Paris is known for its gastronomic delights, so don’t pass up your chance to sample the best cuisine the city has to offer. We know you want to come away from dinner with money left to hit the town, so let us tell you where to go on the cheap, whether it’s for a quick bite or a 4-course meal with cheese plate.

L'Ambassade d'Auvergne 
This old-fashioned tavern features cuisine from the Auvergne region of France, so be prepared for dishes with pork. But there are plenty of non-pork options to choose from, such as roast duck with mashed potatoes and sea bass filet. Sorry, vegetarians, this is definitely not the place for you! The main courses are surprisingly reasonable for Paris, ranging between €14 and €22, or you can buy the four-course, fixed-price menu for €28. 22 rue du Grenier St.-Lazare. M11 to Rambuteau. +33 (0)1 4272 3122.

L'As du Falafel
Serving halal and kosher food, this stand is famous for its perfectly crispy, immaculately delicious falafel. The sandwiches are piled high with vegetables and garlic hot sauce, making for a true Israeli experience. And don't be discouraged by the long lines – service is quick and the crowd is only indicative of quality! 34 rue des Rosiers. M1 to St-Paul. +33 (0)1 4887 6360.

A la Bière
The fixed menu at this place is one of the best bargains in Paris. You’ll fill your belly with thin slices of pork and salad for starters, followed by grilled entrecote with fries, all for about €12. While the atmosphere may be a bit abrasive at times (it can get rather loud), this is a deal you can’t beat in this city. 104 ave Simon-Bolivar. M2 to Colonel Fabien. +33 (0)1 4239 8325.

Bistrot 52
This is a cute little bistro with cute little prices (by Paris standards, anyway). The soups and excellent appetizers (try bacon and lentil soup or pan-fried feta with tomato salsa) are all around €6. The main courses (like mushroom risotto or cod with tomato and lemon) go for about €12. It's also a nice place to stop in for a dessert. 52 rue Legendre. M2 to Rome.

Bread and Roses
This bakery/café combo serves amazingly good bread products without depleting your supply of dough. While some of the sit-down options can be a bit more expensive, the take-away options generally remain under €5. Sandwiches are a good bet, as the breads are fabulous – there’s everything from olive bread to chestnut flour and walnut, and even Irish soda bread! 7 rue de Fleures. M4 to Saint Placide; M12 to Rennes. +33 (0)1 4222 0606.

Café de Deux Moulins
Once a quiet bistro, Cafe de Deux Moulins shot to fame after the movie Amelie hit theatres, and now attracts a constant stream of fans. It's best to go in the evening when the tourist crowd is less invasive. Be forewarned: playing out your own sex scene in the toilet won't be appreciated! 15 rue Lepic. M2 to Blanche. +33 (0)1 4254 9050.

Exki Paris
This Belgian chain restaurant offers fresh, seasonal food from 8 am onward. The menu includes fruit salads, muesli and yogurts for breakfast and has a good choice of salads, soups, sandwiches, lasagnas and tartes for lunch and dinner. The average meal price is around €8 and there are lots of vegetarian options. 9 boulevard des Italiens. M9 to Richelieu Drouot.

Fromagerie 31
Say cheese! While this fromagerie has some truly overwhelmingly stinky cheeses on offer, do not pass up the chance to have a cheese-tasting lunch. Choose a five-, seven- or nine-cheese platter, all served with bread and salad. Our favorite is the Camembert, a rich, creamy, slightly pungent classic. 64 rue de Seine. M10 to Mabillon. +33 (0)1 4326 5031.

Laduree Royale
The Laduree Royale has been serving tea and pastries to the Parisian elite since 1862. It’s famous for its macaroons and the rhubarb tarte, which we highly recommend. But, decadence comes at a price; some of the gourmet teas are more than €7 and most desserts are about the same. 16 rue Royale. M8, M12, M14 to Madeleine.

Lenôtre
If you’re trying to stay on a diet in Paris, this is the place to break it. You'll be enchanted by the rows and rows of cakes and creamy, delicious treats at this patisserie. It's particularly renowned for its classic Parisian opera cake (almond flour cake with chocolate and coffee cream). Or you can choose between tarts, fruit cakes, meringues and nougat cakes. 61 rue Lecourbe. M6 to Sèvres-Lecourbe. +33 (0)1 4273 2097.