Best Cheap Eats Restaurants in Sawtelle Japantown (90025)
8 hand-picked restaurants, AI-analyzed and critic-validated
Notable Picks
#1
Daikokuya
8.4
A long-running Sawtelle ramen anchor known for rich tonkotsu and hearty bowls that hit the comfort-food sweet spot. The kitchen turns out crowd-pleasers late into the night, with a buzz that feels like a mini street festival once you step inside.
Must-Try Dishes:
Daikoku Ramen, Spicy Miso Ramen, Homemade Gyoza
What makes it special: Classic LA tonkotsu ramen with decades of local loyalty.
8.2
A Sawtelle spinoff focused on tan tan ramen that leans spicy, nutty, and sesame-forward. The menu is tight and heat-levels are serious, but the broth stays balanced and creamy under the chili punch. Ideal when you want ramen that’s more Sichuan-adjacent than tonkotsu-traditional.
Must-Try Dishes:
Killer Spicy Tan Tan, Original Tan Tan, Karaage Fried Chicken
What makes it special: Specializes in tan tan ramen with customizable spice levels.
8.1
Vibes:
Business Lunch Power Players
Quick Bites Champions
Trendy Table Hotspots
Solo Dining Sanctuaries
A Sawtelle staple for pho west of the 405, with a light, fragrant broth and consistently high-quality beef cuts. The menu mixes classic bowls with a few bolder, lemongrass-driven soups, and the room stays buzzing at lunch and dinner. It’s the reliable neighborhood stop when you want clean, modern Vietnamese comfort food.
Must-Try Dishes:
Pho Tai Bo Vien (rare steak & beef balls), Pho Dac Biet (special combination), Bun Bo Hue (spicy lemongrass beef soup)
What makes it special: Pho-focused Westside institution with a lighter, lemongrass-leaning broth profile.
Worthy Picks
#4
Big Boi
7.8
A compact Filipino comfort-food counter turning out well-seasoned adobo, sisig, and lumpia in satisfying plates. It’s casual, friendly, and a nice change-up from the Sawtelle noodle orbit.
Must-Try Dishes:
Chicken Adobo Plate, Pork Sisig, Lumpia Shanghai
What makes it special: Filipino classics in a fast-casual, Westside-friendly format.
Vibes:
Brunch Bliss Spots
Sweet Treats Escapes
Business Lunch Power Players
Instagram Worthy Wonders
A bakery-cafe hybrid with French-Japanese pastry finesse and a strong breakfast/lunch lineup. Croissants and quiche are the dependable picks, and you can assemble a solid under-$20 meal without trying.
Must-Try Dishes:
Almond croissant, Ham & cheese croissant, Croque monsieur
What makes it special: A rare Westside café where serious French viennoiserie meets reliable all-day dining.
#6
Tlaco Tacos
7.6
Vibes:
Quick Bites Champions
Cheap Eats Budget Brilliance
Hidden Gems Heaven
Solo Dining Sanctuaries
A compact takeout-first Mexican-Salvadoran shop that’s quietly become a neighborhood standby. Tacos are straightforward, well-seasoned, and priced for repeat visits, with pupusas as a bonus move. Best for low-friction late meals you can grab and go.
Must-Try Dishes:
Al Pastor Tacos, Carnitas Taco, Chicharrón y Queso Pupusa
What makes it special: Tacos plus pupusas in a tiny, local takeout shop.
7.6
A true neighborhood counter with breakfast burritos, burgers, and sandwiches that overdeliver for the cost. The vibe is utilitarian, but the food is hot, filling, and built for regulars.
Must-Try Dishes:
BLT Sandwich, Tuna Salad Sandwich, Turkey Avocado Sandwich
What makes it special: Reliable, big-portion deli sandwiches at true neighborhood prices.
#8
Taco Plus
7.5
A polished fast-casual standby with a big menu and a reputation for fresh, to-order staples. It’s a reliable pick for families and groups who want Mexican basics plus a few lighter options.
Must-Try Dishes:
Taco Combo Plate, Al Pastor Tacos, Huevos Rancheros
What makes it special: Fresh-made staples with faster-than-sit-down convenience.