Nice Places to Grab Dinner That are Cheap (but don't feel cheap)
De La Nonna - Arts District
Price: $
De La Nonna is a market-driven pizza spot in LA’s Art District, offering a refreshing alternative to pricier patio dining. With a focus on family-style hospitality, crave-worthy food, memorable cocktails, and natural wines, it’s a place where everyone can feel at home, especially when you need a seat at “Nonna's table.”
Wurstküche - Arts District
Price: $$
Wurstküche is the Arts District’s go-to spot for unique sausages. Though it might not be the most "authentic," it offers something special at a great price. Ideal for groups, Wurstküche has a small counter for ordering, a selection of craft beers, and a lively atmosphere. It might not be a traditional German beer hall, but that’s not the point—Wurstküche is all about great sausages and a fun vibe.
Cha Cha Chicken - Santa Monica
Price: $$
Located just south of Santa Monica Pier, Cha Cha Chicken is a laid-back, beachy spot with delicious chicken. It’s also BYOB—a rare find on Ocean Avenue. With mostly outdoor seating and a small covered area, you order at the counter and enjoy authentic Caribbean food with a Latin twist. For tasty chicken, BYOB freedom, and island vibes, Cha Cha Chicken is the place to be.
Library Alehouse - Santa Monica
Price: $$
The Library Alehouse has been a beloved fixture in the craft beer scene, where enthusiasts connect, stories are shared, and friendships grow over fine pints. For nearly three decades, it’s been more than a pub—it’s a home away from home, offering expertly crafted brews, cocktails, and unpretentious, outstanding meals.
Lasita - Chinatown
Price: $$
Lasita, in Chinatown’s Far East Plaza, offers a relaxed vibe with its Philippine sunset-inspired dining room and breezy patio. Enjoy Chicken Inasal or Lechon with a bottle of natural wine. LA Times critic Bill Addison calls it “wonderfully Los Angeles,” blending natural wine with modern Filipino cooking. Bon Appétit named it one of the 50 Best New Restaurants of 2022.
Ammatoli in Long Beach
Price: $$
Ammatolí highlights Levantine cuisine in a way that is not only accessible but entices patrons to dive deeper into our ambitious menu. Ammatolí’s casual Mediterranean menu includes mezze platters, kebab plates, and Levantine dishes served all day. The dishes are beautifully plated and well-seasoned, with healthy options like falafel bowls and beet-feta salad. Situated in Long Beach, Ammatolí serves as a gathering spot for community and cultural celebrations.
Quarter Sheets - Echo Park
Price: $$
Quarter Sheets, in Echo Park, CA, is a pizza parlor specializing in pan-style pizzas and desserts. The menu offers creative spins on classic red sauce favorites and modern California cuisine. Desserts are a highlight, bursting with complex, seasonal flavors. The restaurant excels in both pizza and sweets, all served in a cozy, retro setting perfect for lingering and enjoying.
Escuela Taqueria - Beverly Grove
Price: $
This taqueria is a gem with tasty, affordable tacos, excellent tinga tostada, and addictive homemade tortilla chips. The best part? It's BYOB—bring your beer, wine, or even a handle of tequila. Escuela strikes the perfect balance of fun, flexibility, and unpretentious deliciousness effortlessly.
Tin Roof Bistro - Manhattan Beach
Price: $$
Tin Roof Bistro was created to bring a local wine country vibe to Manhattan Beach, CA. With a casual, fun atmosphere, chef-inspired cuisine, and attentive service, it's a place where everyone feels welcome—whether you're in jeans and a t-shirt after the beach or a suit and tie after work.
Messob Ethiopian Restaurant - Little Ethiopia
Price: $$
When brothers Berhanu and Getahun took over Messob Ethiopian Restaurant, their goal was simple: to serve the freshest and most flavorful Ethiopian cuisine in LA. Three decades later, Messob has become a beloved institution in Little Ethiopia, popular with vegans, foodies, and tourists. The vibrant dining room feels like home, with hand-woven Ethiopian tables and a thatched hut for semi-private dining. At Messob, every meal feels like it’s made by family.
El Cid - Silver Lake
Price: $$
Opened in 1962, El Cid has been Los Angeles' go-to spot for flamenco dancing and authentic Spanish tapas. Located on West Sunset Boulevard in Silver Lake, this historic venue offers unpretentious charm with multiple patios and a lively atmosphere. The menu features a variety of tapas and entrees, from traditional paella to gambas a la plancha, ensuring a satisfying dining experience you won't forget.
La Cabaña - Venice
Price: $$
Since 1963, La Cabaña has been serving up authentic Mexican flavors in Venice. This lively spot boasts a great back patio, $30 margarita pitchers, and a mariachi band that sometimes plays from the roof. The delicious food and drinks make it a standout, and the best part? It’s open until 3 a.m. every night—way better option than hitting Taco Bell after the bar.
Union - Long Beach
Price: $$
This fusion spot at the Compound art center in Long Beach is a top choice for outdoor dining. The patio, with its hedges, lanterns, and sleek black tables, feels like a peaceful sculpture garden. The menu features Filipino favorites like garlic pancit and pork kare kare, plus globally inspired dishes. It's an ideal place to snack and sip with friends, then explore the art and finish the night at the hidden cocktail bar.
.avif)
