A legendary address in downtown Toulouse, Bibent has been offering cuisine that combines tradition and modernity for a little over 160 years. The dishes are to be enjoyed in a unique setting, characteristic of the Belle Époque. For sunny days, the restaurant offers a summer menu with refreshing options.
An emblematic address in the Ville Rose
Bibent is an integral part of Toulouse's history. The result of a family business, it was built in the 19th century. Great figures have frequented the place, such as Jean-Jaurès, at the time a municipal councillor and deputy mayor, who went there to write his articles. Considered at the time as the Café de Flore – a famous Parisian brasserie – of the South, the Bibent was a meeting place for the intellectuals of the Ville Rose. The address also made history for a completely different reason: it was the first in Toulouse to offer beer on tap.
The Place du Capitole is lined with cafés, but the Bibent is the only one to have retained its characteristic decor from the last quarter of the 19th century.
It is its decoration that astonishes when you enter the establishment: a collection of painted stuccoes, protected as a Historic Monument since 1975. The outdoor setting is just as prestigious: a terrace with a breathtaking view of the Capitol.
Between tradition and modernity
"We want to combine tradition and modernity, showing that we can live in today's times while cooking grandmother's recipes, by highlighting local products, particularly from Occitanie, labeled AOP, AOC or Label Rouge" explains Laurent Carrere, director of the place. The restaurant offers a menu that honors traditional French cuisine with a touch of creativity.
"We appropriate recipes by updating them: we integrate vegetarian dishes and contemporary dishes like the burger, we give a nod to Françoise from Chez Tonton with the Mimosa au meter.”
Among the must-haves are cassoulet, foie gras, mille-feuille and Norwegian omelette. Dishes made in part with labeled, protected or regional products such as Black Pork of Bigorre or Aveyron veal.
Different formulas are offered for lunch: the epicurean with starter, main course, dessert and glass of wine for €34, the duo selection for €25, the essential lunch with a daily special for €18…
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A refreshing menu for the summer period
On the summer menu, we find octopus as a starter accompanied by a potato siphon, burrata or even a pâté en croûte and its condiments. On the main course side, meat and fish lovers as well as vegetarians will find something to suit them: medallions of Pyrenean chuck steak braised for 7 hours, bouillabaisse-style cod or grilled halloumi with a watermelon press share the menu.
For dessert, the ice creams with natural ingredients from the Italian brand GROM come in different flavors: pistachio, strawberry, mango, hazelnut... Pastry lovers will go crazy for the famous Bibent mille-feuille, the infinitely chocolate or the strawberry pavlova.