Paris basically invented boujie, so city breaks here have a rep for being on the spennier side. Turns out, the French capital ranks as one of the most expensive cities to live in, with the kind of upscale foodie scene you’d expect from the home of many Michelin stars. The good news? Eating out in Paris doesn’t have to cost a fortune. Skip the tourist faves and you’ll find plenty of laidback local spots where you can fill up for less, whether it’s a made-up baguette from a boulangerie or a bag of salty frites at a street market.
Here’s our guide to Paris for foodies on a budget. Carb coma, incoming…
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Tip 1: Have your big meal at lunchtime
Feeling fancy? Switch around your dinnertime plans and have a leisurely lunch instead. Lots of fine-dining places in Paris run special lunchtime-only deals, so you can still tick off that must-visit restaurant – you’ll just pay less than if you visited later in the day. Pick the ‘plat du jour’ – the plate of the day – or the fixed menu, usually called the ‘menu du jour’ or ‘formule du jour’. It’s also a great way to refuel for an afternoon of sightseeing.
Where to go: Agape Paris on Rue Jouffroy d’Abbans. This sleek spot may have a Michelin star, but the seasonal lunchtime set menu is relatively affordable (for Paris) at around €69 for three courses.
Tip 2: Eat like a local
There’s nothing wrong with touristy restaurants – they’re popular for a reason. They’re usually right near the major sites, all the classics are on the menu, and it probably looks super charming, but it does mean they can charge you a bit more. If you’re trying to save money, it’s worth scoping out local places, too, as the prices are likely to be a bit lower. Turn off the main streets in central Paris and take your pick from a line-up of lesser-known bistros, crêperies and cafés. If the place is packed, the chairs are plastic and everyone around you is speaking French, you’re in the right place.
Where to go: Ground Control on Rue du Charolais. This cool space near Gare de Lyon is proof that you can find cheap food in central Paris. It’s got a big food hall, so you can take your pick of cuisines, plus loads of shops and creative spaces.
Tip 3: Find a neighbourhood bakery
Did you even go to France if you didn’t get a fresh baguette and croissants? They’re both French staples, and you’ll have no problem finding a fancy boulangerie serving up artisanal, organic and fermented baked goods on any of Paris’ main boulevards. Seek out a simple side-street bakery, though, and you’ll get the same thing for less. It’s great for a quick brekkie or lunch ‘sur place’ (to eat in) or ‘a emporter’ (to takeaway), and most do a meal deal that includes a coffee and a sweet treat, too. What tastes better than a baguette? A bargain.
Where to go: Mamiche, on Rue Condorcet. Out in the 10th arrondissement, this traditional bakery serves up all the baked goodness, including fluffy brioche and marbled chocolate babka.
Tip 4: Swap restaurants for markets
Whichever Parisian neighbourhood you’re exploring, you’re gonna find a market of some sort. And where there’s a French market, there’s food, so it’s basically a case of following your nose. If you’re with a group of friends and everyone fancies something different, try one of the big covered markets. Le Marché des Enfants Rouges and Saint-Germain Market both have food from around the world, are open most days of the week, and are great places to stay dry on a wet day. You had no choice but to wait out the rain with a bottle of wine, ofc…
Where to go: Marché Mouffetard on Rue Mouffetard. If it’s dry out, graze your way around stalls selling fresh veggies, cuts of meat, wedges of cheese and fresh oysters – finished off with a sticky pastry or three. Bon appétit.
Tip 5: Get out of town
… Or, what Parisians call the city centre. In general, the neighbourhoods – or arrondissements – closest to the Eiffel Tower and the city’s other big-name sights are the most expensive places to eat in, while prices tend to drop the further out you go. Places like Belleville and the outskirts of Montmartre are a good shout for wallet-friendly food, while the 7th arrondissement is considered one of the most expensive.
Where to go: Chez Gladines Butte aux Cailles on Rue des cinq Diamants. This unassuming place is in the 13th arrondissement, so it’s not a million miles from the centre. But it’s just far out enough to serve hearty French farmhouse dishes at affordable prices. No wonder it’s always busy.
Hungry? Take a look at all our France holidays.
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Author: Daisy Colley (she/her)
Last updated: 02/10/25
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