DineGuides

Cheap Eats in Civic Center-Little Tokyo

11 restaurants in Civic Center-Little Tokyo. Part of our Los Angeles Cheap Eats guide.

Kaminari Gyoza Bar
#1Cheap Eats
6 photos

Kaminari Gyoza Bar

JapaneseΒ·$

This gyoza bar specializes in Utsunomiya-style dumplings, offering them steamed, pan-fried, or deep-fried. It's a casual spot that feels like a wing stop for gyoza, with a full bar and options for vegans.

🍽️95Food
πŸ’°90Value
πŸ‘‹88Service
✨75Vibe
πŸ’¬

β€œZERO parking! LONG line! We left”

πŸ’¬

β€œRestaurant is immaculate, including the restroom”

Ideal for
Quick, affordable lunch breakGyoza enthusiasts seeking authenticityRepeat visitors/regulars
Jin China Bistro
#2Cheap Eats

Jin China Bistro

AmericanΒ·$$

Jin China Bistro offers a no-frills approach to American Chinese food, focusing on fresh, made-to-order dishes and warm, efficient service. It's a casual spot that manages to feel welcoming for a variety of occasions, from quick solo lunches to family gatherings.

🍽️92Food
πŸ’°88Value
πŸ‘‹90Service
πŸ“75Location
πŸ’¬

β€œSecond floor of this Japanese shopping center”

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β€œEverything is fresh and cooked to order”

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β€œWarm interior layout is very comforting”

Ideal for
Quick weekday lunch or dinnerRegulars seeking reliable comfort foodGroups on a budget seeking generous portions
Hinodeya Ramen Bar Little Tokyo
#3Cheap Eats
6 photos

Hinodeya Ramen Bar Little Tokyo

Ramen/NoodlesΒ·$

This Little Tokyo ramen bar offers a deeply flavorful dashi broth, a signature that sets it apart. The kitchen also excels with a variety of vegan and vegetarian options, making it a welcoming spot for diverse palates.

🍽️96Food
πŸ’°85Value
πŸ‘‹98Service
πŸ’¬

β€œParking lot across the street and next door.”

πŸ’¬

β€œBroth was rich and flavorful without being too heavy.”

πŸ’¬

β€œShe kept an eye on our needs consistently.”

Ideal for
Ramen enthusiasts seeking authentic Japanese brothsDiners who value attentive, personable serviceVegetarians/vegans with dedicated menu options
Chubby Cattle BBQ | Little Tokyo
#4Cheap Eats
6 photos

Chubby Cattle BBQ | Little Tokyo

JapaneseΒ·$$

This all-you-can-eat wagyu spot in Little Tokyo offers a lively, modern atmosphere perfect for groups. Diners love the high-quality meats and the attentive service, with many servers well-regarded by name.

🍽️95Food
πŸ’°85Value
πŸ‘‹98Service
πŸ’¬

β€œService is one of the best as far as restaurants go”

πŸ’¬

β€œThe quality of the meat is excellent”

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β€œAtmosphere is fun and modern and makes the whole hot pot experience feel elevated”

Ideal for
Groups celebrating special occasionsWagyu enthusiasts wanting premium cutsDiners seeking attentive, personalized service
BunGraze: Flatbread Hamburgers
#5Cheap Eats
6 photos

BunGraze: Flatbread Hamburgers

AmericanΒ·$$

BunGraze redefines the burger with its signature fresh-baked flatbread, offering a unique texture and flavor that elevates every bite. This family-owned spot in Little Tokyo infuses Indian-inspired flavors into its dishes, creating a memorable and satisfying meal.

🍽️95Food
πŸ’°85Value
πŸ‘‹90Service
⏰70Wait
πŸ’¬

β€œProbably the best burger I've ever had”

πŸ’¬

β€œComing back for seconds, thirds, and more”

πŸ’¬

β€œSuper friendly and personable staff”

Ideal for
Burger enthusiasts seeking premium, creative takesIndian and fusion food loversLittle Tokyo visitors and locals
DoΓ±a Estela
#6Cheap Eats

DoΓ±a Estela

MexicanΒ·$$

This Los Angeles food truck serves up vibrant, flavorful tacos and burritos, with a standout fish tostada and a smoky asada that keeps locals coming back. It's a casual spot perfect for a quick bite between bar hops.

🍽️92Food
πŸ’°85Value
πŸ‘‹75Service
✨70Vibe
πŸ’¬

β€œLow key one of the most delicious tacos”

πŸ’¬

β€œQuick service, amazing taste and super customer services”

Ideal for
Late-night taco cravings (Arts District bar scene)Quality Mexican street food on a budgetAdventurous eaters (mole, birria, specialty items)
Rakkan Ramen Dtla
#7Cheap Eats

Rakkan Ramen Dtla

Ramen/NoodlesΒ·$

This cozy Little Tokyo ramen shop offers a refreshing departure from heavy pork broths, focusing instead on flavorful, lighter vegetable-based options. It's a welcoming spot with a casual vibe, making it a great choice for families, groups, or a relaxed date night.

🍽️90Food
πŸ’°85Value
πŸ‘‹75Service
⏰70Wait
πŸ’¬

β€œEgg allergy, accidentally put egg in ramen, caught and fixed”

πŸ’¬

β€œHow can vegetable-based ramen taste better than competitors?”

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β€œWarm and cozy, brings you to Japan”

Ideal for
Vegetarian/vegan ramen seekersPlant-based broth enthusiastsLittle Tokyo visitors and regulars
Men Oh Tokushima Ramen
#8Cheap Eats
6 photos

Men Oh Tokushima Ramen

Ramen/NoodlesΒ·$

This cozy ramen shop serves up rich, flavorful broths and perfectly cooked noodles, making it a go-to for authentic Tokushima-style ramen. It's a no-frills spot where the focus is squarely on delivering a comforting and delicious bowl.

🍽️92Food
πŸ’°80Value
πŸ‘‹85Service
πŸ’¬

β€œOnly around $12 a bowl is incredible”

πŸ’¬

β€œLots of flavor in the broth and the meat was tasty”

πŸ’¬

β€œMarks on the wall. It could use a paint job”

Ideal for
Ramen enthusiasts seeking high-quality brothDiners avoiding long waits at famous spotsWeekday lunch visitors (minimal wait)
Jincook
#9Cheap Eats
6 photos

Jincook

KoreanΒ·$

This Little Tokyo spot offers a warm, inviting atmosphere that feels like stepping into a Korean movie set. It's a go-to for comforting, authentic Korean dishes with generous portions that are perfect for sharing.

🍽️88Food
πŸ’°85Value
πŸ‘‹90Service
πŸ›‘οΈ65Safety
πŸ’¬

β€œLocated in Little Tokyo, perfect for street food.”

πŸ’¬

β€œExquisite decoration and details create a strong Korean atmosphere”

πŸ’¬

β€œThe place was clean and we enjoyed dinning.”

Ideal for
Group dinners and dates (shareable portions)Korean comfort food seekers outside KoreatownDine-in experience enthusiasts
Pasta e Pasta by Allegro
#10Cheap Eats
6 photos

Pasta e Pasta by Allegro

ItalianΒ·$$

This cozy Little Tokyo spot offers a unique Japanese-Italian pasta fusion, with the signature uni pasta being a creamy, flavorful standout. Portions are generous, and the intimate, unpretentious atmosphere makes it ideal for dates or small groups.

🍽️90Food
πŸ’°85Value
πŸ‘‹60Service
⏰65Wait
πŸ’¬

β€œRestaurant and its bathrooms are clean”

Ideal for
Japanese-Italian fusion enthusiastsDate nights and intimate groupsUni and seafood pasta lovers
Far Bar
#11Cheap Eats

Far Bar

AmericanΒ·$

Far Bar is a lively cocktail and sports bar in Little Tokyo, offering a surprisingly diverse menu that goes beyond typical bar fare. It's a popular spot for happy hour and late-night bites, with a vibrant atmosphere that extends to its dog-friendly patio.

🍽️82Food
πŸ’°80Value
πŸ‘‹62Service
πŸ’¬

β€œSpicy tuna roll which did taste a little suspect.”

πŸ’¬

β€œShe couldn't hear our order over the loud music.”

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β€œIncredibly misleading. It is written no where on the menu.”

Ideal for
Craft beer enthusiastsHappy hour seekersCasual group hangouts
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