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Local picks

Affordable lunch spots in South LA

Made for those who refuse to overpay for a midday meal but still expect a satisfying experience.

Based on 628 Opinions
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Updated April 2026
01
Robowok Mini Bowls - USC image 1
Robowok Mini Bowls - USC image 2
Robowok Mini Bowls - USC image 3
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Robot chef cooks quickly in a clean space with disposable dishware and real dishes in use. Atmosphere feels convenient and affordable, attracting those seeking quick, healthy meals near campus. Seating offers a nice vibe, making it a solid spot for lunch with great prices and satisfying portions.

Affordable and convenient options make this a solid choice for a workday lunch. Mini bowls offer a quick, satisfying meal near campus.

Prices stay consistently affordable here, making it easy to grab a quick lunch. Food comes in mini bowls that are both tasty and budget-friendly.

People are saying

"The Mapo Tofu has a perfect numbing spice and a great kick."

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

"This is a good, affordable lunch spot for my workday."

Good to know

1

The prices at Robowok Mini Bowls - USC are very affordable.

2

The plaza has ample parking and is conveniently located near the school.

3

The robot chef cooks quickly, providing fast service.

02
Qin West Noodle image 1
Chinese noodle restaurant

Chinese noodle restaurant offers an authentic menu with reasonably priced dishes like spicy noodle soup and dumplings. The space feels warm and cozy with flexible seating that suits both small groups and families. Lighting is soft and inviting, creating a quiet atmosphere suitable for all ages.

Lunch offers a full orange chicken plate with rice and Thai tea for about $10. The spot stays quiet and empty during lunch hours.

Food offers great value with consistently affordable prices. Meals deliver solid quality without stretching the budget.

People are saying

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

"The beef noodle soup at this Lunch Spot has great taste and plenty of beef."

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

Good to know

1

Qin West Noodle offers free parking for customers.

2

You can order food and pick it up at the front.

3

Liang Pi often sells out quickly, so arrive early.

03
L.A. CRAZY CRAB image 1
Restaurant

Spacious restaurant with big TVs showing various sports and a full bar featuring Micheladas and margaritas. Atmosphere stays quiet and family-friendly with a vibrant vibe boosted by a DJ playing throwbacks. Seafood boils stand out with fresh, succulent shrimp and spicy sauces.

Girls lunch features personalized service with staff like Kimberly attending closely. The owner often makes a point to introduce himself, adding a friendly touch to the meal.

Prices stay consistently affordable and cheap. Food offers good quality and is tasty without costing much.

People are saying

"This seafood boil was the best I've ever had."

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

"The food at this Lunch Spot is amazing and very flavorful."

Good to know

1

Happy hour offers $2 beers from 2:30 PM to 5:30 PM.

2

A 3-liter beer tower is available for $16 during happy hour.

3

Expect no wait times during happy hour on Sundays.

04
LA Prime Caffe # 2 image 1
Breakfast restaurant

Small, intimate breakfast spot with a clean, friendly atmosphere and chill, homey vibe. Music plays softly, creating a space good for talking and family gatherings. Popular for high-quality, affordable meals, it attracts neighborhood regulars despite an unassuming exterior.

Offers a wide selection of breakfast and lunch options with good value for money. Lunch sandwiches, like the spicy grilled chicken, are flavorful without being too spicy.

Breakfast and brunch menus offer affordable options that taste incredible and feel decadent.

People are saying

"I thought the food tasted and looked great."

"This Lunch Spot's sandwiches are flavorful and not too spicy."

"The breakfast here is delicious and affordable."

Good to know

1

Parking is minimal, so arrive early to secure a spot.

2

The dining space is small, leading to potential wait times.

3

They close for a few hours between lunch and dinner.

05
Everytable image 1
Restaurant

Restaurant offers microwaveable healthy meals with affordable prices ranging from $6 to $9 per plate. Atmosphere is clean and convenient, attracting students and budget-conscious diners near campus. Focus centers on accessible, nutritious options for low-income communities, with changing policies around EBT/SNAP acceptance.

Offers quick snacks and meals suitable for breakfast, lunch, and dinner. Popular choice for work lunches among coworkers.

Meals offer very affordable prices focused on making healthy food accessible. Meal prep plates maintain this affordability despite some price changes.

People are saying

"The food here is delicious, fresh, and flavorful."

"This lunch spot's meals are delicious, nutritious, and worth it."

"The meals here are super affordable."

Good to know

1

The meals are very affordable, ranging from $6 to $9 per plate.

2

On Fridays, food is 50% off if purchased early in the morning.

3

Only those in the hot meals program can now use EBT/SNAP at EveryTable.

06
Fig's Corner image 1
Hot pot restaurant

Industrial style with neon lights and fun decor creates a lively yet comfortable atmosphere. Spacious seating with big tables and booths accommodates groups easily. Affordable prices and generous portions make it popular among students and families.

Lunch features a mushroom pot and a Boba special that stands out during midday.

Affordable prices pair with perfect portion sizes for a satisfying meal. Mini hot pot and BBQ options offer flavorful choices that fit a budget, ideal for students and families.

People are saying

"The food here, especially the hot pot, is super comforting and packed with meat."

"You get huge, generous portions for such an affordable price."

"The hot pot flavors here are amazing."

Good to know

1

They currently offer a buy one get one free deal on drinks.

2

The price of $17.99 for a full personal hot pot is very reasonable.

3

The portions are huge and perfect for sharing.

07
365 Thai Kitchen image 1
Thai restaurant

Lively and energetic atmosphere suits quick, to-go dining with authentic Thai flavors and spicy, flavorful dishes. Comfortable space focuses on food delivery and casual eating, often using plastic utensils. Regulars appreciate the fresh, fast cooking and affordable prices despite simple setup.

Lunch costs about $10 and stays simple. Tables stay clean, and calling ahead keeps service punctual.

Lunch costs about $10 and offers simple dishes. Prices stay affordable throughout the menu.

People are saying

"I thought that was the best Pad Thai I had in a while."

"The food here is delicious and tasty."

"The lunch special here had less chicken."

Good to know

1

For $12, I could get fresh pad Thai or fried rice.

2

Street parking is the only option available.

3

There is a vegan menu available.

08
Manas Indian Cuisine image 1
Indian restaurant

Cozy space with traditional decor and a quiet atmosphere creates a welcoming environment. It serves a wide range of Indian dishes with affordable prices and includes a connected shop for ingredients. The place feels like a comfort zone for those seeking authentic Indian cuisine.

Lunch features a Chicken Lunch special with rice, garlic naan, and vegetables served on a compartmentalized tray. Service tends to be uninterested, with minimal interaction during meals.

Prices stay very affordable without cutting corners on flavor or service. Food costs run slightly lower than other Indian and South Asian spots nearby.

People are saying

"The food here has amazing flavor and is very good."

"The food here is authentic, with rich and traditional flavors."

"This lunch spot's flavorful food really surprised me."

Good to know

1

The prices at Manas Indian Cuisine are very affordable compared to other Indian restaurants.

2

Manas Indian Cuisine is very close to campus, making it convenient for students.

3

Expect a wait time of 20-30 minutes during peak dinner hours.

09
New Panda Buffet image 1
Chinese restaurant

Buffet setup offers all-you-can-eat service with a wide range of seafood and sushi options. Atmosphere varies from family-friendly and lively to crowded and noisy, with a dated interior that feels simple and clean. Space can feel cramped due to many tables and some loud equipment nearby.

Lunch costs about $15 on weekdays with an all-you-can-eat option. The setup lacks clear signs or dividers to separate lunch items.

Food matches quality found at major Asian buffets but comes at an inexpensive price. Buffet offers better value than many other affordable options.

People are saying

"The buffet here has a great variety of fresh, tasty options."

"I loved the variety of seafood, including salmon and shrimp."

"I found the food to be good for the affordable price."

Good to know

1

Dinner service starts at 3:30 PM.

2

Expect a 15-minute wait for a table during busy hours.

3

The buffet offers a take-out system where you pay by the pound.

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South Los Angeles, Los Angeles

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