Best Cheap Eats Restaurants in Torrance (90505)
7 hand-picked restaurants, AI-analyzed and critic-validated
Notable Picks
#1
Aristo Cafe
8.6
Aristo Cafe is a long-running, family-owned Mediterranean restaurant in South Torrance known for charcoal-grilled kabobs, generous combo plates, and recipes passed down for decades. Locals treat it as their go-to spot for chicken kabob, lamb, and gyros when they want a sit-down meal rather than quick takeout. Portions are substantial and the kitchen keeps standards high despite steady crowds.
Must-Try Dishes:
Chicken Kabob Lunch Special, Lamb Kabob Entree, Gyros Plate
What makes it special: Family-run Mediterranean spot with charcoal-grilled kabobs and big plates.
8.4
Tacos El Goloso is a high-energy birrieria on Pacific Coast Highway where crispy tacos dorados de birria, vampiros, and consomé anchor a focused, meat-forward menu. With hundreds of reviews and steady lines most nights, it’s the South Torrance go-to when you want rich, Jalisco-style flavors in a casual strip-mall setting.
Must-Try Dishes:
Tacos dorados de birria with consomé, Birria plate with rice and beans, Vampiro with birria and melted cheese
What makes it special: Birria-focused taqueria with crispy tacos and late-night energy.
8.2
Vibes:
Family Friendly Favorites
Cheap Eats Budget Brilliance
Comfort Food Classics
Quick Bites Champions
Y-Not Burgers has been flipping griddled patties on Hawthorne since the early 1960s, serving square-patty burgers, breakfast plates, and shakes at everyday prices. It’s a retro counter-and-booth setup where you can still get a full burger meal without stretching the budget.
Must-Try Dishes:
Quarter-Pound Hamburger Combo, Ostrich Burger, Chili Burger
What makes it special: Decades-old family-run burger stand with turkey and ostrich options.
Hof’s Hut on Crenshaw is a classic Southern California coffee shop where all-day breakfasts, sandwiches, and pies make it easy to keep the check moderate. As part of a small local chain dating back to the 1940s, the Torrance location draws families and regulars who know how to work the menu for hearty portions and fair value.
Must-Try Dishes:
Chicken Pot Pie, Patty Melt, Coconut Cream Pie
What makes it special: Long-running diner-bakery serving classic American plates and house pies.
8.0
Mexican Riviera is a family-owned PCH staple with over three decades of service, turning out big plates of combo-style Mexican food in a casual strip-mall dining room. Locals use it for everything from breakfast burritos to carnitas dinners when they want familiar flavors, chips and salsa, and plenty of parking right off Anza and Pacific Coast Highway.
Must-Try Dishes:
Super special wet burrito, Carnitas taco and enchilada combo, Potato tacos with rice and beans
What makes it special: Long-running South Bay institution for hearty Mexican combo plates.
8.0
Délices du Chef is a daylight French bistro on Crenshaw where croque sandwiches, quiches, and pastries bring Parisian flair to a breakfast-and-lunch budget. Open since 2024, it balances polished plating with counter ordering so you can have a cafe-quality meal without full-service markups.
Must-Try Dishes:
Eggs Benedict with French ham, Avocado Tartine on baguette, Butter Croissant with house jam
What makes it special: French-run bistro serving croissants, tartines, and brunch plates from morning on.
Worthy Picks
7.7
Vibes:
Cheap Eats Budget Brilliance
Quick Bites Champions
Comfort Food Classics
Solo Dining Sanctuaries
El Burrito Jr on PCH is a no-frills drive-thru and counter-service joint focused on oversized burritos, breakfast plates, and basic tacos at very friendly prices. It’s the grab-and-go choice for surfers, students, and commuters who want something filling and familiar without getting out of the car.
Must-Try Dishes:
Super deluxe carne asada burrito, Carnitas burrito with salsa roja, Ceviche tostada with extra lime
What makes it special: Classic South Bay drive-thru for huge, budget-friendly burritos.