From Santa Monica to San Gabriel, Pasadena to Palos Verdes, Los Angeles is in the midst of a restaurant renaissance. With just a reservation and some cash, you can sample everything from high-flying gourmet extravaganzas to ethnic feasts.
However, not everyone has the budget, time, or—let’s be real—stomach capacity to feast every day. Fortunately, Los Angeles boasts a variety of affordable local restaurant chains that have achieved cult status among residents.
Here’s a list of some beloved classics and a few newer spots making waves.
American
In-N-Out Burger
While you will find numerous national burger chains across LA, many locals and visitors alike consider In-N-Out to be the pinnacle of fast food burgers. Established in 1948 in the San Gabriel Valley, this California chain is renowned for its fresh-ground beef (never frozen), hand-cut French fries, and shakes made with real ice cream. The burgers come topped with lettuce, tomato, a secret spread similar to Thousand Island dressing, and your choice of raw or sautéed onion on a soft bun that’s delightfully fluffy.
Pencil it in as a must-visit and check out their “not so secret menu” for special requests—like double or triple meat options, protein-style (using lettuce instead of a bun), or animal-style (where the patty is cooked in mustard). It’s an experience not to be missed.
Key locations:
- 7009 Sunset Blvd, Hollywood
- 922 Gayley Ave, Westwood (near UCLA)
- 9149 S Sepulveda Blvd (near Los Angeles International Airport)
Lemonade
When you first step into Lemonade, it may seem like a modern version of a high school cafeteria. However, this establishment offers an array of dishes far beyond cafeteria fare, including Tuscan kale salad, red miso beef short ribs, and gourmet truffle mac ‘n’ cheese.
This innovative local-market café features a variety of delicious salads, sandwiches, and inventive stews boiling in stockpots. Grab a tray, slide down the counter, and enjoy your meal at clean, mid-century modern tables. Don’t forget to indulge in their sleek desserts and choose from six different lemonade flavors, such as blueberry mint or watermelon rosemary.
Key locations:
- 1661 Abbot Kinney Blvd, Venice
- Museum of Contemporary Art, 250 S Grand Ave, Downtown
Korean
BCD Tofu House
For those curious about Korean cuisine, soon tofu (tofu stew sizzling in a stone pot) may not be as universally recognized as barbecue, but it is sure to warm both the heart and soul. At this LA-born chain, you can select tofu complemented by meat, seafood, or a vegetarian option. The combo of soon tofu with other Korean classics like bulgogi (sliced ribeye), bibimbap (meat and vegetables over rice), and grilled mackerel make for a satisfying experience.
Customize your spice level, but remember to let the food cool before diving in; those stone pots can get extremely hot!
Key locations:
- 3575 Wilshire Blvd, Koreatown
- 869 S. Western Ave #2, Koreatown
- 9520 Garden Grove Blvd, Little Saigon (Garden Grove in Orange County)
Mendocino Farms
This unique sandwich and salad chain features artisanal meats and fresh, California-grown greens in a vibrant, country-in-the-city setting. Signature creations include the “not so fried” chicken sandwich, steak BLT on a pretzel bun, and flavorful Peruvian steak sandwich. Seasonal salads and dishes are never an afterthought, with vegan and gluten-free options prominently featured on the menu.
Key locations:
- 3rd & Fairfax: 175 S. Fairfax Ave
- Santa Monica: 631 Wilshire Blvd
- Fig@7th (Downtown Los Angeles): 735 S. Figueroa St
Japanese
Sugarfish
The motto “Trust me” encapsulates the dining experience at Sugarfish, where the omakase (chef’s choice) offerings bring unparalleled quality to sushi lovers at surprisingly affordable prices. Chef Kazunori Nozawa, the mastermind behind this concept, popularized the elevated sushi experience in a casual setting. Many customers rave about the blue crab roll, making it a must-try.
Key locations:
- 600 W 7th St, Downtown
- 6115 W Sunset Bl, Hollywood
- 1345 2nd St, Santa Monica
Pizza
Pizza Press
Originating in nearby Orange County, Pizza Press crafts quick and delicious pizzas for under $10. Patrons have the option to either order from a menu or “publish” their own pizza, customizing the dough with a selection of sauces and toppings at no extra charge. After just five minutes in the oven, your creation is topped off with delightful sauces ranging from fresh herbs to balsamic glaze or Argentine-style chimichurri sauce.
The selection of craft beers available on tap further enriches the experience.
Key locations:
- 7100 Santa Monica Bl, West Hollywood
- 5077 Lankershim Bl, North Hollywood
- 1655 E Colorado Bl, Pasadena
Armenian
Zankou Chicken
This renowned Armenian-Mediterranean chicken restaurant began in Lebanon during the 1960s but gained fame after opening in Hollywood in 1983. Its crispy-skinned rotisserie chicken enjoys a massive following among everyone from everyday patrons to celebrities, even inspiring rock songs. The casual menu showcases kebabs, wraps, and an array of vegan sides—all made fresh daily. Be sure to try their addictive garlic sauce, a secret concoction made from raw cloves.
Key locations:
- Burbank: 1001 N San Fernando Bl
- Pasadena: 1296 E Colorado Bl
- West Hollywood: 7851 W Sunset Bl
- West LA: 1716 S Sepulveda Bl
