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How Much Does Food Cost in Paris France

by Kayla D. Martinez
2 mins read
how much does food cost in paris france

โ€œParisโ€ this name is magical to the travel enthusiast!

The City of Lights, romance, and incredible food. From buttery croissants to decadent pastries, France’s capital is a food haven for you.

No matter what draws you to Paris, it may be romance, the Eiffel Tower, or the city’s rich art and history. But one thing must satisfy you and that is Franceโ€™s culinary trip.

So, how much does food cost in Paris France? Is it too high or mid-range?

You will get all your answers from the following discussion.

So, have some patience, mate, as you are about to conquer the City of Lights, one delicious bite at a time!

An Overview of – How Much Does Food Cost in Paris France

Paris, famous for its culinary delights, offers a spectrum of dining experiences to suit every taste bud and budget.

Whether you’re a foodie on a shoestring or a gourmand ready to splurge, there’s something for everyone in this gastronomic paradise.

Here’s a little snapshot of what you can expect to spend per person in a day on food:

Food Cost in Paris France
Food Cost in Paris France

The figures in the table above are an approximate estimation, of budget food options to high-end meals and groceries.

Types of Dining Options in Paris

Before going into the details of the cost of food in Paris, letโ€™s take a short look at different types of food establishments in Paris catering to different budgets.

  • Bistros: They are traditionally small, family-owned places, casual dining and serve moderate-priced meals in a relaxed setting, along with a seasonal menu change.
  • Cafรฉs: Offer light meals, coffee, pastries, and alcohol. They are generally perfect for breakfast, a mid-afternoon snack, or a leisurely drink.
  • Fine Dining Restaurants: With a premium price, Michelin-starred restaurants will offer you the elegant dining experiences of French cuisine in Paris.
  • Street Food and Markets: For a more casual and vibrant eating experience, street food is a fantastic option. With affordable prices, youโ€™ll get diverse food stalls with a variety of food.

Breakfast Cost in Paris

There are various breakfast items in different parts of Paris. But letโ€™s stick to the overall popular Parisian breakfasts. They are as follows:

Breakfast TypesAverage Cost/Person
Pastries$1.08 – $1.40
Bread$1.08 – $1.63
Coffee$1.08 – $2.70
Dairy Products$1.58- $10.30
Fruits / Fruit Salad$1.95- $3.77
Crepes / Croque-Monsieur$4.34-$10.84+
Cereals and Muesli$2.17 – $4.34
Breakfast in an affordable hotel$5.42-$10.84
Breakfast in an average hotel$14.09
Breakfast in a luxurious hotel$44 – $44+
Disclaimer: Please note that these are rough estimates, and actual costs may vary depending on factors such as travel dates, preferences, and exchange rates.
  • Affordable Breakfast Spots: The nearby boulangerie or local bakeries, street markets, and food stalls such as Boulangerie Utopie and Marchรฉ des Enfants Rouges.
  • Popular Mid-Range Breakfast Spot: With a proper table setting and a cozy atmosphere, Cafรฉ de Flore offers you a mid-range budget Parisian breakfast in Paris.
  • Upscale Breakfast Venues: Luxury hotel-like; Four Seasons Hotel George V Paris attracts tourists with their beautiful dining environment along with variations of breakfast selections.

Lunch Cost in Paris

Paris is famous for its culinary delights, and as a first-time traveler,  you may ask for the average cost of lunch in Paris.

Here is the average cost of food in Paris per day for a person:

Lunch TypesAverage Cost/Person
Bistro Classics$27-$54
Salads$7.50-$33+
Fast Foods$9 -$13
Parisian bouillon$16
Seafood$16-$27+
Soupsโ‚ฌ5.42-$16.26+
Charcuterie and Cheese$10.84-$43.50+
Asian Fusion$16- $32+
Lunch at affordable restaurants$16- $22+
Lunch at bakeries$15-$18.43
Lunch at upscale Gourmet restaurants$81-$108.41
Disclaimer: Please note that these are rough estimates, and actual costs may vary depending on factors such as travel dates, preferences, and exchange rates.
  • Affordable Lunch Spots: If you have a tight budget and are looking for what to eat in Paris on a budget for lunch, then make sure to check out Bistrot Victoires.
  • Popular Mid-range Lunch Spots: Paris is a hub of different dining options. Some of them serve up classic French fare at reasonable prices. Bouillon Pigalle is one of the spots where you will get lunch at a mid-range.
  • Luxurious Lunch Spot in Paris: With fancy environments and gourmet meals, luxury hotels like Restaurant Guy Savoy offer a high concept of food.

Dinner Cost in Paris

“Ready for an unforgettable dinner in Paris? Whether you will be fulfilling what you crave at a classic restaurant or on a scenic cruise along the River Seine, the options are endless.

Letโ€™s get started with the average cost of dinner in Paris:

Dinner TypesAverage Cost/Person
Brasserie Fare$42-$43.36
Seafood$27-$108+
French Regional Cuisine$16-$49+
Steak$22-$108+
Vegetarian and Vegan Options$8.67-$43.36
Fondue and Raclette$20.60-$27.10
Charcuterie Boards$16- $43+
Dinner at affordable restaurants$16-$27
Dinner at average restaurants$21-$43
Dinner on a barge$92-$163
Dinner at Gourmet restaurants$108.41
Disclaimer: Please note that these are rough estimates, and actual costs may vary depending on factors such as travel dates, preferences, and exchange rates.
  • Affordable Dinner Spots: On a lazy evening, if you want to try out the Parisian meal without spending much, consider Chez Gladines Saint Germain for an affordable option.
  • Popular Mid-range Dinner Spots: Look for Paris’ charming bistros, like Los Filรณsofos, which offers classic dishes and local vibes at friendly prices.
  • Upscale Dinner Venues: Prepare to tantalize your taste buds at Paris’ acclaimed fine-dining scene, where Michelin-starred chefs await in luxurious settings. Yes, we are talking about a luxury cruise dinner at Bateaux-Mouches Dinner Cruise.

Cost of Beverages in Paris

Beverages hold a special place in the hearts of Parisians, where every sip tells a story and every cup is a journey. whether you’re a coffee connoisseur or a wine enthusiast, Paris has something to make you say “santรฉ” (cheers!).

Beverage TypesCost Range
CoffeeAround $2.95
Tea$4.34- $8.67
Cider$4.34- $9.76
Soft DrinksAround $2.56-$4.01
Wine$4.33 – $21.68
Champagne$10.84-$21+
Craft Beer$5.42-$9.76+
Cocktails$8.67-$17+
Apรฉritifs$6.50 -$13+
Digestifs$5.42- $16+
Disclaimer: Please note that these are rough estimates, and actual costs may vary depending on factors such as travel dates, preferences, and exchange rates.

We get the variation of food and drink prices in Paris, and this varies depending on where you get your food and beverages. Such as the following:

  • Supermarket: Beverages offer budget-friendly options with various ranges of your favorites to exotic ones.
  • Bars: Serve you special cocktails that look Instagram-worthy as well as delicious. These drinks are crafted by expert mixologists or bartenders.
  • Luxury Restaurant: Enhance the drinking experience by offering a curated selection of fine wines, and visit the best areas in Paris for bars and restaurants that suit every taste and occasion.

Cost of Desert & Snacks in Paris

If you’re craving a fancy dessert or a casual snack, this city has everything to satisfy your taste buds. The question of why is food so expensive in Paris will be completely justified sometimes. But you will also have a budget-friendly option too.

Desert & Snacks TypeCost Range
Pรขtisserie$1.08 – $7.50+
Macarons $1.08 – $4.34
ร‰clairs$4.88 -$6.50+
Tarts$6.50- $8.60+
Chocolates$3.79 – $58.50+
Ice Cream and Sorbet$3.79 – $7.50+
Cheese Platters$10.84 – $27+
Crepes and Galettes$5.42 – $13+
Desert & Snacks in Street Cafes$1.08 – $6.50
Desert & Snacks in moderate restaurants$5.42 – $16
Desert & Snacks in Gourmet Restaurants$10.80 – $38+
Disclaimer: Please note that these are rough estimates, and actual costs may vary depending on factors such as travel dates, preferences, and exchange rates.
  • Street Cafes: Serve desserts and snacks with a homey appeal, whether on plain plates or in paper bags.
  • Moderate Restaurants: Enhance their presentation by serving the food on fashionable plates and making each treat a feast for your eyes.
  • Luxury Restaurants: Desserts and snacks are presented to you as an edible masterpiece. Those are served and garnished with delicate sauces or edible flowers.

Grocery Cost in Paris

Are you craving delicious food without breaking the bank in Paris and want to minimize your spending on food in France per day?

Look no further! Here in Paris, France, you can get affordable groceries if you are staying at an aparthotel or Airbnb:

Grocery TypeCost Range
Milk (regular), 1 liter โ‰ƒ 1/4 gallon$0.87 – $1.63
Loaf of fresh white bread, 500g โ‰ƒ 1lb$0.99- $1.96
Baguette, 1$0.81 – $217
Rice (white), 500g โ‰ƒ 1lb$0.54 – $1.22
Box of 6 eggs, 1$1.63
Mineral water, 1 liter (33 oz.)$1.08- $2.17
Fruit juice, 1 liter (33 oz.)$1.08 – $3.25 (depending on brand and type)
Crรจme fraรฎche, 50cl$1.63 – $3.25
Oil bottle, 1$2.17 – $5.42
Stick of butter, 1$1.63 – $5.42
Flour, 1kg$1.19 – $4.33
Local cheese, 500g โ‰ƒ 1lb$7.50 – $16.25
Chicken breasts (boneless, skinless), 500g โ‰ƒ 1lb$8.67
Beef round (or equivalent back leg red meat), 500g โ‰ƒ 1lb$9.75 – $12.30
Apples, 500g โ‰ƒ 1lb$0.99 -$1.96
Banana, 500g โ‰ƒ 1lb$0.74 – $1.47
Oranges, 500g โ‰ƒ 1lb$0.74 -$1.72
Tomato, 500g โ‰ƒ 1lb$0.89 – $1.72
Onion, 500g โ‰ƒ 1lb$0.74- $1.72
Broccoli, 1$1.40 – $3.55
Strawberries, 25g$4.33 – $7.58
Cherry tomatoes, 250g$1.08 – $4.33
Mushrooms, 200g$2.7 – $5.42
Disclaimer: Please note that these are rough estimates, and actual costs may vary depending on factors such as travel dates, preferences, and exchange rates.

Supermarkets

With a wider selection at reasonable prices and discounts, ย Carrefour, Market, Lidl, Aldi, and Franprix will make your daily life better and more convenient.

Beyond the iconic Eiffel Tower and Louvre Museum, the City of Lights offers vibrant food with flavor and tradition. A trip to Paris isn’t complete without indulging some of its specialties.

Specialty Foods and Their Costs in Paris
Photo by Jacques Dillies on Unsplash

No worries, we will guide you to this culinary adventure and explain what not to miss and where you will get the delicacies:

Overview of Must-Try French Foods and Pastries

Paris is like a food lover’s dream place to explore. With the variety of French gastronomy, there are some must-try traditional French foods and pastries you should definitely consider having in Paris.

They are as follows:

  • Baguette
  • Crรชpes
  • Croissant
  • Pain au chocolat
  • Ratatouille
  • Bouillabaisse
  • Escargots
  • Soupe ร  l’oignon (French onion soup)
  • Steak frites
  • Boeuf bourguignon
Recommendations on Where to Find These Delicacies
Photo by Julian Dik on Unsplash

Saving on Food Costs in Paris

To save on food costs in Paris, you can follow the tips below:ย 

  • Look for restaurants that specialize in shared plates or small dishes taste a variety of flavors and dishes with your companions.
  • Buy your daily necessities directly from local producers and vendors at local markets.
  • Save money on Paris food like the locals! Skip pricey tourist spots for food and prefer local markets for freshly produced goods.
  • Don’t fall into tourist traps! Skip overpriced cafes near popular attractions and go for small bistros.
  • Choose Boulangeries for delightful, mouthwatering pastries, sandwiches, and savory treats at affordable prices.
  • Grab your crรชpes for freshly baked galettes; the city’s sidewalks are lined, and explore some famous streets in Paris for delicious street food.

Seasonal Variations in Food Prices

France is self-sufficient in food, but seasonal changes bring some changes in food availability. Mostly, local fruits and vegetables are reasonable in the summer months due to their abundance.

In winter, price of the fresh goods is high because of the cold and snowy weather. Besides that, based on high demand, prices are at their peak during the spring and fall.

Some Extra Tips for Food Lovers Looking for Value

  • Spring (March to May) and Autumn (September to November): These seasons offer you pleasant weather, fewer crowds, and better deals on accommodations and dining. Many restaurants offer lunch specials or prix fixed menus, including better value on weekdays.
  • Early Fall (September to October): This is another charming season; this time, grapes and mushrooms are harvested. Also, with pleasant weather, it’s a pleasant day for outdoor meals.

Concluding Words

Paris is a feast for the senses, and food is a big part of that experience. Whether you’re a budget traveler or a fine dining enthusiast, you can savor the exquisite flavors of French cuisine without overspending.

This guide has given you an overview of how much does food costs in Paris, France, from budget-friendly boulangeries to Michelin-starred restaurants. You can also find the average price of food for your daily necessities in Paris.

Utilize our money-saving tips, like visiting local markets and enjoying picnics in the park, to stretch your euros further. With a little planning, you can have a delightful and affordable culinary adventure in Paris.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

How much money do you need to eat a day in Paris?

The cost of food in Paris can vary depending on your preferences, but a budget of โ‚ฌ25-โ‚ฌ50 | $27.06-$54.12 per person daily can cover everything, from groceries to your meals.

How much is a pizza in Paris?

The price of a pizza in Paris can vary depending on size, location, and restaurant type, but a typical pizza will range from โ‚ฌ8-โ‚ฌ12 | $8.66-12.99

What’s the price of a croissant in Paris?

Expect to pay around โ‚ฌ1.10-โ‚ฌ1.30 | $1.19 – $1.41 for a croissant in Paris, with some variation depending on location and bakery.

Do you tip in Paris?

Tipping in Paris isn’t mandatory because a service charge is usually included in the bill. However, a small tip (5-10%) is appreciated for good service.

What time do most people eat dinner in Paris?

Parisians typically eat dinner between 8:00 pm to 10:00 pm.

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