As any local will inform you, it can be a challenge to most affordable restaurants in Paris. Paris, along with Hong Kong and Singapore, has lately been identified as one of the most expensive cities in the globe. The town is not only an financial hub, it is also Europe’s most visited tourist destination. The price of stuff such as rent, water, gas, and electricity has been steadily rising. Thereafter, prices are also high for non-essentials such as coffee to-go and restaurant meals. Luckily, Paris still has some gems, like any major city, where you can find excellent food at an inexpensive cost. In this article, we review some of the most affordable restaurants, cafes and bistros in Paris offering everything from classic French cuisine to spicy Szechuan noodles. Bon appetit!
1. Affordable restaurants in Paris for lunch
Lunch may be the best time to explore the most affordable restaurants in Paris. Lunch menus tend to be less luxurious than lunch time menus and consequently less costly. But don’t worry, the food is still of excellent quality and ready with French finesse signature. For dinner, read below for the favourite accessible restaurants of us in Paris.
Cru at Galeries Lafayette Homme (Mediterranean Food)
Cru is a fresh Paris restaurant that has yet to be overwhelmed by visitors. This restaurant is specialized in Mediterranean cuisine, tucked away inside the men’s department at Galeries Lafayette Homme. Their signature dishes are the entrances to the seafood and, despite being a newcomer to the town, Cru has already established a reputation for ceviche, which is one of the finest locations in Paris. If the restaurant inside the shopping mall that presents the best of French men’s fashion is strange to you, don’t be! There is also a beautiful terrace in the restaurant where you can lounge under the sun.
Cru also provides a tasting menu and even a cocktail bar with hand-picked French wines and custom-made cocktails is available. The restaurant also provides a tiny breakfast service where, before hitting the retail floor, early shoppers at Galeries Lafayette can pick up a croissant and a coffee. Cru is a must-visit for inexpensive seafood in central Paris, whether or not you’re planning to go on a Paris Shopping Spree.
Average spend: 18€
Address: on the 3rd floor of Galeries Lafayette Homme, 48 Boulevard Haussmann
Hours: 8:30am-9:30pm, Monday through Saturday, and 11am-7pm on Sundays
Metro: Chausée d’Antin Lafayette or Havre-Caumartin
And while you’ve decided to have your next meal in Paris at Cru, you might as well stop by Galeries Lafayette Haussmann and do some shopping!
2. Burgers & Fries
Burger & Fries is here to assist if you’re looking for something a little more significant than a crepe. This restaurant is specialized in classic American hamburgers made fresh in-house every day, as you might have guessed from their name. You’ll discover much better than those in a typical brasserie! A double cheeseburger meal is just € 9.90 (with fries and drinks). Burgers & Fries currently has two locations in Paris, one in Strasbourg-Saint Denis and the other in Saint Germain des Près, close to all the most popular attractions in the heart of Paris.
Average spend: 10€
Hours: everyday, 11:00am to midnight
Address: 95 Boulevard Saint-Germain, 75006 Paris; 1 Boulevard de Bonne Nouvelle, 75002 Paris
Metro: Mabillon; Grands Boulevards
3. La Petite Bretonne (crêpes)
La Petite Bretonne is another of Paris ‘ lesser-known inexpensive restaurants. One of the easiest locations to score a delicious, affordable dinner in Paris is Crêperies, and one of the best is La Petite Bretonne. A’ formula’ lunch is just € 13 and comes with your selection of savory crêpe and dessert crêpe plus either a cider cup or a glass of new water. La Petite Bretonne is famous for their crispy buckwheat crepes and is a haven among the tourist trap restaurants in the Châtelet neighborhood. If you are planning to South of France to try some most authentic crepes, don’t forget to check out our dedicated article on planning a road trip to South of France in summer!
Average spend: 15€
Hours: 12:00-11:30pm, closed between 3:00-6:30pm Monday to Thursday.
Address: 28 Rue des Lombards, 75004 Paris
Metro: Châtelet
4. Le Pantruche (French Bistro)
You can dine in one of the best accessible French classic restaurants in Paris at Le Pantruche. Don’t be intimidated by the old-fashioned architecture and the interiors of Art Deco. For just € 19, you can enjoy a two-course dinner here. Apart from seasonal vegetables and incredible French wines, traditional French dishes such as onion soup and foie gras are served. It’s no wonder La Pantruche is a favorite among locals and visitors alike!
Average spend: 19€
Hours: Monday-Friday, 12:30-10:00pm, closed between 2:00-7:30pm
Address: 3 Rue Victor Massé, 75009 Paris
Metro: Pigalle
5. Bistrot Victoires (Classic French)
Bistrot Victoires is an inexpensive restaurant located in the first shopping district of Paris, in the 1st district. Also one of the best-ranked accessible restaurants in Paris is Bistrot Victoires. Their delicious duck confit is just € 10.90 among the cheapest in Paris. Other favourites such as salmon tartare, basil tomato penne, and fried chicken are included in their comprehensive menu. For as little as 14 €, you can also get a complete bottle of wine. Bistrot Victoires has something for everyone and every budget!
Average spend: 15€
Hours: Everyday, 9:00am-11:00pm
Address: 6 Rue de la Vrillière, 75001 Paris
Metro: Bourse; Palais Royal
6. L’IÎlot (Seafood)
L’Îlot in the 3rd district is one of Paris ‘ best accessible seafood restaurants. You can enjoy prime seafood at L’Îlot at an inexpensive cost such as braised sea urchin, muscles, whelks, crab and, of course, oysters. The oysters go for € 18 for 12 pieces, or for just € 55 you can splurge with a partner and get the seafood dish with oysters, crabs, shrimps, lobsters and more. L’Îlot continually gets excellent reviews for its fantastic seafood dishes and excellent prices!
Average spend: 35€
Hours: Tuesday to Friday 6:30pm-10:30pm
Address: 4 Rue de la Corderie, 75003 Paris
Metro: Républic
7. Bouillon Pigalle (Classic French)
Bouillon Pigalle, one of the best places to enjoy an affordable dinner in Paris, is nestled in the 18th district. Starters go for as little as € 1,90 and dishes from the main course start at € 8.50. We highly recommend ordering their French onion soup, which is served without gimmicks, for just € 3.80 directly up the traditional manner with crusty melted cheese on top. It’s great with some wine for a full bottle that you can enjoy for € 9.90. Complete your meal with the famous chocolate profiteroles from Bouillon for just € 4.50. It’s a full course meal that you can score for under € 20, including booze.
Tip: Make sure you arrive before 7 pm if you don’t want to wait outside for a long time.
Average spend: 15€
Hours: Everyday, 12pm to 12am
Address: 22 Boulevard de Clichy, 75018 Paris
Metro: Pigalle
8. Trois Fois Plus de Piment (Szechuan)
Hit Trois Fois Plus de Piment if you’re searching for something on the spicier hand. Located close Le Marais, the restaurant, whose name literally implies “three times more pepper,” is famous among locals for its spicy noodles and delicious pork dumplings. There are also vegetarian dishes available. What’s more, they have an exciting ranking of spice ranging from level 1 to level 5.
Tip: If you can’t stand spice, you may request for 0 spice in your dish.
Average spend: 11€
Hours: Tuesday-Saturday,12–3PM, 7–11PM
Address: 184 Rue Saint-Martin, 75003 Paris
Metro: Rambuteau
Affordable Restaurants in Paris – Michelin Star
You would be amazed to find out that at some most affordable restaurants in Paris you can enjoy fine dining. The ideal compromise is our recommended Michelin Star restaurants. All of these restaurants are staffed with award-winning chefs, serving incredible, boundary-pushing, genre-bending meals to delight your palate. Best of all? These restaurants are all among the most affordable Michelin-star restaurants in the city.
1. Passage 53**
Set in the lovely Passage des Panoramas, Passage 53 is housed in a small space with minimalist decoration. It’s the food that counts here. You won’t discover a menu here, and chef Shinichi sato takes visitors on a constantly changing culinary adventure. Past dishes include oyster-filled veal tartare, strawberry-filled foie gras and white asparagus served with jamón serrano and Parmesan sauce. Spending € 48 on a dinner menu is a wonderful steal for a 2-Michelin Star restaurant.
Average spend: 60€
Hours: Tuesday-Friday 7–9:30PM, Saturday 12–1PM, 7–9:30PM
Address: 53 Passage des Panoramas, 75002 Paris
Metro: Grands Boulevards
Book a table here
2. Auguste*
You can enjoy dinner sitting among the political elite of Paris at Auguste. Located near the French National Assembly’s Palais Bourbon, Auguste serves classic French meals such as saffron-roasted chicken and sand fish in a delicate wine sauce. Their lunch menu includes three courses and only runs for € 39. Auguste is also near to the favourite landmarks of Paris such as the Eiffel Tower, les Invalides and the Arc de Triomphe.
Average spend: 45€
Hours: Monday-Friday,12–2PM, 7:30–10:30PM
Address: 54 Rue de Bourgogne, 75007 Paris
Metro: Varenne
Book a table here
3. Baieta*
Baieta is one of Paris ‘ most inexpensive restaurants with a Michelin Star. Baieta, meaning’ kiss’ in a dialect of Southern France, serves lovingly produced Mediterranean meals. Baieta’s head chef is Julia Sedefdjian, the Michelin star’s youngest French chef in history. Julia started her culinary career at just 18 and at the tender age of 21 she won her first star. Sample fine cuisine from southeast France for just € 29 for dinner at a table in her restaurant.
Average spend: 40€
Hours: Tuesday-Saturday 12–2:30PM, 7–10:30PM
Address: 5 Rue de Pontoise, 75005 Paris
Metro: Maubert-Mutualité
Book a table here
4. Saturne*
Saturne is a tribute to France’s natural bounty with a menu made with seasonal and local produce. There are lobster ravioli and grilled octopus in their modern French meals. Saturne’s wine list, which focuses on earthy, robust, natural wines, is also well respected. From their rotating, seasonal menu, you can enjoy a three course dinner for just 50€.
Average spend: 50€
Hours: Monday-Friday 12–1:30PM, 7:30–10PM
Address: 17 Rue Notre Dame des Victoires, 75002 Paris
Metro: Bourse
Book a table here
Practical tips on eating out in Paris
Tipping
Unlike Canada and the U.S., tipping at French restaurants is not compulsory. Instead, service is included in the prices of the menu. Naturally, gratuities are recognized if you want to extend a gesture to your server.
Eating out with kids
Most Michelin star restaurants have no menu for a kid. However, if you’re hoping to expose your children to French food while in Paris, you can visit a gourmet food market like Lafayette Gourmet where some of Paris ‘ finest chefs can sample charcuterie, truffles and desserts.
Restaurant schedules
Most restaurants will not open for lunch until 12:30 pm and for dinner until 7:30 pm. Dinner at hotels in Michelin and more upscale bistros also have fixed hours of dinner service (generally 7:30pm and 9:30pm) and require a reservation. Before you go, always make sure you check the opening hours online. On Sundays, Mondays, and sometimes Tuesdays, many restaurants are closed. More casual locations like Cru are available seven days a week at Galeries Lafayette Homme and Bouillon Pigalle.
