Top 10 Cheap Restaurants in Los Angeles
1. Guerrilla Tacos
Located in the heart of downtown Los Angeles, Guerrilla Tacos is a fan-favorite food truck turned brick-and-mortar restaurant. Known for its inventive take on Mexican street food, Guerrilla Tacos offers a range of affordable and flavorful dishes, such as sweet potato tacos, pork belly quesadillas, and ahi tuna tostadas. Prices are reasonable, with most tacos priced around $5.
What makes Guerrilla Tacos stand out is its use of high-quality, locally sourced ingredients, which ensures that each bite is packed with flavor. Even with such fresh ingredients, this spot manages to keep its menu affordable, making it a top choice for budget-conscious diners.
2. Guelaguetza
Guelaguetza is one of the most beloved Oaxacan restaurants in LA, offering hearty portions of traditional Mexican dishes. Located in Koreatown, it’s the go-to place for affordable mole, tlayudas (Mexican-style pizzas), and tamales. A meal at Guelaguetza will typically cost you less than $15, making it a great deal for such rich, flavorful food.
The restaurant has been a staple in Los Angeles for decades, known for its friendly atmosphere and dedication to authentic Oaxacan cuisine. Whether you’re a fan of mole or just looking to try something new, Guelaguetza is a must-visit spot that offers great value for money.
3. Mariscos Jalisco
For those who love seafood, Mariscos Jalisco is the quintessential LA food truck. Famous for its shrimp tacos, which are fried to perfection and topped with slices of fresh avocado, Mariscos Jalisco provides one of the best street food experiences in the city. Each taco costs around $2, making it an incredibly budget-friendly option for those craving fresh seafood on the go.
With multiple trucks scattered across the city, you won’t have to look far to enjoy these crispy, flavorful tacos. The freshness of the seafood and the simplicity of the menu make it a local favorite that has gained a loyal following over the years.
4. Sapp Coffee Shop
Sapp Coffee Shop is a Thai restaurant nestled in the bustling Thai Town area of East Hollywood. Known for its authentic Thai comfort food, Sapp Coffee Shop serves iconic dishes like boat noodles, pad see ew, and jade noodles, with most dishes priced under $10. The boat noodles, in particular, are famous for their rich broth and tender meat, providing an explosion of flavors in every bite.
This no-frills eatery is perfect for those looking for affordable, authentic Thai cuisine without the pretense of trendy dining. Despite its humble exterior, Sapp Coffee Shop consistently delivers high-quality dishes that rival much more expensive restaurants.
5. Philippe The Original
A staple in LA since 1908, Philippe The Original is the birthplace of the French dip sandwich. This historic downtown establishment offers hearty sandwiches filled with tender roast beef, lamb, or turkey, all served with a side of au jus for dipping. Sandwiches are priced around $9, and there’s no better place in LA to enjoy a French dip that is both affordable and packed with flavor.
Philippe The Original also offers classic sides like coleslaw, potato salad, and pickled eggs, all at a reasonable price. With its retro interior and longstanding history, dining here is not just about the food—it’s also about experiencing a piece of LA’s culinary heritage.
6. Tacos Villa Corona
Located in Atwater Village, Tacos Villa Corona is a tiny, hole-in-the-wall taco joint that offers some of the best breakfast burritos in the city. With prices starting at just $5, their burritos are filled with perfectly seasoned potatoes, eggs, cheese, and your choice of meat. The simple, no-frills nature of this spot makes it perfect for grabbing a quick, affordable breakfast or lunch.
The portions are generous, and the flavors are big, which explains the frequent lines outside this little taco stand. Don’t let the unassuming exterior fool you—Tacos Villa Corona packs some serious flavor into its budget-friendly burritos.
7. Langer’s Delicatessen-Restaurant
Langer’s Delicatessen is an LA institution that has been serving the city since 1947. Known for its legendary pastrami sandwiches, Langer’s offers a high-quality deli experience at an affordable price. While the famous #19 sandwich (pastrami, Swiss cheese, coleslaw, and Russian dressing on rye) might be a bit of a splurge at around $20, there are plenty of more budget-friendly options on the menu.
For those looking for a hearty, satisfying meal without spending too much, the matzo ball soup and half-sandwich combinations offer great value. Langer’s is the place to go if you’re craving traditional deli fare that doesn’t compromise on quality.
8. Din Tai Fung
While Din Tai Fung is known for its dumplings and noodles, the restaurant has managed to strike a balance between affordability and quality. With locations across Los Angeles, Din Tai Fung serves up its famous xiao long bao (soup dumplings) and other dim sum favorites for around $10-$15 per dish. The delicate balance of flavors and textures in their dumplings is unmatched, making this a top choice for those who want a taste of premium Chinese cuisine at a reasonable price.
The dining experience at Din Tai Fung is exceptional, with each dumpling meticulously prepared and served in a casual yet stylish setting. It’s perfect for groups looking to share a variety of dishes without spending too much.
9. Dino’s Chicken and Burgers
Located in Pico-Union, Dino’s Chicken and Burgers is a budget-friendly haven for those who love charbroiled chicken. The restaurant’s signature dish, a plate of grilled chicken marinated in a secret sauce and served with fries, tortillas, and coleslaw, is priced at just under $10. The portions are large, and the flavor of the chicken is unbeatable, making it one of the best cheap eats in LA.
Dino’s also offers burgers, burritos, and other comfort food staples at affordable prices, but it’s the grilled chicken that keeps customers coming back. This no-frills spot may not look like much from the outside, but it delivers on taste and value.
10. Leo’s Tacos Truck
No list of cheap eats in LA would be complete without mentioning Leo’s Tacos Truck, one of the most famous taco trucks in the city. Known for its al pastor tacos, which are cooked on a traditional vertical spit, Leo’s offers a classic taco experience at incredibly low prices—each taco costs around $1.50. The tender, marinated pork is served on fresh corn tortillas and topped with onions, cilantro, and pineapple, creating the perfect bite.
Leo’s Tacos Truck can be found at various locations across LA, often attracting long lines of loyal customers. Whether you’re stopping by for a late-night snack or a quick lunch, Leo’s is the go-to spot for cheap, authentic tacos that are bursting with flavor.
Conclusion
Los Angeles is a city known for its diversity, and this is reflected in its food scene. From traditional Mexican street food to classic delis and Thai comfort food, LA offers a range of affordable dining options that cater to every palate. These top 10 cheap restaurants provide delicious meals without the high price tag, proving that you don’t need to spend a fortune to enjoy some of the best food the city has to offer. Whether you’re a local or just visiting, these spots offer incredible value for money and are sure to satisfy your hunger.
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