Introduction to Affordable Dining in Los Angeles
Are you eating out less? Is it starting to feel like a sit-down dinner, even at a casual restaurant, can set you back what you might have paid for a big celebratory meal not too long ago? Daytime is one thing, with lunch deals or happy hour discounts coaxing more consumers out for a bite. But at prime dinnertime lately, getting the check can come with sticker shock.
The Current State of Dining Out
Industry trends show diners are getting more selective about dining out as inflation worries wallop U.S. consumers. In a 2025 survey from global accounting firm KPMG, 85% of respondents said they are eating at home more often to save money due to budget limitations. As a result, U.S. restaurants and bars saw one of the weakest six-month periods of sales growth during the first half of 2025 — even weaker than during the COVID pandemic when lockdown orders were in place, according to a CNN analysis of Commerce Department data.
Factors Affecting Los Angeles
In Los Angeles, the added factors of the 2025 wildfires, ICE raids, and rising rental and labor costs make the trend feel especially acute.
About This Guide
Our journalists independently visited every spot recommended in this guide. We do not accept free meals or experiences. What should we check out next? Send ideas to guides@latimes.com.
Finding Affordable Standout Meals
But with a little strategy, it’s more than possible to have a standout meal at some of L.A.’s most exciting haunts right now without breaking your budget. For this guide, the Food team challenged ourselves to find 50 L.A. restaurants where you can dine for $50 or less per person, including tax and tip.
Parameters for Selection
A nice dinner out translates differently for everyone, so we set a few parameters before beginning our search:
- The pre-tax total should be no more than $38 per person, in order to account for a roughly 10% sales tax and 20% tip. Sometimes it needs to be even less if a restaurant includes a mandatory service fee.
- The restaurant doesn’t have to offer table service, but there must be seating available to enjoy your food on-site.
- It must be open until at least 9 p.m.
- You must be able to order at least two menu items, whether that’s a starter and a main, an entree and a dessert, or a large plate and a cocktail.
The Final List
The final list ranges from places ranked on The Times’ annual 101 Best Restaurants guide that require specific hacks to stay within budget, to more casual options where $50 lets you sample a wide swath of the menu. And just in case you’re bringing a date or a friend, we share suggestions for how to approach this challenge as a duo.
Price Accuracy
Note that the prices outlined below are accurate as of our most recent visits but may change based on which location you visit, whether you’re ordering in person, for pickup or delivery and other factors.
Conclusion
In conclusion, dining out in Los Angeles for $50 or less per person is achievable with some planning and knowledge of the right places to go. By considering the parameters and suggestions outlined in this guide, you can enjoy a standout meal at one of L.A.’s exciting restaurants without breaking the bank.
FAQs
Q: What is the maximum pre-tax total per person for the restaurants included in this guide?
A: The pre-tax total should be no more than $38 per person.
Q: Do all the restaurants included in this guide offer table service?
A: No, the restaurant doesn’t have to offer table service, but there must be seating available to enjoy your food on-site.
Q: How often do the prices outlined in this guide change?
A: The prices may change based on which location you visit, whether you’re ordering in person, for pickup or delivery, and other factors.
Q: Can I find restaurants that are open later than 9 p.m. in this guide?
A: The guide includes restaurants that are open until at least 9 p.m., but it does not guarantee that they are open later than that.
Q: Are the prices outlined in this guide inclusive of tax and tip?
A: No, the prices outlined are pre-tax, and you should factor in a roughly 10% sales tax and 20% tip when calculating the total cost.
