How & Where to Eat On a Budget in Paris
Paris is a culinary paradise with a rich gastronomic history and diverse culinary influences. With endless gourmet and Michelin-starred restaurants, it may seem almost impossible to eat well on a budget in Paris. But fear not. This list of the best casual restaurants in Paris will help you savor the city’s culinary treasures without breaking the bank.
Table of Contents
Check out my other articles to plan your perfect trip to the City of Light!
- Start here >> Paris Itinerary for 4 days
- Then this >> Where to Stay in Paris First Time
- Should you buy Paris Pass or Paris Museum Pass?
- 10 Best Small Museums in Paris Without the Crowds
- Female Solo Travelers >> How to Take a Fabulous Solo Trip to Paris & 15 Things to Do Alone
- Shopping: 10 Trendy Travel Shoes for Paris
- Shopping: Best Shopping Guide in Le Marais
- Food: 25 Iconic French Desserts in Paris
- Food: 20 Best Casual Restaurants in Paris
- Paris Neighborhood Guide: Hidden Gems in Montmartre
- Paris Neighborhood Guide: 22 Amazing Things to Do in Le Marais
- 7 Most Beautiful Covered Passages in Paris
- Day Trip: How to Survive Overcrowded Palace of Versailles in Summer
- Day Trip: Best Paris Day Trip for Spring & Summer: Giverny Monet’s Gardens
- Weekend Trips from Paris by Train or Car
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Paris Eating on a Budget (under €25)
Parisians take their food seriously. It is a city where food is not just sustenance but an essential part of life and culture. Parisians often take a two-hour lunch break at a sit-down restaurant to enjoy the meal. They read newspapers while sipping coffee (and smoking) on the terrace cafe. The irresistible aroma of a bakery allures you at every corner.
You are missing out on this cultural experience if rushing between tourist sites or surviving on fast food.
It is not an understatement to say that quality authentic French food comes with a steep bill, especially in Paris. However, even on a budget, you can always find a way to have a proper dining experience. Let me show you how.
Here’s my strategies for eating cheaply in Paris.
Opt out of Hotel Breakfast unless included
If breakfast is included in your room rate, of course, take advantage of that. However, in my experience, Paris hotels always charge an extra €15-25 for a simple croissant, coffee and some ham and cheese.
Hotel breakfast is convenient but overpriced for what it is. I would rather go to a nearby boulangerie or cafe. Pastries are very affordable in Paris, with a croissant about €1.5-2 (and they are heavenly!). Or, try tartine with butter – a typical Parisian breakfast. Either way, it will cost far less.
Go for Sandwiches at Boulangerie
Sandwiches are always an excellent option for lunch on the go. Parisian boulangeries offer diverse, inexpensive sandwiches made with fresh ingredients during the lunch hour. Even the simplest French jambon beurre (ham butter sandwich) is phenomenal!
I went groceries at a local supermarket and made an amazing salad to eat at the hotel.
Dine out for Lunch, Eat in for Dinner
Like everywhere else, lunch is cheaper than dinner, even at fine dining restaurants. To take the wallet-friendly measure, dine out for lunch and eat in for dinner on the day you dine in for lunch. This way, you will still get to explore the culinary excellence of Paris and eat well while balancing your budget.
If you feel fancy, lunch is the time to dine out. Many Parisian bistros/restaurants offer a formule lunch (also prix fixe) – a course meal menu at a set price – similar to a business lunch or set menu. A prix fixe ranges around €20-30.
For dinner, think of easy take-outs from supermarkets, such as crêpes, wraps, maki rolls, etc. You may also find cold pasta, fresh veggies, cheese for salad, etc. If you go to Eatly in Le Marais, you can even take out pizzas, sandwiches, and warm pasta for dinner. Also, don’t forget to pick up some French wines because they are much more affordable in France (duh)!
Feeling uneasy about dining in alone? Check out my experience and tips in this solo travel to Paris guide >>
Plat du Jour for the Best Value
Whether dining in for lunch or dinner, ask about the daily special. In French, it’s called plat du jour. It is specially prepared with fresh ingredients available that day and often the best value. But it is usually written on a chalkboard, so you may not immediately find it on the printed menu.
Where to Stay in Paris?
Paris has 20 arrondissements with distinctive pockets of neighborhoods. While Paris is gorgeous, some areas are better than others for tourists to stay. Here’s your guide to 10 Best Areas in Paris for all travel styles and budgets.
Explore Culinary Diversity
With the growing diversity in France, the culinary capital of the world offers a variety of international cuisines from all around the world. Exploring ethnic foods is all part of the diverse culinary experience in Paris. While I’m not suggesting all international eats are cheaper, I find certain ethnic dishes provide excellent value.
I was pleasantly surprised by the delicious Vietnamese and Cambodian dishes in the city. I had the best pho in Paris (not in Vietnam; more on that below). Banh Mi sandwiches on French baguette and Cambodian noodle soup were all amazing and affordable.
Another great example is Middle Eastern flavors. You will find some of the world’s best falafels in Le Marais – the Jewish Quarter of Paris.
Enjoy a Romantic Picnic
Going on a picnic is very Parisian and romantic. Stop by Carrefour or Monoprix to pick up finger foods and a bottle of wine. You are set for a picnic at the Seine or Canal St. Martin. Or, head over to the Champs de Mars in the evening for the sparkling Eiffel Tower view; this is the most affordable and romantic way to dine with the magical Eiffel Tower right before your eyes!
Stay Away from Tourist Sites
Lastly, stating the obvious, stay away from tourist sites. If the restaurants are on Champs-Élysées, near the Eiffel Tower or Arc de Triomphe, be ready to pay the premium. (If you find any decent, cheap restaurant near the Eiffel Tower, let me know!) Get off the travel grind, and you can find cute little local places.