Foodies on a budget: Where to find cheap but amazing food in L.A

[Flickr/CurryPuffy]

You don’t have to spend a fortune to eat well in Los Angeles. This is a city where you can eat some of the best food in the country, at about $10/person – and that’s for dinner! For those of you on a budget, don’t feel that you have to be stuck eating at diners and fast food joints; explore some of these ethnic cuisines and treat yourself to an experience that you’ll be talking about for years.

Musha, in Santa Monica, is a Japanese tapas restaurants. Yes, Japanese tapas, or also known as Izakaya, although ” Japanese pub” might be a better way to describe this tiny restaurant. It fills up quickly, so make sure to go early (or late) since they don’t take reservations. Dishes are meant to be shared, and range from spicy tuna dip with rice cakes to a crispy grilled salmon, rice and shiso pyramid. The garlicky pan fried noodles are not to be missed, and newcomers should try ordering their signature octopus, leek and red ginger omelette. Adding beer and wine can bring your bill up to just about $20/person. An easy walk from nearby Hotel Oceana. 424 Wilshire Blvd, Santa Monica, (310) 576-6330

The Alibi Room – Kogi tacos are all the rage at the moment, and no one makes them better than the Alibi Room. First introduced to LA eaters by truck, the famous Kogi Truck chef now has a home without wheels at Alibi. Kogi is basically a short rib or pork taco, but Kogi in Korean means “meat”, so there are many varieties of these Korean tacos. An added bonus is that Alibi also happens to be a really cool bar with fantastic mixologist bartenders, though this will raise your bill significantly. To splurge, pair your Kogi with a Gimlet Vodka Martini or spectacular Mojito. And definitely don’t miss the seasoned fries with sesame mayo, Sriracha, and ketchup. Located in Culver City, fairly close to the Wilshire Grand. 2236 W Washington Blvd, Los Angeles, (310) 390-9300

Loteria Grill – Steps from the Magic Castle Hotel and where you want to go for great, non-greasy, Mexican food. Their Chicharron de Queso – fried cheese that is paper thin and dipped in salsa – is an absolute must. Tacos are served on hand made tortillas, and besides the usual choice of beef or chicken, you have the option of ordering a cactus or even mushroom filling. The enchiladas with various mole sauces are also divine – choose from tomatillo, black bean and pumpkin Mole flavors. Wash everything down with one of their specialty margaritas or tequila martinis to complete the meal. 6627 Hollywood Blvd, Los Angeles, (323) 465-2500

– Lesley Bracker