The Best Places to Eat Cheap in Paris

The Best Places to Eat Cheap in Paris

Among other things, Paris is known for serving up some seriously gourmet food. Some of the best restaurants and chefs in the world call the city home, and for good reason. The French take good food very, very seriously.

But that doesn’t mean eating well is out of your price range. In fact, Paris can be really budget friendly if you know where to go. From street food to sit down brasseries, there’s something in Paris for every taste and wallet. So here’s a local’s guide to the best places to eat cheap in Paris.

Bouillon Julien

Courtesy of Bouillon Julien – Sourced from their official Instagram page

It’s hard to get more traditionally French than Bouillon Julien. So if you’re looking for a good French meal on the cheap, Paris’ Bouillon Julien will do the trick. The classic menu and gilded Art Nouveau interiors hint at everything but a bargain. Take a look at the prices though, and you’ll be surprised.

A full menu (starter a main and a dessert) will set you back less than €20, and that probably includes a glass of wine. Starters like leek salad, a bowl of soup and even escargots go for as little as €4. Mains are all French as well, and all at a very affordable price point.

Nestled in one of the 10th districts’ coolest streets, Bouillon Julien is always bustling. If you’re a larger group or want to try the Bouillon for a weekend dinner, it’s best to make reservations ahead of time.

bouillon julien – 16 Rue du Faubourg Saint-Denis, 75010 Paris

metro station: bonne nouvelle

open daily non stop 11:45AM//12AM

price range: €-€€

Trois Fois Plus de Piment

Photo courtesy of Trois Fois Plus de Piment – Sourced from their official website

This amazing Sichuan eatery now has three locations across Paris. Their menu is simple: homemade noodles topped with your choice of veggies or meats. Everything is handmade on the spot, and you can really taste the difference. A big comforting bowl of noodles is easy on the stomach and the wallet. A bowl will set you back around €10 and the portions are generous, too.

But be careful! As the name indicates, they’re not joking around when it comes to spicy food. Dishes are quite a bit hotter than what you’re accustomed to in France, which lets the real Sichuan flavors shine through. Of course, you can choose how spicy you’d like your noodles on a scale from 0 – 5. I’d suggest toning it down a bit from what you usually order. Personally, I love spicy food but their level 2 was hotter than anything I’ve tasted.

trois fois plus de piment – 184 Rue Saint-Martin, 75003 Paris

metro station: rambuteau

open tuesday – sunday for lunch 12PM//3PM

open tuesday – saunday for dinner 7PM//11PM

price range: €

L’As du Fallafel

Courtesy of l’As du Fallafel – Sourced from their website

There’s no guide to street food or cheap eats in Paris that doesn’t mention the legendary As du Fallafel. This Israeli fallafel joint has been making a buzz in the Marais for decades, with a constant line out the door.

This is one of the first street food joints I tried when I moved to Paris, and still one of my favorite to this day. Homemade pita, tasty fallafels and a whole slough of roast veggies, sauces and spice. It’s hard to go wrong with a sandwich or meal here, especially for €6.

You can of course dine in if you’ve got a little more patience (the line is always longer to dine in) or take your sandwich to go. I prefer to get takeaway and enjoy my meal in the nearby Jardin des Rosiers Joseph Migneret.

l’as du falafel – 40 rue des rosiers, 75004 paris

metro station: saint paul

open sunday – thursday 11AM//12AM

open friday 11AM//3PM

price range: €

Bouillon Chartier

Photo courtesy of Bouillon Chartier – Sourced from their official website

This old school bouillon is sure to impress, and even those with very tight budgets will be able to enjoy a decadent French meal. Bouillon Chartier started in 1896, and the original location is classified as a historic monument.

There are two locations in Paris, one in the 9th and one at Montparnasse. Both feature a traditional menu, and sumptuous Belle Epoque furnishings. You can dine on duck, foie gras, steak tartare, and even snails for next to nothing. A full menu will cost you between €12 and €25 depending on your choices. And with prices that low, you can easily afford to wash it all down with some classic French wine!

bouillon chartier – 7 Rue du Faubourg Montmartre, 75009 Paris

metro station: grands boulevards

open daily non stop 11:30AM//12AM

price range: €-€€

Racina

Photo courtesy of Racina Paris – Sourced from their website

If you’re looking for a bargain in the Latin Quarter, Racina is it. This little Sicilian restaurant is just a 4 minute walk from the Pantheon. Definitely one of the area’s best kept secrets.

The friendly service and traditional Sicilian dishes will fill your belly and warm your heart. This is a sit down restaurant specializing in wood-fire pizzas, but offer tasty pasta and mains as well. Everything is homemade and all the ingredients are sourced directly from Italy. Amore.

racina – 43 Rue Descartes, 75005 Paris

metro station: cardinal lemoine

open monday – saturday for lunch 11:30AM//3:30PM

open monday – saturday for dinner 6:30PM//11:30PM

price range: €

Oi Sushi

Photo courtesy of Oi Sushi – sourced from their website

Set in the middle of the Latin Quarter just a quick hop from the Pantheon is Oi Sushi. I’ve included this little sushi joint in several Paris guides now, it’s really just that good. Not to mention, a great bang for your buck which can be tough to find when you’re in search of good sushi.

Oi Sushi is certainly a no frills atmosphere, but remains cozy and comfortable. The fish is fresh, and the sushi is good. There’s a pretty massive selection of traditional sushi rolls, California rolls, Nigiri and even brochettes. And if you choose to dine in, you’ll be greeted with a complimentary cocktail upon arrival.

oi sushi – 7 Rue Mouffetard, 75005 Paris

metro station: place monge

open monday – saturday for lunch 11AM//3PM

open nightly for dinner 6PM//11:30PM

price range: €-€€