Paris: 5 Affordable restaurants loved by both locals and tourists
Long gourmet lunches, flaky croissants, endless glasses of wine… eating in Paris is a dream come for most visitors. But finding the right places can be frustrating for budget travelers if they’re not careful.
Some restaurants are so overrun with tourists that the experience is not fun or the food just isn’t up to par. On the flip side, a fancy Parisian bistro can be a little intimidating for visitors who want a more casual experience or don’t want to spend a few hundred euros.
We’ve done the “hard work” over the years of testing dozens of restaurants, wine bars, and bakeries around Paris to find our favorites that offer quality without breaking the bank.
Related: 10 tips for saving on Paris dining
5 Paris places that attract locals and tourists
We’ve compiled five reliable spots to eat and drink where you can always enjoy good food, pastries or wine at a good price. Sure, you might be seated next to a table of tourists happily snapping away on their iPhone, but you might also be sitting next to a group of French business people out for a Friday office lunch.
Both tourists AND locals love these five spots:
Lunchtime at Bistrot Victoire means a hearty (and cheap!) serving of duck confit!
Bistrot Victoire
6 Rue de la Vrillière
1st arrondissement
Nearest metro: Bourse or Palais Royal – Musée du Louvre
Located just a quick stroll from the Louvre, Bistrot Victoire is definitely on the tourists’ circuit. However, we’ve also seen many locals dining there as well. With delicious plates like steak frites, salmon tartare, and roast chicken at very fair prices, this cozy bistro is always packed for lunch. During a recent visit, we chowed down on a lovely duck confit with two glasses of wine and a coffee for less than €20.
The view from the bar at Robert et Louise.
Robert et Louise
64 Rue Vieille du Temple
3rd arrondissement
Nearest metro: Saint-Paul or Rambuteau
website
Does a grilled steak over an open wood fire sound like it might hit the spot? Robert e Louise is your ticket to carnivore heaven. Vegetarians will be happy too with a delicious mushroom omelet on the menu. Located in the heart of the Marais, this restaurant is a favorite for visitors from all over the world, but it also attracts French people. One time, I had lunch at a table with a group of five French pensioners going all out for an epic meal.
Sip a glass of wine or bring a bottle to take your favorite vintage to go.
Le Baron Rouge
1 Rue Théophile Roussel
12th arrondissement
Nearest metro: Ledru-Rollin
website
Run by a friendly group of vin lovers, Le Baron Rouge really is the wine bar of our dreams. They have an incredible selection of French vintages, the prices are very cheapo-friendly, and the staff is always ready to offer suggestions. As a bonus, they have a nice menu of small bites, so you can pair your Sancerre with a trio of cheeses or a tin of gourmet sardines. Keep an eye on the giant barrels where Parisians come to fill up their bottles to bring home.
Your reward for getting a table: A beautiful buckwheat crepe at Breizh Cafe. Photo: Kent
Breizh Cafe
109 rue Vieille du Temple
4th arrondissement
Nearest metro: Filles du Calvaire
website
With so many crepe stands all over the city, you’d think it would be easy to find a tasty version. But it’s a lot harder than you think! Our solution is to head to Breizh Crepes where you can sit down and dine on a tasty buckwheat crepe from the Breton region and enjoy a glass of traditional cider. It’s not the cheapest crepe in town and there can be a wait if you don’t have a reservation, but after a few bites, you might just be planning a return trip.
It’s worth the wait for the scrumptious treats at Du Pain Et Des Idées.
Du Pain Et Des Idées
34 rue Yves Toudic
10th arrondissement
Nearest metro: Jacques Bonsergent
website
We’re not big fans of waiting in line for anything, but once you’ve tasted the pastries at Du Pain Et Des Idées, you’ll see what the fuss is all about. They have perfectly-baked loaves of bread, spectacular cakes, flaky croissants, and savory snacks filled with cheese and bacon. The top attractions are “Les Escargots” — a spiral pastry that can be filled with anything from raisins to chocolate and pistachio.
More Paris cheap eats
Looking for more places to eat in Paris on a budget? You might want to check out Chez Chartier or read up on how you can eat your way through Paris on €20 a day. And let us know where you love to eat in Paris!
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