16 of the Best Cheap Eats in Los Angeles for $10 or Less
L.A. may not be the cheapest city for food, but if you know where to look, you can definitely find amazing food for under $10. From Koreatown hole-in-the-walls to food trucks to taco shops, here are the best cheap eats in LA guaranteed to satisfy without breaking the bank.
1. Philippe The Original
The birthplace of the French dip sandwich has been around since 1908. Get a classic dip with thin slices of roast beef on a grilled roll. Only $3.95.
2. Guelaguetza
This colorful Oaxacan restaurant in Koreatown serves authentic tlayudas, Olmeca beer, and moles for under $10.
3. Sugarfish
This popular sushi spot offers high-quality nigiri and sashimi at a fraction of the price of other restaurants. Rock-bottom prices, especially for early birds.
Tips
With so many amazing cheap eats in LA, there’s no reason to spend too much on any meal. Try a different food truck or taco shop for lunch every day to keep things interesting.
Check food blogs or food Instagrammers for updated menus, specials and the best eats of the week. Many restaurants also post their daily specials on social media.
Go early or late to avoid midday crowds and longer waits. And don’t forget to budget for parking fees or rideshare costs if driving to any of these restaurants.
Worth The Splurge
While you’re exploring budget-friendly options, don’t miss out on some of LA’s finer dining spots worth every penny. Here are a few splurge-worthy meals in LA.
Address Info
Philippe The Original 1001 N Alameda St, Los Angeles, CA 90012
Guelaguetza 3421 W Olympic Blvd, Los Angeles, CA 90006
Sugarfish 8465 Melrose Ave, West Hollywood, CA 90069
About the Writer
Erin is a freelance writer based in Los Angeles. She writes about travel, wellness, lifestyle, food and drink. When she’s not ghostwriting blog posts or crafting content strategies, she can be found exploring the city’s eateries, rock climbing in Runyon Canyon or cooking up vegetarian chili in her kitchen. With a wide range from fine dining to food trucks, cheap eats to cuisine from around the world, food is one of Erin’s favorite subjects. Follow along on her culinary adventures on Instagram @erinneg.
The Guide to Los Angeles Eating Out, No Matter the Budget
From food trucks to celebrity chef restaurants, LA is a food lover’s paradise with endless options for any budget. This guide covers the best of the best – from the city’s cheapest eats under $10 to splurge-worthy tasting menus and everything in between.
Whether you’re looking for a quick, affordable lunch or planning a special occasion dinner, these recommendations from food experts and locals alike will ensure you discover some of the tastiest meals in LA without breaking the bank. With neighborhood spots, food trends and cuisine from all over the world represented here, you’ll find inspiration for enjoying outstanding food every time you eat out.
Dig in and bon appetit! Let me know if you have any other questions.
A Few Additional Can’t-Miss Cheap Eats in LA
There are so many amazing cheap eats in LA beyond what’s on this list. Here are a few more can’t-miss budget-friendly meals in the city.
Kitchen Mouse
A no-frills diner open since 1947 serving classic comfort food like meatloaf, pot pie, and crispy green salads. Mostly under $10.
Animal
Animal is known for their wildly creative meat, grilled cheese sandwiches and craft cocktails. With weekly menu specials under $15, the quality rivals much pricier restaurants.
Night + Market Song
This Thai restaurant is worth every piece of praise it gets. With curries, salads and noodles under $12, the spicy and bright flavors will cure any culinary adventure craving.
z-pizza
For under $5, you get a custom pizza baked fast over high-heat. Fresh basil, garlic, arugula and chili oil are some of the latest creations from the z-pizza crew.
Roscoe’s House of Chicken + Waffles
Award-winning fried chicken meets fluffy waffles at Roscoe’s. With locations from Culver City to Koreatown, you can find their delicious soul food for under $15 anytime.
Taco Zone
This cash-only taco shop on Venice Blvd is always bustling but worth the hype. Fresh cilantro rice, spicy salsa and high-quality meat fillings make cheap tacos here a worthwhile splurge.
Other tips
[Additional tips and suggestions…]
Hungry in LA? With This Guide, Delicious Food is Never Far Away
From budget-friendly food trucks and classic diners to world-class restaurants with Michelin stars, Los Angeles has eating out down to an art form. Whether you want to feast on Insta-worthy cuisine, enjoy a cozy meal or celebrate a special occasion, this curated collection of LA’s best cheap eats, mid-range gems and splurge-worthy spots will ensure each and every meal in LA is amazing.