How Much Does It Cost to Eat at a Restaurant in Paris?

By Michael Ferguson

Paris, also known as the city of love, is a dream destination for many people. From its beautiful architecture to its exquisite cuisine, Paris has a lot to offer.

Speaking of cuisine, one may wonder how much it costs to eat at a restaurant in Paris. Well, the answer is not straightforward. It depends on several factors such as the type of restaurant you choose and the area you are dining in.

Types of Restaurants

There are several types of restaurants in Paris ranging from small cafes to Michelin-starred restaurants. The cost of dining at each varies greatly.

Cafes

Cafes are popular among locals and tourists alike. They offer a variety of dishes such as sandwiches, salads, and pastries at an affordable price. You can expect to pay around €10-€15 for a meal at a cafe.

Bistros

Bistros are small restaurants that serve traditional French dishes like escargots (snails), coq au vin (chicken in red wine sauce), and steak frites (steak with fries). The prices at bistros vary depending on the location and the quality of food they serve. You can expect to pay around €20-€30 for a meal at a bistro.

Brasseries

Brasseries are larger than bistros and offer an extensive menu that includes seafood, meat dishes, and desserts. They are more expensive than bistros but still affordable compared to high-end restaurants. You can expect to pay around €30-€50 for a meal at a brasserie.

Michelin-Starred Restaurants

Michelin-starred restaurants are the most expensive type of restaurant in Paris. They offer exquisite dishes prepared by some of the best chefs in the world. The prices at these restaurants vary greatly but you can expect to pay around €100-€300 for a meal.

Areas of Paris

The area you are dining in also affects the cost of your meal. The more touristy areas like Champs-Elysees and Montmartre tend to be more expensive than other areas.

Champs-Elysees

Champs-Elysees is one of the most popular tourist destinations in Paris. The restaurants in this area are known for their high prices. You can expect to pay around €50-€100 for a meal at a restaurant on Champs-Elysees.

Montmartre

Montmartre is another popular tourist destination in Paris. The restaurants in this area are relatively cheaper than those on Champs-Elysees but still more expensive than other areas. You can expect to pay around €30-€50 for a meal at a restaurant in Montmartre.

Other Areas

If you want to save money, consider dining in other areas like Le Marais or Belleville. The restaurants in these areas offer delicious meals at an affordable price. You can expect to pay around €20-€30 for a meal at a restaurant in Le Marais or Belleville.

Conclusion

In conclusion, the cost of eating at a restaurant in Paris varies depending on several factors such as the type of restaurant and the area you are dining in. If you want to save money, consider dining at cafes, bistros, or brasseries outside touristy areas like Champs-Elysees and Montmartre. However, if you want to have an exquisite dining experience prepared by some of the best chefs in the world, Michelin-starred restaurants are worth considering despite their high prices.