Hello dear
Welcome To Combustible
Combustible, nestled in the vibrant Saint-Étienne neighborhood of Toulouse, is a culinary gem that blends intimate ambiance with exquisite cuisine. Opened in June 2023 by Chef Virginie Guitard, this bistro is celebrated for its Art Nouveau charm and welcoming service. The carefully crafted menu highlights fresh, vibrant ingredients, showcased in dishes like the delicate Carpaccio de daurade sébaste and the rich Côte de veau, both masterfully prepared to delight the palate. Each visit promises a refined yet relaxed dining experience, making it a must-visit for both locals and travelers. Reservations are highly recommended, as this beloved spot fills up quickly!
About
Combustible
Welcome to the charming world of Combustible, a delightful bistro nestled in the heart of Toulouse's Saint-Étienne neighborhood, just a stone's throw from the bustling Marché des Carmes. With its beautiful Art Nouveau decor, this intimate eatery seamlessly combines a relaxed atmosphere with a refined dining experience. Whether you're a local or a visitor, Combustible promises a memorable culinary journey that keeps diners returning for more.
Under the expert guidance of Chef Virginie Guitard, each dish is a testament to culinary craftsmanship. As you step inside, you're greeted with warmth, a hallmark of the devoted staff who provide impeccable service in both French and English. This welcoming demeanor sets the stage for a spectacular meal. The lunch experience is particularly recommended, with perfectly timed seating at 12:30 PM advised to snag a spot in this popular locale.
The menu is a symphony of flavors, starting with the Carpaccio de daurade sébaste, which boasts delicate notes of celery and Granny Smith apple—an ideal appetizer that refreshes the palate. The perfect egg served over a velvety fava bean purée, topped with roasted almonds and crispy ham, highlights an exquisite harmony of textures and richness without feeling heavy.
For seafood lovers, the cod fillet shines with its tarragon sabayon, elevating the moist fish to new heights. The artistry does not stop there; the visually stunning conchiglioni stuffed with ricotta and brightened by lemon zest encapsulates the flavors of summer with every bite.
For a meat lover's dream, the Côte de veau from Saint-Gaudens arrives tender and rich, perfectly complemented by a luxurious brown butter sauce. Each dish is thoughtfully created, making Combustible a sanctuary for both the eyes and the taste buds.
Combustible invites diners not just to taste but to experience—where each meal is enhanced by an atmosphere that balances casual comfort and sophisticated excitement. With glowing reviews from patrons highlighting the restaurant's consistent quality, friendly service, and a remarkable wine selection, it's evident that this is one of Toulouse's culinary gems.
In essence, Combustible encapsulates what it means to dine well—great food, attentive service, and an ambiance that wraps around you like a warm hug. Don’t miss out on this enchanting dining destination where every dish tells a story, and every visit feels like a special occasion.
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“ What a delight, close to the Metro (Carmes) en route tour apartment, delicious menu, with a touch of flambé. Virginie Guitard opened this new restaurant in June 2023. Highly recommend it ”
“ Solo English diner on a Wednesday night. Warm welcome and smooth service. Boudin Noir the best I’ve ever eaten. Delicious main and cheese plate. Great wine by the glass. Highly recommended. ”
“ At Combustible everyone can expect a warm and friendly welcome by the whole staff who will gladly advise you both in French and English, as well as a tasteful and well presented meal. All combined with a great atmosphere that both regular customers who knew the place and foreigners were clearly enjoying when we ate there. As we did. I highly recommend it. ”
“ Enjoyed the chef visiting and explaining the menu. The vibe was good. Food was creative and very tasty. ”
“ With a very cozy and calm ambiance. The food is great and the staff very nice and helpful. I recommend! ”
“ Lunch at Combustible is always a good idea. Yesterday, we booked a table for 12:30 (which we always recommend since the place fills up quickly), and headed to this favorite bistro tucked in the heart of the Saint-Étienne neighborhood, just around the corner from the Marché des Carmes. The space is small but beautifully designed—charming Art Nouveau vibes without feeling stuffy. It's intimate, welcoming, and just hits the perfect tone for a relaxed yet refined lunch. We came excited for the cuisine of chef Virginie Guitard, and she delivered, as always. Here’s what we had: 1⃣ Carpaccio de daurade sébaste with celery, olive oil, and little cubes of Granny Smith apple – super delicate and fresh, with a clean, citrusy balance. A great way to kick things off. 2⃣ Perfect egg over a fava bean purée, roasted almonds, and thin strips of crispy ham – the combo of textures was fantastic and the flavors rich but not heavy. 3⃣ Cod fillet with a tarragon sabayon, snow peas, and pickled guindilla – beautifully cooked fish, super moist, and the sabayon added this airy, aromatic layer that made the dish sing. 4⃣ Conchiglioni stuffed with ricotta, olives, lemon zest, pine nuts and herbs – visually stunning and perfectly seasoned, with a vibrant, punchy filling that felt like summer. 5⃣ Côte de veau from Saint-Gaudens, served with brown butter, tarragon, mustard, and capers – this was rich, tender, and deeply satisfying. The kind of dish you dream about long after the meal. Also worth noting: the place has great AC, and the front-of-house manager was incredibly kind and professional—as always. And as a lovely surprise, Chef Virginie Guitard said hi at the end of the service, which made the experience even more special. Combustible is open Monday to Friday, both for lunch and dinner, and whether you go for the formule midi (great value) or order à la carte, it’s always worth it. It’s one of those rare places where food, service, and atmosphere align perfectly. In short? One of the most consistently satisfying spots in Toulouse. Highly recommended! ”