Occitanie has just been included in the prestigious “100 Best Food Regions in the World” ranking. Produced by the very serious TasteAtlas website, this ranking reveals the 100 best gastronomic regions in the world. Unsurprisingly, a restaurant in Toulouse stands out from the crowd, raising the profile of local gastronomy. Here’s why you shouldn’t miss out on this address and the region’s culinary riches!
Occitanie in the top 100 of the world’s best gastronomic regions
Occitanie has established itself as a must-visit destination for lovers of regional cuisine. According to the TasteAtlas 2025 ranking, the region is one of the world’s top 100 culinary destinations. It stands out alongside giants such as Italy and Greece, which occupy the top 3 of the list. Italy, with the Campania region, tops the list thanks to its Neapolitan pizzas and mozzarella. Greece follows close behind, with the Peloponnese and its Mediterranean products. Finally, Emilia-Romagna in Italy rounds out the podium with its pasta and parmesan.
Occitanie may be in 64th place, but it has nothing to be ashamed of. It is ahead of many French regions (Savoie, Auvergne, Pays de la Loire…), confirming its status as a gastronomic Mecca. Located in south-west France, it stretches from the Pyrenees to the Mediterranean, encompassing Toulouse, Montpellier and Carcassonne. This geographical diversity is reflected in the region’s incredibly rich culinary produce. As a result, Occitanie has established itself as a benchmark for travelers in search of authenticity and local flavors.
How was this ranking achieved? TasteAtlas is based on over 477,000 verified reviews of 15,478 regional dishes and products. Regions are evaluated according to public ratings for their local restaurants, iconic dishes and the quality of their typical ingredients. This process guarantees an authentic selection, based on the real experience of gourmets the world over. So there’s no doubt that the world’s finest gastronomic regions have been selected.
Regional specialities and Toulouse restaurants not to be missed
It’s impossible to talk about Occitanie without mentioning its regional specialties. These include cassoulet, confit de canard, tomme des Pyrénées, cabécou and aligot. These recipes, handed down from generation to generation, are the pride of the local people and attract visitors from all over the world.
Cassoulet, the emblematic dish, can be enjoyed in numerous establishments, but one Toulouse restaurant stands out from the crowd this year. It’s L’Air de Famille, a warm and welcoming address in Toulouse. This restaurant, cited by TasteAtlas, offers authentic Southwestern cuisine, featuring local produce and traditional recipes. The atmosphere is friendly, the service attentive, and each dish tells a story. Enjoy homemade cassoulet, local meats and gourmet desserts. For food lovers, it’s a must when visiting the Ville Rose!
With its regional specialties and characterful restaurants, the region has everything to seduce gourmets in search of authenticity. So, are you ready to book your table in Toulouse and discover the flavors of Occitanie?