clock menu more-arrow no yes mobile
More Maps

19 Posh Places for Afternoon Tea in Los Angeles

The 15 Hottest New Restaurants in Los Angeles, May 2024

15 Destinations for Supreme Bagel Satisfaction in Los Angeles

More in Los Angeles See more maps
An overhead shot of a crispy pastry and soft egg in a takeout box from Borekas Sephardic Pastries restaurant in Los Angeles.
Borekas Sephardic Pastries.
Shahab “Joon” Gozarkhah

18 Highly Affordable Dining Options in Los Angeles

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

by Eater Staff Updated
View as Map
Borekas Sephardic Pastries.
| Shahab “Joon” Gozarkhah
by Eater Staff Updated

You’re not imagining it: dining out has become an expensive activity. Though inflation and restaurant operating costs continue to rise, eating well doesn’t have to break the bank in Los Angeles. From Hainanese chicken in Hollywood to Italian sandwiches in Canoga Park, every neighborhood has a spot serving reasonably priced fare. Here are 18 budget-friendly restaurants in Los Angeles.

Read More
Eater maps are curated by editors and aim to reflect a diversity of neighborhoods, cuisines, and prices. Learn more about our editorial process.

Cavaretta's Italian Deli

Copy Link

Cavaretta’s is an Italian deli and market that has been open since 1959 in Canoga Park. Go for the excellent sandwiches, which are made on fresh bread and only cost $9.95 for a small. The Italian and meatball sandwiches can’t be missed, but other options including the caprese and tuna salad also hold their own. 

22045 Sherman Way, Canoga Park, California 91303
818-340-6626
818-340-6626

Baja Subs Market & Deli

Copy Link

The Sri Lankan menu 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. Diners will be hard-pressed to find a menu item over $16.

8801 Reseda Blvd Suite A, Northridge, CA 91324
(818) 993-7064
(818) 993-7064
Beef curry plate at Baja Subs Market & Deli in Northridge.
Baja Subs Market & Deli.
Meghan McCarron

Also featured in:

Borekas Sephardic Pastries

Copy Link

Plan accordingly at this Sherman Oaks shop, as they sell out early. Lines of eager fans hope to get their hands on bourekas, the specialty item stuffed four different ways including mushrooms and truffles, or spinach and cheese. Co-owner Uzi Waizman’s dough is made with a proprietary recipe that’s a mashup of phyllo and croissant and uses brown butter instead of margarine. The results are excellent.

15030 Ventura Blvd # 25, Sherman Oaks, CA 91403
(818) 688-4588
(818) 688-4588
Sprinkling za’atar on to bourekas at Borekas in Sherman Oaks.
Borekas Sephardic Pastries.
Shahab “Joon” Gozarkhah

Also featured in:

Los Cocos Panaderia y Pupuseria

Copy Link

This Westside mainstay, located in a small Centinela Avenue strip mall, serves 19 types of pupusas that include classics like pork and cheese and loroco and cheese, as well as vegan options like squash and potato or beans and soyrizo. Plus, there’s a full pastry case of sweets, along with breads and other baked goods. 

4804 1/2 S Centinela Ave (Braddock), Los Angeles, CA 90066
(310) 636-1043
(310) 636-1043
Pupusas in a takeout container
Pupusas at Los Cocos Panaderia y Pupuseria
Nicole Adlman

Gwen's Specialty Cakes

Copy Link

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. Sign up for Gwen’s email list to know when they’re serving outstanding soul food platters with entrees and two sides for $22.

820 N La Brea Ave # D, Inglewood, CA 90302
(310) 677-9979
(310) 677-9979
A red and white building with a sign that reads Gwen’s Specialty Cakes.
Gwen’s Specialty Cakes.
Mona Holmes

Also featured in:

Earle's On Crenshaw

Copy Link

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:

Liu's Cafe

Copy Link

Koreatown’s swanky new Liu’s Cafe serves some of the freshest Taiwanese/Hong Kong food in the heart of Koreatown. Think cheesy egg salad sandwiches, chiayi chicken over rice, and a mouthwatering braised pork belly over steamed white rice, all just over $10. The pastries, made on the premises, recall Hong Kong dessert shops with egg tarts, cookies, and pineapple buns that work great with iced milk tea. A terrific little neighborhood spot for those homesick for Taipei or Hong Kong.

3915 1/2 W 6th St, Los Angeles, CA 90020
(213) 568-3686
(213) 568-3686
Chiayi chicken and rice with hot sauce and daikon pickles in a blue patterned bowl.
Chiayi chicken and rice at Liu’s Cafe.
Matthew Kang

Also featured in:

Heng Heng Chicken Rice

Copy Link

Though Hollywood’s Heng Heng specializes in poached Haiananese chicken, available in both light and dark meat, the fried chicken is also a standout. Order the half-and-half over rice to get the best of both worlds and rest assured it still only costs $15.50. 

5420 Hollywood Blvd, Los Angeles, CA 90027
(323) 380-7875
(323) 380-7875

Also featured in:

Busy Bee Market

Copy Link

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, whether the pastrami or roast beef.

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

Also featured in:

Myung In Dumplings

Copy Link

Find king-sized steamed dumplings at this strip mall spot in Koreatown, along with fried chicken, soup, and more. Available with fillings including red bean, kimchi, and vegetables, each plate of dumplings runs for only $13.99. The dumplings are also available at Myung In’s second location in Northridge.

3109 West Olympic Boulevard, CA 90006
(213) 381-3568
(213) 381-3568

Also featured in:

Borjstar Shawarma Shop

Copy Link

Syrian-born Borjstar owner Abu Jemil serves his Arabic-style shawarma in the South Bay, where his chicken and beef (both mixed with lamb) come either as shawarma wraps or plates with thin, delicate flatbreads. Everything is $15.99 and under.

1330 Rosecrans Ave, Gardena, CA 90247
(310) 400-7973
(310) 400-7973
A strip mall storefront of a shawarma restaurant Borjstar Shawarma Shop in Los Angeles.
Borjstar Shawarma Shop.
Matthew Kang

SKECHERS Food Spot

Copy Link

Park at the lot next to the Skechers shoe store in Gardena and prepare to wait in line for $2.50 cheese pizza slices, $2.50 Nathan’s all-beef hot dogs, and $5 double cheeseburgers.

19000 S Vermont Ave, Gardena, CA 90248
(424) 271-2361
(424) 271-2361
Outside Skechers Food Spot with patrons waiting near the window for food orders in Los Angeles.
Skechers.
Matthew Kang

Bé Ù

Copy Link

Virgil Village’s Vietnamese spot 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 truly tasty popcorn chicken.

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:

India Sweets & Spices

Copy Link

Lunch combinations start at $5.99 at this vegetarian Indian cafe and market. The food is served cafeteria style with hot trays of curry, rice, and more that are available as part of a meal, or a la carte. The most expensive combination runs for only $10.99 — it comes with two curries, basmati rice, chapati, a samosa, salad, lassi, and a choice of rasmali or gulab jamun for dessert. India Sweets & Spices also operates a second location in Mid-City.

3126 Los Feliz Blvd (at Garden Ave), Glendale, CA 90039
(323) 345-0360
(323) 345-0360

Aloha Cafe

Copy Link

Since 2004, Aloha Cafe has operated out of Little Tokyo, preparing some of the region’s best stick-to-your-ribs meals. Try the big breakfast with two eggs, Portuguese sausage, and corn beef hash for $12.50. But everyone comes for the loco moco with a housemade ground beef patty, two eggs, and grilled onions on a bed of rice for $12.95.

410 E 2nd St, Los Angeles, CA 90012
(213) 346-9930
(213) 346-9930

Also featured in:

More in Maps

Chronis Famous Sandwich Shop

Copy Link

Just look at the chili dogs at this Whittier Boulevard mainstay, especially when served up with American cheese, lots of mustard, and chunks of raw white onion. The priciest menu item is the pastrami sandwich for $10.50.

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

Also featured in:

Huge Tree Pastry

Copy Link

Huge Tree Pastry specializes in fan tuan, a Taiwanese breakfast that consists of glutinous rice wrapped around a crispy rod of youtiao and meat floss. Add pickles and egg to make it a meal, and the total cost still comes in under $6. Be advised this place is cash-only, so make sure to stop by the ATM on the way.

423 North Atlantic Boulevard, Monterey Park, California 91754
(626) 458-8689
(626) 458-8689

Surati Farsan

Copy Link

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 beautifully made 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:

More in Maps

© 2024 Vox Media, Inc. All rights reserved.
Link copied to the clipboard.

Cavaretta's Italian Deli

22045 Sherman Way, Canoga Park, California 91303

Cavaretta’s is an Italian deli and market that has been open since 1959 in Canoga Park. Go for the excellent sandwiches, which are made on fresh bread and only cost $9.95 for a small. The Italian and meatball sandwiches can’t be missed, but other options including the caprese and tuna salad also hold their own. 

22045 Sherman Way, Canoga Park, California 91303
818-340-6626
818-340-6626

Baja Subs Market & Deli

8801 Reseda Blvd Suite A, Northridge, CA 91324

The Sri Lankan menu 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. Diners will be hard-pressed to find a menu item over $16.

8801 Reseda Blvd Suite A, Northridge, CA 91324
(818) 993-7064
(818) 993-7064
Beef curry plate at Baja Subs Market & Deli in Northridge.
Baja Subs Market & Deli.
Meghan McCarron

Borekas Sephardic Pastries

15030 Ventura Blvd # 25, Sherman Oaks, CA 91403

Plan accordingly at this Sherman Oaks shop, as they sell out early. Lines of eager fans hope to get their hands on bourekas, the specialty item stuffed four different ways including mushrooms and truffles, or spinach and cheese. Co-owner Uzi Waizman’s dough is made with a proprietary recipe that’s a mashup of phyllo and croissant and uses brown butter instead of margarine. The results are excellent.

15030 Ventura Blvd # 25, Sherman Oaks, CA 91403
(818) 688-4588
(818) 688-4588
Sprinkling za’atar on to bourekas at Borekas in Sherman Oaks.
Borekas Sephardic Pastries.
Shahab “Joon” Gozarkhah

Los Cocos Panaderia y Pupuseria

4804 1/2 S Centinela Ave (Braddock), Los Angeles, CA 90066

This Westside mainstay, located in a small Centinela Avenue strip mall, serves 19 types of pupusas that include classics like pork and cheese and loroco and cheese, as well as vegan options like squash and potato or beans and soyrizo. Plus, there’s a full pastry case of sweets, along with breads and other baked goods. 

4804 1/2 S Centinela Ave (Braddock), Los Angeles, CA 90066
(310) 636-1043
(310) 636-1043
Pupusas in a takeout container
Pupusas at Los Cocos Panaderia y Pupuseria
Nicole Adlman

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. Sign up for Gwen’s email list to know when they’re serving outstanding soul food platters with entrees and two sides for $22.

820 N La Brea Ave # D, Inglewood, CA 90302
(310) 677-9979
(310) 677-9979
A red and white building with a sign that reads Gwen’s Specialty Cakes.
Gwen’s Specialty Cakes.
Mona Holmes

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

Liu's Cafe

3915 1/2 W 6th St, Los Angeles, CA 90020

Koreatown’s swanky new Liu’s Cafe serves some of the freshest Taiwanese/Hong Kong food in the heart of Koreatown. Think cheesy egg salad sandwiches, chiayi chicken over rice, and a mouthwatering braised pork belly over steamed white rice, all just over $10. The pastries, made on the premises, recall Hong Kong dessert shops with egg tarts, cookies, and pineapple buns that work great with iced milk tea. A terrific little neighborhood spot for those homesick for Taipei or Hong Kong.

3915 1/2 W 6th St, Los Angeles, CA 90020
(213) 568-3686
(213) 568-3686
Chiayi chicken and rice with hot sauce and daikon pickles in a blue patterned bowl.
Chiayi chicken and rice at Liu’s Cafe.
Matthew Kang

Heng Heng Chicken Rice

5420 Hollywood Blvd, Los Angeles, CA 90027

Though Hollywood’s Heng Heng specializes in poached Haiananese chicken, available in both light and dark meat, the fried chicken is also a standout. Order the half-and-half over rice to get the best of both worlds and rest assured it still only costs $15.50. 

5420 Hollywood Blvd, Los Angeles, CA 90027
(323) 380-7875
(323) 380-7875

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, whether the pastrami or roast beef.

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

Myung In Dumplings

3109 West Olympic Boulevard, CA 90006

Find king-sized steamed dumplings at this strip mall spot in Koreatown, along with fried chicken, soup, and more. Available with fillings including red bean, kimchi, and vegetables, each plate of dumplings runs for only $13.99. The dumplings are also available at Myung In’s second location in Northridge.

3109 West Olympic Boulevard, CA 90006
(213) 381-3568
(213) 381-3568

Borjstar Shawarma Shop

1330 Rosecrans Ave, Gardena, CA 90247

Syrian-born Borjstar owner Abu Jemil serves his Arabic-style shawarma in the South Bay, where his chicken and beef (both mixed with lamb) come either as shawarma wraps or plates with thin, delicate flatbreads. Everything is $15.99 and under.

1330 Rosecrans Ave, Gardena, CA 90247
(310) 400-7973
(310) 400-7973
A strip mall storefront of a shawarma restaurant Borjstar Shawarma Shop in Los Angeles.
Borjstar Shawarma Shop.
Matthew Kang

SKECHERS Food Spot

19000 S Vermont Ave, Gardena, CA 90248

Park at the lot next to the Skechers shoe store in Gardena and prepare to wait in line for $2.50 cheese pizza slices, $2.50 Nathan’s all-beef hot dogs, and $5 double cheeseburgers.

19000 S Vermont Ave, Gardena, CA 90248
(424) 271-2361
(424) 271-2361
Outside Skechers Food Spot with patrons waiting near the window for food orders in Los Angeles.
Skechers.
Matthew Kang

Bé Ù

557 N Hoover St, Los Angeles, CA 90004

Virgil Village’s Vietnamese spot 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 truly tasty popcorn chicken.

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

India Sweets & Spices

3126 Los Feliz Blvd (at Garden Ave), Glendale, CA 90039

Lunch combinations start at $5.99 at this vegetarian Indian cafe and market. The food is served cafeteria style with hot trays of curry, rice, and more that are available as part of a meal, or a la carte. The most expensive combination runs for only $10.99 — it comes with two curries, basmati rice, chapati, a samosa, salad, lassi, and a choice of rasmali or gulab jamun for dessert. India Sweets & Spices also operates a second location in Mid-City.

3126 Los Feliz Blvd (at Garden Ave), Glendale, CA 90039
(323) 345-0360
(323) 345-0360

Aloha Cafe

410 E 2nd St, Los Angeles, CA 90012

Since 2004, Aloha Cafe has operated out of Little Tokyo, preparing some of the region’s best stick-to-your-ribs meals. Try the big breakfast with two eggs, Portuguese sausage, and corn beef hash for $12.50. But everyone comes for the loco moco with a housemade ground beef patty, two eggs, and grilled onions on a bed of rice for $12.95.

410 E 2nd St, Los Angeles, CA 90012
(213) 346-9930
(213) 346-9930

Related Maps

Chronis Famous Sandwich Shop

5825 Whittier Blvd, Los Angeles, CA 90022

Just look at the chili dogs at this Whittier Boulevard mainstay, especially when served up with American cheese, lots of mustard, and chunks of raw white onion. The priciest menu item is the pastrami sandwich for $10.50.

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

Huge Tree Pastry

423 North Atlantic Boulevard, Monterey Park, California 91754

Huge Tree Pastry specializes in fan tuan, a Taiwanese breakfast that consists of glutinous rice wrapped around a crispy rod of youtiao and meat floss. Add pickles and egg to make it a meal, and the total cost still comes in under $6. Be advised this place is cash-only, so make sure to stop by the ATM on the way.

423 North Atlantic Boulevard, Monterey Park, California 91754
(626) 458-8689
(626) 458-8689

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 beautifully made 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

Related Maps