N.B. This is only my second five star review…read more To say that Le Louchebem is an essential part of my life, is to say that my body needs oxygen. Saying a Cote-de-boeuf avec fois gras is what makes me feel alive, is to state that the sun rises in the East and sets in the West i.e. Essential. All very dramatic I must admit, but bare with me. By far this should be one of the first places you visit, if you ever have the pleasure to be in Toulouse. A place that doesn't need to take reservations, is a place you need to make sure you're a part of. The rule is; two seatings. The first one you have to arrive before high noon. The next one you arrive about 13:30 p.m. In good weather sit on the balcony, if not get amongst it inside. Order a pichet de vin and anything on the menu! Le carte de jour is always great value, but when you see a chopping board come out of the kitchen you know it's a proper bit of meat. I remember when le Cote-de-boeuf was 35 Euros, I think it's about 65 now. However, I always order it whenever I'm there (they will laugh, if you ask for it to be cooked any other way apart from how it comes) My brother polished it off in 20 minutes and asked for more! It's at least 2lb of cow. My friends and I have travelled the world many times, this is still the place we talk about when we refer to steak. See you in August!

had my first taste of "real" cassoulet at a no-frills spot above the public market Halles…read moreVictor-Hugo. not a few locals pointed this way for the best value lunch (only) in town. bedecked with rugby flags and crazy busy, Le Louchebem is owned by a butcher who plies his trade in the market, and is run by his son. get there before 12 or you may have a long wait for the steak of your dreams. truly everything we ate here was luscious - côte de bœuf, foie gras, confit de canard AND cassoulet. the quality meats are direct from the boucher, all moderately priced and dishes so big but too good not to finish. cassoulet: done.