Py-r
Toulouse, France
⭐2 Stars
The Experience
From Michelin Guide
Pierre Lambinon is nothing if not wholehearted! In this restaurant just a stone's throw from the Pont Neuf, he is making waves with his cooking. The meal begins with a festival of appetisers, bringing a foretaste of the flavours that will define the meal. The chef is at his most inspired when it comes to deftly preparing dishes based on herbs from the garden, fish and seafood and fine seasonal vegetables – intoxicating seafood aromas, grilled notes and the bitter overtones of vegetables. For example, line-caught hake from Saint-Jean-de-Luz and Pyrenean trout gravlax, broad beans and wild garlic in a big-boned pesto and citrus juice with concentrated honey. It's original, but he pulls it off! The vaulted, predominantly white interior is hung with eye-catching artwork by contemporary artists. The epitome of stylish!
Unique Things
From Visitor Experiences
Here are three unique and unconventional aspects of the Michelin star restaurant Py-r in Toulouse:
1. Location and Ambiance: An Underground Culinary Gem
Py-r is uniquely situated at the bottom of an underground staircase in an old fish hall near the Garonne river, featuring vaulted cellars and white brick walls. This setting transforms a historical space into a refined and sober decor that blends modern design with warm hospitality, creating a cozy and intimate atmosphere uncommon in fine dining.
2. Culinary Focus on Herbs, Seasonal Vegetables, and Local Nature
The chef at Py-r is notably inspired by using herbs from the garden, fine seasonal vegetables, fish, and seafood, crafting dishes that highlight the natural bounty of the region. The cuisine revisits Gascony gastronomy with talent, balancing land and sea delicacies in original and refined preparations that emphasize creativity and attention to detail.
3. A Playful and Innovative Tasting Menu Experience
Py-r offers innovative and playful tasting menus that showcase culinary artistry and creativity. Each dish is meticulously crafted to tell a story of passion for French gastronomy, making dining here not just a meal but an immersive and unforgettable culinary journey. The experience is enhanced by an excellent wine list and impeccable service, including unique touches like a "crazy Irish coffee".
These elements combine to make Py-r a standout Michelin star restaurant with a distinctive blend of location, culinary philosophy, and dining experience.
Ingredient Stars
From Visitor Experiences
The most honored or signature ingredients at the Michelin-starred restaurant Py-r in Toulouse include:
Egg (œuf mollet): Used in a signature dish paired with gnocchi and mushrooms, the soft-boiled egg adds richness and a delicate texture that complements the earthiness of the mushrooms and the gnocchi's softness.
Mushrooms: Featured alongside the œuf mollet and gnocchi, mushrooms bring an umami depth and forest flavor, highlighting the restaurant’s focus on natural, high-quality ingredients.
Wild-caught hake (merlu de pêche sauvage): This fish is a centerpiece in a signature dish, served with prune condiments and a vegetable barquette, showcasing a balance of fresh seafood with sweet and vegetal notes.
Prunes (condiment pruneaux): Used as a condiment with the hake dish, prunes provide a sweet and slightly tart contrast that enhances the flavor complexity of the seafood.
Cocoa (feuille à feuille cacao): Incorporated in a dessert, the layered cocoa preparation demonstrates the restaurant’s creative use of chocolate to craft refined, textural desserts.
These ingredients reflect Py-r’s culinary philosophy of combining authentic flavors with innovative techniques, emphasizing regional and seasonal produce in elegant presentations. The use of elements like the œuf mollet and wild hake highlights a connection to French culinary tradition, while prunes and cocoa add distinctive flavor contrasts in their dishes.