Search
Close this search box.

SAVORY EXPLORES: LOS ANGELES ON A BUDGET

Mandi Mikasa headshot

Mandi Mikasa

Nov 30 2022
Eating out is something that most people find joy doing, whether that be to visit a restaurant they grew up going to, to eat their favorite cuisine, or simply to enjoy the aesthetic pleasure of the interior of a restaurant. However, the bills add up if you find yourself eating out all the time. Here are a few of my favorite spots to dine at with a friend in Los Angeles on a budget of $50 (including tax and tip) between the two of us:

Highly Likely Cafe

Los Angeles on a Budget
Address: 4310 W Jefferson Blvd, Los Angeles, CA 90016
Price: $
Attire: Casual

www.itshighlylikely.com

My friend and I both got Topo Chico mineral waters, and we shared the crispy rice salad and the fried halloumi sticks. The crispy rice salad was extremely unique and caught our eye on the menu right away. It was definitely on the lighter side, and not very filling, but super delicious and fresh. The fried halloumi sticks were like mozzarella sticks, but better! This combo was perfect because the dense, fried halloumi sticks were balanced out by the lighter salad. Parking is free and easy to find on the street. Both indoor and outdoor seating is available. The inside of the restaurant is very chic due to the minimalist look of the furniture and decorations. They even have a little marketplace area of trinkets and wines for purchase. I absolutely want to try the chicken sandwich, as well as the matcha latte, next time I dine here! They also have a B-Day Cake Latte that sounds unique and is probably very delicious!

The total for our meal was $35.26.

Tenkatori Chicken

Los Angeles on a Budget
Address: 2130 Sawtelle Blvd 210B, Los Angeles, CA 90025
Price: $
Attire: Casual

www.tenkatoriusa.com

My friend and I got shishito peppers, torimeshi (chicken rice dish), potato salad, five-piece boneless thighs with two sauces, and five-piece wings with another two sauces. The shishito peppers were not that spicy because they didn’t have many seeds. They were topped with bonito flakes and a little oil, which gave them excellent flavoring. The torimeshi was good, but nothing too special. The chicken karaage (boneless thigh) was my favorite out of what we ordered. The chicken-breading ratio was perfect, and the chicken was so moist. The sweet and spicy and spicy mayo sauces paired best with this dish. The tebanaka (middle wing) had great flavoring from the curry powder on top. The wings paired best with the sweet and sour and yuzu aioli sauces. Both the chicken karaage and the tebanaka are gluten-free. Parking is free in the lot for the structure, while Tenkatori Chicken is located on the second floor. There are only a few tables inside. I undoubtedly will be back for the karaage!

The total for our meal was $38.47.

Loqui

Los Angeles on a Budget
Address: 8830 Washington Blvd Ste 104, Culver City, CA 90232
Price: $
Attire: Casual

www.eatloqui.com

My friend got a Mexican coke and I got a lemonade. We got the chips and guacamole to start as well as a side of rice and beans. We then shared the chicken plate and a quesadilla. The chicken plate consisted of rice, beans, chicken, guacamole, cotija cheese, onion, and cilantro. Our entire order was perfect for sharing, and we even had some leftovers. The freshness of all the ingredients is obvious in the flavors and the feeling after finishing your meal. Although it was quite a bit of food, I didn’t feel too heavy afterward. Parking can be found in meters on the street or in a lot across the street for a small hourly fee. Loqui Culver City is located in the Platform center. There is both indoor and back patio outdoor seating. This spot has become my new go-to Mexican food spot because it is on the healthier side, quick, and convenient.

The total of our meal was $39.00.

Pita Café

Los Angeles on a Budget
Address: 11033 Santa Monica Blvd, Los Angeles, CA 90025
Price: $
Attire: Casual

www.mypitacafe.com

My friend got an iced tea, and I got a soft drink. She ordered the chicken koobideh plate, and I ordered the chicken shawarma wrap. The chicken koobideh plate can be ordered as one or two chicken skewers (price varies slightly) and is served over rice with a side salad, pita, and hummus. It is definitely the best deal because of all that it comes with. The chicken shawarma wrap is my favorite because it is the chicken koobideh skewer wrapped in pita with lettuce, pickles, and sauce. In my opinion, both of these items are must-orders when dining here, especially since they are best sellers. Parking is free in the lot. There is both indoor and outdoor seating. I dine here frequently because it is quality food at a reasonable price, and it comes out pretty quickly. Their French fries and garden salad are both really tasty too! I have been meaning to try the tabbouleh salad and will the next time I dine here.

The total of our meal was $40.25.

Bacari

Los Angeles on a Budget
Address: 2308 S Union Ave, Los Angeles, CA 90007
Price: $
Attire: Business Casual

www.bacariwadams.com

My friend and I ordered the Brussels sprouts and bacon-wrapped medjool dates to start. The Brussels sprouts are caramelized in pomegranate molasses and topped with crème fraîche and red beets. They have so much flavor and are a must-order dish. The bacon-wrapped medjool dates come with five and are such an interesting dish. They are bursting with flavor! For our main, we got the white pizza, which consists of fromage blanc cheese, bacon, scallions, and mozzarella cheese. This pizza is on the smaller side, with only four slices, but with the appetizers we got, the three dishes were perfect to share between my friend and me. Parking is pretty tricky here as there are limited meters on the street in front. There is both indoor and outdoor back patio seating. This spot is perfect for shareable small bites before a night out! I also recommend the fried chicken sliders, the Bacari fries, and the mac and cheese.

The total of our meal was $43.37.