Today, I’m revealing a great Parisian address for enjoying quality products from the South-West.
Recently opened in the 8th arrondissement of Paris, the restaurant Ô-Toulouse has created a little corner of Toulousain paradise in the capital—a place that smells of conviviality and sharing, all centered around regional cuisine that is highly characteristic of the area.
Everything is obviously homemade or carefully selected by the owner (sausages, local hams, and wines), who is truly the heart and soul of this place and who kindly invited me to come and discover his world.
A notable detail: the natural sourdough bread served at Ô Toulouse is baked every day in an oven specifically designed for this purpose. The foie gras, duck confit, the cassoulet (A killer! Perhaps one of the best you can find in Paris, according to the friend from Bordeaux who accompanied me that evening), as well as the pastries and ice creams are also prepared on-site.
Be warned, you will leave this place with a full stomach, packed with the culinary treasures of the South West (those with small appetites, trouble digesting rich foods, or who are on a diet should abstain; plus, you would upset the owner, who loves to see his customers fully enjoy his dishes).
Not to be missed: the royal cassoulet, but also the chef’s famous chouquettes, which you can fill with the sweet accompaniment of your choice—just super fresh!
On the menu, you can also enjoy homemade foie gras, sausages, duck breast, confit, or other local dishes.
The hot tip: you can go down to the cellar to choose your wine from the kaleidoscope of South West appellations, bring it back up, and open it yourself; this way you’ll save €5 on the price of the bottle!
Regarding the decor, you’ll find the typical Toulousain staples painted on the restaurant walls, even if I find the overall atmosphere a bit lacking in warmth (this is, however, largely compensated for by the human warmth of the establishment’s owner). I would, however, recommend this address for an outing with friends rather than for a romantic dinner.
The only small downside to this beautiful picture remains, for me, the neighborhood around Place de Clichy, not exactly the first one you’d think of for dining out, but you won’t end up here by chance, and I advise you to make the trip because the reward is on the plate.
O Toulouse 3 Boulevard des Batignolles 75008 Paris Open every day 11:30 AM-2:30 PM and 6:30 PM-midnight / Closed for lunch on weekends Prices: Ô Set Menu from €19 to €34 (€13 for those under 12) Edit 04/20/2020: this address is unfortunately permanently closed
Photo credits: Mademoiselle Bon Plan Photos are not royalty-free, photographer's authorization mandatory before any use
