The Best Affordable Restaurants in Cannes
The French Riviera may be many things, but cheap is certainly not one of them. Luckily, there are a handful of charming eateries that offer great food at even better value, serving everything from traditional French favourites to hearty international fare, with sea views to boot. Culture Trip rounds up the best restaurants in Cannes that will satisfy your culinary cravings without breaking the bank.
1. Tredici
Restaurant, Italian
A firm favourite with locals looking for an alternative to French cuisine, Tredici serves homemade Italian cuisine that is among the most celebrated (and well-priced) in Cannes. The restaurant is ideally located along a quiet street at the top of Le Suquet district, and popular for its no-fuss interiors and friendly service. Head there on Tuesdays to enjoy discounted pizza, meaning you can indulge in pricey toppings, such as truffle and burrata, at a fraction of the price.
2. Philcat
Food Kiosk, Sandwich Shop, French
Lunchtime snacks don’t come much better than a traditional pan bagnat, and no one does them quite like Philcat. These French sourdough or rustic bread rolls, originally from neighbouring Nice, come stuffed with tuna, tomatoes, egg, anchovies and salad (otherwise known as a salade niçoise), and you can pick one up for around €5 (£4.25) at this charming kiosk along the Promenade de la Pantiero. Salads and hot paninis are around the same price, and will keep you full until dinner.
3. Bar du Marin
Bar, Restaurant, French, Mediterranean
Bar du Marin is consistently ranked one of the best budget restaurants in the city, so it’s no surprise that you can pick up the dish of the day for just €12 (£10). Be sure to make a pitstop for a cheap carafe of local wine and simple-yet-traditional French dishes, including veal escalope, perfectly cooked entrecôte and a killer salade niçoise. This is the sort of place that will definitely give you the kind of buzz only a bargain bite to eat can deliver.
4. L’Assiette Provençale
Restaurant, French, Mediterranean, European
Secure a table on the outside terrace at L’Assiette Provençale to enjoy its prime waterfront location, overlooking the Med. There’s a lot to look forward to at this Cannois hotspot, including affordable French fare like battered courgette flowers, home-made fish soup and fresh cannelloni stuffed with squid. Three course meals start from around €25 (£22), leaving you with euros for a glass of wine.
5. Aux Bons Enfants
Bistro, French
You’ll need to withdraw your euros before heading to this joint. Aux Bons Enfants, near the Marché Forville Market, keeps things old school: you can’t pay by credit card. The focus here is solely on food from different regions of France; the menu incorporates stews from Provence and tasty cheeses from Corsica. Swing by in advance to speak to the team and book your table.
6. Ristorante Panini Federal
Bar, Restaurant, Italian, French, Mediterranean, European
This cosy bistro whips up authentic Italian paninis in a no-frills setting, and is a great place for a boozy lunch – a glass of Sicilian red comes in at around €5 (£4.25). The menu is highly influenced by South America as well; locals love the beef empanadas with chimichurri. Get more bang for your buck with a meal of the day alongside a soft drink and coffee for just €13.50 (£11.50).
7. L’Épicurieux
Restaurant, French, Mediterranean, European
Pasta is the focus at L’Épicurieux, just a stone’s throw away from the city’s surrounding shopping districts. The chefs fashion all manner of pasta sheets, ribbons and parcels, whipped up with fresh creamy sauces and plenty of truffle. If you’re not in the mood for a hearty meal, stop by for a coffee or glass of wine from their extensive list of vins. L’Épicurieux gets packed during peak hours, so prepare to wait if you don’t have a reservation.
8. Chez Vincent et Nicolas
Bistro, French
Chez Vincent et Nicolas is everything you’d imagine a typical French bistro to be – red-chequered tablecloths, flowers on tables and candles in mason jars. You’ll find time-tested dishes on its menu, such as roasted lamb shank served with homemade dauphinoise potatoes or, if you’re feeling adventurous, the duck liver hamburger, all cooked to Provençal grandmother-style perfection. The atmosphere picks up later in the evening, making it a great spot to start your night out.
9. Bay Café
Cafe, French
Budget beachside bites are the specialty at this little café, which comes with a side of sea views. It’s one of the best spots in town to watch the sunset, so nab a seat on the terrace and order a glass of house wine with nibbles. If you’re stopping by for lunch, you’ll get change from a twenty with its three-course set menu, featuring steak, seafood risotto and a rich tiramisu.
This is an updated version of an article originally by Alex Ledsom.
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