Where to Eat the Best Cassoulet in Toulouse? Discover Our Top 5 Cassoulet Restaurants
Nestled in the vibrant Southwest of France, Toulouse, affectionately known as la Ville Rose, dazzles with its terracotta brick charm and stands proudly as the capital of the Occitanie region. Beyond its renowned aerospace prowess—home to Airbus—and its status as France's second-largest university city, boasting 150,000 college students, Toulouse shines brightest for its exceptional gastronomy. Among its culinary treasures, the most celebrated dish is the legendary cassoulet Toulousain.
A visit here is incomplete without indulging in the authentic flavors of the best cassoulet in Toulouse. Imagine a delicious, homemade, slow-cooked stew brimming with buttery white beans, sumptuous duck confit that melts in your mouth, and the iconic, flavorful Toulouse sausage, all melding in perfect harmony. This culinary magic unfolds in a clay pot, patiently simmered for hours. When you think it's ready, a sprinkle of breadcrumbs and a drizzle of duck fat are added before it's baked to achieve an irresistible crunchy upper crust packed with flavor. If you're keen to delve deeper into the art of this dish, read our article "Cassoulet: The Star Dish from Toulouse Defined."
Ready to dive into the heart of Toulouse's gastronomy? Join us as we unveil the best cassoulet in Toulouse and journey through five outstanding cassoulet restaurants that promise an unforgettable dining experience.
An attendee ladles the award-winning cassoulet onto his plate at the 2024 Best Cassoulet in Toulouse event - 8th edition of the Toulouse World Cassoulet Championship.
Table of Contents
The Top 5 Must-Try Cassoulet Restaurants in Toulouse
1. Le Genty Magre
2. L’Impérial
3. Le Colombier
4. Restaurant Emile
5. Restaurant Chez Marty
Bonus Recommendation: Maison Garcia
Conclusion
The Top 5 Must-Try Cassoulet Restaurants in Toulouse
1. Le Genty Magre
Left: The proud owners of Le Genty Magre and the esteemed jury members share a victorious moment on stage, celebrating their win at the 2023 Toulouse Cassoulet Championship.
Right: Michel Sarran, the Michelin-starred chef and discerning jury member, savors a scoop of Le Genty Magre's award-winning cassoulet during the competition.
Located in the heart of Toulouse, Le Genty Magre stands as a testament to the city's rich culinary heritage, having secured its place in gastronomic lore by winning the Best Cassoulet in the World at the prestigious 2023 Toulouse Cassoulet Championship (Meilleur Cassoulet du Monde at the 7e Championnat du Monde de Cassoulet). This honor was no small achievement, with a jury including the Michelin-starred chef Michel Sarran and the beloved humorists, the Chevaliers du Fiel, captivated by its extraordinary cassoulet.
The restaurant's owner, Chef Romain Brard, whose culinary journey has spanned from the streets of New York to the alleys of Tokyo, harbors an exceptional philosophy toward cassoulet that distinguishes it within the culinary world of Toulouse. He champions a slowly cooked, well-balanced, and meat-rich cassoulet, a principle he steadfastly upholds when preparing this legendary dish. His cassoulet features three main meat components: a leg of duck confit, a piece of véritable saucisse de Toulouse, and a saucisse de couenne. The latter, a typical sausage from the Tarn region, incorporates pig ear, nose, and rind, adding depth and intensity to the flavor.
A pivotal element of Brard's distinctive cassoulet is its two-day preparation process. It starts with a light broth made from the meats and sausage, creating an ideal simmering environment for the beans. Everything is assembled in "cassoles," the traditional clay pots after which cassoulet is named, for the final oven cooking, just before being served to the customer. This thorough preparation results in a creamy, irresistible cassoulet that's simply unforgettable.
Interestingly, Le Genty Magre is renowned as a fine dining establishment, offering an impressive tasting menu and an extensive wine selection. Most local patrons opt for the five-course dinner, and the must-try cassoulet is an off-the-menu specialty they've perfected. Be advised that the portions are generous, so it's wise to skip starters if you hope to enjoy this delicious cassoulet fully.
2. L'Impériale
On the 1st floor of the Victor Hugo Market, Pl. Victor Hugo, 31000 Toulouse
Cassoulet at L'Impérial, served in a traditional clay pot, featuring IGP “haricot tarbais” - these delicious regional white beans are the star of this authentic dish.
In the heart of the iconic Marché Victor Hugo, L'Impériale has been a culinary beacon since 1985. This casual restaurant is a family enterprise run by Ginette, Martine, and Emma, a three-generation, all-women team. Together, they champion authentic, heartwarming cuisine, always made with the freshest ingredients from the market.
The secret to one of the best cassoulets in Toulouse is its white beans. L’Impériale exclusively uses “haricots tarbais,” a cherished hyper-local bean grown in the Hautes-Pyrénées, Gers, and Haute-Garonne. This large bean, awarded IGP status (Indication Géographique Protégée) in 2000, boasts exceptionally thin skin and tender flesh, delivering a delicate, non-mealy texture that elevates the dish. Additionally, they use pork loin, Toulouse sausage, skin sausage, and duck confit, blending into a symphony of deep, meaty, delightful flavors.
L'Impériale is not just a cassoulet restaurant in Toulouse. It's a culinary paradise offering a variety of meats and fish, all cooked to perfection on their plancha. It’s one of the five casual and family-run restaurants on the first floor of the Victor Hugo Market that open only when the market does, from 12 PM to 2 PM from Tuesday to Sunday. They don’t take reservations, so we recommend arriving just before the kitchen opens to ensure a table. These popular spots quickly fill up with local workers seeking a gourmet escape during lunch breaks.
3. Le Colombier
Left: Le Colombier's captivating interior, where terracotta red bricks and a bygone-era vibe invite you to a unique dining experience.
Right: Authentic cassoulet de Castelnaudary featuring sumptuous goose confit at Le Colombier.
If you're a fan of goose confit, you'll appreciate Le Colombier's unique take on cassoulet. In this region, each town has a slightly tweaked recipe. At Le Colombier, they don’t cook the classic cassoulet toulousain; instead, they claim to prepare the authentic cassoulet de Castelnaudary, the town where this recipe originates. This family-owned eatery, run by Marie and Patrick Petit, is steeped in decades of history and has honed the art of cassoulet, with each bite narrating a tale of the region. Their commitment to quality is evident in their partnership with Maison Garcia, arguably the most famous charcuterie shop in town, for sourcing the finest ingredients.
Le Colombier's story dates back to 1873, when it evolved from a post office to a bourgeois pension before finally transforming into the charming restaurant it is today. For 150 years, it has perfected one of the best cassoulets in Toulouse, and its proximity to the Matabiau train station and the Victor Hugo market makes it easily accessible for both locals and tourists.
The restaurant's ambiance is reminiscent of a bygone era with a modern twist. It's where you can relish the homely flavors of traditional dishes while experiencing the city's vibrant culinary scene. Beyond its celebrated cassoulet, the menu offers an array of dishes ranging from regional specialties to Bistro cuisine.
Renowned critics, like Gault & Millau and Le Petit Futé, praise Le Colombier's unwavering commitment to the traditional Toulouse-style cassoulet. Their balanced blend of white beans, Toulouse sausage, skin sausage, goose confit, and pork knuckle, paired with commendable service and a welcoming atmosphere, make it a must-visit spot in Toulouse.
4. Restaurant Emile
Left: The enchanting façade of Restaurant Emile, a gem nestled in Place Saint-Georges.
Right: Chef Christophe Fasan presents their traditional cassoulet, celebrated and recommended by the Michelin Guide.
Stepping into Restaurant Emile is like traveling back to when it first opened in the 1940s. What started as a modest family pension later blossomed into a pillar of Toulouse's gastronomy in the 1960s. Their cassoulet, often considered the masterpiece of their menu, has won the hearts of gourmets, earning the restaurant a spot on this list.
The restaurant is housed in a traditional Toulouse building on Place Saint-Georges, a location as charming as the dish it's famous for. The tale of their cassoulet starts with carefully selected Tarbais beans, gently cooked with pork rind and a mirepoix of vegetables. They then add locally sourced Toulouse sausage and homemade duck confit, a practice dating back to the restaurant's early days. However, their twist, which makes this one of the best cassoulets in Toulouse, is adding lamb meat to the mix for extra depth and richness. The entire process unfolds over hours, culminating in a cassoulet that strikes a delicate balance between its various components.
Restaurant Emile's cassoulet is a testament to its long-standing tradition and respect for local ingredients. It is even recommended by the Michelin Guide. Every spoonful of this slow-cooked delight reveals layers of flavors, capturing the true essence of Toulouse's gastronomy. You can enjoy this cassoulet while seated on its lovely terrace, but you also have the option to preorder it for takeout. Reheat it at home in your oven and enjoy it with family and friends.
From traditional family-run establishments to award-winning culinary destinations, each of these restaurants offers a unique interpretation of the classic Toulouse cassoulet. Whether you're a local or a tourist, these places guarantee an unforgettable culinary experience. Bon Appétit!
5. Restaurant Chez Marty
Left: Jean-Baptiste Marty, the celebrated 27-year-old chef, proudly displays his Best Cassoulet in the World 2024 award on stage.
Right: Attendees savor Chez Marty's award-winning cassoulet, basking in the convivial atmosphere of the evening.
At Restaurant Chez Marty in Castelnaudary, Jean-Baptiste Marty, the 27-year-old chef, has claimed the title of Best Cassoulet 2024 at the eighth edition of the Toulouse World Cassoulet Championship (8ème édition du Championnat du Monde du Cassoulet de Toulouse). The event, presided over by Michelin-starred chef Michel Sarran and organized by the humorist duo Les Chevaliers du Fiel, showcased Marty’s exceptional skill and passion for cassoulet, earning him and his establishment significant acclaim.
Chez Marty, a centennial culinary beacon, is not just a restaurant but a legacy passed down through generations, now in the hands of a young visionary who blends tradition with innovation. Winning the jury's award at this prestigious championship, Marty continues a rich tradition of culinary excellence, standing out with his unique take on the cassoulet de Castelnaudary. This victory highlights not only his talent but also the collaborative spirit of his team and the quality of local ingredients, particularly the IGP Castelnaudary beans that are central to his acclaimed dish.
The restaurant, having celebrated its 102nd anniversary, is a testament to traditional French cuisine's enduring appeal and adaptability. Under Marty’s leadership, Chez Marty remains a cherished destination for locals and visitors, promising an authentic taste of the region’s gastronomic heritage.
Jean-Baptiste Marty's victory is a story of pride, tradition, and the relentless pursuit of culinary perfection. It reaffirms the importance of family, heritage, and the simple joy of a well-cooked meal, making Chez Marty a must-visit for anyone seeking the world’s best cassoulet.
Bonus Recommendation: Maison Garcia
The 2024 Public Award-winning Best Cassoulet in the World by Maison Garcia, available for takeout at their esteemed charcuterie shops.
Maison Garcia stands as a beacon of culinary excellence in Toulouse, renowned for its traditional charcuterie and the heartwarming story of a family's journey from Spain in the 1940s, fleeing the aftermath of the Spanish Civil War. Now in its third generation, this esteemed butcher shop in the city's largest covered markets, Victor Hugo and Carmes continues to honor its heritage while serving the community.
Specializing in authentic Toulousain charcuterie, such as véritable saucisse de Toulouse, saucisse de couenne, and saucisson sec, Maison Garcia also delves into its Spanish roots by being the premier importer of premium Spanish pata-negra hams in France. Despite not being a restaurant, Maison Garcia offers its cassoulet to go, which garnered the Public Award at the 2024 Toulouse World Cassoulet Championship, celebrating the collective palate of cassoulet lovers.
Prepared daily in their Castelnau d'Estrètefonds lab near Toulouse, their cassoulet is a tribute to the Occitanie region's culinary traditions. Crafted with meticulous care, it features Castelnaudary beans perfectly soaked for texture alongside superior charcuterie products: artisanal véritable saucisse de Toulouse, saucisse de cayenne, confit cayenne, dry-cured ham lardons, and Southwest pork shoulder, complemented by delicious duck wings from the renowned Maison Samaran.
Maison Garcia's award-winning cassoulet is not just a meal; it's a journey through time and tradition, inviting every gourmet to savor the taste of history and craftsmanship that has defined Toulouse's gastronomic landscape for generations.
Conclusion
Embarking on the quest for the best cassoulet in Toulouse takes you through a gastronomic journey unlike any other. From the traditional charm of Le Genty Magre to the award-winning expertise of Chez Marty, each cassoulet restaurant in Toulouse offers a unique window into the soul of the city's culinary heritage. Whether you're savoring the meticulously prepared dishes at Restaurant Emile or exploring the rich flavors from the renowned Maison Garcia, Toulouse invites you to experience the pinnacle of its gastronomy. These establishments serve the meilleur cassoulet in Toulouse and embody the warmth and tradition that define the region's celebrated cuisine.
If you have any questions about this blog or our walking food tours, please visit our website or contact us. Are you keen on uncovering more culinary gems in this city? Immerse yourself in our feature, “Best Restaurants in Toulouse: Top Places to Eat,” and propel your gastronomic exploration through the heart of France further. This marks merely the start of the scrumptious adventure that lies ahead.
Bon appétit!
