I love a great restaurant and a fine dining meal is always my way to treat myself! It’s not always in the plans or possible, especially when traveling. It’s also nice to have some great meals out that don’t break the bank.
First thing! If you want to have a nice restaurant meal, even a tasting menu, opt for the lunch menu instead of dinner time. Many of the dishes and products will be the same and certainly better prices. Maybe not under 25 EURO but the price difference is palpable.
There are plenty of restaurants where you can get two courses for 20 EUROS. The menu du jour will be what you want to look for. Generally you can get a starter and main (entree et plat) or main and dessert (plat et dessert) for 20 EURO or less.
If you are dining light, try not to take the table too long so they can turn over, if possible. Do be sure to tip your server in restaurants a little something, it’s not required, but very much appreciated.
GREAT SANDWICHES IN BORDEAUX
One of the first choices and ways to save, is a great sandwich! A good Jambon beurre might be one of my favorite in France. Shops like Fortiche Club in Saint Pierre in Bordeaux have some incredible sandwiches. My favorite is under 10 EURO with a drink! Closed Tuesday / 8 rue des Bahutiers, 33000 Bordeaux / Fortiche Club – Sandwicherie traditionnelle • Bordeaux
Many boulangeries in Bordeaux will have sandwiches and salads to purchase around lunch time, with varying quality. In my town of Bazas we have some decent options. For example, a sandwich with drink and dessert can be as low as 9 EURO.
BOULLION IN BORDEAUX
A bouillon is a restaurant which serves traditional French dishes, quick and inexpensively. We only have one in Bordeaux, Boullion Saint-Jean near the train station. Styled in the Art Nouveau style, the dining room is as historic as the style of cuisine. Part of a real boullions charm! Their menu is a dictionary of French classics with entrees starting under 3 EURO. Book online. Open daily. / 25 Rue Charles Domercq, 33800 Bordeaux / Bouillon Saint-Jean / Brasserie / BORDEAUX
BRASSERIES OR CAFES IN BORDEAUX WITH MENU du JOUR
Try a brasserie or cafe, many will offer a nice menu for lunch with seasonal items for the starter and a fish or meat option for the main. Some options in Bordeaux :
Near the cathedral, Le Cafe Francais is a classical styled restaurant with a great view onto the cathedral. I’ve had lunch there many times, the lunch was like eating at my husbands grandmothers. Civet (stews) and fish with rice, simple but good. Their menu is 21 EURO for two courses. Book online. Open daily / Le Café Français Bistrot & Brasserie | Bordeaux centre-ville | Site Officiel
In Chartons, you’ll find Zinc Bordeaux (don’t confuse with restaurant Cafe Zinc!) with it’s stylized interior, classical dishes and fun staff, be sure to book in advance!
Near Meriadeck, Brasserie Liber with two courses at 20 EURO. Be sure to book online. Open daily for lunch and dinner / 127 rue Georges Bonnac, 33000 Bordeaux / 5 Place Pey Berland, 33000, 33000 Bordeaux/ Cartes et menus / Bordeaux / Brasserie Liber
On the other side of the river, in the Bastide, Cafe Zinc has a three course menu for 23 EURO. Chef Elodie Pichard has some wonderful creations and a really efficient service /
MARKETS AND HALLES IN BORDEAUX
Go to the Marche des Capucins covered market in Saint Michel and bar hop on Saturday or Sunday! Try pintxos, oysters at Chez Jean-Mi, crepes, Moroccan dishes or moules frites! Grab some pastries and seasonal fruits et voila! Lunch! While the market is only closed on Monday, some of the food stalls are only open on the weekend. If you don’t like crowds, try for a Thursday or Friday and you’ll still find some great, fresh options! Locations are first come, first serve / Place des Capucins, 33800 Bordeaux / Marché des Capucins – Le marché de la ville de Bordeaux
Any of the ‘Halles’ in Bordeaux will have some nicely priced eats. Halles Bacalan across from the Cite du Vin is more local / regional foods. Some items are pricy, but there are plenty of great deals to be found. Seating can be near impossible during peak hours so arrive early or be prepared to wait for a table / 15 Quai du Maroc, 33300 Bordeaux / Halles à Bordeaux – Biltoki
Finally, you can go to a wine bar and I have a few here which are favorites Best Wine Bars with Food in Bordeaux – Aquitaine Travel Guide
Do you have a favorite for a meal under 25 EURO? Let us know and we will be happy to share!
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