Travel Guides Culinary Vacations
Maddie Brown
Los Angeles offers visitors a slice of foodie paradise. With its rich and diverse culture, the city is known for its quality eats. When you come to LA, it can be helpful to know what kind of foodie you are. Are you yearning to discover some hidden gems? If so, check out LA’s vast collection of these in neighborhoods like Boyle Heights and Koreatown, where strip malls could unexpectedly play host to some of the best food you’ll ever eat. If you want to explore some artisanal coffee shops and trendy bars, head to Silver Lake or Los Feliz. Go grab a green juice and an organic grains bowl in Santa Monica or Venice. Meat-eaters can satisfy their cravings in Glendale, which has plenty of authentic Brazilian food.
When indulging at restaurants, costs can add up quickly. So, it’s essential to do some careful planning. On average, you can expect to spend around $24 on a meal, according to Budget Your Trip. However, your grand total will be determined by the kind of experience you’re seeking. Do you want to invest in gourmet dining? Or would you rather try out some inexpensive street eats? If you’re a food lover on a budget, balancing the two may serve you best. While some places are worth the splurge, you can easily get a tasty meal that won’t break the bank. Eating on both ends of the spectrum will also allow you to explore various neighborhoods, as each area has its own distinct flavor. When it comes to eating out in LA, there’s something for everyone.
Location can impact cost
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In Los Angeles, the amount of money you spend on food will largely depend on your style of dining. A cheeseburger at In-N-Out Burger is obviously going to cost much less than a steak dinner at a fancy restaurant. Location can affect the bill as well. Beverly Hills is home to some of the city’s most lavish dining spots. So, if you’re in that area, expect to spend big bucks on a meal. Urasawa, on Rodeo Drive, is one of the priciest sushi restaurants in the United States. But you may be willing to splurge, as the high-end spot is lauded for its topnotch dishes and multi-course feast. Of course, Hollywood has some prominent eateries. French restaurant Gigi’s is a celeb hot-spot that may be worth the extra dough.
To get the most out of your Los Angeles experience, you’ll probably want to visit some of the city’s go-to landmarks. Grand Central Market, located downtown, is a celebrated venue with a variety of vendors. You can get anything from donuts to pizza to seafood. Some items will cost you more than others, though. For example, the popular lobster roll at Broad Street Oyster Co. is $25. On the other hand, sandwiches at Ghost Sando sell for about $15.
Some affordable and tasty options
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If you want to get a taste of Los Angeles without spending a fortune, check out the city’s taco trucks. As many spots are open past midnight, these trucks are great for grabbing a late-night snack. Tacos Cuernavaca, located in Boyle Heights, doesn’t close until 4 a.m. You can order burritos, tortas, picaditas, alambres, and of course, tacos. Leo’s Taco Truck is another beloved place that’s open at odd hours. With nine locations, this place is famous for its tacos al pastor with pineapple. Each taco costs just $2.
Los Angeles also has plenty of offerings for inexpensive Asian cuisine. From soup dumplings at Mama Lu’s to noodle bowls at Marugame Udon, there are some incredible restaurants with dishes under fifteen bucks. Or, if you’re craving an American classic, try the popular smashburger at the Win-Dow for just $3.95. There are no shortage of affordable options in this beloved food destination.
