As the weekend approaches, Los Angeles food enthusiasts are on the lookout for exciting dining options.
This week, we’ve compiled a list of four fantastic eateries that cater to diverse tastes and budgets.
**Affordable Chinese Takeout: Combo A**
For those seeking a budget-friendly yet fulfilling meal, Combo A in Echo Park is a go-to spot.
This restaurant serves generous portions of chow fun, orange chicken, and beef and broccoli, ensuring you leave with enough food for multiple meals for under $20.
What sets Combo A apart is not just the quantity, but also the quality.
The orange chicken, expertly tossed in a well-seasoned sauce, maintains its crispiness even after cooling.
Additionally, the barbecue pork is both tender and flavorsome.
With the option to mix and match sides, diners can enjoy fried rice, chow fun, steamed rice, and chow mein, along with delicious extras like cream cheese-stuffed wontons or egg rolls.
Don’t forget to wash it down with some boba for a perfect closure to your meal.
*1411 Echo Park Avenue, Suite 101, Los Angeles, CA 90026.*
**Group Gatherings with Flavor: BLVD MRKT**
When it comes to gathering a group of friends with different culinary preferences, BLVD MRKT in Montebello stands out as an exceptional choice.
This food hall, crafted from shipping containers, boasts a unique charm and variety that caters to all tastes.
Visitors can find an array of offerings, including Oaxacan dishes from Cafe Santo, chilaquiles from Los Taquero Mucho, and fun snacks from Cold Pizza and For the Win.
The vibrant atmosphere features community picnic tables sheltered by umbrellas, perfect for a casual yet festive outing.
On weekends, BLVD MRKT also hosts engaging events for families, such as the upcoming Bluey meet and greet on May 24, complete with paletas and face painting.
With its lively scene and diverse menu, it’s a surefire hit for any gathering.
*520 Whittier Boulevard, Montebello, CA 90640.*
**Elegant Dining Experience in Chinatown: Firstborn**
For those aiming for a more upscale dining option this Memorial Day, look no further than Firstborn in Chinatown.
Since its opening in late March, the restaurant has garnered attention for its innovative modern Chinese cuisine crafted by Chef Anthony Wang.
Wang approaches his menu with the same creativity displayed in his sister Lulu Wang’s films, and the result is an exciting culinary experience.
Standout dishes include steak tartare served on soft tofu and a rich tofu gnudi with artichokes.
A must-try is the barbecue cabbage, which is charred to perfection and complemented by a sweet leek vinaigrette, making it one of the most notable items on the menu.
The cumin lamb saddle showcases authentic Sichuan flavors, elevated with a luxurious presentation that’s worthy of a Michelin-starred meal.
Patrons should come prepared to share and enjoy—dishes tend to be on the smaller side, with a dining experience averaging over $120 per person when including drinks.
Expect this culinary gem to attract a discerning crowd and gain recognition during awards season.
*978 N. Broadway, Los Angeles, CA 90012.*
**Underrated Seafood Delight: Koast**
Finally, for seafood lovers, Koast is an underrated gem located on Larchmont/Melrose.
Founded by Kevin Meehan, who previously garnered acclaim at Kali, this restaurant pays tribute to East Coast seafood while infusing it with West Coast flair.
Koast offers inventive raw bites such as local bluefin infused with vadouvan spices and sea bream sashimi featuring ponzu, shiso, and wasabi—dishes that could easily find a place on the menu at a luxury restaurant.
The grilled prawns served in thyme butter deliver a succulent blend of backyard barbecue flavors and the sweetness of top-tier shellfish.
A standout dish, the lobster manicotti, is both playful and indulgent, featuring gooey cheese mixed with tender lobster meat, perfectly countering the lighter raw options.
For dessert, the salted caramel brown butter cake is a delightful finish, topped with whipped cream.
*6623 Melrose Avenue, Los Angeles, CA 90038.*
Whether you’re on a budget, gathering friends, looking for elegance, or craving seafood, these four spots offer something for everyone this weekend in Los Angeles.
Make sure to check them out and enjoy a delightful culinary experience!
image source from:https://la.eater.com/2025/5/23/24435516/los-angeles-restaurant-recommendations-eater-editors-may-23-2025