Where To Find Affordable Michelin Guide Eats: 5 Must-Try L.A. Spots

You can dine at Michelin Guide restaurants without breaking the bank! Here are 5 of our favorite budget-friendly Michelin Bib Gourmand spots in L.A. that are listed as only one “$” on the Michelin website. Michelin Guide Bib Gourmand means “good quality, good value cooking.” That means you can enjoy world-class flavors, chef-driven creativity, and the prestige of a Michelin nod without draining your savings account. From cozy neighborhood gems to bustling street-food favorites, these spots prove you don’t need a black card to eat like a gourmand. Here are 5 affordable Michelin Bib Gourmand one “$” restaurants to try in L.A.: Table Of Contents 1. Villa's Tacos 2. Pine & Crane 3. Liu's Cafe 4. Killer Noodle 5. Mae Malai Thai House of Noodles Villa’s Tacos ------------- ### $ · Mexican Villa’s Tacos in Highland Park, a Michelin Bib Gourmand winner , serves colorful, flavor-packed tacos on fresh blue corn tortillas. Chef Victor Villa’s signature queso taco, loaded with beans, guac, cotija, crema, and a crispy cheese “skirt,” is a local favorite, with fillings from asada to vegan chorizo. Minimal seating, big flavor, and bold salsas keep fans coming back. 🍽️ Villa’s Tacos 📍Location: 5455 N. Figueroa St., Los Angeles, 90042 Pine & Crane ------------ ### $ · Asian, Taiwanese Pine & Crane is a Michelin Bib Gourmand-recognized spot serving fresh, flavorful Taiwanese dishes in a casual, modern space. Standouts include vegetarian-friendly mapo tofu, daikon dumplings, and the signature three-cup jidori chicken, slow-cooked in a savory soy, sesame, and rice wine glaze. With approachable prices, generous portions, and a relaxed vibe, it’s a local favorite for both dine-in and takeout. 🍽️Pine & Crane 📍 Locations: * DTLA: 1120 S. Grand Ave. Unit 101 Los Angeles, CA 90015 * Silver Lake: 1521 Griffith Park Blvd., Los Angeles, 90026 Liu’s Cafe ---------- ### $ · Chinese, Taiwanese Liu’s Cafe in Koreatown is a stylish, Bib Gourmand-recognized spot serving elevated Taiwanese and Hong Kong-inspired comfort food. Highlights include tender pork wontons in spicy chili oil and a rich braised pork belly rice bowl. Pastry chef Isabell Manibusan adds flair with treats like Sichuan peppercorn peanut cookies and vanilla bean egg tarts. With a sleek design and a menu that balances tradition and innovation, it’s a local favorite worth the wait in line. 🍽️Liu’s Cafe 📍 Location: 3915 1/2 W. 6th St., Los Angeles, 90020 Killer Noodle ------------- ### $ · Japanese, Ramen Originally from Tokyo, Killer Noodle is a Michelin Bib Gourmand–recognized spot that turns up the heat with its spicy, Japanese-style Dandan ramen. The signature bowl combines ground pork and tofu in a rich, peanut-infused broth, with a choice of heat levels up to six, each accompanied by a pitcher of water. For those seeking a drier option, the noodles can be served “dry,” offering a tangy and nutty flavor profile. The bold chili oil and vibrant red decor create a lively atmosphere, making it a must-visit for spice enthusiasts. 🍽️Killer Noodle 📍 Location: 2030 Sawtelle Blvd., Los Angeles, 90025 Mae Malai Thai House of Noodles ------------------------------- ### $ · Thai Mae Malai Thai House of Noodles in Hollywood is a Michelin Bib Gourmand spot known for bold, flavorful Thai dishes. Highlights include spicy boat noodle soup with tender pork or beef, stir-fried chili holy basil, and sweet pandan-coconut desserts. Affordable and authentic, it’s a must-visit for Thai food lovers. 🍽️Mae Malai Thai House of Noodles 📍 Location: 5445 Hollywood Blvd., Unit A, Los Angeles, 90027 Source: https://secretlosangeles.com/affordable-michelin-guide-restaurants-in-la/