11 Iconic California Restaurants Loved For Great Food And Low Prices

California’s food scene is legendary, but you don’t need deep pockets to enjoy it. From crispy tacos to juicy burgers, some of the state’s most beloved eateries serve incredible meals without breaking the bank.

I’m sharing eleven iconic spots where great taste meets unbeatable value.

1. The Hat

Pastrami lovers rejoice when they discover this legendary sandwich shop in Alhambra. Mountains of tender, juicy pastrami get piled onto fresh rolls and dipped in savory au jus for under ten bucks.

Locals have been flocking here for decades, and one bite explains why. Portions are so generous you might need help finishing, but every messy, delicious bite is worth it.

2. Tito’s Tacos

Since 1959, families have lined up around the block in Culver City for crispy hard-shell tacos that cost around three-fifty each. Seasoned ground beef, melted cheese, and crisp lettuce create simple perfection.

You’ll notice the line moves fast despite the crowd. Old-school charm and unbeatable prices keep generations coming back for their taco fix at this neighborhood treasure.

3. Giovanni’s Fish Market

Fresh ocean catches arrive daily at this family-owned gem right on Morro Bay’s waterfront. Clam chowder so creamy it warms your soul pairs perfectly with fish tacos bursting with flavor.

Reasonable prices make it easy to sample multiple dishes without guilt. Watching boats bob in the harbor while enjoying your meal adds magic you can’t put a price on.

4. Casa Vega

Classic Mexican comfort food has been served here since 1956, earning a James Beard Foundation America’s Classics award in 2022. Flautas arrive golden and crispy, while enchiladas bubble with melted cheese and rich sauce.

The vintage red booths and dim lighting create an atmosphere that feels like stepping back in time. Affordable prices haven’t changed the commitment to quality that made this Sherman Oaks spot famous.

5. Bob’s Big Boy

That iconic double-decker burger has been a Southern California symbol since 1936, and it still delivers big flavor without emptying your wallet. Juicy beef patties stack high with special sauce, lettuce, and cheese between three toasted buns.

The retro diner vibe in Burbank makes every visit feel special. Classic American fare served with a smile keeps this place packed with happy customers day and night.

6. Clifton’s Cafeteria

Operating from 1931 to 2018, this downtown Los Angeles landmark served affordable cafeteria-style meals in the most whimsical setting imaginable. Kitschy decor included a redwood tree growing indoors and forest-themed dining rooms.

Generations of Angelenos remember sliding trays along the counter, choosing from countless budget-friendly options. Though closed now, its legacy as a place where everyone could afford a good meal lives on in city folklore.

7. Holbox

Baja California-style seafood shines at this Mercado La Paloma gem that Yelp named America’s top restaurant in 2025. Fresh ceviche, crispy fish tacos, and inventive seafood dishes showcase authentic coastal Mexican flavors.

Despite the accolades, prices remain surprisingly reasonable for such high quality. Vibrant atmosphere and passionate cooking make every visit feel like a special celebration of California’s diverse culinary heritage.

8. Tommy’s Original World Famous Hamburgers

Chili-smothered burgers have been a Los Angeles obsession since 1946, and Tommy’s perfected the messy, delicious art form. Their secret chili recipe tops juicy patties, creating flavor combinations that keep people coming back for more.

Paper-wrapped burgers arrive steaming hot at prices that seem frozen in time. Late-night crowds prove that great food doesn’t need fancy presentation, just honest ingredients and unbeatable taste that satisfies every craving.

9. Philippe The Original

Claiming to have invented the French dip sandwich in 1918, this downtown LA institution still serves them for remarkably low prices. Tender beef, pork, or lamb gets sliced thin and piled onto crusty French rolls.

Sawdust covers the floors, and communal tables encourage conversation with strangers. Dipping your sandwich into savory au jus while surrounded by history makes every visit memorable beyond just the incredible food value.

10. In-N-Out Burger

California’s most famous burger chain keeps things simple with a small menu and prices that make you wonder how they do it. Fresh beef never frozen, hand-cut fries, and secret menu options create cult-like devotion.

Quality ingredients and friendly service set the standard other fast-food chains try to match. Whether you’re ordering animal style or keeping it classic, you’re getting exceptional value that defines California casual dining culture.

11. Roscoe’s House of Chicken and Waffles

Sweet meets savory in the most glorious way at this Southern California soul food legend that started in 1975. Crispy fried chicken sits atop fluffy waffles drizzled with butter and syrup, creating pure comfort.

Celebrities and locals alike crowd the booths for portions that satisfy any appetite without straining budgets. This uniquely California twist on Southern cooking proves that some of life’s greatest pleasures come from unexpected flavor combinations done right.