Authentic French Food without Breaking the Bank

Let’s face it: there’s a ridiculous amount of good food to be eaten in Paris. Unfortunately, a lot of it is very expensive since Michelin-starred chefs know that people will pay to eat their food. Don’t worry, though — as long as you know where to go, you can get some delicious, authentic French meals without emptying your wallet in one meal.

Au Chien que Fume is within a few blocks walking distance from the Louvre, and is a comfortable brasserie with dog statuettes and paintings for entertaining decor. The menu features a number of dishes that masterfully highlight the freshness of their seafood.

Along the northern tip of the Ile de la Cite is another fun place, the small Rose de France cafe. With a lovely view, it’s worth coming here just for a glass of wine or two as the sun goes down to watch the activity on the river. Service is always warm and friendly, and the food is deliciously authentic yet surprisingly affordable. Come here if you want a cozy dinner for a few or two that’s casual enough to let you sit for hours yet still is filled with good food.

Get a taste of a unique French restaurant experience at Chez Gladines, where the seating is communal. This may in fact be the best way to find a hidden gem in Paris: by being sat next to a knowledgeable local (as long as there’s not too much of a language barrier!). Food is Basque-influenced and large in portion, and incredibly cheap. Order a few and share with your tablemates if you dare. The atmosphere fits the seating style, too — friendly fun is the name of the game at Chez Gladines.

One can’t-miss dish while you’re in Paris is the crepe, so head to a creperie to sample what’s available. Chez Imogene is a creperie owned and run by chefs originally from Brittany. The place is tiny, but the cider and crepes are excellent. Try both sweet and savory. For only a couple of euros, you can’t go wrong.

Le Durer is another small place, great for inexpensive prix fixe choices. There are a couple of different set menus with different prices so you can pick based on budget, taste, and hunger. The salads and soups are consistently fresh and well-made, and the different steak options give you a way to try more than one French steak preparation. Make sure to save room for dessert, too!

[photo courtesy of jlastras]