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Local picks in Central LA

Cheap eats

Made for those who prioritize finding genuine, unpretentious meals that respect both their palate and their wallet.

Based on 542 Opinions
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Updated May 2026
01
Lazzat Halal Foods image 1
Lazzat Halal Foods image 2
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Halal restaurant

Food truck setup offers authentic Central Asian cuisine served in ceramic bowls with real cutlery. Small tables and camping stools create an inviting, lively atmosphere for casual dining. The place draws those seeking halal Uzbek and Tajik flavors with generous portions and fair prices.

Offers authentic Uzbek and Central Asian cuisine with dishes like kebabs and plov. Food tastes home-like and halal, capturing traditional flavors in a food truck setting.

Prices stay consistently very cheap here. Food offers good taste without stretching the budget.

People are saying

"I found the food here to be super delicious and full of flavor."

"I loved the authentic Uzbek food from this food truck."

"I found the authentic Central Asian food here to be delicious."

Good to know

1

The restaurant is halal and offers authentic Uzbek cuisine.

2

Prices range from $2 for breads to $19.99 for kurutob with meat.

3

The place has limited seating, so arrive early to secure a spot.

02
Tacos Guelaguetza image 1
Taco restaurant

Pop-up tent setup with no seating, where people eat standing or at their cars creates a casual, open-air vibe. An open sauce bar and massive toppings table offer free sauces and customization. Known for authentic, highly praised tacos, it draws a crowd despite minimal amenities.

Tacos feature perfectly seasoned meat with an authentic smoky flavor. The food delivers authentic Mexican taste and hospitality.

Prices stay consistently cheap here, making it easy to enjoy without spending much.

People are saying

"I thought these were some of the best tacos I ever had."

"The tacos here are authentic, handmade, and incredibly delicious."

"I found the tacos to be bomb and affordable."

Good to know

1

The tacos cost just $2 each, which is an extremely good deal.

2

Expect a busy atmosphere with an endless traffic of customers.

3

The full menu is not available until 30 minutes after posted hours.

03
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.

Every dish delivers an authentic Korean snack bar experience with flavors true to the streets of Korea. The menu offers a variety of genuine Korean street food that tastes consistently authentic.

Prices stay consistently cheap while maintaining high quality. Food offers delicious options without stretching the budget.

People are saying

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

"I found the food to be cheap and delicious."

"It felt like an authentic Korean snack bar experience."

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.

04
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.

Fresh ingredients create authentic flavors in the dumplings. Roast duck and soup dumplings offer super flavorful and genuine tastes. Dim sum and other dishes maintain a tasty authentic Chinese style.

Prices stay reasonable and cheap enough for tight budgets. Meals come quick without stretching your wallet.

People are saying

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

"I loved the authentic dim sum and juicy dumplings."

"I found the meal here to be cheap and the portions were large."

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.

05
My Dung Sandwich Shop image 1

Hole-in-the-wall sandwich shop with plastic stools and makeshift seating creates a no-frills, cozy vibe reminiscent of roadside spots in Vietnam. Atmosphere stays chill and neighborhood-focused, attracting those seeking authentic banh mi. Takeout dominates due to limited space and casual setup.

Banh mi sandwiches deliver authentic flavours with beautiful presentation. The food consistently tastes genuine and tasty.

Food costs stay very low here with cheap prices on simple, fast meals. The spot is known for good cheap eats that come quickly.

People are saying

"I found the banh mi sandwich here to be awesome."

"I found the banh mi here to be good and affordable."

"I found the banh mi to be delicious and authentic."

Good to know

1

All orders are for takeout only, with no seating available for dining in.

2

The shop accepts cash only; remember to bring cash.

3

Verify your order before leaving, as mistakes can happen.

06
Chinatown Central Plaza image 1

Outdoor areas showcase early 1920s Chinese architecture with lanterns and decorations creating a picturesque setting. Atmosphere varies from quiet and empty to lively during events featuring food trucks and live performances. The place blends cultural heritage with family-friendly activities and traditional Asian food options.

Food offers authentic Chinese flavors with traditional recipes. Shops sell genuine Chinese items and classic treats like pineapple cakes and tea.

Many products and clothing options come at very cheap prices here. The area offers good, cheap eats and affordable rooms in a safe neighborhood without issues.

People are saying

"It's interesting to see the variety of shops and Asian curiosities."

"I always get the strawberry cake here; it's delicious."

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

Good to know

1

Many shops are closed on Sundays, limiting shopping options.

2

Chinatown Central Plaza hosts various cultural events throughout the year.

3

The Lunar New Year parade is a major event attracting many visitors.

07
Mr.Tempo Cantina image 1

Restaurant combines modern art and old architecture with colorful murals and an upbeat music vibe. DJ plays lively sets, creating a fun night out atmosphere. Space includes a cool bar on top and a hidden room showcasing artwork.

Mexican food here is authentic and flavorful with dishes that look great on the plate. The menu offers authentic food options at a reasonable cost.

Beers are very cheap, especially during happy hour. Food and other drinks do not share the same low prices.

People are saying

"The happy hour food menu was top tier with great snack sizes."

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

"The beer here is really cheap, especially during happy hour."

Good to know

1

Happy hour offers $8 cocktails and food options for $10.

2

Dancing takes place on Sundays, adding to the lively atmosphere.

3

Validated parking is not available; use nearby public garages instead.

08
Andre's image 1
Italian restaurant

Building features Art Deco style with high ceilings and white glazed brick create a spacious, historic setting. Atmosphere blends sophisticated yet welcoming vibes with some noise, resembling a nostalgic cafeteria. Crowd tends to be friendly, enjoying a mix of vintage charm and contemporary decor.

Food features authentic Italian flavor with rich meat lasagna full of beef and cheese. Sauce tastes genuine and pasta cooks just right, all at reasonable prices.

Large portions come with low prices here, making meals affordable. Spaghetti and other dishes offer generous servings without costing much.

People are saying

"The Italian food here, especially the pasta, is so authentic and delicious."

"I found the food to be cheap with generous portions."

"The food here is authentic, with a delicious taste and lots of beef and cheese."

Good to know

1

Parking costs $2 for 90 minutes with restaurant validation.

2

The back of the restaurant has a parking lot with an attendant.

3

Credit cards and mobile payments are accepted.

09
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.

Menu offers an impressive array of authentic Southeast Asian cuisine with flavorful and innovative dishes. Dim sum carries very authentic Cantonese flavor and the Chinese food tastes genuine and inexpensive.

Dim sum items sell by the piece at very cheap prices, letting you get just the right amount. The food stays delicious and service is usually fast, making it a solid choice for quick, affordable meals.

People are saying

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

"I found the food here to be really good and cheap."

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

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.

10
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.

Authentic Chinese food offers a hearty and fresh taste with a variety of authentic options. Staff behavior adds to the genuine experience.

Food costs less than $10 with large portions. Options suit quick, cheap takeout with delicious flavors.

People are saying

"The food here is delicious and fresh."

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

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

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.

11
Leo's Tacos Truck image 1
Taco restaurant

Food truck with outdoor seating on plastic chairs and tables in a parking lot creates a casual, comfortable vibe. Evening energy picks up as big pickup trucks arrive, adding to the street food atmosphere. Seating includes tables with umbrellas, supporting quick bites and socializing.

Tacos here have authentic flavors and taste freshly prepared. Most dishes deliver excellent Mexican food experience, though the chicken meat tastes more like Indian food than Mexican.

Tacos cost around $2.30 each, making meals both big and fresh at a low price. Seating uses plastic chairs in a simple parking lot setup, keeping the vibe casual and cheap.

People are saying

"I found the al pastor tacos to be juicy, flavorful, and awesome."

"I couldn't believe how cheap it was for such a big meal."

"I found the tacos here to be the best authentic tacos I ever had."

Good to know

1

The truck is only available from the afternoon until late evening, with hours that may vary.

2

Leo's Tacos Truck now accepts cards for payment.

3

The tacos are priced at $2.30 each, making them an affordable option.

12
Golden Dragon Restaurant image 1
Chinese restaurant

Spacious traditional Chinese restaurant with old school Chinatown decor and ornate artwork on the walls. Atmosphere shifts from quiet and calm during off-peak hours to lively with karaoke and speech at lunchtime. Dim sum selection is consistently delicious and served in generous portions.

Food features fresh ingredients and authentic Chinese flavors. Dumplings and dim sum offer comforting, deeply satisfying tastes.

Meals come at a surprisingly low cost, especially for dim sum where prices usually add up fast. The overall pricing stays cheap even with the usual amount ordered.

People are saying

"The dim sum here is always delicious and comforting."

"The authentic dim sum here is off the chain and made in-house."

"I found the dim sum here to be very affordable."

Good to know

1

Dim Sum is served from 8:30am to 3pm.

2

Parking is available in the back with free valet service for 2 hours with validation.

3

There is free parking for 2 hours; after that, it costs $10.

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Central LA, Los Angeles

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