Discover affordable tasting menus in Los Angeles: gourmet dining under $100

In the ever-evolving culinary landscape of Los Angeles, the cost of dining out has reached unprecedented heights. From Michelin-starred omakases to humble street tacos, prices have been steadily climbing. This reality check reveals that most Angelenos can’t afford to regularly spend over $100 per person on a single meal. For many, dining out has become a special occasion event or a once-a-month indulgence. However, there is a silver lining: a selection of under-the-radar tasting menus below $100 that offer a respite from the sky-high prices of most L.A. tasting menus and omakases.

n/soto: A Mid-City Delight

*When: Wednesday and Thursday evenings
Why book: Niki Nakayama and Carole Iida-Nakayama’s Mid-City izakaya, n/soto, offers a different experience from their two Michelin-starred kaiseki restaurant, n/naka. The newer seasonal tasting menu, devised by culinary lead Yoji Tajima and chef de cuisine Gregory Otero, bridges the gap for just shy of $100. The six-course menu, priced at $95, showcases a variety of cooking styles, from agemono (fried) to yakimono (grilled). Current highlights include a shrimp katsu sandwich with housemade Japanese milk bread and braised short rib reminiscent of the A5 Wagyu course at n/naka. For those hoping to get the full experience, an additional $25 for a six-piece nigiri supplement is recommended.

Pasjoli: A Duck Lover’s Paradise

When: Every Monday through the end of August
Why book: Pasjoli, an ultra-pricey bistro renowned for its pressed whole duck, offers a special treat for solo diners this summer. For $85, diners can enjoy a three-course meal centered around Pasjoli’s famous pressed duck. The catch? This offer is available only on Mondays, with just 20 orders available each week. The meal includes a slice of foie de poulet, a market lettuce duck salad with duck fat cherry vinaigrette, crispy duck skin, petite duck breast with sauce from the pressed duck, and duck leg bread pudding.

Crossroads: Vegan Delights

When: Nightly
Why book: High-end vegan restaurant Crossroads has delighted omnivores with its flavorful, imaginative dishes. For $65, diners can enjoy a four-course tasting menu that includes chef Tal Ronnen’s greatest hits, such as artichoke oysters, kale Caesar salad, rigatoni bolognese, and a gluten-free brownie sundae with brandy flambéed cherries and coconut whipped cream. For an additional $10, a limited-time $75 per head three-course steakhouse dinner is available, featuring plant-based versions of steakhouse classics like crab cake (made of palm) and “steak” made of lion’s mane mushrooms.

Rustic Canyon: Farm-to-Table Excellence

When: Tuesday evenings
Why book:* Jeremy Fox’s farm-to-table Santa Monica restaurant, Rustic Canyon, offers a three-course supper every Tuesday night for $75 or less. Since February, chef de cuisine Elijah Deleon has been overseeing the kitchen, launching an ever-changing menu that features the freshest, high-quality, locally sourced meat, seafood, and produce. Expect gourmet ingredients like Transparent Sea Farm prawns and Regier Family Farms stone fruit to make frequent appearances.

Our Advice on the City

Los Angeles is a city that thrives on diversity and innovation, and its culinary scene is no exception. For occasional travelers, we recommend exploring these budget-friendly tasting menus to get a taste of L.A.’s high-end dining without breaking the bank. Each restaurant offers a unique experience, from the cozy izakaya vibes of n/soto to the vegan delights at Crossroads.

For expert travelers, consider making reservations well in advance, especially for limited-time offers like Pasjoli’s Monday night duck special. Additionally, don’t hesitate to explore the city’s farmers’ markets and local food festivals, which often feature pop-up tasting menus and exclusive dishes from top chefs.

In conclusion, Los Angeles offers a plethora of affordable tasting menus that allow diners to indulge in gourmet experiences without the hefty price tag. Whether you’re a local or a visitor, these culinary gems provide an excellent opportunity to explore the city’s vibrant food scene. So, next time you’re in L.A., treat yourself to one of these delightful tasting menus and savor the flavors of the city.