Eating Cheap in Paris: 8 dinners for €10 or less

Paris has a reputation of being romantic, fashionable, and as most are quick to add, expensive. While the food is almost always amazing, a nice dinner in the City of Lights can run up quite a tab.

We highly recommend treating yourself to a classic French meal, but for those other nights when you’d like to stick to your budget, it’s wise to have a few cheap and delicious options in mind. If you want to splurge, you can always go for a nice prix fixe lunch. There are  several great deals ranging from €14-23, and then you can save money with a light dinner.

With that in mind, here are eight trusted Paris dinner ideas, all costing under €10.

A Paris classic and Cheapo favorite. The falafel here is simply the best, and at around €6, it can’t be beat!

32-34 Rue des Rosiers4th arrondissement+33 1 48 87 63 60Metro: Saint-Paul (Line 1)

A tasty crepe with potatoes, smoked herring and caviar at Breizh Cafe. Photo: Thom Wong

A short walk from L’as du fallafel, Breizh Café serves up some of the best crepes in Paris. Food expert David Lebovitz loves the buckwheat versions with egg, ham and cheese. Try a savory one for around €8, and you’ll be full all night!

109 Rue Vieille du Temple3rd arrondissement+33 1 42 72 13 77Metro: Saint-Sébastien – Froissart (Line 8)

Paris may not be known for its Indian food, but this place is a great option if you’re in the mood for something spicy. At Krishna Bhavan, you can enjoy a hearty dish, side and drink for only €10.

24 Rue Cail10th arrondissement+33 1 42 05 78 43Metro: La Chapelle (Line 2)

Higuma is a cozy and cheap Japanese hang out on Rue Sainte-Anne. Photo: Donna

Rue Sainte-Anne in the 1st arrondissement is home to many amazing Japanese restaurants of ranging prices. Higuma has the perfect balance of delicious food and low prices. Dishes here start at around €8.

32 bis Rue Sainte-Anne1st arrondissement+33 1 47 03 38 59Metro: Pyramides (Lines 7 and 14)

Related: Cheapo guide to the posh Opera District

A perennial favorite, Bistrot Victoire is classic, cozy and great for those traveling on a budget who want to enjoy authentic French cuisine. Try any of their amazing salads for €9 each.

6 Rue la Vrillière1st arrondissement+33 1 42 61 43 78Metro: Bourse or Sentier (Line 3)

It’s hard to beat the atmosphere and the prices at Chartier. Photo: Richard

A tried and true budget eater’s paradise, Chartier serves up no-frills classic French food at crazy good prices. We love it so much, we wrote an ode to it on our blog. Mains range from only €8.50-13.50, an extraordinary value in modern day Paris.

7 rue du Faubourg Montmartre9th arrondissement01 47 70 86 29Métro: Grands Boulevards (Lines 8 & 9)

A key player in the Paris bar scene, Candelaria is also home to some of the best (and only?) tacos in the city. At around €6/taco, you can save on dinner before heading back to the bar to splurge on their amazing drinks.

52 Rue de Saintonge3rd arrondissement+33 1 42 74 41 28Metro: Filles du Calvaire (Line 8)

You can relax in style and about the price of your food at Le Comptoir Général. Photo: Brett Renfer

Packing a cool bar, thrift store, hair salon, museum, and more into one space, Le Comptoir General is also home to some delicious and affordable West African and Caribbean cuisine. Try the assiette africaine for €10, and then stay for cocktails!

80 Quai de Jemmapes10th arrondissement+33 1 44 88 24 48Metro: Jacques Bonsergen or Goncourt (Lines 5 or 11)