Let’s be honest: when you dream of eating in Paris, you probably picture white tablecloths, intimidating menus, and a bill that makes your wallet cry. That stuffy, expensive Parisian restaurant? It’s basically a tourist myth.
The real magic—the kind that locals live for—happens in cozy neighborhood spots, bustling market cafes, and family-run kitchens where flavor, not fuss, is the main ingredient.
Forget everything you’ve heard about Paris being a budget-buster for foodies. The truth is, this city is absolutely packed with incredible, wallet-friendly gems where you can savor authentic, soul-satisfying meals.
We’re talking about steaming bowls of couscous, the perfect croque monsieur, crispy falafel, and delicate pastries that cost less than a metro ticket. Your most memorable Parisian meal likely won’t be under a crystal chandelier; it’ll be at a scratched wooden table where the food speaks for itself.
Ready to eat incredibly well without the incredible spend? We’re leaving the overpriced postcard places behind and diving into the heart of where Paris really eats.
This is your insider map to the absolute best affordable restaurants to visit in Paris. From buttery crepes in Montparnasse to steaming pho in the 13th, let’s discover the delicious, real Paris that welcomes everyone to the table.
1. Breizh Café: The Crepe That Will Change Your Mind
Okay, let’s start with a game-changer. If you think a crepe is just a touristy street snack, prepare to have your world rocked at Breizh Café.
With several locations (the one in the Marais is iconic), this place treats the humble buckwheat galette and delicate wheat flour crepe with the respect of fine art. They are, without a doubt, masters of their craft.
The secret is in the superb ingredients: organic buckwheat flour from Brittany, artisan-churned butter, and incredibly fresh, high-quality toppings. You can go classic with a simple ham and cheese (complète) or get adventurous with combinations like smoked salmon, crème fraîche, and dill. The sweet crepes are equally legendary.
The atmosphere is warm, casual, and always buzzing—a testament to its quality. Pro tip? They don’t take reservations for small tables, so go early or be prepared for a wait. It’s a rite of passage and worth every minute. For a truly phenomenal and affordable Parisian meal, Breizh Café is a perfect first stop.
2. L’As du Fallafel: The Legend of the Marais
In the heart of the historic Marais, you’ll find a line. Not for a museum or a club, but for what is widely agreed to be the best falafel in Paris, maybe even in Europe. L’As du Fallafel (“The Ace of Falafel”) is an institution. The operation is a well-oiled machine, with servers calling out orders and pita bread flying.
You have two choices: grab a freshly stuffed pita to go from the window, or squeeze into the bustling, no-frills dining room upstairs. The special falafel—crammed with crispy chickpea fritters, smoky eggplant, crunchy cabbage, and their signature creamy sauces—is a flavor explosion for just a few euros.
It’s messy, it’s magical, and it’s a non-negotiable experience. They also serve other excellent Middle Eastern plates like shawarma and salads. Come hungry, bring cash, and don’t be shy. This is street food elevated to high art and a cornerstone of any list of the best affordable restaurants to visit in Paris.
3. Bouillon Chartier: A Feast of History and Value
For a dose of pure, old-Paris atmosphere at jaw-dropping prices, you must experience a bouillon. These historic restaurants were created in the late 1800s to serve working-class Parisians hearty meals, and Bouillon Chartier, founded in 1896, is the granddaddy of them all.
Stepping into the vast, buzzing dining room with its mirrored walls, shared tables, and waiters scribbling your order directly on the paper tablecloth is like time travel.
The menu is a bible of French classics: escargots, steak frites, roast chicken, lentil salad, and towering îles flottantes (floating islands) for dessert. While the prices have crept up slightly, a full three-course meal here still costs a fraction of what you’d pay in a standard bistro.
The key is to manage expectations: it’s about the incredible value and the unforgettable, chaotic ambiance, not delicate, slow-food cuisine. Go for the spectacle, the energy, and the chance to feast in a living monument. It’s a uniquely Parisian adventure.
4. Chez Gladines: Basque-Sized Portions, Basque-Level Joy
Tucked away in the lively Butte-aux-Cailles neighborhood in the 13th arrondissement, Chez Gladines is where you go when you are seriously, earnestly hungry.
This bustling, friendly spot specializes in the hearty, generous cuisine of the French Basque Country. The vibe is warm, rustic, and incredibly welcoming, with checkered tablecloths and walls covered in photos and memorabilia.
The star here is the massive salad. But we’re not talking about a few leaves. We’re talking about a platter-sized bowl loaded with greens, potatoes, cheese, ham, eggs, tomatoes, and more—a complete meal in itself. Their pipérade (a Basque dish of scrambled eggs with peppers and tomatoes) and axoa (a veal stew) are also beloved.
The portions are famously enormous, so consider sharing. It’s the kind of place where you leave utterly satisfied, having spent very little, and feeling like you’ve been let in on a wonderful local secret. For robust, flavorful, and incredibly budget-friendly fare, Chez Gladines is a total gem.
5. Le Petit Vendôme: The Quintessential Parisian Sandwich Shop
Sometimes, the most perfect Parisian lunch is the simplest. Just off the beautiful Place Vendôme, you’ll find Le Petit Vendôme, a classic, standing-room-only traiteur (deli) that has been serving what many consider to be the best jambon-beurre sandwich in the city for decades.
This is the ultimate test of quality: crusty, fresh baguette, high-quality butter, and perfectly sliced ham.
But it’s not just about the ham. Their counter is a mosaic of deliciousness: lentil salads, céleri rémoulade, pâtés, and quiches. You can create a magnificent, custom picnic plate for under 10 euros.
The drill is simple: point at what you want, they’ll assemble it quickly, and you can eat it on the tiny counter ledge or take it to the nearby Tuileries Garden.
It’s fast, it’s authentic, and it’s a masterclass in how impeccable ingredients need no fuss. For a quick, cheap, and genuinely sublime bite, this is a top-tier choice for an affordable restaurant in Paris.
6. Pho 14: A Steaming Bowl of Comfort in Little Asia
When you need a break from French fare or a deeply comforting, nourishing meal, head to Paris’s 13th arrondissement, its vibrant “Chinatown.” On Avenue de Choisy, Pho 14 is a standout for one thing and one thing only: incredible, authentic Vietnamese pho.
The place is always packed with a mix of locals from the community and savvy Parisians from across the city, which is always the best sign.
The rich, aromatic broth, simmered for hours, is the soul of the dish. You can choose from various cuts of beef or a delicious chicken version. The plates of fresh herbs, bean sprouts, and lime on the side let you customize each bowl to your taste.
The service is efficient and no-nonsense, the prices are remarkably low, and the result is pure happiness. It’s a fantastic reminder of Paris’s incredible culinary diversity and a must-visit for anyone seeking amazing, budget-friendly international cuisine.
7. La Bourse et La Vie: Classic Bistro, Modern Sensibility
Here’s a little secret: you can have a truly excellent, classic French bistro meal without the classic French bistro price tag. The key is finding a chef who does the classics with love and precision.
Enter Daniel Rose and La Bourse et La Vie. Tucked near the old stock exchange, this tiny, elegant spot feels like a hidden gem.
The menu is short, focused, and changes daily, but it’s built on pillars of perfection: the best possible ingredients treated simply. You might find the most sublime steak frites of your life, a perfect lentil salad, or a stunning roasted chicken.
The prix-fixe lunch menu is an exceptional value for this level of cooking. While it’s at the higher end of “affordable,” it delivers an experience that feels three times its price. For a special yet reasonably priced lunch that captures the soul of modern, quality-focused French cooking, this is a brilliant choice.
8. Miznon: An Israeli Street Food Revolution
Born in Tel Aviv and now a sensation in Paris (with locations in the Marais and near the Palais Royal), Miznon has redefined what casual, affordable dining can be.
The vibe is rock-and-roll, energetic, and incredibly fun. They play loud music, the staff is enthusiastic, and the open kitchen sends out waves of incredible smells.
The specialty is pita, but not like you’ve had before. These are fluffy, warm, and stuffed with wildly creative fillings. The “Famous Cauliflower,” a whole roasted head served on a plate, is a must-try, as is the ratatouille-stuffed pita or the tender beef bourguignon version.
They also have fantastic baked potatoes and other vegetable-forward dishes. It’s fast, it’s flavorful, and it’s an explosion of joy. For a modern, vibrant, and utterly delicious meal that won’t break the bank, Miznon is a non-negotiable stop.
9. Le Timbre: A Tiny Taste of Perfection in Saint-Germain
In the chic, often-expensive Saint-Germain-des-Prés, Le Timbre (“The Stamp”) is a wonderful anomaly. This is a quintessential bistrot à vin—tiny, charming, and focused on simple, excellent food.
With just a handful of tables, the atmosphere is intimate and warm.
The English chef-owner, Chris Wright, has been serving a daily-changing menu of three starters, three mains, and three desserts for years, all based on what’s best at the market that morning. The dishes are elegant in their simplicity:
a beautiful piece of fish with seasonal vegetables, a perfectly cooked lamb shoulder, a decadent chocolate terrine. The lunch menu offers remarkable value for this neighborhood and level of care.
It’s the perfect spot for a quiet, romantic, and genuinely excellent meal that proves you don’t need to spend a fortune in the 6th arrondissement.
10. Le Comptoir de la Gastronomie: A Temple of Duck and Foie Gras
For a uniquely Parisian specialty at a fair price, make your way to this historic épicerie and restaurant near Les Halles. Since 1894, Le Comptoir de la Gastronomie has been a paradise for lovers of duck, foie gras, and southwest French cuisine.
You can shop for gourmet products in the front or settle into the cozy, old-world dining room in the back.
Their signature dish is the “Ravioles de Foie Gras,” delicate pasta parcels filled with rich foie gras in a creamy sauce. It’s decadent and unforgettable. They also serve excellent duck confit, magret (duck breast), and a variety of salads.
While it specializes in animal products, they do offer other options. It’s a splurge within the affordable category, but for a taste of this specific French luxury, it’s worth every euro and remains one of the best affordable restaurants to visit in Paris for a special treat.
11. Ellsworth: Modern, Vegetable-Forward Plates in a Chic Setting
Located in the stylish 1st arrondissement, Ellsworth proves that affordable eating in Paris can be chic, modern, and vegetable-centric. From the team behind the acclaimed Verjus, this spot focuses on small, shareable plates made with incredible produce.
The vibe is relaxed but polished, with an open kitchen and friendly service.
The menu, which changes frequently, might feature crispy fried chicken (a famous item), exquisite raw vegetables with creative dips, delicate pastas, or a stunning piece of grilled fish.
The plates are reasonably priced, allowing you to try several things. It’s a fantastic option for a lighter, more contemporary meal that’s still packed with flavor and feels like a special night out without the painful bill. For a fresh take on Parisian dining, Ellsworth is a standout.
12. Le Trumilou: Quirky Charm on the Quai de l’Hôtel de Ville
Overlooking the Seine near the Hôtel de Ville, Le Trumilou has been a local fixture since 1878. This place has character in spades. The decor is a wonderfully cluttered collection of knick-knacks, and the atmosphere is unfailingly cheerful and welcoming.
The menu is a roll call of French bistro classics—onglet (hanger steak) with shallot sauce, blanquette de veau, duck confit—all served in generous portions at very reasonable prices.
It’s not haute cuisine; it’s hearty, honest, home-style cooking in a location that would normally command tourist-trap prices. The fixed-price menu is an outstanding deal.
For a reliably good, classic French meal with a fantastic view and zero pretension, Le Trumilou delivers consistent joy and great value.
13. Holybelly: The Ultimate Expat-Brunch, Perfected
Born from an Australian-French couple’s desire for a real, friendly brunch in Paris, Holybelly (in the 10th near Canal Saint-Martin) has become a legend.
They famously don’t take reservations, so expect a weekend line of both expats and Parisians in the know, all craving their exceptional breakfast and lunch.
The menu is a global delight: fluffy pancakes with eggs and bacon, savory hash bowls, incredible sandwiches, and some of the best coffee in the city. The ingredients are top-notch, the vibe is cool and inclusive, and the staff is genuinely lovely.
It’s the kind of place that makes you want to move to the neighborhood. While brunch can edge toward 20 euros, for the quality and experience, it remains a fantastic value and a top choice for affordable restaurants to visit in Paris when you need a perfect start to your day.
14. Le Marché des Enfants Rouges: A Feast for the Senses
For the ultimate choose-your-own-adventure meal, head to Le Marché des Enfants Rouges in the Marais. This is Paris’s oldest covered market, dating back to 1615.
Inside the bustling hall, you’ll find a dizzying array of food stalls representing cuisines from around the world.
Grab a Moroccan tagine from Chez Taïeb, a giant Italian sandwich, a plate of pristine sushi, or a classic French plat du jour. Then, find a spot at one of the long communal tables and dig in.
The energy is incredible, the choices are endless, and the prices are fantastic. It’s not a restaurant per se, but it is one of the most authentic and affordable dining experiences you can have in the city.
Go with friends, try different things, and soak in the vibrant, local atmosphere.
15. Jacques Genin: For a Luxurious (Yet Affordable) Sweet Finale
No Parisian meal is complete without something sweet, and for that, you must visit the salon de thé of master chocolatier and pastry chef Jacques Genin.
While his beautiful boutique in the Marais feels luxurious, stopping in for a single perfect pastry is an accessible indulgence.
His millefeuille is spoken of in hushed, reverent tones—flaky, buttery layers with a perfectly balanced cream. The passion fruit tart is a burst of sunshine, and the hot chocolate is pure, silken decadence. Order one exquisite item, a pot of tea, and savor it slowly.
For around 10-15 euros, you get a world-class pastry experience in a serene, beautiful setting. It’s the perfect, elegant punctuation to any day of affordable exploration.
16. Le Relais de l’Entrecôte: The Single-Menu Steak Frites Spectacle
Here’s a Parisian institution with a brilliant, simple concept. At Le Relais de l’Entrecôte (with several locations, including one in Saint-Germain), there is no menu.
The waitress will ask you only two questions: how you want your steak cooked, and what you’d like to drink. That’s it.
What follows is a classic French ritual: a simple green walnut salad, followed by perfectly cooked entrecôte steak (sirloin) smothered in their famous, secret-recipe herb butter sauce, accompanied by a mountain of golden, thin frites.
And the best part? They bring you a second helping. It’s all about one thing, done exceptionally well, at a fixed, very fair price. For a fun, delicious, and uniquely Parisian dinner experience that requires zero decision-making, this place is pure gold.
+ More Can’t-Miss Affordable Bites
Your delicious tour doesn’t stop here! Grab a flaky chausson aux pommes from any good boulangerie. Try the amazing Tibetan momos (dumplings) at Project 52 in the 10th. Dive into a cheesy, crispy tartiflette at a Savoyard restaurant in the winter.
Hunt for the best croissant in the city (hint: it’s often not where you think). Explore the Marché d’Aligre for amazing produce and cheap, standing-bar lunches. Paris is your oyster—or rather, your crepe, your falafel, and your perfect baguette.
Your Affordable Parisian Feast Awaits
See? The dream of eating magnificently in Paris is not only alive and well, it’s actually the everyday reality for those who know where to look. The city’s true culinary heart beats in these bustling, welcoming, flavor-packed spots where the joy of a great meal is shared by everyone.
These best affordable restaurants to visit in Paris are your ticket to that world.
You now have the map to a Paris where every meal can be an adventure, and no bill will be a buzzkill. From a sizzling steak-frites to a life-changing crepe, the flavors are waiting.
Don’t just dream of Parisian cuisine—taste the real, affordable, and incredible version of it. Bookmark that falafel stand, practice your best “Une table pour deux, s’il vous plaît,” and get ready. Your unforgettable, and totally achievable, Parisian food journey starts now. Bon appétit