5 Stunning Examples Of Affordable Authentic Restaurants In Paris

Paris, the City of Lights never disappoints. Whether it is your first visit or you have been there several times before, there is always something new to discover.

In a city with thousands of restaurants, it can be intimidating to find affordable restaurants in Paris that serve authentic French food.

Given that you have made it all the way to Paris, why not try local French cuisine that you may not have at home. To get you started, we’ve put together a list of 5 affordable restaurants that serve delicious authentic food in Paris.

Be sure to check out these restaurants the next time you are in Paris.

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Affordable restaurants in Paris close to the Eiffel towerEiffel Tower by night

Le P’tit Troquet Restaurant

Head over to Le P’tit Troquet for delicious traditional French food. Tucked away on a little shopping street, this charming, bistro awaits.

Recommended by a local Parisian friend for offering delicious traditional food, we made our way over to the restaurant. We walked in without a reservation and were greeted with a smile, and surprisingly, seated right away.

We opted for one “menu” consisting of entrée + plat + dessert. We supplemented that with one more appetizer (entrée) and one main dish (plat).

We began our meal with foie-gras, one of the most popular French delicacies.

Le ptit Troquet affordable restaurants in PAris Food Travel ExperiencesDelectable Foie Gras.Yum!!

This was followed by Boeuf Bourguignon, another French specialty from the Bourgogne or Burgundy Region. This savory beef stew is a classic and a popular French traditional dish.

This stew is prepared with beef braised in red wine, traditionally red Burgundy, and beef broth. It is typically flavored with garlic, onions and a variety of spices. Pearl onions and mushrooms are generally added towards the end of cooking. Hearty and filling. Perfect for a cool day or evening.

Le P'tit Troquet an affordable restaurant in Paris serving Boeuf BourguignonDelicious and Hearty Boeuf Bourguignon

The dessert special that evening was apricot soup and almond milk ice-cream. Already stuffed from the appetizers and main dishes, we split this scrumptious treat.

The food is delicious, the service is attentive and the prices reasonable. The perfect combination for authentic and affordable restaurants in Paris.

Affordable restaurants in Paris, le P'tit TroquetApricot soup and almond milk ice-cream

Where

Le P’tit Troquet

28 rue de l’Exposition  

75007 Paris

Price of Menus

Lunch menu (Entrée + Plat + Dessert) 25€

Dinner (Entrée + Plat + Dessert) 35 €

Pro Tips

This restaurant attracts local and tourist alike. It can get busy early on and items from the menu of the day can quickly disappear. Plan to go early if you want to eat the specials of the day.

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2 – In The Latin Quarter – Check out La Bastide d’Opio

The Latin Quarter or Left Bank has been traditionally known as the artistic and cultural part of  Paris. Café de Flore, Les Deux Magots and the cafes and bars of Saint-Germain-des-Prés are some of the main reasons visitors flock to this area.  

Affordable restaurants in Paris, Cafe de FloreCafé de Flore, Paris

Given the popularity of the area, finding a good traditional Parisian restaurant can be tricky. The way we found this gem was through researching Google reviews of the restaurants in French.

One tip to keep in mind when looking for authentic restaurants on your travels is to research the reviews in the local language. Even if you may not speak French, use the Google Translate functionality for translation help.

La Bastide d’Opio Restaurant

Walk down the narrow, cobblestone streets and make your way over to a small side street close to Saint-Sulpice. La Bastide d’Opio offers a taste of “Provence” or cuisine from the South made with seasonal products.

This small and charming restaurant has only about 10 tables. When presented with the menu, choose the “menu of the day” or “menu du jour.”

You will immediately be seduced by typical dishes from the South like “crumble d’agneau au citron vert et tomates confites, poêlée de courgettes” and “marmite de poissons à la coriandre et au citron confit.”

The “crumble d’agneau au citron vert et tomates confites, poêlée de courgettes” is delicious and surprisingly not too heavy. Layers of fresh zucchini, with tomatoes and spices, topped with fresh cuts of lamb and served in a cast iron pot. A delightful taste of “Provence”.

Affordable restaurants in Paris enjoying crumble d'agneau at la bastide d'opio, ParisCrumble d'agneau

If you are looking at something from the sea, get the “special of the day”. You will be rewarded with the “Marmite de poissons à la coriandre et au citron confit.” This delicate seafood soup is filled with slices of fish and fresh seafood in a broth with lemon, coriander and spices from the South of France. Truly exceptional!

affordable restaurants in Paris at La Bastide d’OpioMarmite de poissons

Where

La Bastide d’Opio

9 rue Guisarde

75006 Paris

Price of Menus

Lunch menu (Entrée + Plat + Dessert) 24.20 €

Dinner (Entrée + Plat + Dessert) 28.50 €

Pro Tips

Go for lunch and enjoy a fantastic meal while shopping and walking around the area. Make a reservation ahead of time!

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3 – Explore Foodie Haven on Rue Mouffetard, and Le Vin Qui Danse

A visit to the Latin Quarter would not be complete without strolling through rue Mouffetard a foodie haven. The market takes place every day on rue Mouffetard, though keep in mind that it is most lively on the weekends. For the best experience, go in the mornings when all the vendors and shops are opened. Take a quick tour in 360 of rue Mouffetard on a typical Thursday afternoon.

On rue Mouffetard, you will find any fresh products and fine food to be expected in Paris. Cheeses from Fromagerie Androuet, one the oldest cheese maker in Paris, chocolate from Mococha a chocolate collector, wines from La Fontaine aux vins a unique local shop and much more!

Prepare for a tempting experience!.

Le Vin Qui Danse Restaurant: one of the most authentic affordable restaurants in Paris

While rue Mouffetard is a must-visit in Paris for food lovers, it can be difficult finding an affordable restaurant away from the crowds and the touristy areas.

If you are up for walking, after looking around rue Mouffetard, head over for lunch to Le Vin Qui Danse. This restaurant located on rue Brocca, proposes fresh and seasonal products on the menu. As their name suggest, they also offer a large selection of wine by the glass from unique and small wineries alike.

affordable restaurants in Paris, le vin qui danseWines by the glass

On top of that, their menu is very affordable and the cuisine is delicious. We indulged in the short menu of the day, a sign of homemade cuisine that we always recommend.

Affordable restaurants in Paris, le vin qui danseShort Menu

We took the option “entrée + plat “ for 15 Euros per person. We had a delicious “onglet légumes et soja” which was a finely cut steak slices, cooked rare at their core and served with vegetables. This is a version of the french steak bavette revisited with a Japanese flair. Scrumptious!

La vin qui danse, steak bavette affordable restaurants in ParisSliced steak bavette with seasonal vegetables

The staff is very friendly and the environment very convivial for a leisurely lunch sipping a couple of glasses of wine. A great place to slow down and indulge in local food pleasures.

Where

Le Vin Qui Danse

69 rue Broca

75013 Paris

Price of Menus

Lunch menu (Entrée + Plat + Dessert) 18 €

Dinner menu (Entrée + Plat + Dessert) 25 €

Pro Tips

Ask for recommendations when it comes to wine and do order it by the glass so you can try different wines to pair with your dishes.

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4 – Not far from Parc Monceau? Walk a little further to Le Bistro du Passage

Known as one of the most attractive parks in Paris, Parc Monceau is a hidden enclave for those seeking peace and quiet from the hectic pace.

Across the park is the 17th arrondissement, a non-touristy neighborhoods made up of office buildings and residential apartments. For a taste of traditional French food in a “real” Parisian neighborhood, make your way over to Le Bistro du Passage.

monceau affordable restaurants paris authentic food questStreet scene near Parc Monceau in the 17th arrondissement

Le Bistro du Passage Restaurant

Tucked away on a pedestrian-only side road (passage), the colorful bistro will welcome you. We discovered this little restaurant from some stealth online research as well as Claire’s familiarity with the neighborhood.

The restaurant is filled with locals and the atmosphere is friendly. The best part is the traditional French dishes at reasonable prices.

For the main meal, we went with the beloved French classic – Steak Tartare. This dish doesn’t require cooking, just a a lot of fine chopping. Made with raw steak, finely chopped shallots, cornichons, capers and a little Worcestershire sauce, Tabasco, and seasoned with salt and black pepper. This dish is typically served with a side of french fries and a green salad.

bistrodupassagetartare_affordablerestaurantsparis_authenticfoodquestSteak Tartare

Your meal will not be complete without dessert. Le Bistro du Passage makes a delicious ‘brioche perdue’, a twist on the classic French pain perdu (french toast) dessert.

This delightful “brioche perdue” was accompanied with a scoop of vanilla ice-cream. Sublime!

brioche perdue at bistro du passage dessert affordable restaurants in paris authentic food questBrioche perdue

Where

Le Bistro du Passage

14 Passage Geffroy-Didelot

75017 Paris

Price of Meals

A la carte menu prices: ~21 € (Entrée + Plat) to ~38 € (Entrée + Plat + Dessert)

Pro Tips

Great place to plan for a party or eat with a group. The restaurant has a private room to accommodate large groups.

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5 – For Entertainment and Vegetarian Cuisine, Visit Le Cinq Lorette in the 9th

While the 9th is famous for Opéra Garnier and shopping at the iconic department stores of Galeries Lafayate and Printemps, it is also popular for theater.

Moulin Rouge and the well-known music halls of Folies Bergère and Casino de Paris are some of the reasons why the 9th is a popular entertainment destination.

If you find yourself in the area looking for tasty vegetarian, vegan and organic delights, head over to Le Cinq Lorette. This restaurant opened in January 2016 and is very popular amongst the locals.

When we made a brief stop in Paris, en route to Southeast Asia, we were surprised when our non-vegetarian family members suggested having lunch there.

opera garnier near cinq orette affordable restaurants in paris authentic food questOpéra Garnier

Le Cinq Lorette Restaurant

The restaurant is beautiful, not just in decor, but also the presentation of the food. The choices are not overwhelming and go way beyond salads and crudités.  

Two of our favorites were the “ La Céréale” for the main meal and fruit salad for dessert.

The “La Céréale” is an interesting galette made of quinoa and mixed vegetables. The galette is drizzled with a delicious sauce made of dill. Roasted vegetables, a green salad and a hummus-like sauce. Totally fresh and seasonal, the ample serving size will delight any appetite.

cinq lorette cereale affordable restaurants in paris authentic food questLa Céréale

In keeping with the healthy theme, the mix of seasonal fruits stood out on the menu. Tempted by the fresh figs, pomegranate, strawberries, melon and more, you enjoy the natural goodness of this dessert.

fruit salad at cinq lorette affordable restaurants in paris authentic food questFruit salad

Where

Le Cinq Lorette

5 rue Notre Dame de Lorette

75009 Paris

Price of Menu

Lunch Menu only (Entrée + Plat or Plat + Dessert) 21€

Pro Tips

Your best bet would be to go at lunchtime. Arrive early as it can get busy. For a sweet treat after your lunch, see our guide to the best Chocolate Tours in Paris to Take.

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In Summary

Enjoying good food on one’s travels is one of the simple joys of the travel experience. In major cities like Paris with thousands of options, it is possible to find authentic and affordable restaurants.

Take the time to do some research and don’t forget to look at the local reviews.

With new restaurants opening up all the time, asking “locals” for recommendations will help you narrow down your choices. For more tips on how to find authentic and affordable restaurants, see our previous article How to avoid tourist trap food when traveling in a tourist town.

The next time your travels take you to France, enjoy the sites without skipping on affordable restaurants in Paris.

Map of the authentic and affordable restaurants in Paris

Which authentic and affordable restaurants in Paris would you recommend? Please let us know in the comments below.

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57 Comments on “5 Stunning Examples Of Affordable Authentic Restaurants In Paris”

  1. Oh my god, it’s almost midnight here now and you got me drooling all over the place. I’m seriously hungry now haha. When I saw the first one I was like, okay 35 is cheap for Paris but not reaaaally cheap, more when you want to spend a bit more on an evening. And the more I read, the more I was like: damn, I need to go to Paris again.. Will definitely keep this list in mind next time!

    Reply
  2. France has so much delicious and affordable food, but you’re right! It can be really hard to tell the difference between a mediocre tourist trap and a perfect bistro. Fantastic suggestions for our next trip to Paris.

    Reply
  3. I have always struggled to find affordable food in Paris that wasn’t from a street cart. Its nice to see that you found them! Some of these photos look so good .. the steak, that brioche desert – I am so hungry now!

    Reply
  4. That’s some good looking food! Paris one of those city’s that I can visit time and time again — in part because of the food! I really admire French cooking, but it can come with a hefty price tag. Thanks for sharing affordable options.

    Reply
  5. I haven’t been to France yet so I’ll have to remember this when I finally make it! One thing that surprises me is the prices. When I traveled Europe it seemed like restaurant prices were low compared to the US, but Paris seems to be about the same. Interesting!

    Reply
    • How long ago did you travel to Europe? The currency does fluctuate and also keep in mind that Paris is a major city and restaurant prices are comparable to the major U.S. cities. The restaurants are great options. Do keep them in mind on your next travels. Cheers.

      Reply
  6. I´m in France at the moment and I´m afraid I avoid anywhere that serves Foie Gras on principle. I am veggie and would most like to check out Le Cinq Lorette where the food sounds much more up my street. Thanks for including somewhere with good veggie options.

    Reply
  7. The onglet légumes et soda you had at Le Vin Qui Danse you had looks delicious, and is something I would definitely like to try. Only 15 EUR! I’ll be visiting Paris for a couple days next month, and will definitely keep this list handy.

    Reply
  8. I didn’t realize that some places offered discounts for take out orders! That would’ve been good to know when I went a few years ago. I found that places were pretty expensive, so this list will help next time I visit!

    Reply
  9. Hi Rosemary,

    All looks yummy! The apricot soup looks delicious, with the almond milk ice cream. Interesting combo too. I love apricots and dig almond milk too. The soupy consistency made me do a double take but of course I’d down it. Who the hell am I kidding LOL. Down the hatch. Thanks for sharing guys 🙂

    Ryan

    Reply
    • Hi Ryan, so glad you enjoyed the post and recommendations. The apricot soup and almond ice cream was indeed a delightful treat. You can’t go wrong with the food or desserts at any of these 5 restaurants. Please let us know if you get a chance to check them out on your next trip to Paris. Cheers!

      Reply
  10. This is a great list! You’ve already done the research for me. I love french food, and now I can skip the research and just head to these places when I visit France next year! It all looks so delicious!!

    Reply
  11. Paris is certainly a city that is chockfull of touristy, subpar bistros and cafes. Luckily, if you are willing to head down some side streets, and get a little lost, you will almost always stumble upon a good meal. I’ve haven’t been to any of your recs, so I will keep them in mind for the next time I’m in Paris. Definitely such an amazing city, and when I visit now, after having been there a few times, I just go for the food and wine!

    Reply
  12. Paris is one of those great places I would love to visit at least once in my lifetime and these are some great suggestions for some affordable restaurants all around. I love how you have shared some delicious foods which are special in each restaurant to make it easy for any one!

    Reply
    • Thank you Lisa for your comments. I hope you get to go to Paris soon and enjoy the delicious traditional French food from any of the suggested restaurants. You will have a great experience. Thanks for stopping by!

      Reply
  13. This is perfect timing for a post. My sister is headed to London and Paris on an excessively quick trip in about two weeks- she may benefit from this info! Thanks for sharing!

    Reply
  14. Wow, it’s been 5 years since I was in Paris and I can definitely see that the food options are continually evolving! This is one of my favourite food capital and I really really want to go back soon!

    Reply
  15. I’ve had Boeuf Bourguignon before and love the flavor, but never had authentic from Paris, this would have to be on the top of my list to try! I really like how you added the map to help find the locations of these fabulous restaurants! Will book mark for my next trip

    Reply
  16. These restaurants look amazing. I have to admit that I didn’t go to any of them when I was in Paris 2 years ago, but I must include them on my list for my next visit there! I don’t know which restaurant I like best (as I’m eating meat and don’t have food allergies 🙂 ).

    Reply
  17. It’s cold and wet where I am right now and that Boeuf Bourguignon looks like exactly what I want.. comforting and hot! Good to know there are vegetarian options in Paris as well.

    Reply
  18. I love eating my way around the Latin Quarter especially and I think I ate at La Bastide d’Opio. I remember the last visit with my mom. When I told her thats where we were going for lunch she thought it was the Spanish area in Paris… too funny. Looking forward to going back and trying some of the other places on your list.

    Reply

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