Paris might be known for fancy restaurants and fine dining, but that doesn’t mean you need to break the bank to eat well. In fact, some of the tastiest bites in the city are affordable, filling, and full of local flavor.
If you're walking through Montmartre or picnicking along the Seine, you'll find tons of options that fit your budget. This guide to affordable food in Paris is packed with places locals love and smart tips to help you enjoy every bite without overspending.
From bouillons and street sandwiches to crispy falafel and sweet pastries, here are the best ways to eat in Paris on a budget!
Bouillons
Bouillon Chartier | Photo Credits: Gerda Arendt on Wikimedia
The menus focus on filling, traditional dishes like rich onion soup, slow-cooked beef bourguignon, tender roast chicken with crispy fries, and simple desserts like crème caramel. Portions are generous, flavors are familiar, and recipes stay close to old-school French cooking.
One of the most famous spots is Bouillon Pigalle, where mains often cost under €10. Make it a meal-and-a-sight combo by visiting Bouillon Pigalle, then taking a short walk up to the iconic Sacré-Cœur Basilica. After your budget-friendly feast, you can enjoy one of the best views in Paris from Montmartre’s hilltop!
📍Where to try: Bouillon Pigalle, Bouillon Chartier, Bouillon Racine
💶Price point: €10 to €20 for a full meal
🍽️Best dish to try: Beef bourguignon or onion soup with crème caramel for dessert
Boulangerie Sandwiches
Jambon-beurre, a classic French sandwich | Photo Credits: Nat on Wikimedia
The humble French sandwich is a lunch hero. Head to any neighborhood boulangerie and you’ll find crusty baguettes filled with ham and butter (jambon-beurre), chicken and veggies, or melty cheese. They’re cheap, fresh, and perfect for a picnic in the park.
Many locals swear by Cosi and small bakeries for their sandwich fix. Pair it with a fruit or pastry, and you’ve got a classic Parisian lunch under €10. It’s quick, tasty, and totally satisfying.
📍 Where to try: Cosi, local boulangeries near Montmartre
💶Price point: €5 to €10
🍽️Best dish to try: Jambon-beurre (ham and butter sandwich)
Crêpes
A Breton classic: galette complète | Photo Credits: Alpha on Flickr
Crêpes are one of the best budget meals in Paris. You can go savory with buckwheat galettes filled with ham, cheese, or mushrooms, or sweet with Nutella, lemon sugar, or salted caramel. Crêperies range from street stalls to sit-down cafes.
Head to Breizh Café for top-tier quality or explore the crêpe-heavy Montparnasse district. Prices usually run between €3 for a street crêpe and €14 at a sit-down spot.
📍Where to try: Breizh Café, Crêperie Plougastel, street stands near Montparnasse
💶Price point: €3 to €14
🍽️Best dish to try: Savory galette with ham, egg, and cheese (galette complète)
Falafel
falafel with tahini and fresh vegetables | Photo Credits: Janek Man on Wikimedia
Falafel is a street food staple in Paris, especially in the lively Marais neighborhood. These pita sandwiches are packed with fried chickpea balls, veggies, and creamy tahini, a filling meal for a low price.
L’As du Fallafel is a must-visit and often has a line down the street. Nearby, Miznon offers a modern twist on Mediterranean eats.
Want to try more than just falafel? Join a Marais food tour to explore the neighborhood’s flavors, from Jewish delis and artisanal cheeses to sweet pastries and local wine. It’s a fun, tasty way to learn the history behind one of Paris’s coolest areas!
📍Where to try: L’As du Fallafel, Miznon (Rue des Rosiers, Marais)
💶Price point: €6 to €10
🍽️Best dish to try: Falafel special sandwich with everything
Kebab and Street Pita
Paris-style kebab | Photo Credits: Matthew Klint on liveandletsfly
If you’re near student areas like the Latin Quarter or Belleville, kebab shops are everywhere. These pita sandwiches come stuffed with grilled meat, veggies, and sauce, often with fries on the side.
Prices are low and portions are big. Rue de la Huchette is a good place to start, especially if you're exploring on foot or riding the Paris hop-on hop-off bus. It's a great spot for a quick lunch between sightseeing stops or a tasty late-night snack after a full day of exploring.
📍Where to try: Rue de la Huchette (Latin Quarter), Belleville
💶Price point: €6 to €9
🍽️Best dish to try: Lamb kebab with fries and white sauce
Market Picnics
Classic french picnic | Photo Credits: Polina on Pexels
Markets are a wonderful way to eat well for less. Pick up a crusty baguette, soft cheese, seasonal fruit, and some charcuterie, then find a sunny park bench or riverside spot.
Marché d’Aligre is packed with fresh produce, and Fromager Thomas has great cheese options. This is also one of the most fun, local-feeling food experiences in the city.
For the perfect picnic, head to the banks of the Seine River after your market haul. There are spots to sit, snack, and soak in postcard-worthy Paris views. If you want to keep the experience going, consider booking a Seine River cruise afterward, it’s an easy way to rest your feet while seeing famous landmarks from the water
📍Where to try: Marché d’Aligre, Fromager Thomas
💶Price point: €12 to €30 for a full picnic
🍽️Best dish to try: Baguette with brie cheese and saucisson (French salami)
French Pastries
Pain au chocolat, a classic French pastry | Photo Credits: Svitlana Shakalova on Pexels
Pain au chocolat, a classic French pastry | Photo Credits: Svitlana Shakalova on Pexels
A fresh croissant or pain au chocolat is one of the cheapest joys in Paris. Most boulangeries sell these flaky treats for under €2. Mamiche is a top pick for its buttery, golden pastries.
These make a great budget breakfast or mid-morning snack. Grab a pastry and coffee and enjoy it on the go, or find a bench with a view.
📍Where to try: Mamiche, Du Pain et des Idées
💶Price point: €2 to €3
🍽️Best dish to try: Pain au chocolat (chocolate croissant)
FAQs about affordable food in Paris
What are the best cheap eats in Paris?
Some of the best cheap eats include bouillon meals, falafel from L’As du Fallafel, and sandwiches from local bakeries. These options are flavorful, filling, and easy on your wallet.
Can you eat well in Paris on a budget?
Yes! From creperies and kebab stalls to food markets and pastries, you can enjoy authentic Parisian meals for less than €10 in many places.
Where do locals eat cheaply in Paris?
Locals love bouillons, bakeries, crêperies, and neighborhood markets. You'll find them lining up at spots like Bouillon Pigalle or grabbing a jambon-beurre from a nearby boulangerie.
Are bakeries a good budget option in Paris?
Absolutely. Bakeries serve some of the city’s best sandwiches and pastries for just a few euros. Perfect for breakfast, lunch, or a snack.
How much does food cost per day in Paris?
If you stick to affordable meals and mix in bakery breakfasts and street food, you can eat well for about €20–€35 a day.
Ready to eat your way through Paris?
Affordable food in Paris isn’t just easy to find, it’s one of the best parts of visiting the city. You’ll enjoy cozy bouillons, sweet and savory crêpes, legendary falafel, and flaky pastries that taste like a dream. If you’re picnicking at a market or exploring neighborhoods by foot, eating like a local on a budget is totally doable.
Bon appétit!
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