Ah, Paris – the city of lights, love, and… bloated Michelin menus? Bin the star-chasing. You don’t need to be minted for all this gourmet eating cheaply in Paris. Let’s talk about my Paris – where endless nights finish with a dawn that greets you with warm croissants and the crackle of fresh baguettes, where the markets reek gloriously of garlic and butter, and where the terraces are alive with chatter about dinner before lunch is even cleared.
This is the Paris I’ve called home for more than half my life – unvarnished, sensual, and utterly obsessed with flavour. Here, food isn’t a luxury; it’s life itself, and every bite is crafted to make you weak at the knees without draining your wallet.
For those dreaming of eating like the French – properly like the French – I’ve put together this guide. It’s not about stars or preening sommeliers. It’s about the queues that locals swear by, the sacred crunch of baguettes, and the places where every euro delivers big on taste. This is Paris stripped back, raw, and completely irresistible.
So, whether it’s your first time or you’re ready to break up with tourist traps, stick with me. I’ll take you to the boulangeries, marchés, and bistros that’ll make you fall head over heels for this city all over again. Let’s get stuck in, gorgeous.
Paris Foodies Survival Guide
Insider Tips for a Budget-Friendly Foodie Adventure in Paris
Paris doesn’t have to cost a fortune if you know where to look. Here’s how to eat like a local without burning through your budget:
- Find Your Boulangerie: Follow the locals to the best bread in the neighbourhood. A queue is your compass.
- Hit the Markets: Fresh, seasonal produce, artisanal cheese, and perfectly roasted chicken – all at unbeatable prices. For a deeper dive, explore our free self-guided food tours. If you’re shopping at a Parisian market for the first time, check out The Ultimate Guide to a French Market Tour.
- Cook at Home: Renting a flat? A baguette, some good butter, and market-fresh finds make the perfect meal.
- Ask Locals: Parisians know where the good stuff is. A friendly “Où mangez-vous ici ?” goes a long way.
- Look for Formules: Fixed-price menus (starter + main + dessert) deliver value and full bellies. Learn more about how to eat out in Paris on a budget in this guide. You can also find advice on how to find a great restaurant in Paris.
- Avoid Tourist Traps: Laminated menus or servers calling out in English? Keep walking. Instead, use our locals’ guide with a Google Map of the best things to do and eat in Paris.
With these tips, you’ll savour Paris like a true foodie while keeping your wallet happy. Bon app’!
Why You Need to Know How to navigate the French Culinary Landscape if Your Staying in Paris for a While?
Paris has over 10,000 restaurants; with most of the tourists that visit outside of the Paris olympics coming for the delicious food and quaffable wine. Eating in Paris can be a life changing experience, France’s best chefs and artisans gather in the capital to deliciously enchant the millions of Parisians and tourists with the best ingredients.
However the food here is expensive, the competition is strong and the number of scams and tourist traps are high. To eat well in Paris you need to be able to spot the common tricks deceitful restaurant owners and treacherous traders employ to empty your wallet and fill you with mediocre parisian grub.
Restaurant Scams Have Become Common, Here’s Why;
Why are there so many restaurant scams in Paris? In my mind, it’s two-fold:
- Firstly a serious lack of culinary talent means that many restaurant owners have had to turn to unskilled labour and buying pre-prepared from Metro (owned by Russian supporting German/Canadian investment conglomerate) Metro AG are the
- It’s easy to scam the tourists because whatever you serve them is better than what they get at home. Most food you have in France will taste better that what you have at home and it takes a well trained foodie to spot the pre-made confit de canard that came straight out of the microwave.
How to Recognise the Tourist Traps in Paris
- Proximity to Major Attractions: Restaurants close to popular landmarks often cater to tourists and may charge higher prices for mediocre food.
- Multilingual Menus: While some authenticity is lost, these menus aim to attract tourists with high markups.
- Persistent Hosts (Touts): Staff aggressively inviting you inside is a red flag. No good Parisian restaurant needs this.
- Pre-prepared Dishes: Avoid places displaying pre-made dishes or glossy photos.
- Empty Dining Rooms: Locals avoid these spots, especially during peak dining hours.
- The Menu is too long: Parisian kitchens are tiny, anything more than 18 things on a menu should be a red flag.
For more tips, check out this post on Eating Out in Paris on a Budget.
The Cost of Food in Paris
If you do a quick comparison of the cost of living between London and Paris, numbeo will tell you that while restaurants in Paris are cheaper groceries are more expensive. Understanding the cost of food in Paris and how much you should be spending will help you avoid the scams and tourist traps.
The simple rule of thumb tho is the more central you are in Paris, the more you pay. To give you an idea of what we expect to pay as parisians here are some rough costing guidelines.
- Breakfast: A typical breakfast form a bakery should consist of a croissant €1.40 and a coffee €1-3. In a cafe these can start to climb up to €5-7 although you will find the tourist traps charge far more.
- Lunch: A “formule de midi” (set lunch menu) ranges from €15-19 at local bistros. Water is always free and a 1/2 litre carafe of wine will be €7-10.
- Dinner: Dining out for dinner at a mid-range restaurant usually costs €25-50 per person, including a main course and a drink.
- Snacks and Street Food: Crepes, sandwiches, or bakery items typically cost €2-7.
How to eat like a Parisian
Now, I know that every Parisian is different and saying that all Parisians eat in the same manner is a little igorant. But this summer, as you train to become a Parisian, you can avoid the tourist traps and scams by eating as the Parisians do.
Understanding how Parisians structure their meals can help you embrace the rhythm of the city and avoid sticking out as a tourist.
- Take your Time: In Paris, like in the rest of France, the art of eating is one that transends time and should be enjoyed, ideally with company.
- Respect those around you: Do not shout, talk loudly or eat with your mouth full. You table manners and behaviour should be one that shows respect to those that are stuffed into the tiny tables of Paris.
- Embrace the “Formule de Midi”: Enjoy set lunch menus for a complete meal at a great price.
- Visit Local Bakeries: Start your day with fresh croissants or baguettes from an artisanal boulangerie.
- Savour Simple Dishes: Relish classics like a perfectly cooked steak-frites or a simple cheese plate.
- Drink House Wine: Order a “carafe de vin” for quality wine at a reasonable cost.
- Explore Neighbourhood Bistros: Eat where the locals eat, away from tourist hotspots.
A Typical Parisian’s Eating Schedule
Knowing the when’s and what’s of a typical Parisian’s day will help you understand how to get the best out of you gastronomic exploration of Paris this summer. We have plenty more specific guides to help you eat like a local on your next trip to Paris.
- Breakfast (Petit Déjeuner)
- Usually light and quick, often just a coffee (espresso or café crème) paired with a croissant, tartine (bread with butter and jam), or pain au chocolat. Breakfast is often eaten at home or standing at a café counter.
- Lunch (Déjeuner)
- This is the main meal of the day for many Parisians, often enjoyed leisurely between 12:30 PM and 2:00 PM. Restaurants and bistros offer “formule de midi” (set menus) that include an appetizer, main course, and sometimes dessert or coffee.
- Snack (Goûter)
- Around 4:00 PM, especially for children and younger Parisians, a small snack like a pain au chocolat or a pastry is common. Adults may skip this or have a small treat.
- Dinner (Dîner)
- Served later, usually around 8:00 PM to 9:00 PM. This meal is often lighter than lunch but still consists of multiple courses, including a starter, main dish, and cheese or dessert. Dining at home is common, but eating out with friends or family is a beloved ritual.
Cultural Tips for Eating Like a Local
- Greet First: Always say “Bonjour” when entering a café, restaurant, or market. It’s considered polite and expected.
- Don’t Rush: Meals in Paris are an experience. Avoid asking for the bill too quickly; instead, linger and enjoy.
- Respect the Meal Times: Many restaurants close between lunch and dinner service. Plan your meals accordingly.
- Share the Space: Parisian cafes have limited seating. Don’t be surprised if you’re seated close to others or if tables are shared.
- Avoid Food Customizations: Parisians value the chef’s expertise. Asking for substitutions or changes can be frowned upon.
- Bread Etiquette: Bread is usually served without butter and should accompany your meal, not as an appetizer.
Other Things to Know
- Tipping: Service is included in the bill, but rounding up or leaving small change is appreciated.
- Water: Ask for a “carafe d’eau” for free tap water instead of bottled water.
- Cheese Timing: Cheese is often served after the main course and before dessert.
By syncing with local customs and eating schedules, you’ll experience Parisian dining authentically and avoid the tourist pitfalls.
The one secret to eating like a Parisian you need to know!
Become a Baguette-Powered Machine
If there’s one secret to eating like a Parisian, it’s this: embrace the baguette. This humble loaf isn’t just bread; it’s the heartbeat of Paris, woven into its very soul. Parisians don’t just eat baguettes—they cherish them, relying on their crusty perfection as both sustenance and cultural symbol.
To truly immerse yourself, pick your local boulangerie—the one with the line of loyal regulars—and visit it often. Lunchtime and goûter (that late-afternoon snack hour) are when the city’s love for fresh bread reaches a crescendo.
And the rule is simple: fresh baguettes and good butter, always. Forget anything pre-packaged or subpar. A short walk to your neighbourhood bakery, a warm baguette in hand—it’s not just a meal; it’s a ritual. That’s how you eat like a Parisian.
Shopping for cheap food in Paris Like a Chef
Great cooking begins with exceptional ingredients, and in Paris, they’re at your fingertips—if you know where to look. From bustling markets to hidden boulangeries, I’ll guide you through the essentials to shop like a Parisian chef. For a deeper dive, don’t miss our comprehensive guide to shopping at French markets.
The Secret to French Customer Service
French customer service is not aloof; it’s relational. The magic begins with a heartfelt “bonjour” when entering a shop—a must to signal respect and avoid being seen as just another tourist. To truly feel welcome, make repeat visits to your favourite spots. Familiarity earns you exceptional service.
Finding Your Perfect Boulangerie
Skip the chains like Paul and seek out an authentic “Boulangerie Artisanal.” Look for signs proclaiming “baguette traditionnelle,” a hallmark of bread baked on-site, per French law. Another pro tip? Watch for “Boulanger de France” badges—they’re a seal of quality. Becoming a regular ensures the best baguettes and friendly smiles.
Navigating Parisian Supermarkets
Supermarkets in Paris may not have the charm of outdoor markets, but they’re indispensable for chefs. Here’s the lowdown:
- Franprix: Reliable and well-stocked for quick essentials.
- Carrefour City: A budget-friendly choice with decent fresh produce.
- Lidl/Aldi: Perfect for bargain hunters, though selection is limited.
- Monoprix: A pricier option but great for gourmet treats and aperitifs.
- Mon Marché (Delivery): For convenience, have fresh produce brought to your door (Use code CHEFREVILL for €50 off your first order).
Top tip: Carrefour’s “Reflets de France” range offers superb regional classics at reasonable prices.
Why Markets Are the Key to Cheap Eats
Outdoor markets remain the heart of Parisian food culture, offering fresh, affordable ingredients with unmatched variety. From vibrant produce to artisan cheeses, they hold the secrets to eating well on any budget. Explore these treasures with our full market guide.
Eating Out Without Emptying Your Wallet
To enjoy Parisian cuisine without overspending, follow these tips:
- Venture Away: Move two blocks from tourist areas to find hidden gems.
- Set Menus: Opt for “formule de midi” (set lunch menus) for gourmet meals at lower prices.
- Carafe de Vin: Order house wine by the carafe instead of bottles.
- International Eats: Explore affordable global cuisine, such as Vietnamese and Lebanese dishes.
Discover more tips on our blog post dedicated to enjoying Parisian gastronomy without breaking the bank.
From Bistros to Resto Populaires: Where to Eat Like a Local (Without the Tourist Trap Prices)
My wonderful wife and I find many hours hunting down budget gems where we can enjoy lunch with our little one and we have barely
If you are looking for more recommendations, check out my recommendations on Google Maps.
Head over to Le Fooding where they have filters to help you find cheap eat’s during time here in Paris, here’s the under 15 euro meals one to get you started.
Looking for something a little more swanky? You will be suprised to find that you can even get very reasonably priced lunches at the michelin recommended establishments in Paris, check out this list for a mind boggling gastronomic experience in paris for under 50 euro. Beware though, they may be booked up or closed for the olympics.
The Formule: Your Secret Weapon for Affordable Dining
- Choose Lunch Over Dinner: Many Parisian bistros offer “formule de midi” (set lunch menus) at lower prices than their dinner counterparts, providing a gourmet experience for less.
- Complete Meals: Set menus typically include an entrée (starter), a plat principal (main course), and sometimes a dessert or a glass of wine, offering a full meal at a fixed, affordable price.
- Local Bistros: Seek out local bistros and brasseries, especially those off the beaten path, to find the best deals and authentic flavors.
Your Parisian Food Adventure Awaits: Bon Appétit!
You’ve made it this far, so you’re clearly hungry for more—in every sense. Don’t just dip your toes into the flavors of Paris; dive in headfirst and let the city seduce you, one bite at a time. If you’re ready to keep this delicious journey going, check out the rest of my blog for insider tips, cheeky advice, and all the best spots to make your Parisian adventure unforgettable. Bon app’—and don’t forget to save me a seat at your next Parisian feast!
