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A blue table with bright orange tikka masala sauce over fries.
Masala fries at IndiMex Eats.
Farley Elliott

18 Fantastic Budget-Friendly Restaurants in Los Angeles

It’s easy to spend less and still eat well in LA

by Eater Staff Updated
11 comments / new
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Masala fries at IndiMex Eats.
| Farley Elliott
by Eater Staff Updated
11 comments / new

Eating well doesn’t have to break the bank in Los Angeles, considering nearly every neighborhood offers an array of casual restaurants serving reasonably priced fare, from Mexican spots that specialize in bean burritos and pastrami to Sri Lankan specialists in the Valley and beyond. From noodle soups to tacos and dumplings, it’s truly an embarrassment of riches in the Southland. Here now are 18 affordable restaurants in Los Angeles.

Added: IndiMex Eats, Dollar Hits, El Abajeño, Chroni’s Famous Sandwich Shop, Steve’s Torrance, Memphis Grill, Gwen’s Speciality Cakes

Removed: Rodney’s Ribs, Tacos Don Manolito, Village Mart, Skinny Dave’s, Tamales Elena, Guido’s Pizza

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Baja Subs Market & Deli

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The Sri Lankan food is the star at the unassuming Baja Subs, which despite its name also leans into Mexican food, takeaway corner store items, and Southeast Asian food alike.

8801 Reseda Blvd Suite A, Northridge, CA 91324
(818) 993-7064
(818) 993-7064
Lamprais at Baja Subs on a green plate.
Baja Subs.
Wonho Frank Lee

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Tacos Los Palomos

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With numerous outlets across the LA area, Tacos Los Palomos consistently delivers the most delicious, freshly sliced al pastor in the city. Check Instagram for locations, and be sure to watch out for daily specials, like when they price fully packed tortas for $5 apiece.

7200 Mason Ave, Winnetka, CA 91306
Taquero shaves al pastor from a trompo at Tacos Los Palomos.
Tacos Los Palomos.
Matthew Kang

The Memphis Grill

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Saucy ribs and chicken make up the backbone of the menu at North Hollywood’s Memphis Grill, where owner Manu Aka is fusing the flavors of the city he loves with the culture and product from the city that has embraced him. Stop by to grab a pound of brisket or a sandwich.

5759 Lankershim Blvd, North Hollywood, CA 91601
(818) 738-9993
(818) 738-9993

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Golden Deli Restaurant

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It’s hard to think of a better price-to-excellence ratio than Golden Deli, a versatile Vietnamese restaurant with the crispiest, best-tasting chả giò in the city. The pho, rice, and other dishes are fantastic too, with meals coming out to $20 or less per person, either on-site or to-go.

815 W Las Tunas Dr, San Gabriel, CA 91776
(626) 308-0803
(626) 308-0803

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IndiMex Eats

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Saucy fries, samosas, wraps, and more make up the robust menu at this Hollywood staple tucked behind a car wash.

1106 N Cahuenga Blvd, Los Angeles, CA 90038
(323) 467-7462
(323) 467-7462
A blue table with bright orange tikka masala sauce over fries.
IndiMex Eats
Farley Elliott

Bé Ù

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Virgil Village’s Vietnamese comfort food restaurant ensures that all of its stakeholders, from employees to locals in the neighborhood, win out against the forces of gentrification. This means reasonably priced food that still delivers deep, homemade flavors like banh mi, pork riblets, and popcorn chicken that you can eat every day.

557 N Hoover St, Los Angeles, CA 90004
(323) 928-2135
(323) 928-2135
Fried pork riblets served over steamed white rice with green onion garnish.
Pork riblets over rice at Bé Ù.
Wonho Frank Lee

Also featured in:

Dollar Hits

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This newly Netflix-famous Filipino spot has been grilling up inexpensive skewers on the street for years, making it both an affordable dinner option and a great time.

2432 W Temple St, Los Angeles, CA 90026
(213) 908-6000
(213) 908-6000
A blue striped table holds plates of meat skewers.
Skewers from Dollar Hits
Lucas Kwan Peterson

Falafel Inc.

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The mission at Falafel Inc. is to make a super-affordable dish like falafel and use some of the proceeds to help in areas around the world. The $4 to $5 pita sandwich is a healthy quick snack or lunch that anyone from office workers to college students can appreciate.

933 Broxton Ave, Los Angeles, CA 90024
(410) 886-6570
(410) 886-6570
Falafel bowl at Falafel Inc.
Falafel bowl from Falafel Inc.
Falafel Inc.

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Chronis Famous Sandwich Shop

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It’s all about the chili dogs at this Whittier Boulevard mainstay, especially when served up with American cheese, lots of mustard, and chunks of raw white onion.

5825 Whittier Blvd, Los Angeles, CA 90022
(323) 728-7806
(323) 728-7806

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Earle's On Crenshaw

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Classic South LA hot dog spot Earle’s has some of the best grilled hot dogs in Los Angeles, all served at an approachable price point. There’s plenty of variety here, from all-beef to vegetarian-friendly options.

3864 Crenshaw Blvd, Los Angeles, CA 90008
(323) 299-2867
(323) 299-2867
Chili-slathered hot dog with pickled onions on a slate gray background at Earle’s on Crenshaw.
Chili dog from Earle’s On Crenshaw.
Farley Elliott

Also featured in:

Nola Cajun and Creole

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Nola Cajun and Creole sits inside the newish BLVD Market food hall in Montebello and is a beacon of flavorful and spot-on Creole dishes like jambalaya, gumbo, and shrimp po’boys from operator Keivan Cross. With reasonable prices and ample portions, it’s easily one of the best new Creole/Cajun restaurants in town.

520 Whittier Blvd #107, Montebello, CA 90640
(323) 400-4882
(323) 400-4882
Shrimp po’boy from Nola Cajun and Creole in Montebello, California
The shrimp po’boy.
Matthew Kang

Also featured in:

El Abajeno

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This casual Culver City spot does it all, from sidewalk dining to lots of takeout. Better still, the big combo plates are still routinely under $10, making for a filling meal for the Westside.

4513 Inglewood Blvd, Culver City, CA 90230
(310) 390-0755
(310) 390-0755

Gwen's Specialty Cakes

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For small-bite options of classic cakes and pies like pecan and sweet potato (plus peach cobbler, of course), get over to this decades-old Inglewood spot.

820 N La Brea Ave # D, Inglewood, CA 90302
(310) 677-9979
(310) 677-9979

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Big Daddy's Kickin' Chicken

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Flame-licked and bright red, the chicken at this Inglewood takeout is a mix of spicy, juicy, and lovingly charred — and it’s very, very hard to put down.

214 E Nutwood St, Inglewood, CA 90301
(424) 309-9224
(424) 309-9224
Half-chicken at Big Daddy’s Kickin’ Chicken in Inglewood.
Big Daddy’s Kickin’ Chicken.
Farley Elliott

Gardena Bowl Coffee Shop

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Hawaiian and Japanese food hit new heights and diner staple Gardena Bowl Coffee Shop, tucked into an actual bowling alley in the heart of the greater South Bay/South LA region.

15707 S Vermont Ave, Gardena, CA 90247
(310) 532-0820
(310) 532-0820
Loco moco at Gardena Bowl Coffee Shop in Gardena, California.
Loco moco from Gardena Bowl.
Matthew Kang

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Surati Farsan

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Tantalizing methai (sweets) and chat (snacks) are what it’s all about at Surati Farsan Mart, a stylish shop specializing in Gujarati-style nibbles since 1986. The pani puri are pitch-perfect — delicate whole-wheat shells filled with mung beans, potatoes, and jaljira, a cool liquid imbued with herbs and spices, and drizzled with chutneys.

11814 186th St, Artesia, CA 90701
(562) 860-2310
(562) 860-2310
For wonderful Indian sweets and snacks: Surati Farsan Mart.
Surati Farsan
Cathy Chaplin

Also featured in:

Steve's Charburger

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For a foggy morning wakeup, get to Steve’s in Torrance to score a breakfast burrito that is absolutely loaded with bacon, egg, and cheese.

20055 Anza Ave, Torrance, CA 90503
(310) 371-8729
(310) 371-8729
A hand holds a large split breakfast burrito dripping with cheese and bacon.
A breakfast burrito from Steve’s Charburger
Farley Elliott

Busy Bee Market

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Busy Bee may well be the most famous restaurant in all of San Pedro, owing to its giant and meaty belly-buster sandwich. Still, great deals can be had for at or around $10 a pop, from pastrami to roast beef and beyond.

2413 S Walker Ave, San Pedro, CA 90731
(310) 832-8660
(310) 832-8660
A hand holds up a pastrami sandwich that is falling apart.
Busy Bee Market
Crystal Coser

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Baja Subs Market & Deli

8801 Reseda Blvd Suite A, Northridge, CA 91324

The Sri Lankan food is the star at the unassuming Baja Subs, which despite its name also leans into Mexican food, takeaway corner store items, and Southeast Asian food alike.

8801 Reseda Blvd Suite A, Northridge, CA 91324
(818) 993-7064
(818) 993-7064
Lamprais at Baja Subs on a green plate.
Baja Subs.
Wonho Frank Lee

Tacos Los Palomos

7200 Mason Ave, Winnetka, CA 91306

With numerous outlets across the LA area, Tacos Los Palomos consistently delivers the most delicious, freshly sliced al pastor in the city. Check Instagram for locations, and be sure to watch out for daily specials, like when they price fully packed tortas for $5 apiece.

7200 Mason Ave, Winnetka, CA 91306
Taquero shaves al pastor from a trompo at Tacos Los Palomos.
Tacos Los Palomos.
Matthew Kang

The Memphis Grill

5759 Lankershim Blvd, North Hollywood, CA 91601

Saucy ribs and chicken make up the backbone of the menu at North Hollywood’s Memphis Grill, where owner Manu Aka is fusing the flavors of the city he loves with the culture and product from the city that has embraced him. Stop by to grab a pound of brisket or a sandwich.

5759 Lankershim Blvd, North Hollywood, CA 91601
(818) 738-9993
(818) 738-9993

Golden Deli Restaurant

815 W Las Tunas Dr, San Gabriel, CA 91776

It’s hard to think of a better price-to-excellence ratio than Golden Deli, a versatile Vietnamese restaurant with the crispiest, best-tasting chả giò in the city. The pho, rice, and other dishes are fantastic too, with meals coming out to $20 or less per person, either on-site or to-go.

815 W Las Tunas Dr, San Gabriel, CA 91776
(626) 308-0803
(626) 308-0803

IndiMex Eats

1106 N Cahuenga Blvd, Los Angeles, CA 90038

Saucy fries, samosas, wraps, and more make up the robust menu at this Hollywood staple tucked behind a car wash.

1106 N Cahuenga Blvd, Los Angeles, CA 90038
(323) 467-7462
(323) 467-7462
A blue table with bright orange tikka masala sauce over fries.
IndiMex Eats
Farley Elliott

Bé Ù

557 N Hoover St, Los Angeles, CA 90004

Virgil Village’s Vietnamese comfort food restaurant ensures that all of its stakeholders, from employees to locals in the neighborhood, win out against the forces of gentrification. This means reasonably priced food that still delivers deep, homemade flavors like banh mi, pork riblets, and popcorn chicken that you can eat every day.

557 N Hoover St, Los Angeles, CA 90004
(323) 928-2135
(323) 928-2135
Fried pork riblets served over steamed white rice with green onion garnish.
Pork riblets over rice at Bé Ù.
Wonho Frank Lee

Dollar Hits

2432 W Temple St, Los Angeles, CA 90026

This newly Netflix-famous Filipino spot has been grilling up inexpensive skewers on the street for years, making it both an affordable dinner option and a great time.

2432 W Temple St, Los Angeles, CA 90026
(213) 908-6000
(213) 908-6000
A blue striped table holds plates of meat skewers.
Skewers from Dollar Hits
Lucas Kwan Peterson

Falafel Inc.

933 Broxton Ave, Los Angeles, CA 90024

The mission at Falafel Inc. is to make a super-affordable dish like falafel and use some of the proceeds to help in areas around the world. The $4 to $5 pita sandwich is a healthy quick snack or lunch that anyone from office workers to college students can appreciate.

933 Broxton Ave, Los Angeles, CA 90024
(410) 886-6570
(410) 886-6570
Falafel bowl at Falafel Inc.
Falafel bowl from Falafel Inc.
Falafel Inc.

Chronis Famous Sandwich Shop

5825 Whittier Blvd, Los Angeles, CA 90022

It’s all about the chili dogs at this Whittier Boulevard mainstay, especially when served up with American cheese, lots of mustard, and chunks of raw white onion.

5825 Whittier Blvd, Los Angeles, CA 90022
(323) 728-7806
(323) 728-7806

Earle's On Crenshaw

3864 Crenshaw Blvd, Los Angeles, CA 90008

Classic South LA hot dog spot Earle’s has some of the best grilled hot dogs in Los Angeles, all served at an approachable price point. There’s plenty of variety here, from all-beef to vegetarian-friendly options.

3864 Crenshaw Blvd, Los Angeles, CA 90008
(323) 299-2867
(323) 299-2867
Chili-slathered hot dog with pickled onions on a slate gray background at Earle’s on Crenshaw.
Chili dog from Earle’s On Crenshaw.
Farley Elliott

Nola Cajun and Creole

520 Whittier Blvd #107, Montebello, CA 90640

Nola Cajun and Creole sits inside the newish BLVD Market food hall in Montebello and is a beacon of flavorful and spot-on Creole dishes like jambalaya, gumbo, and shrimp po’boys from operator Keivan Cross. With reasonable prices and ample portions, it’s easily one of the best new Creole/Cajun restaurants in town.

520 Whittier Blvd #107, Montebello, CA 90640
(323) 400-4882
(323) 400-4882
Shrimp po’boy from Nola Cajun and Creole in Montebello, California
The shrimp po’boy.
Matthew Kang

El Abajeno

4513 Inglewood Blvd, Culver City, CA 90230

This casual Culver City spot does it all, from sidewalk dining to lots of takeout. Better still, the big combo plates are still routinely under $10, making for a filling meal for the Westside.

4513 Inglewood Blvd, Culver City, CA 90230
(310) 390-0755
(310) 390-0755

Gwen's Specialty Cakes

820 N La Brea Ave # D, Inglewood, CA 90302

For small-bite options of classic cakes and pies like pecan and sweet potato (plus peach cobbler, of course), get over to this decades-old Inglewood spot.

820 N La Brea Ave # D, Inglewood, CA 90302
(310) 677-9979
(310) 677-9979

Big Daddy's Kickin' Chicken

214 E Nutwood St, Inglewood, CA 90301

Flame-licked and bright red, the chicken at this Inglewood takeout is a mix of spicy, juicy, and lovingly charred — and it’s very, very hard to put down.

214 E Nutwood St, Inglewood, CA 90301
(424) 309-9224
(424) 309-9224
Half-chicken at Big Daddy’s Kickin’ Chicken in Inglewood.
Big Daddy’s Kickin’ Chicken.
Farley Elliott

Gardena Bowl Coffee Shop

15707 S Vermont Ave, Gardena, CA 90247

Hawaiian and Japanese food hit new heights and diner staple Gardena Bowl Coffee Shop, tucked into an actual bowling alley in the heart of the greater South Bay/South LA region.

15707 S Vermont Ave, Gardena, CA 90247
(310) 532-0820
(310) 532-0820
Loco moco at Gardena Bowl Coffee Shop in Gardena, California.
Loco moco from Gardena Bowl.
Matthew Kang

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Surati Farsan

11814 186th St, Artesia, CA 90701

Tantalizing methai (sweets) and chat (snacks) are what it’s all about at Surati Farsan Mart, a stylish shop specializing in Gujarati-style nibbles since 1986. The pani puri are pitch-perfect — delicate whole-wheat shells filled with mung beans, potatoes, and jaljira, a cool liquid imbued with herbs and spices, and drizzled with chutneys.

11814 186th St, Artesia, CA 90701
(562) 860-2310
(562) 860-2310
For wonderful Indian sweets and snacks: Surati Farsan Mart.
Surati Farsan
Cathy Chaplin

Steve's Charburger

20055 Anza Ave, Torrance, CA 90503

For a foggy morning wakeup, get to Steve’s in Torrance to score a breakfast burrito that is absolutely loaded with bacon, egg, and cheese.

20055 Anza Ave, Torrance, CA 90503
(310) 371-8729
(310) 371-8729
A hand holds a large split breakfast burrito dripping with cheese and bacon.
A breakfast burrito from Steve’s Charburger
Farley Elliott

Busy Bee Market

2413 S Walker Ave, San Pedro, CA 90731

Busy Bee may well be the most famous restaurant in all of San Pedro, owing to its giant and meaty belly-buster sandwich. Still, great deals can be had for at or around $10 a pop, from pastrami to roast beef and beyond.

2413 S Walker Ave, San Pedro, CA 90731
(310) 832-8660
(310) 832-8660
A hand holds up a pastrami sandwich that is falling apart.
Busy Bee Market
Crystal Coser

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