A Taste of NOLA in South Lake Tahoe
Est. 2021
Fresh, creative California cuisine with New Orleans soul in the heart of South Lake Tahoe. At Toulouse, Chef Jon Wainwright brings seasonal creativity to the table, served alongside craft cocktails, a relaxed Tahoe atmosphere, and heated patio dining. Only two blocks from Lakeside Beach and Marina, Toulouse is a place to settle in, savor the moment, and enjoy good food in good company.
A Hidden Gem on the South Shore
Tucked off the casino strip in South Lake Tahoe, on the CA–Nevada border is Toulouse. A charming hidden gem where California freshness meets the soulful flavors of New Orleans.
Executive Chef Wainwright has crafted a menu that blends local ingredients with bold, Southern-inspired dishes that warm the heart and excite the palate.
Guests rave that they’ve had the best shrimp of their lives here — especially in the signature Shrimp & Grits, where perfectly blackened shrimp meet creamy grits, Tasso ham, and a spicy kick. Other standouts include the Blackened Catfish Po’ Boy, hearty Jambalaya, and the Sausage & Crawfish Poutine smothered in smoky pimento cheese gravy. Starters like Crispy Brussel Sprout Bites with cranberry aioli and fresh oysters set the tone, while desserts such as the Pistachio Cheesecake and house-made Banana Bread Pudding leave a lasting impression.
The atmosphere is relaxed yet refined — a modern rustic setting with a lively bar, cozy dining room, and a dog-friendly patio that reviewers call “beautiful and inviting.” Service is consistently praised as warm, attentive, and personal, adding to the sense of welcome.
Toulouse on Park Avenue offers breakfast, lunch, and dinner, summer brunch and chef specials along with a daily happy hour featuring food and drink specials. Whether you’re seeking bold flavors, craft cocktails, or a vibrant dining experience, Toulouse promises a meal you’ll remember — and a reason to return.
How it Started – Origin story
35 years ago, four people working in the hospitality industry met in a bar on Toulouse Street in The French Quarter of New Orleans. Over-time they became great friends and when the first one moved away he stated, “our paths will cross again.”
Sure enough, over the next three decades, they worked together and apart in cities across the USA, including New York, Chicago, San Francisco, Telluride, Washington DC and of course The Big Easy – New Orleans, Louisiana (NOLA).
In early 2021 an opportunity presented itself and Toulouse was born here in South Lake Tahoe, CA. Original founder, Chef Jon Wainwright is our executive chef serving fresh CA cuisine with a New Orleans soul and the rest of the founding team is here to make sure you are fed, happy and full.
Good drinks taste better when they’re shared
Come see us for Happy Hour
A lively window into the bar and kitchen. We’re talking crispy brussels sprouts, New Orleans style gumbo, sausage & crawfish poutine, and cajun wings—plus cocktails, wine, and local Tahoe brews. Show up hungry. Leave happy and full. Happy Hour 4–6 daily.
SLT Restaurant Week
November 6–15, 2026 Toulouse will be participating in South Lake Tahoe Restaurant Week. We’re putting the finishing touches on our special offering — check back soon for details. More information coming soon.
featured plates by chef jon
A rotating expression of the kitchen. Seasonal dishes—from fresh ahi and oysters to rack of lamb and shellfish—alongside slow-simmered classics like beef stew, goulash, lobster mac & cheese, and peppered beef tenderloin. Expect bold features like New Orleans-style jambalaya with Creole tomato sauce, chicken, shrimp, andouille sausage, or country-style thick-cut smoked bacon layered with whipped goat cheese, grilled peach, and balsamic reduction. Crafted with California vibrancy, French technique, and Creole soul. We post our Chef Specials and Featured Plates to our Dinner page. Offered in limited quantities.
Soirées & Private Affairs
Host your private party inside our elegant dining room or on our heated, dog-friendly deck. With seating for up to 100 guests—and more when collaborating with Station House Inn—your celebration fits perfectly, rain or shine.
