Europe is renowned for its rich culinary heritage, offering everything from Michelin-starred fine dining to beloved street food. While it’s easy to find expensive, high-end restaurants in major cities, you don’t have to splurge to enjoy incredible food. Many affordable dining options across Europe serve up delicious meals that showcase local flavors without putting a dent in your wallet. Whether you’re backpacking across Europe or just looking for budget-friendly dining, here’s a guide to some of the best cheap restaurants in Europe, where you can enjoy a satisfying meal for a fraction of the cost.
1. Bocadillos (Madrid, Spain)
What to Expect: Sandwiches, tapas, and affordable snacks
Madrid is known for its vibrant food scene, and one of the best ways to eat cheap in the Spanish capital is to indulge in bocadillos, a type of sandwich often filled with chorizo, calamari, or Spanish omelet. These delicious snacks can be found at casual eateries all over the city. Many bars and small cafes also offer tapas (small dishes), which are usually very affordable and served with drinks. Pair a glass of local wine or a cold cerveza with your meal for an authentic Madrid experience at a bargain price.
Why it’s great: Bocadillos and tapas are inexpensive and often filling, allowing you to sample a variety of traditional Spanish flavors without spending too much. Popular spots like El Tigre and Bar Tomate offer generous portions at reasonable prices.
2. Pizzeria da Michele (Naples, Italy)
What to Expect: Authentic Neapolitan pizza
Naples is the birthplace of pizza, and Pizzeria da Michele is one of the best spots in town to grab an authentic, budget-friendly pizza. Famous for its simple menu, which offers only Margherita and Marinara pizzas, this iconic pizzeria serves up delicious thin-crust pizza made with fresh, high-quality ingredients at incredibly low prices. For a few euros, you can enjoy a true taste of Italy’s most beloved dish.
Why it’s great: Naples is the home of pizza, and for a budget-friendly price, you can get one of the most famous pizzas in the world in a classic Italian setting. At Pizzeria da Michele, pizza aficionados rave about the crispy crust and flavorful toppings.
3. Fritten (Brussels, Belgium)
What to Expect: Belgian fries and street food
Belgium is known for its crispy, golden fries, and the best part is that you can enjoy them without spending much. Fritten stands (french fry shops) in Brussels offer a variety of toppings and sauces, such as mayonnaise, stoofvlees (beef stew), or tartar sauce. Many of these stands are open late, making them an ideal choice for a cheap and satisfying meal during a night out.
Why it’s great: Belgian fries are a delicious and inexpensive street food that can be customized to your liking. They make a great snack or quick meal when you’re on the go. You can even pair them with local beer at some stands for a truly Belgian experience.
4. Chez Gladines (Paris, France)
What to Expect: Hearty Basque-inspired dishes at affordable prices
While Paris is famous for its haute cuisine, it’s also home to many inexpensive gems. Chez Gladines, located in the charming but less touristy part of the 13th arrondissement, serves generous portions of Basque comfort food like cassoulet, steak frites, and hearty salads, all at budget-friendly prices. The atmosphere is casual, and the prices won’t break the bank, making it a great spot for anyone looking for delicious French food without the high-end cost.
Why it’s great: Chez Gladines offers a warm, homey environment with rich, flavorful dishes typical of southwestern France. The large portions and affordable prices make it a must-visit for those seeking great food on a budget.
5. Souvlaki (Athens, Greece)
What to Expect: Greek street food and casual dining
In Athens, souvlaki (grilled meat skewers, typically served in pita bread) is a local favorite, and you can find it all over the city for just a few euros. Whether you prefer chicken, pork, or lamb, these savory skewers are often paired with fresh veggies, tzatziki sauce, and pita for a satisfying meal. You can also find gyros, a similar dish, in many budget-friendly eateries in the city.
Why it’s great: Greek street food is both affordable and tasty, making it the perfect option for those on a budget. You can find a variety of filling and flavorful options in neighborhoods like Plaka or Monastiraki.
6. Vapiano (Multiple Locations in Europe)
What to Expect: Italian fast-casual dining
Vapiano is a fast-casual chain that has spread across Europe, with locations in cities like Berlin, Vienna, and Rome. Known for its fresh pasta, pizza, and salad options, Vapiano offers a modern, self-service dining experience at affordable prices. You can watch your pasta being made fresh, and the menu features a wide variety of options that can easily cater to different dietary needs.
Why it’s great: Vapiano provides high-quality, fresh Italian food in a modern setting, with prices that won’t break your budget. It’s an ideal choice for a quick yet satisfying meal, particularly in busy urban centers.
7. Bakeries (Various Locations Across Europe)
What to Expect: Fresh pastries, sandwiches, and coffee
Across Europe, bakeries are a great place to grab an affordable and delicious meal. From French baguettes filled with ham and cheese to croissants stuffed with chocolate or almond cream, bakeries in cities like Paris, Vienna, and Prague offer an array of tasty options at reasonable prices. In addition to pastries, many bakeries also offer sandwiches, quiches, and hearty bread rolls, making them an excellent choice for a quick and inexpensive breakfast or lunch.
Why it’s great: Bakeries offer fresh, high-quality food at a fraction of the price of full-service restaurants. They’re perfect for a quick bite, and you can enjoy authentic local flavors at an affordable price.
8. The Diner (London, UK)
What to Expect: American-style comfort food in a retro setting
For those craving American comfort food, The Diner in London offers a variety of cheap and tasty options, including burgers, fries, pancakes, and milkshakes. Located in locations across London, this retro-style diner offers hearty meals at reasonable prices, with a 24-hour menu perfect for late-night cravings.
Why it’s great: The Diner serves up affordable and satisfying comfort food in a relaxed, nostalgic setting, making it an ideal spot for a hearty, no-frills meal.
9. Mustafas Gemüse Kebap (Berlin, Germany)
What to Expect: Turkish döner kebabs
Berlin is famous for its döner kebabs, and Mustafas Gemüse Kebap is one of the best spots to sample this iconic street food at an affordable price. The restaurant serves a variety of döner options, including ones made with fresh vegetables, lamb, chicken, or veal. Expect long lines, but the kebabs are well worth the wait.
Why it’s great: For just a few euros, you can enjoy a filling and flavorful meal that perfectly captures the fusion of Turkish and German flavors. Mustafas is a beloved spot for locals and visitors alike.
10. Comptoir Général (Paris, France)
What to Expect: Affordable Afro-inspired meals and cocktails
In Paris, Comptoir Général is a unique, affordable option that offers delicious Afro-Caribbean-inspired dishes, such as plantains, stews, and flavorful rice bowls. This eclectic, laid-back space is filled with vintage décor, creating a fun and relaxed vibe where you can enjoy affordable meals and cocktails with a cultural twist.
Why it’s great: Comptoir Général offers flavorful, reasonably priced dishes in a relaxed and funky setting, perfect for those who want to enjoy something a little different in Paris.
Affordable and Delicious Dining Across Europe
While Europe is home to many fine dining establishments, it’s also brimming with cheap restaurants where you can enjoy tasty and satisfying meals without breaking the bank. From Mediterranean street food in Athens to pizza in Naples, these budget-friendly spots offer authentic flavors that showcase the diverse culinary traditions of the continent. Whether you’re on a backpacking trip or just want to save a little money, these cheap restaurants are sure to satisfy your hunger and your wallet.