50 L.A. restaurants where dinner costs $50 or less, including tax and tip

"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"

"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. A nice dinner out translates differently for everyone, so we set a few parameters before beginning our search:"

Dining out at prime dinnertime increasingly causes sticker shock as inflation strains U.S. consumers. A 2025 KPMG survey found 85% of respondents report eating at home more to save money. U.S. restaurants and bars experienced one of the weakest six-month sales-growth periods in the first half of 2025, weaker than during COVID lockdowns, according to Commerce Department data analysis. In Los Angeles, wildfires, ICE raids, and rising rental and labor costs intensify dining pressures. A curated list identifies 50 L.A. restaurants where a meal can cost $50 or less per person, including tax and tip. Parameters include a pre-tax cap of $38 per person, on-site seating, hours until at least 9 p.m., and ability to order at least two menu items.

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