Can anyone recommend some good, inexpensive (i.e. under 180ff [ca. $30]per person, including food, tax, tip, and perhaps a glass of wine) places to dine in Paris? I'd be interested in mainly French cooking, but would consider other possibilities if highly recommended. Restaurants with prix-fixe dinner menus would be fine, but will also welcome suggestions for any good a la carte dining that fits within the price range.

There are a lot of middle-range restaurants in Paris. Avoid the touristy areas around the Champs d'Elysses and St. Michel. It is cheaper to order the two-or three-course 'menu' (usually appetizer, entree, and dessert) than a la carte. It is also cheaper to eat lunch than dinner. In a pinch, some of the chains are a pretty good budget bet (Bistro Romain, Oh Poivrier!, Hippopotamus, Leon of Bruxelles). Sandra Gustafson's "Cheap Eats Paris" also has some good suggestions. For good budget suggestions, check out Lonely Planet's guide to Paris, or Let's Go (very budget-written by college students). My favorite restos are more on the 'splurge' side: Au Gamin de Paris in the Marais and L'Excuse (also in the Marais). I think they're around $250-300FF prix fixe.

I had many wonderful meals in the St. Michele area. Yes, it's touristy, but so what. Prices are right (averaged $40 for two for complete meal and wine), food is very good, and we enjoyed this area. I have restaurant names/addresses, etc. Email me directly and I'll be glad to give you my information.

I go to Paris every year (my trip in May will be my 14th visit) and Lana's suggestions are pretty much on the mark. If you want an authentic meal that won't cost you a small fortune, definitely avoid St. Michel and the more touristed areas. There are some exceptions to the rule but in general you will find less charming places and ruder service in the areas she mentioned.
Aside from French food, there's a huge variety of ethnic food to be had. It tends to be less expensive as well. One of my favorite restaurants for traditional French food is Chez Paul-it's near the Bastille at the corner of rue de Lappe and rue de Charonne. It is cozy and charming but can get quite smokey. Definitely make reservations as it's popular with the locals.

Try Le Petit Chaise which is on rue Grenelle. Also, Le Ministeries which is on Rue Bac, not too far from the D' Orsay Museum.

We just returned from Paris and used a suggestion off this forum to go to Auberge du Champs de Mars. If you go to postings around 3/10 there is one called "Paris Restaurants near Champs de Mars" were several people have recommended this restaurant. We had a wonderful meal. We had appetizers, dinner, dessert, and a bottle of wine and the total came to $60. It is a very small quaint French restaurant. Enjoy!

As one of the earlier people said Cheep eats in Paris is a great book. I have been to Paris over 30 times to visit my grandmother and what you are looking for is in the 7th. it is called Le Bistrot De Breteuil for 175 francs you get three courses and a half bottle of wine, coffee and dessert and they have English menus. There are many more if you want you can Email me for more.

For a reasonably priced, excellent quality meals in charming restaurants, definitely explore the rue Cler area. "Cheap Eats" is chock full of excellent suggestions. Also highly recommend Auberge du Champs de Mars. Outstanding! We were in Paris for nine days, and the meal we had here was the most memorable (and least expensive). Be sure to reserve!