Lunch in Paris: five authentic options for under 15 euros

It’s a truth almost universally acknowledged that lunch in France is a sacred tradition. Although there is much discussion about how the long French lunch is becoming a thing of the past, it’s a daily ritual that is still being staunchly defended in the most delicious ways throughout the country.

To celebrate this fact, we’ve compiled a list of five places to go for a delicious lunch in Paris. As these are options that offer multiple courses under €15, we’d like to think of these as your ‘everyday’ options, perfect for a lunch without any budget guilt.

Unassuming & old world: L’Orillon

Beautifully shabby and old world in an oh-so-trendy way, this unassuming café is located in a frankly unappealing side street in Belleville. However, it dishes out incredible lunches at very low prices. €15 will land you three delicious courses, or two courses for €12.50.

The menu is classic French cuisine but often with a creative twist, and is complemented with very reasonably priced glasses of wine.

Combine this with a daily menu that changes frequently, and it’s a wonderful place to bring a friend for a casual lunch in Paris.

Old world meets new: Triplettes

For a mix of both the old world and the new, head to the newly renovated Triplettes. Bistro mirrors and a battered zinc bar sit comfortably alongside large, low wattage bulbs and tastefully exposed brick and plaster.

The three course daily menu (€14.30) reflects the café’s fusion aesthetic, with well executed French dishes alongside good ‘Anglo’ options such as burgers and fish and chips – both extremely popular with French hipsters. The bistro becomes very lively at night and is a fun place to enjoy some cheap drinks.

Expat favourites: Frenchie to Go & Verjus

On the topic of expatriate food – if you’re really craving some, this is the place to go for great pulled pork sandwiches, reubens and a cracking lobster roll.

Another contender is the Verjus wine bar, close to the Louvre, for outrageously good fried chicken sandwiches. Sandwiches are about €10 each, though of course the lobster roll will quite easily blow the budget.

Tiny, central & très Parisien: La Cantine des Pieds Nickelés

Another unassuming bistro right in the heart of Paris, La Cantine des Pieds Nickelés serves excellent French lunches from a tiny, tiny kitchen. Service can be a little slow when it’s busy, but the food is consistently excellent and freshly prepared.

Lunch is €15 for two very good courses, which could include one of the best steak tartares in Paris. Arrive early if you’d like a seat on the small but sunny terrasse.

Authentic Vietnamese: Ngoc Xuyen Saigon

We’re proud to present a restaurant that, as far as we can see, is not featured on any other of the usual websites about food in Paris.

Whilst in Paris, it’s very worthwhile trying some of the excellent Vietnamese cuisine. France’s colonial history has resulted in a great array of excitingly authentic Vietnamese restaurants – especially in the 13^th.

This small eatery is always busy during the week (and especially so at lunchtime) but the noodle soups are delicious. We would highly recommend skipping the pho and instead trying the spicy house speciality, bun bo hue (we would perhaps suggest asking for it sans pied de cochon…).

Where are your favourite places for an ‘everyday’ lunch in Paris? Share your tips with us!