Eat like royalty on a commoner's budget. Our 2026 guide reveals where to find hearty French classics for under €25 without falling into a tourist trap.
Is eating out in Paris expensive? It's a question we hear daily. In 2026, the answer is: **only if you don't know where to look.** While high-end dining prices have climbed, a counter-culture of value-driven bistros and historic "Bouillons" has exploded in popularity.
Many of these spots are located in our neighborhood dining guide clusters, where locals outnumber tourists ten-to-one. For the morning hours, see our guide to budget-friendly breakfasts.
The "Bouillon" is a Parisian institution dating back to the 19th century, designed to serve hot, cheap meals to the working class. In 2026, they are the trendiest way to save money while soaking up Belle Époque decor.
**Chartier** (9th & 6th) is the legend—hand-written checks on the paper tablecloth and turnover so fast your head will spin. **Pigalle** (18th) is the modern successor, offering slightly higher quality ingredients and better wine options for a few euros more.
Keep an eye out for **Petit Bouillon Pharamond** in Les Halles. It offers 3-course meals for under €25 in one of the most beautiful Art Nouveau rooms in the city. No-tourist-trap guarantee—this is where the locals go when they want to feel fancy on a budget.
L'As du Fallafel is the most famous, but **Chez Marianne** across the street offers a more relaxed experience with incredible mezze plates. Both will feed you for under €15.
District: 4th
Skip the chain bakeries. Look for **Boulangerie Utopie** in the 11th. Their 'Jambon-Beurre' is a work of art using charcoal-infused bread and artisanal ham. Cost? €6.50.
District: 11th
Paris's Japanese quarter offers incredible value. **Sanukiya** is world-class; expect a queue, but the thick, chewy udon for €14 is worth every minute.
District: 1stThe real secret to high-quality dining at low cost is the **"Formule du Midi"**. Most neighborhood bistros offer a 2-course lunch for €18-€22. The exact same meal at dinner could easily cost €45.
It can be, but our **specific 'Formule' price tracking** shows that you can eat a high-quality 3-course lunch for under €25 in almost any neighborhood if you stay away from major landmarks.
Bouillons, creperies, and the Asian quarter in the 13th (Chinatown) or the 1st (Japanese quarter) are your best bets. Our **no-tourist-trap guarantee** ensures these spots are both authentic and cheap.
Stay off the main Rue de la Huchette. Head toward Place Contrescarpe or the area around the Panthéon for our **locals-only spot list** gems.
Download our mobile-friendly budget food map and never pay for a mediocre meal again.
Get the Budget Map