After Paris, Nantes, Strasbourg and Bordeaux, it’s Toulouse’s turn to welcome its first restaurant “Dans le noir”. Located at the Pullman hotel of Jean Jaurès since October 1st, this unusual establishment offers dining in total darkness.

Dine in total darkness, here is the concept of the restaurant “Dans le noir”, installed since October 1st within the Pullman Ramblas hotel, on the alleys Jean Jourès, in Toulouse. This establishment is the result of a chain of restaurants and sensory experiences founded in 2003. As disconcerting as it is entertaining, this experience has its share of surprises … and giggles!

A shock team

In the kitchen, the chef Yousri Ben Jeday is inspired by the bistros of the South-West and has found a point of honor in the selection of local and seasonal ingredients. “All our menus are tested and improved thanks to tastings carried out by our sensory experts in absolute darkness”, we can read on the website of the restaurant “Dans le noir”. A la carte … surprise! The diners do not know what is on their plate until the end of the meal. Obviously, participants with dietary restrictions must inform the establishment when checking out. the reservation, which is mandatory.

Another particularity of this restaurant: the service is provided by a visually impaired staff. While the customers are disoriented, the waiters take it upon themselves to guide them through a dark dive room. They have been specially trained to work in this environment and accompany the guests. 50% of employees of the brand “Dans le noir?” are disabled. For the time being, the Toulouse site has eight guides hired through local associations.

A unique gastronomic and human experience

Through this unusual experience, the restaurant chain offers its customers reassess their taste perception while reappropriating their senses. Now it’s all about appearance, appearance becomes a non-existent factor, leaving our taste buds to revel in each food. In addition to offering a unique gastronomic experience, the restaurant “Dans le noir” immerses customers in the daily life of visually impaired people, the time of a dinner. This experience invites a surprising encounter with difference, outside of a priori and social conventions.