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New Yorkers 1st Choice
Guide to Central LA

Cheap eats

Eating well should not require a massive bill, and you have no patience for paying a premium just for the sake of it.

Based on 628 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.

Food offers authentic Central Asian flavors with dishes like Kurutobi Ochagi and lagman that taste homemade and delicious. Service is fast, and the cuisine is consistently fresh and halal.

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 prices here really cheap."

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
Long’s Family Pastry image 1

Small hole-in-the-wall bakery with onsite pastry production and a take-out only setup. Lines form early due to popular dim sum and baked goods, including unique items like almond rice cake. Atmosphere feels old-fashioned and busy, with one person serving long lines in a compact space.

Food comes fresh and tastes insanely tasty while staying very cheap and affordable. Pastries and dishes offer quick service and reasonable prices even when busy.

Offers very cheap food with quick service. Known for cheap dim sum eats and comfort food.

People are saying

"You have to try their dim sum and bakery goods; they're the best."

"The dim sum and pastries here are tasty and affordable."

"I love their cheap dim sum, it's a tasty comfort food."

Good to know

1

Long’s Family Pastry is a take-out only establishment.

2

Expect popular items to sell out by 7:30 am.

3

Cash is preferred, but credit cards are accepted with a $10 minimum order.

03
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.

Authentic Mexican street food shines through in the tacos, burritos, and quesadillas with generous amounts of quality meat. The flavors stand out as truly classic and unbeatable.

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."

"I thought the tacos and burritos were the best I had ever eaten."

"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.

04
Daily China Express image 1
Chinese restaurant

Casual Chinese restaurant with utilitarian seating and a takeout-oriented vibe. Atmosphere stays clean and fresh, with extra generous serving sizes and fast service. Food leans toward Americanized Chinese with a focus on value and large portions.

Food comes out fresh, hot, and tasty with generous portions that satisfy cravings. Prices stay low while quality stays high, offering substantial amounts of American Chinese dishes.

Food comes out fast and stays fresh while being cheap and tasty.

People are saying

"I thought the food was delicious and the portions were generous."

"The Chinese food here is the best I had, especially the orange chicken."

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

Good to know

1

Parking is available but can be a challenge during peak hours.

2

The meal with a drink and tip costs under $15.

3

Portion sizes are large, providing good value for the price.

05
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.

Food comes out hot and fresh with excellent flavors that capture authentic Korean taste. Bowls offer a generous portion size and are affordable, making them a solid choice for a satisfying meal.

Prices stay cheap with options like the BBQ+RICE Korean BBQ Bowl. The food matches the low cost but does not aim for high quality.

People are saying

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

"The spicy fried chicken is phenomenal and delicious."

"The food here is delicious and freshly prepared."

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.

06
Yama Sushi Marketplace image 1
Japanese grocery store

Small market with cozy atmosphere and warm vibe feels like a Japanese convenience store. Offers fresh, affordable sushi and sashimi with generous portions. Includes limited seating inside and outdoors for quick dining.

Hot foods and sushi stand out with a great variety. The selection also includes desserts and a good range of Sake and small gift items.

Sushi and sashimi come at very low prices here. Drinks and ready-to-eat foods also stay on the cheap side.

People are saying

"The Japanese food here is always so fresh and delicious."

"The sushi and sashimi here are always incredibly fresh and flavorful."

"The sushi and sashimi here are perfect and cheap."

Good to know

1

Most sushi is priced under $10, making it affordable.

2

There is a free shared parking garage with limited spaces available.

3

They require 24-hour advance notice to order sushi platters.

07
Teriyaki Tei image 1
Japanese restaurant

Open kitchen with a Japanese chef creates an engaging cooking experience. Atmosphere feels homey and remodeled for comfortable dining despite lacking air conditioning. Known for affordable prices, generous portions, and standout dishes like cold udon and chicken katsu.

Food features authentic Japanese flavors crafted by an experienced owner. Meals come cooked to perfection and offer great value for the price.

Food prices stay low with spam musubi at 2 dollars per piece. Overall, meals come at a very cheap cost.

People are saying

"The food here is delicious and tastes great."

"I found the cold udon to be really delicious and unforgettable."

"The spam musubi is cheap and I had ever eaten."

Good to know

1

The prices at Teriyaki Tei are very affordable.

2

The portions at Teriyaki Tei are generous.

3

Parking is easy.

08
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.

Affordable and authentic Korean street food shines here with dishes like sweet and sour chicken, rabokki, and oden soup. Food arrives fresh and hot with quick, efficient service.

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 Korean food here to be really good and affordable."

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

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.

09
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.

Food offers authentic Chinese flavors with consistent quality every visit. Dim sum and other dishes come at a price that matches the tasty, flavorful experience.

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 found the food here to be very tasty and flavorful."

"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.

10
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.

Food stands out with unreal flavor and top tier quality. Mexican dishes deliver amazing taste paired with great drinks and attentive service.

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."

"The vibe here is really cool, with a fun, lively atmosphere."

"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.

11
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.

Small hole-in-the-wall spot serves basic Vietnamese sandwiches and drinks with assorted snack foods. Food is inexpensive and often taken to go due to limited seating.

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 food here to be delicious and amazing."

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

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.

12
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.

Food offers delicious flavors with standout dishes like duck and noodles. Portions come generous and affordable, making it a simple spot for authentic Chinese meals to go.

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."

"The seafood here is fresh and amazing."

"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.

13
Hong Kong Express image 1
Chinese restaurant

Chinese combo restaurant offers extensive selection of freshly made entrees with huge portions at super affordable prices. The atmosphere stays quiet and clean despite being busy, making it suitable for quick, inexpensive meals.

Food comes in massive portions that stay fresh and delicious without being too greasy. Prices stay steady while offering better quality than typical fast Chinese options.

Hot, cheap, and large portions make meals here quick and filling. Food tends to be tasteless despite the size and price.

People are saying

"The food here is fresh and delicious."

"You can get a quick, cheap, and large meal here."

"I thought the Chow Mein was sooo delicious."

Good to know

1

The total cost for a meal is usually less than $11.

2

They offer an extensive selection of freshly tossed Chinese entrees.

3

All items are made to order throughout the day.

14
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.

Fine Italian food comes with great service and reasonable prices. Family-style dining adds to the welcoming atmosphere.

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 delicious and always fresh."

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.

15
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.

Offers a variety of Chinese food that is consistently delicious and tasty. Combines traditional items with a cultural dining experience.

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."

"The food here is delicious and very traditional."

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.

16
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.

Food comes fresh and prepared on the spot with great quality and bold flavors. Different meats offer a varied and tasty experience that stands out from usual fast food.

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."

"The food here is delicious and full of authentic flavors."

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.

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.

Chinese food here is consistently delicious and excellent. The menu offers a range of dishes that never disappoint.

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."

"The dim sum here is excellent and reasonably priced."

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

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
Mirak Restaurant image 1
Korean restaurant

Korean restaurant offers cozy atmosphere with affordable prices and delicious goat soup featuring a subtle kick. The setting feels friendly but may have issues with flies and gnats around food.

Authentic Korean food offers plentiful portions with a delicious, great taste. Flies often fly over the food, which can affect the dining experience.

Alcohol costs are cheap but the taste comes off as cheap too.

People are saying

"I found the goat soup here to be delicious."

"I was envious of everything after trying their fried rice."

"I experienced the best Korean food I had ever had in the states."

Good to know

1

Expect flies and gnats during your meal, which may affect your experience.

2

Parking is free but very limited, so arrive early.

3

Mirak Restaurant is known for its affordable prices.

19
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 arrives quickly and stays fresh. Dishes are authentic, spicy, and packed with flavor.

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 food here is delicious and satisfying."

"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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