Budget Meals in Los Angeles

Browse popular tours and discover 35 tips recommended by our locals

Los Angeles is a large city, and the variety of food follows that trend. There is an array of options from corporate to cultured foods. Across Los Angeles there are hundreds of great places to eat, whether you are a vegetarian, a ve...Open the full description

Los Angeles is a large city, and the variety of food follows that trend. There is an array of options from corporate to cultured foods. Across Los Angeles there are hundreds of great places to eat, whether you are a vegetarian, a vegan, or a steak lover. The options are endless in this town.

Grand Central Market

Assorted Local Cuisine and Market

Grand Central Market

4

Grand Central Market celebrates the diversity that is Los Angeles. With cuisines from a huge assortment of cultures, the market can be considered a hub of the Los Angeles food scene. Whatever you're craving, you will find something delicious to quench your hunger. Read more ›

Mel's Drive-In

The Original Drive-in Diner

Mel's Drive-In

5

This dinner gives off the perfect 1950's feel with the checkered floors, and bright colored booths. The food here is great too. They have sensational milk shakes, and amazing French fries. Furthermore, the staff is hasty on bringing your food because this place is always busy. Read more ›

Beer Belly

Hidden beer place in Koreatown

Beer Belly

3

Super chill atmosphere. You get to pick what kind of music they play with an app too. Dog-friendly patio. Impressive beer selection and yummy bar food. It's in the middle of Koreatown so after that Korean bbq, wash it all down with a craft beer at Beer Belly. Read more ›

Birch

Corner street gem

Birch

2

A good spot for a break while you walk around the Hollywood area. Great brunch menu and happy hour offerings as well. Read more ›

Big Wangs

Hollywood Wing Palace

Big Wangs

3

The staff here is not only great at serving, but they are all attractive. The drinks are not cheap, but the beer selection is great and the drinks are pretty strong. Lastly, they have a great set of appetizers for anyone who doesn't eat meat as well. Read more ›

Guisados

Authentic Mexican Tacos

Guisados

7

Locals love Guisados' handmade tortillas and their refreshing flavor profile. There are several variations of beef, pork and chicken tacos, in addition to their seafood and vegetarian options. The owners are usually onsite and willing to chat with customers, and the indoor and outdoor seating options are covered with an array of art and graffiti. Read more ›

Daikokuya

Where ramen was cool before it was cool

Daikokuya

2

Before ramen became trendy in the US, this was (and still is) where Los Angelenos went for delicious authentic tonkotsu style ramen. For many of us, waiting patiently outside on the sidewalk for a table at midnight here is a religious experience. Read more ›

Salt and Straw

Off-beat and Classic Ice Cream

Salt and Straw

2

Salt & Straw is the best ice cream place in town. While they have plenty of delicious classical flavors (their Salted Cookie Dough is outstanding), they also experiment on a monthly rotation with more out of the box flavors. Read more ›

Cabo Cantina

Hollywood's Favorite Cantina

Cabo Cantina

3

While there are various locations of this particular cantina around Los Angeles, the Hollywood location always seems to have the most fun packed into it. Right on Hollywood Blvd, there are plenty of cool people who walk right passed you, even some very famous movie stars. Read more ›

Melrose Trading Post

The Los Angeles Flea Market

Melrose Trading Post

6

Every Sunday, locals flock to the Melrose Trading Post to check out the jewelry, furniture, handcrafted goods, live music and food trucks. It's a great place to find one of a kind pieces, or just to spend a day in the sun admiring impeccable work. Read more ›

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Gjusta

Trendy unique restaurant in LA

Gjusta

1

Tons of LA's most famous inhabitants have been wowed by Gjusta. Led by the Gjelina group. This deli, bakery, cafe blends styles and flavors from from all over the country to bring a truly authentic farm to table culinary experience. Read more ›

Honey's Kettle Fried Chicken

LA's Homemade Fried Chicken

Honey's Kettle Fried Chicken

2

This spot is home to some of the best fried chicken. They have some delicious selections from fried chicken, to chicken strips, to chicken sandwiches. While the chicken is what it is most famous for, they also have some amazing mashed potatoes and pancakes. Read more ›

All Indian Sweets and Snacks

Best Indian Place in America

All Indian Sweets and Snacks

1

Most locals don't even know of it... But those who know where the best Indian meals are do. This is a place that is known via word of mouth and also has been able to nab Zagat raves for their biryani and tandoori Read more ›

Tara's Himalayan Cuisine

Best Tibetan Food in LA

Tara's Himalayan Cuisine

2

Tara's Himalayan features some of the best, most authentic Nepali, Tibetan, and Indian food in Los Angeles. Tara, the owner, is usually on-site and is so friendly and warm, which just adds to the atmosphere. This place has become so popular that they just opened a second location in Downtown LA. Read more ›

Larchmont Village Wine & Cheese

Wine, Specialty Grocer, and Sandwiches

Larchmont Village Wine & Cheese

1

Located in the center of Larchmont Blvd, Larchmont Wine and Cheese is a neighborhood staple. Thanks to their great selection of wine, cheese, and chocolate, they are always buzzing with people. Call ahead and get your sandwich to go so you don't have to wait in line. Read more ›

Dos Burritos

Hollywood's Best Tacos

Dos Burritos

1

This is the most authentic Mexican food spot in Hollywood. The staff is great, and the food is amazing. They are open late, so when you are done partying it is the perfect late night snack. Lastly, the prices beat pretty much everything else open in Hollywood. Read more ›

Gushi

tons of eats at college prices

Gushi

1

this tiny shack in the heart of westwood village is a favorite with UCLA and MSMU students for a reason - the freshly made korean style chicken, beef, and chap chae are delicious and easy on the wallet. you can't go wrong - or hungry - by getting a quick meal here. Read more ›

The high rooftop lounge

The tallest building on the boardwalk

The high rooftop lounge

2

This rooftop lounge gives the best view of the beach, with a bottle service that is unparalleled. There are snack selections, as well as an extensive drink menu. The best part is getting to watch all the Venice action from the 7th story rooftop. Read more ›

Patrick's Roadhouse

Santa Monica's Intriguing Cafe

Patrick's Roadhouse

2

This restraunt has culture to the fullest. While it may not be the largest spot in the area, it has some of the best homemade food from a wonderful private owner. The best part may be the food, but the scenery is also incredible. Read more ›

The Halal Guys

Simple, delicious, tad bit daring!

The Halal Guys

1

Streamlined service, courteous staff, quick delivery of orders. The food choices here are pretty minimal but you understand really quickly why - the quality is standard so you are always guaranteed a great meal. Now their specialties are the white sauce and the red sauce - that's the daring part - the red sauce is pretty spicy so watch out! Read more ›

First Fridays

Food Truck Heaven

First Fridays

1

On the first Friday of each month, Abbot Kinney shuts down to give foodie pedestrians free reign. The street fills with hundreds of popular food trucks that cover all sorts of cuisines--regional, fusion, desserts--while a lot of the shops have good deals going to attract customers as they eat. Read more ›

Sagebrush Cantina

The Calabasas Cantina

Sagebrush Cantina

1

This cantina is packet with an extensive menu, and amazing drinks. The restraunt often has special events, especially Tuesday and Friday (later) afternoons and nights. This is also a place often packed with famous guests all the time, which can always make for a fun night. Read more ›

Jerry's Pizzeria

Scrumptious Valley Pizza

Jerry's Pizzeria

0

Jerry's Pizza is a local hotspot in Woodland Hills, CA. The employees create an outstanding pizza with great red sauce. The toppings are always fresh and some of them are organically produced. The proprietor of this restaurant always warmly welcomes new customers. Read more ›

Vegan House

Hollywood's Vegan House

Vegan House

1

This restraunt is beyond cute, and the food is not only healthy and delicious, it doesn't use any animal bi-product at all. I was skeptical of the food at first, especially the vegan cheese but to my surprise it was amazing. Read more ›

Seed Kitchen

The Organic Vegan Microbiotic Restraunt

Seed Kitchen

1

This little restraunt is located right next to the Venice Boardwalk and it is filled with some delicious and healthy selections. Everything is hand made fresh daily, and with organic vegan ingredients. Most of the selections are also packed with microbiotics to help detoxify the body. Read more ›

Johnny Pacific

The Empanada Palace

Johnny Pacific

0

This is one of the best little privately owned diners in the San Fernando Valley. The place is themes like a pacific island diner, and the food is all handmade to perfection. The empanada selections are all delicious. Read more ›

Juice Crafters

LA's Best Juicing Spot

Juice Crafters

1

If you are looking for a healthy-vegan option for juices and smoothies this is the place you want to stop at. There are only limited locations around Los Angeles. This location offers my favorite employees. There is an extensive menu that includes cold pressed juices and healthy snacks. Read more ›

Norah

Eclectic cuisine, energized space

Norah

0

Roomy, airy restaurant with beautiful dining and bar space and equally delicious food. Open for dinner and brunch but positively try brunch - some of the brunch cocktails are pretty neat and the duck confit hash is legit yummzees! Read more ›

clubREDdragon

Tea and sympathy

clubREDdragon

0

Friends gather here to chat and feel cozy. Students come to study. The staff is more than helpful, not only in helping you choose what to order, though they are that as well, they'll help you figure out whatever you need help figuring out. The proprietress has created a space for everyone to feel welcome. Also great teas, sweets, and food. Read more ›

Volcano Tea

Tea and Tapioca Balls

Volcano Tea

0

Boba (also known as Bubble Tea) is a popular Japanese treat that consists of tea, juice, or coffee paired with little tapioca balls that you suck up through a large straw. Angelinos love their boba, and it is definitely something to experience, especially if you've never had it before. Read more ›

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Pockets Sandwich Shop

Handmade pockets

Pockets Sandwich Shop

0

This place is a great stop for lunch or a park picnic (there are several close parks in the chatsworth hills). They are a privately owned company that makes amazing pitas fro. Scratch. They have a wide selection for everyone to choose from. Read more ›

The Cupcake Store

Disney's Cupcake Kiosk

The Cupcake Store

0

The happiest place on earth just happier! There is now a little cupcake kiosk located right by Disneyland. The cupcakes are delicious and have an original flavors. Additionally, the staff is incredibly friendly. Read more ›

El Gran Burrito

The taco you want whenever

El Gran Burrito

0

Open all reasonable hours of the day, closes when people stop buying food (usually 3am-ish). This is the quintessentially local Los Angeles experience. Its clientele are mostly its working class Hispanic neighbors. The tacos are simple, cheap, and come with as much salsa as you want to pile on yourself. Read more ›

The Local Peasant

The Trendy Restraunt and Bar

The Local Peasant

0

This restraunt/bar is 21 and over only, and they feature some of the best meals in the area. They also have a full bar, with a wide variety of every type of liquor. Additionally, they have a big selection of original signature drinks. Read more ›

Art's Subs

Amazingly fresh subs

Art's Subs

0

This sub place is hidden in the woodland hills shopping center for a good reason. The prices are not to expensive, and the taste is beyond incredible. The pink lemonade has always been delicious here, and pairs well with any off their subs. Read more ›

Restaurants & Cafés in popular destinations

Amsterdam

Amsterdam

89 restaurants & cafés

Barcelona

Barcelona

82 restaurants & cafés

Berlin

Berlin

219 restaurants & cafés

Brussels

Brussels

101 restaurants & cafés

Budapest

Budapest

80 restaurants & cafés

Copenhagen

Copenhagen

83 restaurants & cafés

Istanbul

Istanbul

114 restaurants & cafés

London

London

123 restaurants & cafés

Los Angeles

Los Angeles

62 restaurants & cafés

Madrid

Madrid

78 restaurants & cafés

Milan

Milan

76 restaurants & cafés

Moscow

Moscow

139 restaurants & cafés

Munich

Munich

109 restaurants & cafés

New York

New York

116 restaurants & cafés

Paris

Paris

143 restaurants & cafés

Prague

Prague

164 restaurants & cafés

Rio de Janeiro

Rio de Janeiro

57 restaurants & cafés

Rome

Rome

81 restaurants & cafés

Vienna

Vienna

120 restaurants & cafés

Warsaw

Warsaw

73 restaurants & cafés