The 18 best cheap eats in Paris

What is it? This unassuming little shack in the heart of Belleville has cheerful staff, seriously good steamed buns and fried snacks – and just about everyone squeezed around the three plastic tables, mostly chatting away in Chinese.

Why we love it: Best Tofu’s menu is a photocopied sheet of paper, but what you’ll find on there is seriously tasty, often veggie and ridiculously cheap – and by cheap, we mean just about nothing over €3. Think pork-stuffed steamed savoury vegetable pancake, salty sticky rice cake and more. 

Time Out tip: Best Tofu opens as early as breakfast time – where you can dip a child’s-arm-sized doughnut into a mug of soy milk coffee.

Address: 9 Boulevard de la Villette, 75010 Paris

Opening hours: Every day bar Thursday, 8am-8pm

Expect to pay: About €5 per person, total. It’s a record to beat. 

What is it? A big, concrete-and-blue hangout which opened in the summer of 2024, serving up Mediterranean-style plates for very reasonable prices. 

Why we love it: Once you’re perched at one of the small recycled plastic tables, surrounded by cheerful noise, the prices really are refreshingly reasonable: dishes average €9, with some starting at just €5. You don’t see that often in a new spot. Drinks are just as easy on the wallet too: €5 for a glass of natural wine or a pint, €8 for a cocktail. Loved by 20-somethings, La Sociable is the perfect place to spend a tasty, boozy evening with your pals without upsetting your overdraft.

Time Out tip: Go with a group so you can order plenty to share; punchy lentil hummus, pulled pork stuffed into a warm pita, hefty croques oozing with mozzarella and a whole lot more. 

Address: 23 rue de Meaux, 75019 Paris

Opening hours: Tuesdays and Wednesdays 7pm-12am, Thursdays to Saturdays 7pm-2am

Expect to pay: €5–18 for food, €5 for a glass of wine

What is it? Pistil is an all-wood canteen bloomed inside the Ménagerie de Verre is a buzzing hub for contemporary dance in Paris.

Why we love it: Designed by Matali Crasset and set against stark white concrete walls, this spot has all the makings of a go-to spot for top-notch vegetarian lunches – just with seriously affordable prices too. Who do we have to thank? Julie Bavant, a former roving chef who passed through Arpège, now serving up an outstanding market-fresh set lunch here – meat-free, but packed with flavour.

Time Out tip: Pistil is only open for dinner on performance nights at La Ménagerie de Verre. Other than that, it’s lunch service only. 

Address: 12-14 rue Léchevin, 75011 Paris

Opening hours: Monday to Friday, 10am to 6pm, with evening service on performance nights (check its website for details). 

Expect to pay: Under €20 per head for a full veggie spread

What is it? Open only on weekends, this no-frills canteen, tucked inside an association for Spanish expats, serves up Galician specialities at proper mates’ rates.

Why we love it: This is seriously good, authentic Spanish cuisine – the real deal. Under buzzing neon lights and the hum of Spanish television, you can tuck into hefty tapas-style plates (there are about 20 to choose from) or go for something heartier – like the Galician-style hake overflowing with tomatoes and beans. It’s rustic, filling, and some of the best value around. 

Time Out tip: Be warned – they don’t accept credit cards here and the hours are pretty random. And if you want to try the paella, you have to call a week in advance and order it for at least four people (at €14 per head). 

Address: 91 rue du Ruisseau, 75018 Paris

Opening hours: Friday and Saturday from noon to 10.30pm, Sundays noon to 6.30pm

Expect to pay: About €15 a head, with drinks (beers are €2)

What is it? A sandwich spot that puts pastrami on par with Katz’s in New York or Schwartz’s in Montreal.

Why we love it: The Benitah family may have come to the game a bit late (2014!), but they’re serving up a seriously good Reuben here at Will’s Deli, loaded with meat, pickles, and melted cheese. The price for the full lunch deal (with a side and drink) that ticks every box for indulgence? Just €17!

Time Out tip: No fries here – instead it’s salty, crispy latkes (potato doormats), under either a killer sesame and honey sauce or roasted vegetables. 

Address: 28 rue Poissonnière, 75002 Paris

Opening hours: Every day 11.30am-10pm (except Mondays and Tuesdays until 3.30pm)

Expect to pay: Sandwiches €11-13, sides €4.50-6

What is it? A tiny Szechuan spot near Paris’s top department stores that’s lost none of its sacred fire since 2018. 

Why we love it: In this cosy little room with a striking mural and three tables of six, you’re seated elbow to elbow with fellow fans of authentic Sichuan cuisine. The menu here is concise, featuring noodle soups (priced between €10-13), topped with meat and dumplings.

Time Out tip: You can adjust the heat from 0 to 3 spice level, but don’t ler your ego decide: even level 1 with have your eyes watering.

Address: 41 rue de Provence, 75009 Paris

Opening hours: Monday to Saturday, 12-9pm

Expect to pay: Dishes €7.50-11.50, sides €3-6.50 and beer €3