The Best Budget-Friendly Restaurants in Europe

If you’re planning a trip to Europe, you’ll want to take a break from the crowds and culture and enjoy some delicious, affordable meals. The continent is known for its delicious cuisines, but you don’t have to spend a fortune to enjoy them. Here we’ve rounded up some of the best budget-friendly restaurants in Europe, so you can enjoy a great meal without breaking the bank.

France

France is a country that’s renowned for its cuisine, but it doesn’t have to be expensive. There are plenty of excellent budget-friendly restaurants throughout the country, from bistros to creperies. One of the most popular is L’Assiette, which serves traditional French fare such as salads, soups, and tartines. Prices are reasonable, with most dishes costing less than €10. For a delicious breakfast in Paris, try Le Petit Café, which serves freshly-baked pastries, omelets, and sandwiches.

If you’re looking for something a bit more upscale, head to Le Coq Rico. This French bistro specializes in rotisserie-style chicken dishes, which are cooked to perfection and served with delicious sides. Prices are a bit higher, but still affordable, with most dishes priced around €18.

Italy

Italian cuisine is beloved the world over, and there are plenty of budget-friendly options in Italy. For a quick and tasty meal, try one of Rome’s many pizzerias. Da Baffetto is one of the most popular, and its pizzas are cooked to perfection in a wood-fired oven. Prices start at just €5 for a margherita pizza. If you’re looking for something a bit more upscale, try Antica Pesa. This trattoria serves traditional Roman dishes such as carbonara and cacio e pepe, and prices are very reasonable, with most dishes costing around €15.

Greece

Greece has some of the most delicious cuisine in Europe, and there are plenty of budget-friendly options. For a quick and delicious bite, head to one of Athens’ many souvlaki shops. Try Kostas Souvlaki, which serves freshly-grilled meats and vegetables, as well as traditional Greek salads and gyros. Prices are very reasonable, with most dishes costing less than €10. For a more upscale experience, try Varoulko Seaside. This modern seafood restaurant serves some of the freshest seafood in the city, and prices are also very reasonable, with most dishes costing around €20.

Spain

Spain has a wide variety of delicious cuisine, and there are plenty of budget-friendly options. For a quick and delicious bite, head to one of Barcelona’s many tapas bars. Try Tapas 24, which serves traditional Spanish tapas such as patatas bravas, croquetas, and jamón. Prices are very reasonable, with most dishes costing less than €5. For a more upscale experience, try El Celler de Can Roca. This Michelin-starred restaurant serves some of the most creative and delicious dishes in Spain, and prices are also very reasonable, with most dishes costing around €25.

Portugal

Portugal is known for its delicious seafood dishes, and there are plenty of budget-friendly options. For a quick and delicious bite, head to one of Lisbon’s many seafood restaurants. Try A Cevicheria, which serves traditional Portuguese dishes such as caldeirada and cataplana. Prices are very reasonable, with most dishes costing less than €10. For a more upscale experience, try Feitoria. This Michelin-starred restaurant serves some of the most creative and delicious dishes in Portugal, and prices are also very reasonable, with most dishes costing around €30.

Germany

Germany has some of the most delicious cuisine in Europe, and there are plenty of budget-friendly options. For a quick and delicious bite, head to one of Berlin’s many beer gardens. Try Prater Garten, which serves traditional German dishes such as schnitzel and sauerkraut. Prices are very reasonable, with most dishes costing less than €10. For a more upscale experience, try Lorenz Adlon Esszimmer. This Michelin-starred restaurant serves some of the most creative and delicious dishes in Germany, and prices are also very reasonable, with most dishes costing around €30.

The Netherlands

The Netherlands is known for its delicious food, and there are plenty of budget-friendly options. For a quick and delicious bite, head to one of Amsterdam’s many cafes. Try Café de Jaren, which serves traditional Dutch dishes such as stamppot and poffertjes. Prices are very reasonable, with most dishes costing less than €10. For a more upscale experience, try De Kas. This Michelin-starred restaurant serves some of the most creative and delicious dishes in the Netherlands, and prices are also very reasonable, with most dishes costing around €35.

Sweden

Sweden has some of the most delicious cuisine in Europe, and there are plenty of budget-friendly options. For a quick and delicious bite, head to one of Stockholm’s many cafes. Try Café Strömmingsluckan, which serves traditional Swedish dishes such as herring and gravlax. Prices are very reasonable, with most dishes costing less than €10. For a more upscale experience, try Mathias Dahlgren. This Michelin-starred restaurant serves some of the most creative and delicious dishes in Sweden, and prices are also very reasonable, with most dishes costing around €35.

Poland

Poland has some of the most delicious cuisine in Europe, and there are plenty of budget-friendly options. For a quick and delicious bite, head to one of Krakow’s many restaurants. Try Restauracja U Babci Maliny, which serves traditional Polish dishes such as pierogi and golabki. Prices are very reasonable, with most dishes costing less than €10. For a more upscale experience, try Restauracja Wierzynek. This Michelin-starred restaurant serves some of the most creative and delicious dishes in Poland, and prices are also very reasonable, with most dishes costing around €35.

Scotland

Scotland has some of the most delicious cuisine in Europe, and there are plenty of budget-friendly options. For a quick and delicious bite, head to one of Edinburgh’s many pubs. Try The Abbotsford, which serves traditional Scottish dishes such as haggis and cullen skink. Prices are very reasonable, with most dishes costing less than €10. For a more upscale experience, try The Kitchin. This Michelin-starred restaurant serves some of the most creative and delicious dishes in Scotland, and prices are also very reasonable, with most dishes costing around €35.

Czech Republic

The Czech Republic has some of the most delicious cuisine in Europe, and there are plenty of budget-friendly options. For a quick and delicious bite, head to one of Prague’s many pubs. Try U Fleku, which serves traditional Czech dishes such as schnitzel and goulash. Prices are very reasonable, with most dishes costing less than €10. For a more upscale experience, try La Degustation Bohême Bourgeoise. This Michelin-starred restaurant serves some of the most creative and delicious dishes in the Czech Republic, and prices are also very reasonable, with most dishes costing around €35.

Summary

When it comes to budget-friendly restaurants in Europe, there are plenty of options. From bistros to creperies, there’s something for everyone. Whether you’re in France, Italy, Greece, Spain, Portugal, Germany, The Netherlands, Sweden, Poland, Scotland, or the Czech Republic, you’ll find a delicious and affordable meal. So don’t be afraid to try something new – you’ll be glad you did!