victor Hugo Market. If you’d like to try one of the restaurants during your visit to the Victor Hugo Market, we recommend going before 12:30 PM or after 1:30 PM to avoid the lunchtime rush.)

To learn more about the city’s best markets, read The 5 Best Food Markets in Toulouse. If you’d like to explore the historic Victor Hugo Market with an expert local guide, book a place on our Victor Hugo Market Tour. 

Variety in the Toulouse Food Scene

Whether you’re an epicurean craving hearty, perfectly cooked meats, a seafood lover seeking dishes built upon fresh catch, or a vegetarian hungry for plant-based delights, you’re sure to find a menu that satisfies you when in Toulouse. 

We’ll share some of our favorite places for casual dining in Toulouse below, but you can get even more inspiration by reading our Where are the Best Places to Eat in Toulouse? 

You can also learn about some classic southern French foods by reading Dishes You Have to Try from the South of France (and Where to Find Them in Toulouse). 

Now, we’ll share some of our favorite restaurants for casual dining in Toulouse. Enjoy!

(Source: L’air de famille)

L’Air de Famille

At L’Air de Famille, the dining experience is reminiscent of cherished family gatherings. The heart and soul of the establishment, Chef Georges Camuzet, crafts each dish with a deep reverence for local produce and traditions.

Offering lunch menus from €25 and evening selections at €38, patrons can anticipate a delightful spread from Mediterranean tuna, Quercy lamb, and asparagus with mousseline sauce to the rich Southwest duck. 

To complement these culinary delights, the wine cellar presents handpicked choices like Le Roc, Da Ros, and Barroubio. Dive into a world where contemporary flavors meet timeless traditions!

⭑ L’Air de Famille, 6 Rue Jules Chalande, 31000 Toulouse, France.

Campagne Toulouse

In the heart of the city lies Campagne Toulouse, a tribute to time-honored French culinary traditions.

Each lunchtime, they roll out a fresh market-inspired – and highly affordable – menu with a choice of starters, two main dishes (including a vegetarian option), and a dessert – a daily delight that curious diners can preview on the restaurant’s social media stories. 

Evening ushers in a shared dining experience with artisanal charcuterie, cheeses, and plates crafted for communal enjoyment, all accompanied by handpicked regional wines and Toulouse craft beers.

Rooted in the heritage of southwestern France since 2019, the restaurant invites patrons to celebrate terroir and the joy of shared meals.

If you are traveling in a group, our Wine Bar Tour of Toulouse could be the perfect way to start an evening out –– we’ll sample great local wines in some of the city’s best wine bars.

⭑ Campagne Toulouse, 32 bis Rue des Lois, 31000 Toulouse.

(Source: Le Place Mage)

Terra Tolosa

Terra Tolosa (formerly Le Place Mage) welcomes diners into a world of innovative culinary artistry. Its outdoor seating allows guests to combine the joys of people-watching with sumptuous dining.

The ever-changing daily menu presents dishes like venison steak, root vegetable mille-feuille, and pan-seared cod, all locally sourced and impeccably crafted. 

Complementing the dishes is a well-curated wine list featuring local treasures and international classics. Knowledgeable staff stand ready to guide and recommend, ensuring an enriching dining experience.

And for all its high-quality offerings, the prices remain pleasantly surprising, with a three-course dinner starting at just €36 per person.

⭑ Terra Tolosa, 2 Rue Tolosane, 31000 Toulouse

Franquette, Toulouse

Franquette offers a cozy atmosphere and delicious food prepared by a talented female chef who prioritizes organic and locally sourced ingredients. A haven for vegetarians, the restaurant ensures there’s always a tempting vegetarian starter and main dish available. The menu is affordable and rotates weekly. 

During warmer days, its location on the picturesque Place des Tiercerettes becomes an added benefit with terrace seating offering a delightful alfresco dining experience. Their weekly menus, frequently teased on Instagram, are hard to resist.

⭑ Franquette, 31 Rue de la Chaîne, 31000 Toulouse

Le Contre-Pied

Le Contre-Pied promises a culinary experience rooted in quality produce. The owners bring their passion to every dish, and the service is consistently attentive.

Le Contre-Pied offers contemporary French cuisine that creatively showcases the region’s bounty. A must-try is their five-course tasting menu, which comes with thoughtfully selected wine pairings.

Even within this tasting journey, they ensure vegetarian options, underscoring their commitment to cater to diverse dietary preferences.

⭑ Le Contre-Pied, 6 Rue des Prêtres, 31000 Toulouse

Cécile

Cécile is a modern bistro featuring a wood-decked veranda and an open kitchen, offering dishes like Thai duck tartare and pork loin with mango and pomegranate, each an exotic twist on traditional flavors.

The atmosphere, contemporary and welcoming, complements the creative menu, making Cécile a standout in Toulouse’s dining scene. However, its popularity means that we find it difficult to book a table on short notice – so plan ahead if you want to eat here!

⭑ Cécile, 43 Pl. des Carmes, 31000 Toulouse

Hito

Near Place des Salins, Hito is the brainchild of chef Hitoshi Araki, who creates French cuisine with subtle Japanese influences. Known for dishes like melt-in-the-mouth pork belly, Hito’s menu is a testament to precision and bold flavors.

The affordable and exquisite lunch offerings make this restaurant a must-try dining experience in Toulouse.

⭑ Hito, 26 Rue de la Fonderie, 31000 Toulouse

Molette

Steps away from the Quai de la Daurade, Molette offers a genuine taste of Toulouse, emphasizing local, raw, and seasonal ingredients. Everything served is homemade, from bread to dessert, capturing the essence of authentic cuisine.

Pair your meal with their selection of local beers, French wines, and refined spirits for a truly indulgent experience.

⭑ Molette, 8 Rue des Blanchers, 31000 Toulouse, France

Une Table à Deux

At Une Table à Deux, located in the Des Carmes district, the cuisine is a delightful fusion of tradition and modernity. The menu features imaginative dishes like gazpacho of peas, coffee beet, and tuna tataki with sesame soy, all prepared by a team trained in prestigious establishments and inspired by global travels.

With its wooden furniture and brick walls, the restaurant offers a charming setting to enjoy these eclectic, homemade specialties.

⭑ Une Table à Deux,10 Rue de la Pleau, 31000 Toulouse

L’Os à Moëlle

Since 1986, L’Os à Moëlle has been a staple in the Toulouse culinary scene, located in the Les Chalets district with its distinctive fairground brick walls. The restaurant specializes in the cuisine of southwest France, with traditional flavors and ingredients sourced from local farms.

Signature dishes like cassoulet and semi-cooked fie gras have cemented their reputation, while homemade desserts provide a perfect endnote to a meal in this warm, home-like setting.

⭑ L’Os à Moëlle, 14 Rue Roquelaine, 31000 Toulouse

This is just a small sampling of Toulouse’s casual dining scene. As you can see, the city is blessed with an excellent selection of restaurants offering affordable meals in welcoming settings. 

If you’d like to continue learning about the city’s foodie landscape, Discover Toulouse’s Best Vintage Bars and Restaurants.

Also, be sure to explore our full selection of Toulouse Walking Tours before you go.  

If you have any questions, please get in touch.