โParisโ 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 Franceโs 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!
Key Takeaways:
Average food costs range from affordable to Michelin-starred (15โ150 dollars per meal).
You can save money by following locals and avoiding tourist traps.
Visit during shoulder seasons (spring/fall) for the best deals on food and restaurants.
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:
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, letโs 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, youโll get diverse food stalls with a variety of food.
Extra Notes:
Some hotels may require reservations for breakfast, especially if you are not staying there, so itโs wise to check in advance.
Breakfast Cost in Paris
There are various breakfast items in different parts of Paris. But letโs stick to the overall popular Parisian breakfasts. They are as follows:
Breakfast Types | Average 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+ |
- 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 Types | Average Cost/Person |
Bistro Classics | $27-$54 |
Salads | $7.50-$33+ |
Fast Foods | $9 -$13 |
Parisian bouillon | $16 |
Seafood | $16-$27+ |
Soups | โฌ5.42-$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 |
- 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.
Letโs get started with the average cost of dinner in Paris:
Dinner Types | Average 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 |
- 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 Types | Cost Range |
Coffee | Around $2.95 |
Tea | $4.34- $8.67 |
Cider | $4.34- $9.76 |
Soft Drinks | Around $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+ |
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 Type | Cost Range |
Pรขtisserie | $1.08 – $7.50+ |
Macarons | $1.08 – $4.34 |
รclairs | $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+ |
- 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 Type | Cost Range |
Milk (regular), 1 liter โ 1/4 gallon | $0.87 – $1.63 |
Loaf of fresh white bread, 500g โ 1lb | $0.99- $1.96 |
Baguette, 1 | $0.81 – $217 |
Rice (white), 500g โ 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 1lb | $7.50 – $16.25 |
Chicken breasts (boneless, skinless), 500g โ 1lb | $8.67 |
Beef round (or equivalent back leg red meat), 500g โ 1lb | $9.75 – $12.30 |
Apples, 500g โ 1lb | $0.99 -$1.96 |
Banana, 500g โ 1lb | $0.74 – $1.47 |
Oranges, 500g โ 1lb | $0.74 -$1.72 |
Tomato, 500g โ 1lb | $0.89 – $1.72 |
Onion, 500g โ 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 |
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.
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
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 โฌ25-โฌ50 | $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 โฌ8-โฌ12 | $8.66-12.99
What’s the price of a croissant in Paris?
Expect to pay around โฌ1.10-โฌ1.30 | $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.