Paris has a global reputation for fine dining, Michelin stars, and elegant restaurants, but eating well in the French capital does not require a large budget. In reality, Paris is one of Europeโs most rewarding cities for affordable dining if you know where to look and what to prioritize. Across the city, from historic bouillons and traditional neighborhood bistros to tiny streetโfood counters, casual cantines, and international eateries, it is entirely possible to enjoy highโquality, filling meals for under โฌ20 per person.
What makes cheap dining in Paris so special is that affordability rarely comes at the expense of quality. Many budgetโfriendly restaurants rely on timeโtested recipes, seasonal ingredients, and high customer turnover rather than inflated prices. These places are often deeply rooted in their neighborhoods and have built loyal followings among locals, students, artists, and office workers who care deeply about food and know exactly where value and flavor meet.
Instead of elaborate plating or formal service, these restaurants focus on what truly matters: good ingredients, generous portions, and dishes that deliver comfort and satisfaction. The result is honest, approachable food that reflects the everyday culinary culture of Paris rather than its luxury image.
This guide brings together some of the best cheap restaurants in Paris, covering classic French cooking, international cuisines, vegetarian and vegan options, and iconic street food. Each restaurant listed here is known for consistent quality, fair pricing, and a welcoming atmosphere. Whether you are visiting Paris for the first time or returning with a tighter budget, these spots allow you to eat well, eat locally, and eat memorably without overspending.
Bouillon Chartier โ Classic Parisian Dining at Historic Prices
Located near the Grands Boulevards, Bouillon Chartier is one of the most famous and iconic budget restaurants in Paris. Opened in 1896, it was originally created to serve hearty meals to workers at affordable prices, staying true to the original concept of the Parisian โbouillon.โ More than a century later, it continues to serve the same purpose, welcoming diners from all backgrounds, from office workers and retirees to curious visitors experiencing it for the first time.
The grand Belle รpoque dining room, with its high ceilings, mirrors, tiled floors, and historic details, makes the experience feel far more expensive than it actually is. Dining here feels like stepping back in time, and that sense of history is a major part of its appeal. Servers write orders directly on the paper tablecloth, reinforcing the oldโschool atmosphere.
The menu focuses on traditional French comfort food such as steakโfrites, roast chicken, sausage with mashed potatoes, onion soup, escargots, and classic desserts like crรจme brรปlรฉe and profiteroles. Main dishes typically fall between โฌ8 and โฌ12, making it easy to enjoy a full threeโcourse meal for under โฌ20. There are no reservations, and queues are common at peak times, but service is fast, efficient, and remarkably well organized given the volume of diners.
Bouillon Pigalle โ The Modern Bouillon Revival
Bouillon Pigalle has become one of the most popular budget dining spots in Paris, particularly for visitors exploring Montmartre and Pigalle. Inspired by the historic bouillon concept, this modern interpretation combines extremely low prices with a lively, contemporary atmosphere that appeals to both locals and tourists.
The restaurant is massive, with hundreds of seats spread across a large dining room, and it serves classic French dishes at prices that are increasingly rare in the city. Starters like ลufs mayonnaise cost just a few euros, while mains such as boeuf bourguignon, steakโfrites, roast chicken, sausage dishes, and fish options usually stay in the โฌ10โโฌ15 range.
Thanks to its size and extended opening hours, Bouillon Pigalle can accommodate large crowds throughout the day and evening. It is almost always busy, but fast service and quick table turnover help keep waiting times manageable. It is an excellent option if you want traditional French food in a dynamic setting without the formality, silence, or expense of a classic bistro.
Chez Gladines โ Hearty Southwestern French Cuisine
Chez Gladines is a longโtime favorite among students and locals thanks to its generous portions, relaxed atmosphere, and consistently affordable prices. Specializing in Southwestern and Basqueโinspired cuisine, the restaurant focuses on rich, comforting dishes that are ideal after a long day of walking around Paris.
Popular menu items include poulet basquaise, duck confit, omelettes, grilled meats, and large salads topped with sautรฉed potatoes and meat. The cooking is rustic and filling, emphasizing flavor, heartiness, and quantity over refinement. Main courses generally range from โฌ14 to โฌ17, and portions are famously large, often enough to leave diners completely satisfied without needing dessert.
With several locations across Paris, Chez Gladines is a dependable choice whether you are near the Latin Quarter, SaintโGermain, or another central neighborhood. It is particularly appealing if you want a sitโdown meal that feels informal, generous, and comforting.
Bistrot Victoires โ A Hidden Gem Near the Louvre
Finding an affordable, nonโtouristy restaurant near the Louvre is surprisingly difficult, which makes Bistrot Victoires particularly special. This small, traditional bistro manages to offer classic French dishes at prices that are rare for such a central and highly visited area.
The menu includes staples such as duck confit, roast chicken, steakโfrites, and daily specials, many priced around โฌ10โโฌ12. The cooking is straightforward and traditional, focusing on wellโexecuted French basics rather than creative reinterpretations or modern trends.
The atmosphere is simple, warm, and authentic, with a loyal local clientele that returns regularly. Tables are close together, conversations are lively, and the overall feeling is unmistakably Parisian. Bistrot Victoires is an excellent choice for lunch or dinner if you want to experience a real neighborhood bistro without paying premium centralโParis prices.
LโAs du Fallafel โ Parisโs Most Famous Falafel
In the heart of the Marais, LโAs du Fallafel has achieved legendary status. Frequently described as serving the best falafel in Paris, this small shop attracts long lines every day, from lunchtime through late evening, but the wait is widely considered worth it.
The signature falafel sandwich is generously filled with crispy falafel balls, hummus, tahini, fried eggplant, fresh vegetables, and optional spicy sauce. At around โฌ8, it offers outstanding value for both quality and quantity. Shawarma sandwiches are also available at slightly higher prices for those who prefer meat.
Most customers opt for takeaway, eating nearby on the street, in a small square, or while walking through the Marais. It is one of the best options in Paris for a quick, flavorful, and affordable meal in a central and vibrant neighborhood.
Apollon โ Affordable Greek Comfort Food
Apollon brings the warmth and generosity of a Greek taverna to Parisโs 7th arrondissement. Known for its friendly service and authentic flavors, it is a welcoming alternative to the many French restaurants in the area, particularly for travelers looking for variety.
The menu features Greek classics such as gyros, souvlaki, moussaka, grilled meats, fresh salads, and a variety of mezze. Portions are generous, ingredients are fresh, and dishes are well seasoned. While dinner prices can approach โฌ20, the lunch menu offers particularly good value and makes it easy to stay within budget.
Apollon is an excellent choice when you want something different from French cuisine while still enjoying a comfortable sitโdown meal in a relaxed and friendly environment.
Pho 14 โ Vietnamese Flavor at Unbeatable Prices
Located in Parisโs 13th arrondissement, Pho 14 is widely regarded as one of the best places in the city for Vietnamese pho. The restaurant is simple, fastโpaced, and focused entirely on delivering flavorful, satisfying food at very low prices.
A large bowl of beef pho typically costs around โฌ9 and is filling enough to serve as a complete meal on its own. The broth is rich and aromatic, simmered for hours, and portions are generous. Other Vietnamese dishes such as bรฒ bรบn, spring rolls, rice plates, and noodles are also available at very reasonable prices.
This is one of the best options in Paris for a warm, comforting meal that is affordable, reliable, and deeply satisfying, especially during colder months.
Hank Burger โ Vegan Burgers Without the Premium Price
Hank Burger demonstrates that plantโbased food in Paris does not have to be expensive, bland, or overly healthโfocused. This fully vegan burger restaurant offers indulgent, creative burgers at prices comparable to fastโfood chains.
Burgers start at around โฌ9, while a full menu including fries and a drink usually costs about โฌ14. The menu changes regularly, offering a variety of sauces, toppings, and seasonal specials, and glutenโfree options are also available.
The atmosphere is casual, youthful, and welcoming, making Hank Burger popular with both vegans and nonโvegans who want a quick, affordable, and filling meal in a relaxed setting.
Au Pโtit Grec โ Iconic Crรชpes in the Latin Quarter
Au Pโtit Grec is one of the most famous crรชperies in Paris, particularly beloved by students and locals in the Latin Quarter. It is best known for its enormous, overstuffed savory crรชpes that easily replace a full sitโdown meal.
Savory crรชpes usually cost between โฌ5 and โฌ8 and are packed with fillings such as feta, vegetables, ham, turkey, smoked salmon, and cheese. Sweet crรชpes are also available for dessert, making it easy to enjoy a complete meal for very little money.
Although lines are common, service is fast and efficient. Its location on Rue Mouffetard makes it an ideal stop while exploring one of Parisโs oldest and most atmospheric neighborhoods.
Urfa Dรผrรผm โ Outstanding Turkish Street Food
For a quick, flavorful, and authentic meal, Urfa Dรผrรผm in the 10th arrondissement is hard to beat. This tiny restaurant specializes in Turkish and Kurdishโstyle dรผrรผm wraps made with freshly baked flatbread and charcoalโgrilled meat.
Wraps typically cost between โฌ6 and โฌ9 and are prepared to order. The fresh bread, smoky grilled meat, and simple seasoning create a balanced and deeply satisfying dish. Vegetarian options are also available for those who prefer a meatโfree meal.
Urfa Dรผrรผm is one of the best examples of Parisโs diverse streetโfood scene and a favorite among locals looking for quality food at very low prices.
Final Thoughts
Eating cheaply in Paris does not mean compromising on quality, flavor, or authenticity. From historic bouillons and traditional bistros to international street food, vegan burgers, and comforting noodle soups, the city offers countless ways to enjoy excellent meals on a modest budget.
These restaurants reflect the true everyday food culture of Paris, where good ingredients, simple cooking, and fair prices matter more than luxury. Whether you are visiting for a weekend or staying longer, seeking out these affordable spots will allow you to experience Paris as locals do โ one satisfying, memorable meal at a time.