News Summary
The inflation crisis has led to a notable decline in dining out, with 85% of Americans opting to eat at home more frequently. The recent KPMG survey highlights how rising costs have resulted in ‘sticker shock’ for many diners. Despite these challenges, lunchtime dining remains popular, and affordable options are still available in Los Angeles. To aid consumers, the L.A. Times Food team has compiled a guide of 50 budget-friendly restaurants, emphasizing the importance of finding value in dining amidst evolving economic pressures.
Los Angeles – The ongoing inflation crisis has caused a significant decline in dining out as Americans increasingly lean towards budget-friendly restaurant options. A recent survey conducted by KPMG in 2025 revealed that 85% of Americans are eating at home more often in a bid to save money amidst tightening budgets. This shift in consumer behavior has left U.S. restaurants and bars grappling with one of the weakest six-month sales growth periods observed in the first half of 2025, a decline that is even steeper than the experiences faced during the COVID pandemic lockdowns.
As inflation continues to rise, many diners are experiencing what has been described as ‘sticker shock’ at dinner prices, which have soared to levels that were once only associated with celebratory meals. Even sit-down dinners at casual restaurants now bear costs similar to those of upscale dining experiences in the past. However, the lunchtime dining scene remains vibrant, with lunch deals and happy hour discounts still favored by consumers looking to enjoy a meal out without overextending their finances.
The challenges specific to Los Angeles amplify this trend, where factors including wildfires, ICE raids, and increasing rental and labor costs further complicate the dining out landscape. Despite these pressures, residents can still find opportunities to dine out affordably. It remains feasible to enjoy meals at some of L.A.’s top restaurants for under $50 per person, including tax and tip, provided diners are strategic in their choices.
To assist customers navigating the current dining environment, the L.A. Times Food team has created a guide that highlights 50 budget-friendly restaurants. This comprehensive list caters to a range of tastes and includes venues from those ranked in the Times’ 101 Best Restaurants guide, requiring some budget hacks to a variety of casual eateries. Each restaurant listed offers insights into recent prices, recognizing that costs can fluctuate based on location and the method of dining—whether dining in, picking up, or opting for delivery.
The guide also provides practical strategies aimed at allowing diners to enjoy meals out alongside a friend or date while staying within budgetary constraints. Customers are increasingly prioritizing value and comfort as the dynamics of the dining scene evolve in response to rising costs. This shift demonstrates a significant adaptation in consumer preferences as they seek to balance the enjoyment of dining experiences against the realities of tighter financial circumstances.
In summary, the current climate of inflation is reshaping the way Americans dine, pushing them towards more budget-conscious choices and emphasizing the importance of value in the dining experience. The landscape of U.S. dining and food culture is undergoing a profound transformation, where affordability is becoming a central theme as individuals navigate economic pressures.
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Additional Resources
- Los Angeles Times: Most Affordable Dinner Restaurants
- Eater: Interview with Nancy Silverton
- The Infatuation: Best New Los Angeles Restaurants
- Time Out: Best Restaurants in Los Angeles
- Visit California: Support Los Angeles Restaurants
- Wikipedia: Inflation
- Google Search: Los Angeles Restaurants
- Google Scholar: Restaurant Economic Trends
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Restaurant
- Google News: Los Angeles Restaurants
Author: STAFF HERE HOLLYWOOD
The Hollywood Staff Writer represents the experienced team at HEREHollywood.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Hollywood, Los Angeles County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as the Hollywood Bowl summer concerts, the Hollywood Christmas Parade, film premieres at TCL Chinese Theatre, and festivals at the Magic Castle. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Hollywood Chamber of Commerce and Visit Hollywood, plus leading businesses in entertainment, dining, and tourism that define the local economy. As part of the broader HERE network, including HERELosAngeles.com, HEREBeverlyHills.com, HEREAnaheim.com, and HEREHuntingtonBeach.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Southern California's dynamic landscape.
