Post Overview: Where to find the best cheap eats in Paris
If you’re looking for the best cheap eats in Paris you’ve come to the right place!
Look it’s no secret Paris is an expensive city — in fact, if you pull up any list of the most expensive cities in the world, Paris is sure to rank among the top. With that said the price tag doesn’t stop the city from being so dang charming. I mean some people save their entire lives just visit the French capital at least once.
Safe to say you won’t struggle finding something to spend your money on in the City of Lights. But if you’re anything like me and your mother taught you to be frugal from a young age, you know the importance of stretching a dollar. This is where I hope to help!
Having lived in Paris for months at a time as an American tourist, I’ve accumulated a list of some of the best cheap eats in Paris. These are all spots I recommend from first-hand experience that have helped hold me over until the paycheck hits (we’ve all been there).
With all the tempting restaurants, tantalizing whiffs of bakeries and all the street vendors begging for you to try them — I’ve found the best. So enough of the small talk, let’s dive right into the best cheap eats in Paris!
Cheap Eats Paris
#15. Mangez et cassez-vous (Burgers)
A €3 burger? Have you ever heard of such a thing? Because that’s exactly what makes Mangez et Cassez-Vous one of the best cheap eats in Paris. Pair it with €1 fries and my friend, this is the very definition of ballin’ on a budget.
AS one of the most affordable restaurants in Paris it’s safe to expect lines out the door, but believe me the line is worth it because the food is good AND inexpensive. The burgers are small but fresh and juicy, not to mention they come with more than just a patty and cheese.
You can get different concoctions that are made with grilled onions, peppers, honey, mustard and more. It just goes to show that even cheap eats in Paris are a step above basic.
I’ll be the first to admit that the lines at Mangez et Cassez-Vous are no joke. My suggestion is showing up 10-15 minutes before they open (even then you’ll find a line forming) and taking your food to-go. Since it’s one of the most affordable restaurants in Paris it fills up quickly and the dining room can get rather cramped.
Address: 64 Rue Alexandre Dumas, 75011 Paris, France
#14. Au P’tit Grec (Crepes)
Visiting Paris and not getting a crêpe is akin to visiting New York City and not getting a slice of pizza — unforgivable!
Getting a crêpe is even more of a non-negotiable when you consider they’re are among the best cheap eats in Paris. Luckily you won’t struggle finding a crêpe stand no matter where you are in the city. While you can’t go wrong stopping by any stand, not all crêpes are created equally.
I want to make sure you’re getting some of the best the city has to offer, which is why Au P’tit Grec cracks this list of the best cheap eats in Paris!
Located in the charming Latin Quarter south of the Seine River, the small crêpe shop churns out delicious treats. You’ll find both savory and sweet-treats that will blow your mind. Considering the crêpes are filled with quality ingredients and can quell a growling stomoach, the pricing is very reasonable.
The best part about this delectable crêperie being one of the best cheap eats in Paris. For less than €10 you’ll be served a satisfying portion that will keep you fulfilled as you get explore the charming neighborhood.
I’d love to offer a recommendation on what to order, but I truly can’t pick just one (so please don’t make me!). Everything I’ve tried has been phenomenal and I can’t stop coming back.
Address: 68 Rue Mouffetard, 75005 Paris, France
#13. Broadway Caffe (Pizza)
Outside of French food, few cuisines are as synonymous with fine-dining as Italian. That’s why you’ll be pleasantly surprised to learn that one of the best affordable restaurants in Paris is Broadway Caffe, an Italian joint.
Here you can enjoy pastas, salads and focaccia but their claim to fame is pizza. Not all of their pies would be considered cheap eats in Paris, but the margherita is well worth the sub-€10 price tag.
It’s even cheaper if you take it to go, but then you wouldn’t get to enjoy the full Broadway Caffe experience. With happy hour until 8PM I suggest hanging around a while and enjoying a few glasses of wine. Lord knows if you leave you’ll just stumble into a bar charging twice as much.
Not to mention the service at Broadway Caffe is top-tier. Seriously, with over 3,000 reviews on Google more than 400 of them shout-out the waitstaff, so I know I’m not the only one putting them on a pedestal. You’d expect cheap eats in Paris to want to get you in and out as fast as possible, but Broadway Caffe can be a multiple-hour affair.
Address: 112 Bd du Montparnasse, 75014 Paris, France
#12. Il Grigio (Italian)
Il Grigio is an Italian restaurant that has made our list of best cheap eats in Paris due to of the wide selection of dishes available at reasonable prices. But don’t for a second believe that the dishes’ low cost diminishes their excellence.
On the contrary, all the meals we had there were fantastic and we couldn’t believe such a great meal could be had without breaking the bank. Serving pastas, pizzas and seafood platters, this is one of the best affordable restaurants in Paris for anyone looking for a casual Italian meal.
Most meals average around €12 and this is one of the few cheap eats in Paris that also offers vegan/vegetarian options. Il Grigio is located near the Eiffel Tower, which makes it a great date night spot after a long day of sight-seeing.
The restaurant is small and isn’t equipped to handle large groups. My suggestion is ordering your food to-go and finding somewhere with a view to enjoy one of the best cheap eats Paris has to offer.
Address: 147 Rue Saint-Dominique, 75007 Paris, France
#11. Mamiche (Cinnamon Rolls)
People travel from all around the globe (literally) for a bite from an authentic French cafe. It’s only fitting that one of the best cheap eats Paris has to offer comes in the form of a pastry.
And the choice is yours, you can enjoy croissants, babka, beignets, cinnamon rolls and more at Mamiche. Although not technically a restaurant you can still enjoy a great breakfast and coffee at the Parisian cafe.
And in a show of tremendous generosity Mamiche doesn’t charge an arm and a leg for their pastries. Croissants, pain au chocolat and cinnamon rolls each cost under €2.
That’s impressive considering Mamiche is an extremely popular bakery that often sells out before the day is done. With their constant demand the bakery could easily get away with charging more, but until they do it’ll remain one of the best cheap eats in Paris.
Address: 45 Rue Condorcet, 75009 Paris, France
#10. La Maison d’Isabelle (Croissants)
How would you like to try an award winning croissant? Because if that sounds right up your alley, whip out your phone and route your GPS to La Maison d’Isabelle.
Being crowned the #1 croissant in Paris (in 2018) is no easy feat! And you’ll be glad to know they’re also one of the best cheap eats in Paris.
I know, I know, I can already hear the complaints — “a croissant isn’t a meal”, but hey! For less than €2 a pop you can order two (or three, no judgment) and call it a day. Have one plain, one with butter + jam and make one into a sandwich (get creative!).
Each bite is like a shot of liquid gold because the croissants are generously buttered. They’re flakey on the outside and fluffy on the inside, full of air pockets that resemble the moon’s craters.
There are few better cheap eats in Paris than croissants, and La Maison d’Isabelle might be the cream of the crop.
However, if you’re restraining yourself and attempting to stay away from croissants, no worries. This Parisian bakery is chock-full of goodies and you won’t struggle finding a delicious treat for a great price.
Address: 47ter Bd Saint-Germain, 75005 Paris, France
#9. Crêperie Genia (Crepes)
Okay, I know I already mentioned a crêperie on this list of best cheap eats in Paris, but I can’t help it. When I know I’ve struck gold — I need to share the wealth!
Crêperie Genia is a charming, standard-issue crêperie located near the Seine that offers some of the tastiest crêpes in the city. The postage-sized shop offers an extensive menu of flavors that will leave both savory and sweet lovers, satisfied.
I want to be transparent and mention that the crêpes run a bit thicker here than most others I’ve tried in the city. Personally, this is a positive in my eyes since I enjoy a more doughy treat, however I’ve heard complaints and realize a thicker crêpe is not everyone’s cup of tea.
With that being said, having a thicker crêpe paired with a generous serving of Nutella and strawberries will keep you satisfied longer. So if you’re searching for some of the best sweet cheap eats in Paris, I suggest trying Crêperie Genia.
Something to note: Creperie Genia is known to have a house-cat, so if you struggle with allergies I’d avoid this Parisian cheap eat.
Address: 7 Rue de la Harpe, 75005 Paris, France
#8. Boulangerie-Pâtisserie Laurent Dheilly (baguette sandwiches & pastries)
Look, I’m not above visiting a bakery more than once in a day — especially in a city that has mastered the art of pastries. If anything I’d being doing myself a disservice not accepting the path that was carved for me by fellow carb lovers.
And at Boulangerie-Pâtisserie Laurent Dheilly I’ve hit the jackpot! Some of the best cheap eats in Paris can be had in this sweet, sweet heavenly bakery. I’m talking pastries as big as your head for less than €3 and fresh baguette sandwiches for under €6.
Fair warning though, if you lack self-control, good luck leaving the bakery without an armful of treats. The tantalizing baked goods with the aroma of freshly baked bread is too tempting to resist. The worst part? Everything is affordable! I know, poor you what a problem to have.
Don’t underestimate the power French bakeries hold when searching for the best cheap eats in Paris. 😉
Address: 6 Rue des Halles, 75001 Paris, France
#7. Carton (Croissants & baked goods)
Remember how I mentioned that La Maison d’Isabelle won best croissant in Paris back in 2018? Well if we fast forward a couple years Carton took the crown and was voted best croissant in 2022.
We’re lucky to have two award winning croissants crack the list of best cheap eats in Paris. Carton also has a great deal where for roughly €5 you can have a petite dejeuner (breakfast) consisting of a croissant or pain au chocolat, an espresso and a cup of orange juice.
If you want the croissant all by itself it’ll only set you back €1.20, and at that price you might as well get one for the road too.
And speaking of getting back on the road – Carton is only a stone’s throw away from the Gare du Nord, one of the busiest train stations in Paris. Odds are you’ll be in the vicinity at least once during your visit, so consider making a pit-stop for one of the best cheap eats Paris has to offer.
Carton is also one of the best affordable restaurants in Paris for other small bites. Sandwiches, soups and salads can all be had for under €10. While you shouldn’t expect gargantuan portions, they’re great cheap eats in Paris. You’ll find they’re great lunches and quick bites in between sightseeing.
Address: 6 Bd de Denain, 75010 Paris, France
#6. Furahaa
You know I couldn’t do a roundup of the best cheap eats in Paris and not include a vegan option. Luckily Furahaa is an easy plug-in because it’s delicious, responsibly sourced and one of the best affordable restaurants in Paris.
The restaurant offers a variety of burgers except there’s one kicker – they’re all vegan. There’s cheeseburgers, chicken burgers and even fish-alternative burgers available.
Incredibly, there isn’t a single combo meal at Furahaa that clocks in at more than €15, and that includes a drink. Just look at my go-to order, I get the double cheeseburger with fries and a drink for less than €12. If that doesn’t constitute a spot among the best cheap eats in Paris then I don’t know what to tell ya!
Address: 78 Rue Réaumur, 75002 Paris, France
#5. Chez Cleopatre
Chez Cleopatre is one of the best affordable restaurants in Paris because you get to taste the rainbow. There are sandwiches, burgers, falafel and tacos all begging for you to try them.
Even better, since this is a go-to spot for cheap eats in Paris you could easily try more than one item. The burgers range from €4 to €8, the tacos (which are more like burritos) are under €10 and sandwiches are under €8.
Whenever my husband and I visit we each choose something different and then share so we get to try a little bit of everything.
If you’re in need of a recommendation and can only try one thing I suggest ordering the kebab taco. Again, they’re more like a burrito but they’re so juicy and succulent you can’t help but lick your fingers when you’re done!
Address: 46 Rue Condorcet, 75009 Paris, France
#4. Caractère Cochon (Sandwiches)
The charcuterie lover in me can’t say enough good things about Caractère Cochon. From the outside it almost looks like a pub, but when you step inside you’re greeted by hanging meats and wine for sale.
In regards to why they’re among the best cheap eats in Paris, Caractère Cochon makes mean sandwiches for less than €12. The baguettes are always fresh and you’ll often have fresh cut meats going into your sandwich.
And if you’re looking to try a French staple at this cheap eat in Paris, the jambon-beurre is a rock-solid option. Made with three simple ingredients (baguette, ham, butter) the simplicity allows the ingredients’ quality and pure flavors to really shine.
Address: 42 Rue Charlot, 75003 Paris, France
#3. L’As du Falafel (Falafel)
It’s rare for a place with extreme hype to live up to expectations, but L’As du Falafel not only does, it completely knocks it out of the park.
One of the best cheap eats in Paris is the extraordinary Middle Eastern restaurant that sells falafels, shawarma and kebabs. For less than €10 you can treat yourself to jam-packed, fully loaded, mouth-watering falafel that will reappear in your dreams for days to come.
If you’re walking down the street and see crowds of people forming into a colossal line, just know you’re in the right place. L’As du Falafel is simply a victim of its own success. The lines may seem long but trust, they move fast and are so worth it!
I order the classic falafel with all the toppings (is there any other way?) and always order it to-go. There is no better way to eat one of the best cheap eats in Paris than by finding a spot near the restaurant and pigging out on the street.
Address: 34 Rue des Rosiers, 75004 Paris, France
#2. Bouillon Pigalle
We’ve covered a lot of street food, bakeries, and small bite cheap eats in Paris but where do you go when you want a meal? Let’s say you want to have a full dinner but are working with a strict budget, where do you get the best value?
At Bouillon Pigalle, that’s where! As one of the best affordable restaurants in Paris their reputation precedes them. It’s not a fine dining restaurant, but having said that you can get away with a dinner date thanks to the full menu, desserts and drinks.
Most plates are under €12, house cocktails are €6 and desserts are under €5. That means you can have a full meal for around €25 or less! I don’t know where you’re from, but where I live we call that a steal!
And before I let you get carried away I have to make it clear Bouillon Pigalle won’t be winning any Michelin Stars anytime soon. But that’s okay! Not every meal is supposed to be lights out, some are just supposed to be fulfilling and tasty. As one of the best cheap eats in Paris you’ll leave satisfied and afford to eat another day.
Address: 22 Bd de Clichy, 75018 Paris, France
#1. Grocery stores & markets
Before you send me hate mail and accuse me of taking the easy way out with this list of best cheap eats in Paris, let me explain. Paris is mesmerizing, it’s a city that exudes high fashion, fine dining and unparalleled architectural feats.
Which is a fancy way of saying you won’t struggle finding a spot to spend your money. If you don’t tell your funds where to go, you’ll be left wondering where they went by the time the credit card bill comes around.
However, Paris can be very affordable if you’re willing to put in some legwork. Swinging by a grocery store or a local market can provide some of the best cheap eats in Paris.
You can grab a fresh loaf of bread, sliced cheese and any meat of your liking and make an extremely filling sandwich. Pair it with some small snacks and a drink (even better, a cheap bottle of wine) and you’ll be left wondering why you ever thought spending an arm and a leg on a meal was worth it.
What’s more, you give yourself the option to dine in the location of your choosing. You can enjoy some of the best things to do in Paris by enjoying a meal near the Seine, picnic under the Eiffel Tower, hell you can even eat on a random Parisian park bench. The options of scenery are endless and odds are you’ll get more than one meal out of that baguette.
Thanks to the access to uber fresh ingredients I can think of few better cheap eats in Paris than making a quick, easy meal from a market or a grocery store.
Where to Eat Cheap in Paris (Post Summary)
- Mangez et cassez-vous
- Au P’tit Grec
- Broadway Caffe
- IL Grigio
- Mamiche
- La Maison d’Isabelle
- Crêperie Genia
- Boulangerie-Pâtisserie Laurent Dheilly
- Carton
- Chez Cleopatre
- Caractère Cochon
- L’AS du Falafel
- Bouillon Pigalle
- Grocery stores & markets
Map of the Best Paris Cheap Eats
And there you have it folks! The best spots for cheap eats in Paris. Feel free to comment any spot you think I missed.
Cheers!
i’ve bookmarked your selections! thank you for the many options!