Auberge de la Forge

The story

Auberge de la Forge – Modern Cuisine in Toulouse | Michelin Star

A Passion for Taste, Rooted in the South-West

At Auberge de la Forge, Claire and Théo Fernandez have created a place where tradition meets modernity. Trained in the most prestigious Parisian establishments alongside renowned chefs, they returned to the Toulouse region—where their story began—to open a warm, personal dining room. Housed in a charming red-brick maison toulousaine in the small village of Lavalette, the restaurant draws its name from the forge’s bellows and fireplace that still anchor the space. It is a setting built for sharing, where the couple’s philosophy is clear: “Cooking what is good, beautiful, and alive.”

A Menu That Speaks of the Land

The kitchen evolves with the seasons, the encounters, and the inspirations of the moment, always placing the exceptional products of the South-West terroir at the centre. Nearly all ingredients come from local suppliers who share the chefs’ values of respect for resources and seasonality. The result is a modern cuisine that is both authentic and intuitive—a blend of tradition and modernity around beautiful produce.

The current expression of this vision is the "Expressions de nos terroirs" tasting menu at €110. A representative offering might begin with cucumbers from local market gardeners, prepared in the spirit of a tzatziki with peppermint and smoked feta. Next, Arctic char from the Monts de Lacaune is paired with fig-leaf oil and fresh almonds. Blue lobster from Brittany arrives with young beetroots, tangy currants, and a lobster-infused rose sauce. The main course is Mont Royal squab roasted with verbena, artichoke, and sakura-vinegar cherries. A cheese course from local affineurs is available (+€15), and dessert features rhubarb from Domaine de la Source in a take on a Charlotte with elderflower and a sparkling Limoux rosé bubble. A wine pairing is offered for €55.

Recognition and Atmosphere

This meticulous, ingredient-driven approach earned Auberge de la Forge a Michelin star—a mark of high-quality cooking that aligns with the Fernandez’s commitment to constantly questioning and renewing their craft. The dining room, with its exposed red brick and the forge’s hearth, provides a comfortable, refined backdrop for a meal that tells the story of two passionate people and their region, one season at a time.