For many people, Paris is the city of romance. Some think of it as the land of endless baguettes and berets. Others refer to it as the wine and cheese capital of the world. The point is, Paris has been called a great many things throughout its history, but cheap isn’t one of them. So what’s a modest-earning tourist to do? Fortunately, we’ve assembled a list of the best places to eat in Paris on a budget. Keep reading to discover them for yourself.
1. Bob's Food, Etc.
Bob’s Food, Etc. is a small franchise made up of a cafe, bakery shop, and juice bar. Having joined together the simplicity of an American diner with the style and grace of Parisian living, Bob’s delectable a la carte lineup includes bagel sandwiches, salads, protein shakes, desserts, and smoothies for all under 10 USD.
Bob's Bake Shop
Address: Halle Pajol, 12 Esplanade Nathalie Sarraute, Paris 18, France
Opening Hours: 8am - 3pm, Mon - Fri; 8am - 4pm, Sat - Sun
Contact: +33 0984462526
Explore Locations: Bob’s Juice Bar
2. Happy Nouilles
The Chinese have one of the fastest growing immigrant populations in Paris, and there’s no better place to witness the culinary fruits of this relationship than the Happy Nouilles Chinese restaurant. Set in the Arts et Metiers neighborhood, it serves up scrumptious creations like the fried shrimp ravioli and the beef ramen stew at an affordable price for tourists and locals alike.
Happy Nouilles
Address: 95 rue Beaubourg, 75003, Paris, France
Access: Arts et Metiers Metro station
Contact: +33 0144593122; contact@happynouilles.com
Website: Happy Nouilles
3. Midi 12
Located near the iconic Garnier opera house, Midi 12 is a small creperie known for its delicious homage to the savory tastes of France’s Brittany region. In addition to a fine selection of salted caramel - and chocolate - based desserts, main dishes go for less than 15 USD here. Plus, in true northern fashion, staff welcome you to pair one of their galettes with a bubbly and flavorful cider of your choosing.
Midi 12
Address: 12 Rue la Fayette, 75009, Paris, France
Access: Chaussee d'Antin La Fayette Metro station
Contact: +33 950122424
Website: Midi 12
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4. El Guacamole
This top pick may seem a bit random at first, but not really, once you stop and consider what many expats living in Paris know all too well: just how hard authentic Mexican food is to come by. El Guacamole taqueria swoops in to save the day with endless samplings of tacos, ceviche, salsa, and guacamole dishes to heal your broken heart, all at a very modest price.
El Guacamole
Address: 37, rue Yves Toudic, Paris, France
Opening Hours: 12pm - 11:30pm, Tues - Sat; 12pm - 10:30pm, Sun - Mon
Access: Jacques Bonsergent metro station
Contact: +33 142410909
Facebook: El Guacamole
5. Instanbul
Heavy Turkish influence in the city of Paris has led to an explosive clamoring for the traditional doner kebab sandwich. So much so, that it has earned itself a somewhat infamous reputation as a prime delicacy for late night episodes of drunk eating. Despite this common tradition, the truth is the greasy crowdpleaser is an excellent pick no matter what time of day. A sandwich and fries from the family owned Istanbul restaurant runs for as little as 6 USD.
Instanbul
Address: 43 rue des Batignolles, Paris, 75017, France
Access: Rome metro station
6. Mich Sandwiches
Located in the heart of Paris’ San Michel neighborhood, Mich Sandwiches is a quintessential cheap student eatery. Fast, but tasty panini and crepe combos are made on the spot and sold for next to nothing. Not only that, but it’s set on the lower level of the popular Gibert Jeune bookstore.
Mich Sandwiches
Address: 10 place Saint Michel, Paris, France
Opening Hours: 8:30 - 12:30am, daily
Access: Saint Michel - Notre Dame metro and RER stations
Contact: +33 606060606
Facebook: Mich Sandwiches
7. L'As du Fallafel
Falafel is an important staple in the Parisian diet, signaling the fusion of cultures to be found in the city. Over at L’As du Fallafel, the classic pita-pocketed sandwiches come with all of the delightfully usual fixings: fried garbanzo bean patties topped with creamy hummus, veggies, a red-cabbage slaw, and a signature blend of harissa and tahini sauce. With so much flavor, it is a welcomed celebration for your tastebuds.
L'As du Fallafel
Address: 34 rue des Rosiers, 75004, Paris, France
Opening Hours: 12pm - 12am, Mon - Thurs; 12pm - 5pm, Fri; 11am - 12am, Sat - Sun
Access: Saint Paul metro station
Contact: +33 148876360
Facebook: L'As du Fallafel
8. Du Pain et des Idees
French bread is already world-renowned, but this high end bakery located in the city’s 10th district sets itself apart with its simple, rustic approach to the art of baking. Quality outweighs quantity at nearly every turn when an ordinary baguette requires nearly seven hours to prepare. Hungry travelers and seasoned locals simply can’t get enough of their signature puff pastries and dessert tarts, made from fresh, seasonal fruits.
Du Pain et des Idees
Address: 34 rue Yves Toudic, 75010 Paris
Opening Hours: 6:45am - 8pm, Mon - Fri; closed for bank holidays and vacation periods
Access: Jacques Bonsergent metro station
Contact: +33 142404452
Website: Du Pain et des Idees
9. Lula Lifestyle Shop
Owned and operated by a local Franco-Colombian family, Lula Lifestyle Shop is a much-sought after organic restaurant featuring yummy vegan and gluten-free meal options. The fresh tastes of fruity yogurt bowls, colorful crudite salads, and hearty vegan soups have been masterfully infused into this trendy establishment and continue to draw in patrons from all corners of the city.
Lula Lifestyle Shop
Address: 216 rue Saint-Maur, 75010, Paris, France
Opening Hours: 9am - 4pm, Mon - Sat; 9am - 3pm, Sun
Access: Goncourt metro station
Contact: +33 142456271
Website: Lula Lifestyle Shop (in French)
10. American Corner
No one does cheap quick food quite like the U.S, and much to the dismay of some locals, the integration of American customs has been a constant, unstoppable juggernaut encroaching on the traditional Parisian way of life. Still though, the decades-long phenomenon is not without its fair share of culinary perks. Take American Corner, for example. This district five food joint contains an original selection of delicious bagel sandwiches, hot dogs, and dessert bagels, among other things.
American Corner
Address: 160 rue Saint Jacques, Paris, France
Opening Hours: 8:30am - 8:30pm, Mon - Fri; 9:30am - 5pm, Sat
Access: Lucembourg RER station
Contact: +33 984224719
Website: American Corner
Best of both worlds
Although great food is certainly one of the cornerstones of Parisian tourism, this chic capital city has a long way to go before overturning its reputation of exorbitance. Luckily, deliciously frugal eateries are popping up all over town, proving that some of the best places to eat in Paris while on a budget are as good for your appetite as they are for your bank account!