Bistro Toulouse

Loved-​loved-​loved this place for brunch! First off, it gets props for actually being open for a Saturday brunch when so many places in town only do Sunday brunch. The entire staff was warm and welcoming and made for a very fun celebratory meal.
They have a nice variety of brunch cocktails and we availed ourselves of several bellini’s and raspberry mimosas. We started with gruyère cheese gougeres which we then renamed cheese clouds because they were light and heavenly. The entrees consisted of a banana and nutella crêpe with crème anglaise and the pain perdu which is their version of french toast. Both were amazingly tasty and the pain perdu was a fun twist on a classic dish that I hadn’t seen before.
I can’t wait to go back for dinner to see what sort of culinary concoctions they have!

The food was just a big let down. Cold sauce on under cooked, luke warm filet mignon. The steak quality itself felt good, but was let down by the restaurant. Arrived late.
Bouillabaisse had absolutely no flavor, so the two pieces of bread, that were intended to mop it up in delight, served no purpose. Again, the seafood quality seemed good in and of itself, but was not tasty and unrelentingly bland. Topped with a cold sauce that, upon hitting the warmer broth, kind of curdled.
Escargot was too chewy, almost like tough eggplant, nothing like the sumptuous, buttery stuff I’ve been used to from great French restaurants.
Cocktail was good, but not restaurant quality.

We dined Saturday night for our first time and it’s restaurant week. The restaurant is nice sized with a bar and stools, then 2 4top bar tables (tall), a few booths and then remainder with tables. It has a nice décor, very comfy feel, and bigger than it appears from outside. We were greeted at the door and sat at a 2top in the back. The restaurant quickly filled after we arrived. It was well staffed, with several servers and others about. Our server was acceptable, nothing worth mentioning. The restaurant week menu had a nice variety of appetizers & entrees, and for an additional $ 16 you could get wine pairings. We decided on the country pâté and the Merguez sausage, both which were house made. I enjoyed the sausage more since it came with a slightly spicey harissa. The entrees we decided were the short rib bouguignon and the flounder Amandine. They both were nice presentations, and with satisfying portions. I loved the flounder, delicately breaded and pan seared, and the short rib was cooked perfectly and also flavored well. For dessert we both chose the dried cherry bread pudding, it was ok and a little dry. I did enjoy the wine pairing and thought they went well each serving.
Overall we enjoyed the food, and restaurant week did it’s purpose of getting us in for our first visit. We look forward to returning and ordering off the full menu next time.

They thoroughly impressed. Service was excellent. The menu and wine pairing were out of sight. I have found a new go to place. Unassuming exterior, but Oh! the food inside is an experience.

We went here for the first time last night for Restaurant Week. We chose the three course meal which included an appetizer, entrée and dessert. Everything we ordered was brimming with great flavors and truly exceptional. Service was absolutely wonderful. The drawbacks we noted that prevented us from giving it five stars are the time delays between courses was excessive and the sound level in the restaurant was not conducive to carrying on a conversation.

Really good version of cassoulet here. If you want to try a French comfort food classic this is a good place to check it out. I recommend pairing with either of the two Sauvignon Blancs offered — French and New Zealand. A good opportunity to compare and contrast the two versions. My prediction — you’ll like both!

Sadly, this is not a French restaurant. It may be a French influenced menu, but it is made strictly for Americans. It is a fine attempt and the Chef does have skill, but just like Basil’s is not really Thai, this is not French food.
Enjoy it for what it is!

Came here for Brunch during restaurant week. The place wasn’t very busy when we got there but the service was pretty slow anyway. I think we were there for a good hour and a half. The food was good but wasn’t really worth the long waits.

Thoroughly enjoyable dining experience. I had been to Bistro Toulouse for dinner before, and enjoyed it. Went back for Restaurant Week, and they offered an outstanding Restaurant Week menu. The portion sizes were generous, and they offered a nice selection from their regular menu. I especially enjoyed the wine pairings with each course.
For dessert, I had the lavender crême brûlée. It was just right! Just the right consistency, and flavor.
Great place for dinner!

Le meilleur brunch jamais (The Best Brunch Ever). Not an overstatement in either language. Really this is a gem of a place. Service was impeccable and quite accommodating. Stella was our server this morning for brunch. Booked via OpenTable as my wife and I have never been before. Anna our daughter has been and bragged about it. If it pleases a picky 17-​year old it was certainly worth checking out.
Opened up with the Gruyère Gougeres, any lighter and they would have needed to tethered down with some balloon string.
Sharon had a $ 20 (for three) a type of Crêpe stuffed with goodness, side of fruit (special request)
I opted for the Braised Pork Hash and was not disappointed. Braised Pork (tender and flavorful) on a bed of done-​just-​right breakfast potatoes.
Dessert was the Lavender infused (and I mean infused) crème brûlée. Absolutely amazing and still on my breath (and mind).
SaleebScore: Food: ¹⁰⁄₁₀; Service: ⁹⁄₁₀; Value: ⁸⁄₁₀; Ambiance: 8.5÷10 [for those not in the know… these are darn good scores]

First time at Bistro Toulouse and I was pleasantly surprised by the quality of the food and the excellent service.
We had the octopus (my favorite), a very nice charcuterie plate, followed by mussels and fries and steak and fries. Mussels are a speciality and I was not disappointed. Mine were prepared with green curry and coconut milk, lots of flavor but not overwhelming spice. The fries were nice and crispy. My favorite part of the night was the flourless chocolate cake. It came with fresh strawberries and limoncello cream every bite was amazing!
Prices were fair at atmosphere was cozy. Things got pretty busy as the evening progressed so we might make reservations next time in case the word gets out about this little gem! It’s great to have another good French bistro in Charleston.

Defininitely a fan! I was here on Bastille Day 2015. I had a thoroughly enjoyable dinner. Fried Octopus. French Onion/​Cheese Soup. And Roasted Duck that make me quack up!
Our service was very good and appropriately attentive.
Bistro Toulouse is located in a non-​descript shopping center. Mixed in somewhere between a laundromat and a wireless store and Dante’s Liquors.
Liberté, égalité, fraternité! Oh, and it helps to have a credit card. The prices are very reasonable, but you will be tempted to enjoy la vie française on your night out.

The evening began with a Super Tuscan red which complimented the palate with an explosion of flavors swimming down the throat. Overall, the wine and bubbly selections are wonderful sectioned off by the boldness of the wines.
Before I go further, it is critical now that we have experienced breakfast and dinner to give a special recognition to the exceptional service provided. From the articulation and polite demeanor of the servers, to the careful placement of plates and silverware, the servers are a big part of the whole dining experience.
Your dining journey will feel like a five star restaurant without the price. Hidden deep in the heart of one of the many strip malls on Coleman Blvd, it is easy to get lost among the neon lights panning across end to end, but make no mistake, as you enter, you will have a memorable time.
We began with a warm asparagus salad that was topped with peas, peppers and a lemon vinaigrette. The portion was just right for one or two to share.
Bistro Toulouse has a bit of a reputation for mussels, so we had to indulge in Mussels and Frites. There are two options and a special to select from. It wasn’t difficult to know we wanted the Mussels and Frites with truffles and a truffle cream sauce. This dish comes with bacon, but we chose to eliminate that ingredient. At $ 14.00, this was a tremendous bargain.
This two course meal took up well past closing time as the conversation flowed nicely throughout the evening. Therefore we had to pass on dessert.
The mussels were exceptionally light, but when complimented with the truffles and cream sauce, it made for a filling entrée. One cannot resist dipping the bread in the truffle cream sauce. A must if you are going to enjoy this entrée.
The mussel dish is very comfortable for two and can even squeeze in a third.
If you have not heard of Bistro Toulouse or have been hesitant to go, make a reservation and enjoy a relaxing breakfast/​brunch or dinner.
If you have the time, enjoy one of the profiteroles, sorbet, soufflé or crème brûlée desserts along with fresh cup of coffee.

We might have missed this restaurant … it’s the storefront with the blinking ‘open’ sign … wedged between a laundromat and a Baroni’s Pizza. Upon entering, we were warmly greeted and escorted past the lively wine bar, to the rear section of the busy dining room, and seated at a table for two, not far from the kitchen.
It’s hard not to notice that the décor is nothing special … actually, far from the excitement i’ve encountered when entering a French brasserie or bistro, downtown. Though I was seated facing the kitchen which generally would necessitate a change in tables, the doorless entrance was masked with a colorful, poster covered screen and it worked. None of this really mattered … we were at Bistro Toulouse to eat great food in a casual, friendly, unpretentious atmosphere.
Our server, Josh, quickly introduced himself and described the evening’s menu specials and wonderful cocktails. The Chrysanthemum immediately caught my eye … Benedictine, vermouth, absinthe. It was smooth and lovely. My husband was pleased with Josh’s recommendation for a glass of the Daci Tempranillo, rated 90 points by Robert W. Parker (Wine Advocate).
Though the menu included many fabulous brasserie options including charcuterie, escargots, onion soup gratinee and mussels with frites, my husband decided to pass on a first course. I selected and adored the Salad Lyonnaise ($ 10.00) … a large mound of fresh frisée served with a perfectly poached egg, plump and crispy bacon lardons and shallot vinaigrette on the side (of course).
Bistro Toulouse offers many classic Bistro options, priced between $ 29.00 — $ 25.00, such as Cassoulet, steak and frites, herb roasted chicken; Signature dishes such as Duck Breast, Roasted Lamb Sirloin and Polenta Forestiere and several Specials that change, daily. We both opted for fish. My husband selected and really enjoyed the Bouillabaisse ($ 22.00) It arrived at our table piping hot, brimming with fresh flounder, shrimp and mussels in a delightful and delicately seasoned broth. It was served with 2 generous slices of crusty baguette and rouille.
Since I love simply prepared seafood, I was thrilled to see fresh catch en papillate on the menu. Three fish were offered this evening … at three different prices. I selected the local flounder ($ 25.00). It arrived at our table, steaming, and once Josh slit open the parchment packet, it was evident that the chef was on top of his game. The aroma was divine (lemon, white wine and fresh herbs) the spring vegetables including fresh peas, potatoes, carrots and pearl onions were tender and most importantly, the portion of flounder was generous, moist and flaky. It was truly fine dining. We considered ending our fabulous meal with a soufflé, but, we were both too full and passed on the dessert course.
Josh was attentive throughout the meal … but not overly so. The restaurant is open for lunch and Weekend brunch … we can’t wait to return.
There certainly weren’t any misses this evening.

Decided to try this «French» restaurant… A little hesitant since it was located in a strip mall next to a grocery store… I came in around 9 p.m. on a Saturday night. There were 4 tables seated and no one up at the bar. I chose to sit up at the bar. I will say it was very bright for dining, there was top 40 music on (not French) and three TVs showing sports. The chosen uniforms of the wait staff and the bartender were off white shirt that we’re not pressed and black pants or skirts… Found it to be not very French, either… I felt more like I was in a sports bar.
I ordered the duck entrée but then I was told they were out of it… So then I had ordered the escargot which had a lovely flavor but they were overcooked. I ordered the octopus which was beautifully arranged and quite tasty. I also ordered the steak tartare which had a fabulous flavor. The service of the bartender was very good filling up my drink, but then again I was his only customer.
My bill was around $ 34 without gratuity for the three appetizers…
Over all I AM giving it only 3 stars due to really wanting it to be walking into a French restaurant with the entire ambience, however what else can you expect for being in a strip mall?!?

Je t’aime Bistro Toulouse! This is a true Paris experience in Mount Pleasant. Sitting at the bar is lovely as you can take in the whole beautiful space. I love the wine list with the option of a three ounce pour. I had a Rose that was very nice. The charcuterie list is one of the best I have seen. You can mix and match various cheese, sausage or pâté. Got the duck rilliet and blue cheese. It was served with chornichons, pickled veggies, two mustards, walnuts, honey, fruit compote and ample bread and crackers. An amazing deal for $ 8. Next was the Thai mussels and fries. The mussels were small but succulent. The broth was awesome, flavored with real kafir lime leaves. That’s love and dedication to creating the correct flavor. The fries were perfect.
The service was attentive and warm despite being the party that kept the kitchen open around closing time. I love the hospitality. Can’t wait to go back for what I understand is the best onion soup in town.

It always surprises me that a strip mall can have such nice Resturant. This one is trying very hard. Nice people, nice place. Bouillabaisse was very skimpy, 3 shrimp, broth that had no taste at all. The Beef Bourguignon had so much Fat in it that we sent it back. Any apology was given and we were not charged, but I felt that the waitress should have told the manager about this in the back, not in front of us, whispering. The manager told us that this beef that they used was a little fatty, really, then why serve it? They need to get their act together, if they want to compete.
Frank G

This just such a nice little place for a really good meal. There are so many good restaurants in Charleston area but this place is such a solid performer. These people really care about delivering good, fresh, quality food.
Last night I just wanted something light and simple. I ordered Warm Asparagus Salad and Grilled Squid small plates. They were just perfect.
Support this place. You won’t be sorry.