Looking for the Best Food and Restaurants in Europe Budget : for Saving Money without sacrificing quality? Focus on value-for-money food cities, eat like a local, and avoid tourist traps – you can comfortably eat well in many parts of Europe from about €20–€35 per person per day if you plan smartly.
As a Singapore-based traveller who’s repeatedly backpacked around Europe from hubs like Changi and budget airlines in Kuala Lumpur, this guide pulls together real price points, tested food streets, and safety tips – all aligned with Homejourney’s focus on verified, trustworthy information.
How this cluster fits into Homejourney’s Europe Budget pillar
This article is a tactical follow-up to our main pillar guide on budget Europe and cheap Europe travel – especially Europe Budget Travel Guide: How to Save Money (Homejourney) .
While the pillar helps you plan flights, passes, and daily budgets, this cluster zooms in on one question: Where and how can you eat the best food in Europe on a budget, and still save money for experiences – or even future property investing?
Best Budget Food Cities in Europe (2025)
Prices below are indicative for 2025 and will vary by district and season, but they give Singapore travellers and backpackers a realistic planning benchmark.
To keep comparisons clear, assume a mid-range local eatery (not fine dining), no alcohol unless noted.
Belgrade, Serbia – Huge portions, tiny bills
Belgrade is often called one of the best value food cities in Europe, with classic Balkan grills and stews at a fraction of Western European prices.[3][2]
On my last trip, a full dinner for two at a traditional kafana (tavern) in Dorćol – mixed grill, salads, dessert, and local beer – came to under €35, about what two mains can cost in central Singapore today.
- Ćevapi platter: about €6–€9 per person[3]
- Full kafana dinner for two with drinks: roughly €30–€35[3][2]
- Burek from bakeries: around €1.50–€2.50[3]
Insider tips (from a Singapore perspective):
- Head to Skadarlija (old Bohemian street) at lunch, not dinner – lunch specials often shave €5–€8 off per person compared to evening menus.
- Local bakeries open early (7–8am); grab burek and yogurt for a €3 breakfast instead of paying €10–€15 at cafés.
Naples, Italy – Birthplace of budget pizza
Italy has seen price increases in 2025, but Naples[1][2]
Classic Margherita pizzas at traditional pizzerias still start from around €5.50 – cheaper than many hawker centre Western stalls in Singapore.[1][2]
- Margherita at famous pizzerias (e.g. Da Michele): ~€5.50[1][2]
- Espresso at the bar: ~€1–€1.50
- Street sfogliatella pastry + coffee breakfast: €2.50–€3[3]
Insider tip: Italians often pay less if they drink coffee standing at the bar instead of sitting. Ask for “al banco” to save €1–€2 each time – this adds up over a week.
Budapest, Hungary – Hearty stews, low prices
Budapest is ideal if you love rich comfort food – think goulash, paprika chicken and pastries – at very friendly prices.[3]
- Two-course lunch menu at local bistros: ~€7–€9 (soup + main)[3]
- Lángos (fried dough with toppings) from stalls: €3–€4[3]
- Glass of wine/beer: ~€2–€2.50[3]
Insider tip: Follow office workers at lunchtime – restaurants offering “menu of the day” or napi menü often list it only in Hungarian, but staff will explain if you ask. Cheaper and more authentic than English-only menus around the river.
Athens, Greece – Tavernas with a view (without tourist prices)
Athens gives you generous portions, fresh ingredients, and reasonable bills – especially outside the most touristy Plaka streets.[3]
- Souvlaki wrap: ~€3–€4[3]
- Taverna meal with wine: ~€12–€15 per person[3]
- Koulouri (sesame bread ring) + coffee breakfast: €2–€3[3]
Insider tip: Walk 10–15 minutes away from major sites (e.g. from Monastiraki Square) into neighbourhoods like Koukaki and Exarchia. As a rule of thumb, if the menu is translated into more than five languages, you’re paying a tourist premium.
Prague, Czechia – Daily lunch menus that locals love
Prague’s city centre can be touristy, but local lunch specials – denní menu – are still some of the best food deals in Europe.[3]
- Lunch special (soup + main + beer): ~€8–€10[3]
- Hearty mains (goulash, schnitzel): €8–€12 outside Old Town[3]
Insider tip: Plan your bigger meal at lunchtime. Many Prague restaurants run weekday lunch offers only from around 11:30am–2pm; outside that window, prices can jump 30–40%.
Budget Eating Strategies Across Europe (Backpacker & Family-Friendly)
Regardless of which city you visit, these strategies stretch your food budget while keeping things safe and enjoyable – especially important if you’re travelling from Singapore with a strong SGD but still watching every euro.
1. Prioritise local lunch deals
Across much of Europe, lunch is cheaper than dinner, with set menus offering the best value.
- Look for keywords like menu del dia (Spain), pranzo fisso (Italy), napi menü (Hungary), denní menu (Czechia).
- Expect 2–3 courses for €8–€15 in budget-friendly cities, and €15–€25 in Western capitals.
Singapore comparison: This feels like an upgraded “set lunch” deal at CBD restaurants – but often cheaper than some SG$18–$25 sets in Raffles Place.
2. Self-cater smartly, like you would in Singapore
In high-cost destinations like Iceland, Switzerland and Denmark, dinner for two can exceed €90–€120 in 2025.[1]
To keep your overall trip in “cheap Europe travel” territory:
- Book apartments with kitchenettes so you can cook 1–2 meals per day.
- Buy breakfast items and fruits at supermarkets (similar to doing a weekly NTUC FairPrice run).
- Reserve eating out for local specialities you can’t easily recreate.
3. Use bakeries & markets as your main “street food”
In many European cities, bakeries and markets are the closest equivalent to Singapore’s hawker centres for affordable, authentic food.
- Eastern Europe & Balkans: burek, pies, grilled meats for €2–€5.
- Italy: pizza al taglio (pizza by the slice), focaccia and pastries for €2–€4.
- Greece: bakery pies, koulouri and spanakopita from around €2–€3.
Safety tip (aligned with Homejourney’s values): Choose busy stalls where locals queue, and avoid foods sitting out too long in hot weather – especially important if travelling with kids or elderly family members.
Sample Budget Food Day: Under €30 Per Person
Here’s a realistic example based on recent on-the-ground costs in a city like Belgrade, Athens or Budapest.
- Breakfast (bakery + coffee)
– Koulouri / pastry: €1.50–€2
– Coffee at the bar: €1.50–€2
Total: ~€3–€4 - Lunch (local set menu)
– Soup + main or main + soft drink: €7–€9
Total: ~€8 - Afternoon snack
– Gelato or pastry: €2–€3 - Dinner (casual restaurant or kebab shop)
– Main dish: €8–€12
– Shared side or dessert: €2–€3
Total: ~€10–€15
