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Guide to Central LA

Affordable lunch spots

You want a midday meal that respects your budget without compromising on the quality of the experience.

Based on 813 Opinions
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Updated May 2026
01
kyucafe image 1
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Spacious cafe offers self-service Korean ramen stations and stylish interior seating for a relaxed vibe. Atmosphere feels cozy and welcoming, with a family-friendly energy and plenty of parking. Quick grab-and-go options and healthy, tasty food make it a convenient spot for work or study.

Quicker lunch options include grab and go sandwiches and salads. A variety of healthy choices like smoked salmon onigiri and vegetarian snacks are available.

Offers fresh, healthy, and affordable grab-and-go food with simple, tasty options.

People are saying

"I loved their strawberry matcha lattes; they were amazing."

"This lunch spot has delicious turkey sandwiches on fresh bread."

"I found the food to be fresh, healthy, and affordable."

Good to know

1

There is a parking lot in the back of kyucafe, which is easy to access.

2

Most of the onigiri had already sold out by the afternoon.

3

The bathroom at kyucafe is handicap accessible.

02
Haji Sushi House image 1
Japanese restaurant

Small sushi spot offers a cozy, minimalistic atmosphere with Afrohouse and Rufus music playing softly. The space includes just a few tables and bar seats, creating an intimate vibe. Sushi is fresh and affordable, with standout dishes like smoked tuna and miso black cod.

Small setting offers fast service and a lunch combo with salad, miso soup, avocado and cucumber roll, salmon, and rice. Food is delicious and filling.

Sushi comes in big portions at super affordable prices. This spot stands out as one of the most budget-friendly sushi options around.

People are saying

"I found the sushi here to be delicious and fresh."

"The happy hour options here are insanely large and the price is unbeatable."

"I found the sushi here to be super affordable and big."

Good to know

1

Happy hour offers many options, most under $10.

2

Free parking is available in the back after 6 pm.

3

Expect a wait during busy hours as there's often only one person serving.

03
Ocean Sushi image 1
Sushi restaurant

Neon decor and spacious seating create a stylish, intimate setting with a relaxed vibe. Soft music keeps the atmosphere easy for conversation despite occasional crowd noise. Robots roam the space, adding a unique touch to the dining experience.

Lunch features a bento box that is tasty and reasonably priced. Free parking is available during lunch hours, making it convenient for a late lunch break.

Pricing stays consistently affordable, especially during Happy Hour. Food quality remains fresh and good without raising costs.

People are saying

"The sushi here is so fresh and tasty."

"The sushi here is delicious and affordable."

"The lunch bento box here is really tasty and a good value."

Good to know

1

Happy hour runs from 3pm-6pm and 8pm-9pm with discounted rolls and drinks.

2

Parking is available in the Crescent Heights Plaza Parking area, including underground options.

3

Most rolls and appetizers are on the happy hour menu at discounted prices.

04
BBQ+RICE Korean BBQ Bowl image 1
Korean restaurant

Small spot in a shopping center with contemporary Korean-inspired decor and a vibrant, lively atmosphere filled with chatter and music. Offers large portions of Korean BBQ bowls at very affordable prices, especially known for flavorful bulgogi and spicy chicken dishes.

Bowls stand out as a great choice for lunch with Korean BBQ flavors. They work well for both lunch and dinner.

BBQ+RICE Korean BBQ Bowl offers some of the most inexpensive chicken and rice options around. The Bulgogi Beef Bowl stands out as a tasty, affordable choice for a filling meal.

People are saying

"The Korean food, especially the bulgogi, is tender and flavorful."

"I found the Bulgogi Beef Bowl tender, flavorful, and affordable."

"I found the Lunch Spot food to be super delicious."

Good to know

1

The prices for the Korean BBQ bowls are very affordable for the quality offered.

2

The portions are sizable and offered at very reasonable prices.

3

Parking is limited, but it is easy to find nearby.

05
Zen Mei Bistro image 1
Cantonese restaurant

Small, cozy space with an old-school vibe and handwritten receipts creates an intimate, laid-back atmosphere. The setting feels like a hidden gem with authentic Cantonese charm, offering a quiet, communal energy reminiscent of past Chinatown scenes.

Lunch offers affordable prices with specials that make meals a great value. Dishes come at reasonable costs without fancy pricing.

Offers a great variety of dishes with very affordable prices. Lunch and total meals cost around $59.50, making it a solid choice for budget-friendly Chinese food.

People are saying

"The Cantonese food here is classic with a homey twist."

"This lunch spot is packed with amazing flavors."

"It's so affordable, you get a great variety for the price."

Good to know

1

The restaurant is cash-only, so bring cash for your meal.

2

Parking is metered on the street, and finding a spot can be tricky.

3

Lunch specials offer great value, making meals very affordable.

06
Seoul Market Eatery 서울분식 image 1

Small space decorated with retro Korean street market graphics and graffiti creates a cozy, nostalgic vibe. Walls invite writing, adding to the interactive charm. Atmosphere feels like an old Korean snack bar with vibrant lighting and playful details.

Small portions cost around 5 dollars and fit well for lunch. The spot stays popular but often has no wait, even on weekdays, making it a reliable lunch choice.

Offers very affordable prices with decent serving sizes. Food stays true to Korean street style and remains inexpensive throughout.

People are saying

"I loved the tteokbokki with noodles and less sauce."

"I found the Korean street food here to be classic and affordable."

"This Lunch Spot has delicious food at affordable prices."

Good to know

1

There is free parking behind the store, but spaces are limited.

2

The prices range from $6 to $12, providing great value.

3

The small portion costs $5 and is perfect for lunch.

07
Hui Tou Xiang image 1
Dumpling restaurant

Small space with disco ball ceiling and modern decor creates a casual, bustling vibe. Bar seating and open kitchen window add to the intimate, creative atmosphere. Music and lighting give a relaxed, jazz bar feel.

Quick lunch options come with clear menu guidance and curated dishes that make the meal spectacular and satisfying.

Prices stay consistently affordable with inexpensive dishes and plentiful portions that offer good value.

People are saying

"These dumplings are fresh, flavorful, and handmade."

"This lunch spot has really spectacular food across the board."

"I found the food here to be excellent and very affordable."

Good to know

1

Reservations are recommended during peak hours to avoid long wait times.

2

The restaurant has limited seating, so arrive early or call ahead.

3

Street parking is available, but it can be challenging to find.

08
Jade Wok image 1
Chinese restaurant

Small dining room with traditional Chinese decor and soothing music creates a family-oriented, authentic vibe. Atmosphere stays lively but not loud, with workers chatting and cooking sounds blending into the background. Humble, no-frills setting feels welcoming and comforting.

Lunch draws a busy crowd here. The food serves as a satisfying meal during the midday rush.

Food prices stay consistently affordable here. Meals for two come at a budget-friendly cost without sacrificing quality.

People are saying

"I found the Chinese food here to be super authentic and delicious."

"The food here is good and affordable."

"The spareribs at this Lunch Spot are sticky, flavorful, and perfectly tender."

Good to know

1

Parking is available with metered spots in the front and a lot in the back.

2

The prices are reasonable, and portions are generous.

3

Reservations are recommended during peak hours to avoid long wait times.

09
IndiMex Eats Indian restaurant image 1

Small dining room offers an intimate, cozy vibe with a warm, inviting atmosphere. The space feels homely and simple, reflecting an old-school neighborhood style. It draws a crowd looking for unique Indian fusion dishes like Chicken Tikka Masala Burritos in a casual setting.

Lunch combos include curry chicken, rice, and a starter for about 13-14 dollars. The spot offers a solid meal option after outdoor activities like hiking.

Creative fusion food comes at super affordable prices, even for groups of four. The spot stays casual with friendly staff and consistent affordable value.

People are saying

"I found the food here to be amazing and delicious."

"This lunch spot has consistently delicious food."

"I found the food here to be really affordable and creative."

Good to know

1

The restaurant offers a $50 dinner special that feeds 2-3 people.

2

IndiMex Eats has many vegan options available for diners.

3

Parking is easy for pickup orders at the restaurant.

10
Good Thai Kitchen image 1
Thai restaurant

Cozy space with warm Thai decor and friendly staff creates a calm, inviting atmosphere. Plenty of seating adapts easily for groups, making it casual rather than fancy. Authentic Thai vibe shines through in both ambiance and hospitality.

Lunch feels like a nostalgic after school meal at a friend's house. The spot stays spotless and serves meals suitable for both adults and kids.

Food offers affordable prices with tasty options like Pad Thai and a $10 lunch menu. Specials run all day and keep costs low.

People are saying

"I found the food here to be amazing and delicious."

"The food at this Lunch Spot is delicious and well prepared."

"The $10 menu lunch is tasty and affordable."

Good to know

1

The restaurant offers an all-day $12 specials menu alongside the regular menu.

2

Parking is convenient and easy near the restaurant.

3

Expect portion sizes to be smaller for higher-priced dishes.

11
Caffe Hub image 1

Small cafe with historic building and vinyl wall creates a warm, cozy atmosphere filled with plants and sunlight. Background music stays calm and chill, supporting a friendly, respectful environment. Space feels spacious and well-decorated, inviting for meetings or casual visits.

Great ambiance with light music suits meetings, dates, and quick bites. Offers breakfast burritos, croissants, and smoothies alongside lunch options.

Prices stay consistently affordable across the menu. Cakes and the Dubai chocolate stand out for their great value.

People are saying

"This cafe's food and drinks are fantastic and always taste fresh."

"The owners here are super sweet and really friendly."

"I felt instantly at home when George greeted me and my puppy."

Good to know

1

The cafe opens at 7am and closes at 7pm.

2

Credit cards and mobile payments are accepted.

3

Expect a limited drink menu due to recent ownership changes.

12
Thai Deli image 1
Thai restaurant

Small space with intricate Thai artwork and dim lighting creates a cozy atmosphere. The place fills up quickly during peak hours and operates on a cash-only, take-out-only basis. A nearby patio offers a separate sitting area since no seating is available inside.

Lunch costs less than $13 and the food suits a midday meal. The spot gets very crowded during lunch, so expect a busy atmosphere.

Prices stay affordable even with rising costs. Food options are tasty and consistently budget-friendly.

People are saying

"I found the Thai food here to be delicious and affordable."

"I thought the teriyaki plates here were the best I ever had."

"This lunch spot has delicious and affordable food."

Good to know

1

Thai Deli accepts only cash payments.

2

Thai Deli offers take-out only with no dine-in options.

3

Call in your order to avoid long wait times.

13
Mayflower Seafood Restaurant image 1

Classic old school Chinese seafood restaurant with vintage décor and walls adorned by Manny Pacquiao memorabilia creates a nostalgic atmosphere. The vibe blends warm elegance with a slightly grungy, well-preserved feel. Regulars enjoy authentic Cantonese dishes served in a welcoming, family-run setting.

Lunch specials include Kung Pao Chicken and 8-piece Dumplings for under $10. The spot offers great value and suits casual meals or family dinners.

Prices stay inexpensive with a no frills approach. The lunch menu offers affordable food selections that taste good.

People are saying

"This Lunch Spot's seafood dishes burst with flavor and are expertly prepared."

"I found the Chinese food here to be authentic and delicious."

"I found the food here to be delicious and affordable."

Good to know

1

Lunch specials include Kung Pao Chicken and Dumplings for under $10.

2

Mayflower Seafood Restaurant accepts all major credit cards.

3

Parking can be tough; consider using a nearby parking lot.

14
Everytable image 1
Restaurant

Clean space with a modern and stylish design creates a warm and inviting atmosphere. Quiet environment suits those seeking a calm meal or quick pickup. Offers affordable, healthy meals with flexible options and microwaves for reheating.

Offers a variety of affordable meals for lunch to take to work. Sometimes closes unexpectedly during the lunch rush, which affects availability.

Meals offer affordable pricing while staying fresh and tasty. Costs remain lower than typical delivery options for lunch.

People are saying

"I found the healthy options here to be tasty and beautiful."

"This Lunch Spot is so affordable and the food is fresh."

"I found the meals to be affordable and fresh."

Good to know

1

Everytable offers a variety of meals for breakfast, lunch, and dinner.

2

They charge about a dollar for heating up food.

3

They have a policy of not accepting bills over $20.

15
Seoul Soul BBQ image 1
Korean barbecue restaurant

Korean barbecue restaurant with all-you-can-eat menu and massive ventilation vents keeps the air clear despite active grilling. The atmosphere is lively and cozy, filled with loud music and weekend crowds creating a vibrant energy. Large TVs show sports, adding to the active, social vibe.

Lunch offers affordable pricing with a notable lunch special priced at $25.99 during the week. The menu features beef options and tasty side dishes, and the spot is usually not too crowded at midday.

All-you-can-eat options come at a very affordable price. Lunch menus include beef choices and tasty side dishes without costing much.

People are saying

"I found the Korean barbecue here to be fantastic."

"You have to try the Woodae Galbi at this Lunch Spot."

"I was shocked at how affordable the all-you-can-eat experience was."

Good to know

1

Happy hour starts after 10 pm with discounted drinks.

2

Guests have 90 minutes to order and enjoy the all-you-can-eat menu.

3

A special birthday light show features strobe lights for celebrations.

16
ABC Seafood Restaurant image 1
Seafood restaurant

Traditional Cantonese decor sets a familiar tone in a busy space with a to-go window and table service side by side. The atmosphere is lively and often packed late at night, drawing those seeking affordable, quick seafood and dim sum. Food quality varies, but standout dishes like shrimp dumplings and pork chops attract repeat visits.

Lunch specials offer generous portions with fried rice and meat dishes filling lunch boxes enough for two meals. Dim sum serves as a filling travel lunch option, and meals come at a reasonable price under 10 bucks.

Prices stay affordable with meals that are both delicious and inexpensive. Food comes quickly, making it a solid choice for budget-conscious diners.

People are saying

"The food here is delicious and fresh."

"This lunch spot has delicious food and affordable prices."

"I found the food here to be delicious and affordable."

Good to know

1

The restaurant offers a lunch special for dine-in customers.

2

ABC Seafood Restaurant is a take-out only place with no seating available.

3

Parking can be a challenge, but the restaurant offers free parking.

17
Won Kok Restaurant image 1
Chinese restaurant

Narrow dining space with outdated interiors and busy takeout windows creates a downscale atmosphere. The place draws crowds for its authentic dim sum despite a worn and cluttered setting. Energy feels low key, offering a break from city hustle.

Lunch hours get busy with a steady flow of diners. The spot offers excellent lunch options including take out dim sum.

Chinese food here is inexpensive and authentic with affordable dim sum options. Prices stay low across dishes like baked bbq pork buns, making it a spot for quick, tasty meals without a big bill.

People are saying

"The food here, especially the buns, is worth driving for."

"I found the food to be really affordable and tasty."

"I loved the dim sum, especially the pork shu mai and shrimp har gow."

Good to know

1

The restaurant accepts cash only for all transactions.

2

Expect long wait times during peak hours, especially on weekends.

3

Portions have decreased significantly, often not enough for two people.

18
Nick The Greek - West Hollywood image 1

Large, clean space combines fast-casual style with an authentic Greek atmosphere featuring traditional music. Energy feels both Americanized and elegant, creating a unique dining vibe. Frequent visits by local police add a subtle sense of security.

Service struggles appear during the lunch rush with noticeable understaffing. Quick lunches and late-night bites happen without fail.

Food comes at extremely affordable prices without sacrificing quality. Staff are kind and the place stays super clean.

People are saying

"You have to try the frozen Greek yogurt; it's amazing."

"The food's incredible value for money, it's so affordable."

"The staff here made me feel right at home during lunch."

Good to know

1

Parking can be difficult; expect limited availability nearby.

2

Prices are higher than typical fast food, more like sit-down restaurant prices.

3

The restaurant is very clean and well-maintained.

19
Mama Lu's Dumpling House image 1
Dumpling restaurant

Dim sum restaurant with banquet-style seating and a retro Chinatown vibe offers a spacious interior suited for large groups. Atmosphere ranges from family-style dining with lively energy to quieter, more rushed moments. Dim sum carts and traditional decor add to the authentic experience.

Lunch offers dinner-sized portions at affordable prices, making it good for a quick dim sum meal. Seating is usually available early, but parking fills up fast during lunch hours.

Dim sum offers super affordable prices with delicious options. Pricing stays consistently affordable throughout the menu.

People are saying

"The Chinese food's honey garlic pork chop is crispy and aromatic."

"The dumplings and orange chicken at this Lunch Spot are really good."

"I found the dim sum here to be super affordable and delicious."

Good to know

1

Visiting on weekends offers a busy yet tasty dim sum experience with trolley carts to choose from.

2

During the Mid Autumn Festival 2024 on September 17, the restaurant encourages celebrating and enjoying their dishes.

3

Parking can fill up quickly during lunch hours.

20
East Garden Restaurant image 1
Chinese restaurant

Small, dimly lit space with loud karaoke music creates a lively but noisy atmosphere. Mostly Chinese clientele suggests an authentic dining experience with affordable prices. The setting feels shabby yet charming, adding to its unique character.

Lunch offers include a $9.99 Chinese breakfast and lunch deal and specials starting around $11.99. Dishes like Kung Pao and Beef Chow Fun balance vegetables and protein well, making for satisfying midday meals.

Dishes cost just a few dollars, making the menu very affordable. Prices stay low compared to nearby spots, with a diverse menu that keeps meals tasty despite smaller portions.

People are saying

"The Chinese food, especially the Peking Duck, is surprisingly large with crispy skin."

"This lunch spot has delicious food and fair prices."

"The prices here are affordable, with dim sum starting around $4.99."

Good to know

1

Dim sum prices are low at mainly $4.99 each.

2

Lunch specials start at around $11.99.

3

Parking costs $5 flat rate for one day.

21
NORMS Restaurant image 1

Spacious diner with checkered floors and shiny chrome accents creates a classic, retro vibe. Music features 80s and 90s hits played on a jukebox, adding to a fun and welcoming atmosphere. The environment feels relaxed and friendly, with many tables and comfortable seating.

Offers a varied breakfast and lunch menu available at any time. Prices stay fairly affordable with friendly service throughout the day.

Meals come out very quickly and stay hot. Prices stay cheap and affordable while the food remains tasty and clean.

People are saying

"The staff here are so friendly and helpful with the food."

"This lunch spot offers a classic diner experience with reliable comfort food."

"I found the food tasty and it came out very quickly."

Good to know

1

NORMS Restaurant opens 24/7 for all-day dining.

2

Parking is plentiful at NORMS Restaurant.

3

The T-bone steak promotion is popular among diners.

22
King Buffet image 1
Asian restaurant

Asian buffet offers a Mongolian grill and custom grilling station where diners pick fresh ingredients cooked on site. Interior feels modern and spacious with comfortable seating and a quiet, casual atmosphere. Sushi bar and dessert options like chocolate fondue add variety to the experience.

Lunch offers a $19.99 buffet with a huge selection of food including seafood. The buffet price around $25 with drinks and tips provides good value, though food can get cold near closing time.

Prices stay consistently affordable here. The cost matches well with what they offer, making it a solid choice for budget-conscious diners.

People are saying

"The buffet has so many varieties, like sushi and dim sum."

"This lunch spot is a great deal for around $25."

"I found the prices here to be really affordable for what they offered."

Good to know

1

The dinner buffet is available on 12/13/2024.

2

Lunch price increased from $12 to $29 in a year.

3

Expect a 10% service charge added to the bill.

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