Best Cheap Eats Restaurants in Downtown LA (90017)
7 hand-picked restaurants, AI-analyzed and critic-validated
Notable Picks
8.1
A tucked-in ramen shop in the Figueroa corridor delivering hearty bowls with a serious focus on broth depth and noodle chew. It’s a quietly strong downtown option when you want ramen that feels cared for, not templated.
Must-Try Dishes:
Tonkotsu ramen, Black garlic ramen, Gyoza
What makes it special: Broth-forward ramen with better-than-expected downtown precision.
8.0
A modern Indian counter in TASTE that keeps things punchy: fragrant rice bowls, tandoori-leaning proteins, and rich curries built for fast pacing. The flavors skew bold and crowd-pleasing, making it one of the stronger quick options in the hall.
Must-Try Dishes:
Tandoori chicken bowl, Butter chicken curry, Paneer tikka bowl
What makes it special: Indian bowls that stay flavorful and filling at a fair price.
8.0
A lively, sauce-heavy Cajun boil shop where the value comes from big, shareable seafood buckets and bold garlic-butter heat. The vibe is casual and loud, but the seasoning consistency keeps locals returning.
Must-Try Dishes:
Shrimp head-on bucket, Garlic noodles, Snow crab legs
What makes it special: Messy, flavorful seafood boils that feel worth the spend.
Worthy Picks
7.9
A casual Northern-Chinese noodle and dumpling spot that’s friendly to families thanks to fast service and comforting staples. Portions are generous, flavors are bold but approachable, and the menu is easy to share across the table. Not fancy, but dependable for kid-approved carbs downtown.
Must-Try Dishes:
beef roll, soup dumplings, hand-pulled noodles
What makes it special: Fast dumplings and noodles built for sharing.
7.9
A vegan-friendly ramen shop that leans into bold broths and a cozy, late-leaning downtown rhythm. The noodles and soup bases are the move, especially when you want something warming without spending big.
Must-Try Dishes:
Spicy tonkotsu-style ramen, Garlic edamame, Crispy karaage-style mushrooms
What makes it special: Plant-forward ramen with rich, craveable broth.
7.8
Vibes:
Family Friendly Favorites
Cheap Eats Budget Brilliance
Quick Bites Champions
Hidden Gems Heaven
A bright, counter-service taqueria with clean, straightforward builds and strong tortilla-plus-salsa fundamentals. Best orders are the classic meat tacos and plates that keep things simple and properly seasoned.
Must-Try Dishes:
al pastor tacos, carne asada tacos, chips and guacamole
What makes it special: Local-chain tacos with real value in a quick counter setup.
7.6
A fast-casual Korean BBQ bowl spot from the Park’s BBQ family, focused on char-forward proteins over rice with bright banchan accents. It’s built for speed, but the seasoning and grill notes keep it above typical food-hall standards.
Must-Try Dishes:
Spicy pork bowl, Bulgogi bowl, Kimchi fried rice
What makes it special: Quality Korean BBQ flavor in a fast bowl format.