Cheap eats in Paris
 

We are staying at the Hôtel des Carmes in the latin quarter(has anyone heard of this place?) for 4 nights this month. I was wondering if anyone know of some decent resturants in the area that wont break the bank. I am looking for Dinner places 10-30e per person, Lunch and Breakfast for 5-15e per person. any suggestions?

in addition to people who chime in here, I recommend investing in the Gustafson book "Great Eats in Paris"
Mostly moderate to budget places, absolutely reliable.
Arranged by area.

there's lots of great "street food" like crepe stands, bakeries with pastries and sandwiches, etc. Get food and eat in one of the beautiful parks in the area.

We will probably eat alot of street food but I was more looking for suggestions on budget Cafe's and Bistros.

Every cafe, bistro, etc is required by law to post their menus outside..check out the "set menu" prices.

OK... for sit down meals then, as suggested above, simply look around wherever you are and check out the various cafe posted menus. There's really no need to make elaborate plans or an itinerary for nice meals in the lower price range in the Latin Quarter. When you're tired, hungry, thirsty, just start looking for a spot that appeals to you.

Check out some of the small Chinese restaurants in the area for lunch/dinner.

You can have dinner (I don't know about lunch or breakfast) within your budget at any of the restaurants listed below, all of which have been around for years. The first one is not far from your hotel, the other two are a little farther away.

Perraudin, 157 rue St-Jacques (in the 5th)

Polidor, 41 rue Monsieur-le-Prince (in the 6th)

Trumilou, 84 quai de l'Hotel-de-Ville (in the 4th)

At both Polidor and Trumilou, the seating is at long communal tables that run the length of the room, so don't expect to have a table to yourselves.

I agree with the previousposter -- Trumilou provided great value for money. I think the fixed price menu was the equivalent of about 15 Euros when I last ate there a few years ago.

John H.

I liked Le Fete Gallant, located at 13 rue des Ecoles Polytechnique. The service is wonderful and the prix fixe dinner menu is very reasonable. If you like Chinese food, there is a place called Mirama in the Latin Quarter; however, the waithelp only speak French or Chinese. I'm Chinese but can only ask for condiments in the language!

dgruzew, I second Bree's suggestions of Polidor and Perraudin. A couple of quick tips ... both restaurants accept cash only and neither accept reservations. We usually try to get there about 7:30 p.m. to avoid waiting. Also, Perraudin is closed Saturdays and Sundays.

I can also recommend a very good restaurant called Le Petit Prince. It is close to your hotel and will meet your budget, as follows:

Le Petit Prince de Paris
12, rue Lanneau
5th Arrondissement
T# 01 43 54 77 26
*Reservations required, open daily from 7:30 p.m.

Most of the restaurants in the area will have a "Menu" meal under 25e. I've eaten at Relais Entrocote. It's an interesting place. Steak and frites are all they serve. Nice restaurant, good food and staff, very limited menu. Also had a nice meal on Bonaparte can't quite remember the name something "temps". But, it's Paris it's all good. Don't worry.