How to Find Eat Out Cheap in Paris

Paris, this fabled City of Romance offers a number of attractions such as the famous the Louvre museum, the Grand Palais, the Champs-Élysées promenade, the lush Luxembourg Garden, the underground Roman baths and of course, the Eiffel Tower's nightly light show. Broken up into arrondissement (areas), the city also has many discotheques and bars for nightlife, as well as cafes and restaurants--which can cost a night at the Ritz. Here are some places that offer good food for less so you don't have to starve in Paris.

Instructions

1. Check out brasseries, especially if you're in an expensive area, for some good deals. One example is Le Nemrod on 51 rue du Cherche-Midi in the 6th Arrondissement of Luxembourg, near the Bon Marché department store. Its menu features in particular cuisine from central France's Auvergne region such as grilled sausages with mashed potatoes, as well as omelets and salads. Due to its good fare and cheap prices, seating can be cramped and waiters abrupt, so be patient.

2. Look to make lunch your biggest meal. Since dinners are usually more expensive, try to get a good deal on a lunch prix fixe.One suggestion is La Fresque (100 rue Rambuteau) in the 1st Arrondissement of Louvre. La Fresque is across from the famous Les Halles, a former central market of Paris (and now somewhat of an architectural eyesore of a shopping district). La Fresque has a lunch prix fixe that falls around 13.50 €. The rustic French menu includes duck and beef dishes, as well as quiches and seasonal desserts like strawberries with Chantilly cream.

3. Know that in the 6th arrondissement and cheaper than its nearby counterparts, you will find Wadja at 10 Rue de la Grande Chaumière, right next door to the Académie de la Grande Chaumière, a studio once frequented by Post-Impressionist artists. At Wadja, you can get a good meal for 15.50 €. Be treated to cuisine from the Basque country. Their daily specials are your best bet; one day you might roast squab on red cabbage and swordfish; another, lamb stew and Basque red peppers stuffed with eggplant caviar. The bistro might be tiny, but it will leave an impression.

4. Try other foods than simply French cuisine. For instance, in the 4th Arrondissement of Hôtel-de-Ville is the renown L'As du Fallafel which, while not French in origin, has become a Paris institution. Set in the historical Jewish quarter at 34 Rue de Rosiers, L'As du Fallafel has perfected this simple street staple into most delicious fare for around 5 €. Here you will get an overstuffed pita filled with garlic-spiced falafel, creamy hummus, kraut-like cabbage, delicately fried eggplant and if you're brave, a drizzle of harissa, a sort of Middle Eastern hot sauce. There are tables to sit, though you'll see plenty of people eating them outside as they people watch and attempt to walk around eating the monster at hand as they pass by kosher butchershops, Jewish bookshops and synagogues.

5. Consider that another option is to explore the numerous African restaurants in Paris. One good, affordable choice that also offers free entertainment is Chez Céleste on 18 rue de Cottee in the 12 Arrondissement of Reuilly. Chez Céleste's owners come from Cape Verde, a former Portuguese colony off the coast of Africa, so you are treated to West African as well as Portuguese-influenced fare. Try their cerviche-style salt cod for starters, their Catchupa (a goat-meat ragout.) for main course and send on a sweet note with one their custard tarts. Chez Céleste also has features Brazilian music from Thursday to Saturday nights, and even space to dance between courses if you feel like it.

Tips & Warnings

• If possible avoid eating in tourist-laden areas.

• There is usually a table charge (yes, just for sitting there) at cafes.

• When venturing out of tourist areas, be careful of the areas you choose. Ask around to check the safety of the area.

• Don't assume that all cafés and brasseries are necessarily cheaper than restaurants; even the most basic salads and sandwiches can be expensive. Check the menu prices beforehand.