Paris | Where to Eat on a Budget 🥖

Paris | Where to Eat on a Budget 🥖

Where to eat a meal for 10ish euros in the French capital
Updated 10mo ago
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This one is pretty self-explanatory because food in Paris is EXPENSIVE!!!

Compared to other cities of Europe (specifically Madrid where I live right now), or places like London with a plethora of affordable options, I have found it particularly hard to come across Parisian spots that are actually affordable and actually good without living on and cheap groceries... but I've tried! 

This list is not necessarily THE cheapest food in Paris but it is places that are great and, if you order the right way, are definitely doable on a budget. 

Note that 10 euro is about the average cost of a more affordable meal here, expect to pay at least this much if you choose to eat out at all.

Also, note that although boulangeries are definitely the ACTUAL cheapest places to eat in Paris (can't beat a 1 euro baguette) I only included 2 of them here because I have a whole separate guide on that.

Also, sometimes you still need to eat an actual meal. 

That being said, here are my favorite places for a croissant and a baguette, respectively. They each cost about 1 euro- maybe 1.50 at this point with inflation. 

La Maison d’Isabelle
@sarahpollock
BEST croissants in the world and 1 euro each. I found this place by chance my first time in Paris because I smelled their croissants baking right as they were opening from a few blocks away. I cried the first time I tried one.
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Boulangerie Utopie
@sarahpollock
Last year I probably tried at least 10 different baguettes during my 2 weeks in Paris. This one was honestly the only standout that has still stayed with me, so I guess that means it's my favorite?
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The rest of this list is a mixture of places I've enjoyed plus a few recommendations from local chefs, local people, etc. 

D Noodles
@sarahpollock
Huge bowls of delicious, spicy Chinese noodles, for about 8-11 euro each. Can't beat it. There's 2 locations in the Marais- one being right next to the Pompidou.
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L'As du Fallafel
@sarahpollock
THE falafel shop everyone raves about. I have had better (I lived in Israel for a year), but I will attest that it's hard to find falafel that good outside of the Middle East. And the prices have stayed reasonable amongst the place's popularity which is reassuring.
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Miznon Canal
@sarahpollock
Miznon is Miznon. It will always be consistent and delicious. And budget-friendly if you order right! If you like boeuf bourguignon, I'd encourage you to try their version in a pita (only available on the Paris menu). It sort of tastes like the best brisket you've ever had.
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Le Favori
@sarahpollock
Amazing amazing sandwiches. Go when you want a good sandwich. Specifically one that isn't on a baguette for once.
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Sürpriz - Berliner Kebab
@sarahpollock
If you like a classic Berlin doner kebab and need a quick meal in the 11th.. this is for you!
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Chez Aline
@sarahpollock
Really good cheap sandwiches for when you DO want it in a baguette!
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Bellota-Bellota Tour Eiffel
@sarahpollock
Some of the best charcuterie I've ever had, including everywhere I've tried in France AND Spain (as I'm writing this in December of 2023 I just got back from another trip to Paris and currently live in Madrid). If you sit down to eat, the charcuterie boards and other plates can get slightly pricey. But the sandwiches to take away are reasonable (if 10 euro is reasonable for a sandwich to you). One location is pretty close to the Eiffel Tower! I enjoyed eating it there.
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Best Tofu
@sarahpollock
I have yet to go here because I have yet to be in this part of the city around lunch time, but about 5 different locals (normal people, chefs, etc.) have recommended it to me already! Apparently they have this tofu soup that's like 2 euro or something crazy. If you don't tofu maybe avoid it... but if you do, try it out!
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Jah Jah By Le Tricycle
@sarahpollock
A very cute well-respected little restaurant in the 10th, with awesome vegan Afro-Carribean food. A nice colorful break from the meat/cheese combo in my opinion.
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La Résidence de l'asso Refugee Food*
@sarahpollock
"Run in collaboration with the UNHCR-backed Refugee Food Festival, the project showcases a rotating roster of refugee chefs, giving them a platform to build a profile in Paris and share their country’s cuisine" -per La Résidence's website. Couldn't have said it better. Dynamic, authentic, and absolutely worth checking out.
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Marché des Enfants Rouges
@sarahpollock
This came as a recommendation from an old Airbnb host and it did not disappoint. It's kind of hiding in plain sight in the middle of the historic Marais neighborhood. It's also the oldest food market in Paris dating back to 1615! Now it's mostly produce and stalls featuring food from various immigrant groups within Paris. And it's a good place to find reasonably priced food. I remember eating these amazing Lebanese sandwiches there a few years back.
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El Nopal Taqueria
@sarahpollock
Really really good tacos and burritos. Always a line outside.
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ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Sarah Pollock is a twenty-something-year-old traveler, creative, and spiritualist. She graduated with a degree in Business Information Systems (although she did not enjoy it) and a minor in Sustainability from the University of Florida. Since embarking on her first trip abroad to Australia and New Zealand at 15 years old, she has since visited 25 countries and counting- most of them solo. She is also an avid foodie, reader, concert-goer, sitter at coffee shops, introspective thinker, and champion of small businesses. She prides herself on her romantic and nostalgic approach to seeing the world, which is reflected in the hidden gem-filled and slightly sentimental tone of her writing and recommendations. She recently spent this past school year splitting time between Tel Aviv and Be’er Sheva, Israel; teaching English to underrepresented and underprivileged children in both Hebrew and Arabic-speaking schools. She is currently continuing this work in Madrid. For more personal thoughts and musings and present updates on where she is in the world and how she’s feeling about it, consider subscribing to her bi-weekly travel newsletter, Postcards. Other subject matters, though all undoubtedly influenced by her experience living abroad, are explored through her primary publication, Older Sister (both linked in bio).
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