L'Oustal Del Barry

Nestling in a leafy green site and dominated by its castle, the quaint village of Belcastel rises up on the right bank of the Aveyron River. Work up an appetite by strolling along its cobbled streets and up and down its steep paths! Quietly feeding hungry travellers is something of a tradition in this family-owned business opened by the grandparents of sisters Nicole and Michèle Fagegaltier, now at the helm. The enticing menu naturally highlights local delicacies such as lamb and veal from Aveyron and Ségala, Aubrac beef and Bigorre black pork, without forgetting fish and farmhouse cheese. Sto

In the Ségala region, nestling in a village that is famous for its Cistercian church, this recently renovated little restaurant is accommodated in a half-timbered house. A well-travelled couple of industry professionals, Guilhem and Léonie, chef and pastry chef respectively, put a skilful spin on traditional fare such as shredded shoulder of lamb served tajine-style or, for dessert, citrus millefeuille with caramel and blood orange sorbet. The well-balanced and appealing menu they have come up with abounds with fresh and colourful dishes – plus it's excellent value for money. In short, they've

This game of skittles in Cajarc is on a roll under the supervision of Grégory Dattiches, a young chef from Lot with an ironclad CV. In a lively neo-bistro, he crafts spot-on inspired dishes ranging from gravlax of trout and a stew of thinly sliced beef cooked in lemon confit and chimichurri to roast monkfish in a saté sauce with verbena-flavoured roast apricots and a house sorbet adding the final flourish to this banquet. Food in the zeitgeist packed in forthright flavours that hits the spot every time. Love at first bite.

Luck has nothing to do with the current reputation of this downtown venue, facing Jean Jaurès Fountain, as the darling of the town’s discerning epicureans. The stripped-back interior sports a distinctly Scandinavian feel, which given the chef’s Swedish origins is hardly a surprise. On the culinary front, he deploys his undisputed talent, adding a new twist to French classics and conjuring up enticing recipes in tune with the era: generous portions, well crafted and oozing with flavour. The intelligent wine list and crack table staff, as professional as they are friendly, add the final flourish

A restaurant, bistro, wine bar and wine shop all in one in the heart of Gaillac. This light-filled space with an open kitchen meets all your dining needs. Julien Bourdariès cooks up bistro-style cuisine, complemented by a selection of regional charcuterie and cheeses, and, in season, a truffle menu. His dishes are indulgent – think cod loin with risotto-style fregola sarda and a lemon and fresh herb condiment. The wine list features over 200 different labels. A convivial location, with a room upstairs available for private hire.

Just 10min from the historic town centre, this restaurant is to be found where you would least expect it: on the first floor of an unremarkable building that, so we're told, was once a fire station. The contemporary setting is definitely appealing, as is the cuisine of the chef, who has an impressive track record (Alain Ducasse in Paris and Py-R in Toulouse). The three set menus, which echo today's culinary standards, certainly whet the appetite: roast onions and grilled mackerel; glazed pork belly, a meat jus, potatoes, leeks and peppers. Cordial service.

From Conques to Rodez, where he relocated when he took over Émilie and Thomas Roussey's restaurant, chef Hervé Busset continues to present himself as a cook and harvester. The produce he gathers from the surrounding fields and forests is supplemented by purchases from the market opposite his new premises. Hervé's creative cuisine is dictated by nature: comfrey, marigold, hedge nettle, meadowsweet and nasturtium flowers grace the plates with harmony and finesse throughout the surprise set menu. Completely refurbished, the chic, inviting setting ensures privacy for guests. The sommelier has exce