LA’s food scene is unreal – tacos, sushi, burgers, you name it – but getting it delivered without breaking the bank can feel like a challenge. Between the traffic, parking headaches, and just the everyday hustle of the city, staying in and ordering sounds way better than going out. Trouble is, those delivery fees add up quick. This guide breaks down the apps that keep costs down while still delivering the goods, whether you’re chilling in Hollywood or kicking back in South LA. Here’s how to score cheap eats without leaving the couch.
1. UberEats
UberEats rolls into LA with a setup that’s all about speed and options. Built off the back of Uber’s ride know-how, it hooks you up with food from local joints and big chains alike, letting you track your order live from kitchen to doorstep. It’s got a knack for covering a ton of spots across the city, so whether you’re near the beach or up in the hills, there’s usually something nearby.
You can tweak your order too – add extra sauce, skip the onions, whatever – and pick from standard delivery, a faster priority option, or even swing by for pick-up if you’re out and about. It’s flexible, letting you schedule stuff ahead if you’re planning a late-night bite. For LA folks, it’s a straightforward way to get food without much fuss.
Key Highlights:
- Tracks orders in real-time from start to finish.
- Offers delivery, priority delivery, or pick-up choices.
- Lets you customize meals to fit your tastes.
Who It’s For:
- Busy Angelenos who need food fast.
- People who like tweaking their orders.
- Anyone planning ahead with scheduled deliveries.
2. GoPuff
GoPuff has got a different angle – it’s not chasing restaurant meals but stocking up your late-night snack stash. Think of it like a corner store that shows up at your door with chips, ice cream, or even a phone charger if you’re desperate. In LA, it’s all about quick, no-frills delivery from their own warehouses, not some diner down the street.
It runs round the clock in a lot of spots, so if you’re up late in Koreatown or crashing in Santa Monica, it’s there. You can pre-order too, setting up a drop-off for whenever you’re ready. It’s less about hot food and more about those random cravings that hit out of nowhere.
Key Highlights:
- Focuses on snacks, drinks, and small essentials.
- Runs 24/7 in many LA areas.
- Delivers from their own stash, not restaurants.
Who It’s For:
- Night owls needing a quick snack fix.
- People who want basics without the grocery run.
- Anyone who likes planning small orders ahead.
3. Grubhub
Grubhub’s a big name in LA, hooking folks up with grub from all over the city – think local diners to chain spots. It’s been around forever, so it’s got a solid grip on what Angelenos like to eat. You can filter by cuisine or check ratings to find something good, and it’s all about keeping the process easy.
The app’s got a mix of delivery and pick-up options, so if you’re near a spot in Echo Park, you can grab it yourself. It’s tied to a huge network of places, which means you’ve got choices no matter where you’re at – Downtown, WeHo, wherever. It’s a dependable pick for keeping food costs in check.
Key Highlights:
- Covers a massive range of LA restaurants.
- Lets you choose delivery or pick-up.
- Easy to sort by cuisine or reviews.
Who It’s For
- LA foodies who love variety.
- People who might skip delivery sometimes.
- Anyone wanting a reliable, familiar app.
4. DoorDash
DoorDash is everywhere in LA, and it’s got the city on lock with a crazy number of restaurants to pick from. It’s not just about food either – you can snag stuff like pet supplies or booze if the mood strikes. In a sprawl like this, it’s handy for hitting up local gems or big names, no matter your zip code.
The app’s laid out simple – scroll through categories like “Wallet Friendly” or reorder from your past faves. It’s got a subscription thing too, which can cut down on fees if you’re ordering a lot. For LA’s hustle, it’s a go-to that keeps things moving.
Key Highlights:
- Tons of restaurant options across LA.
- Delivers more than just food—think extras.
- Simple app layout with handy categories.
Who It’s For:
- People who order all the time.
- LA folks wanting food plus random stuff.
- Anyone who likes an easy app to navigate.
5. Slice
Slice keeps it real simple – it’s all about pizza, and that’s it. In a city like LA with pizza joints on every corner, it connects you straight to local shops, not the big chains. You’re getting that neighborhood vibe, whether it’s a spot in Venice or Highland Park, without the middleman mess.
It’s built for pizza lovers who want to skip the hassle. The app lets you customize your pie and get it delivered or pick it up, depending on your day. For LA’s pizza crowd, it’s a no-nonsense way to keep things cheap and tasty.
Key Highlights:
- Focuses only on local pizza spots.
- Offers delivery or pick-up options.
- Straight connection to neighborhood shops.
Who It’s For:
- Pizza fans in LA’s many hoods.
- People who dig supporting local places.
- Anyone keeping it simple with their order.
6. Seamless
Seamless rolls with a no-fuss attitude in LA, owned by Grubhub but keeping its own city flavor. It’s all about fast delivery from a mix of spots – think classic diners or your go-to chain. It’s been a player for years, so it knows how to get food to your door without overcomplicating things.
You can dig through options by cuisine or whatever’s close, and it’s got pick-up if you’re out running around. In LA, it’s a steady choice for folks who just want their meal without extra steps – perfect for a quick lunch in Mid-City or dinner in Studio City.
Key Highlights:
- Quick delivery from a wide range of places.
- Part of Grubhub’s big network.
- Pick-up available alongside delivery.
Who It’s For:
- LA peeps who want food fast and easy.
- Regular orderers who know what they like.
- Anyone mixing delivery with pick-up runs.
7. Instacart
Instacart flips the script – it’s not about hot food but groceries hitting your doorstep. In LA, it’s a lifeline for dodging crowded stores, pulling from places like Ralphs or Whole Foods. Shoppers grab your stuff, and you get it same-day, sometimes in an hour if you’re lucky.
It’s got a subscription deal to cut fees, and you can tweak your list – organic this, extra that. For LA’s busy types, it’s less about takeout and more about keeping the fridge stocked without the trek through traffic.
Key Highlights:
- Delivers groceries, not restaurant meals.
- Same-day drop-off, often super quick.
- Subscription option to lower costs.
Who It’s For:
- LA homebodies needing pantry stuff.
- People too slammed to shop.
- Anyone who likes customizing their haul.
8. Shef
Shef’s got a cool twist – it’s home-cooked meals from local chefs in LA. Think of it like your neighbor whipping up something awesome, tailored to whatever you’re into – vegan, gluten-free, you name it. You browse chef profiles, pick what sounds good, and it shows up fresh.
It’s less about speed and more about personal touches, with meals you can’t just grab anywhere. In a city full of food trucks and pop-ups, it’s a homey option for when you want something unique without leaving your place.
Key Highlights:
- Home-cooked grub from local chefs.
- Fully customizable meal plans.
- Chef profiles let you pick your vibe.
Who It’s For:
- LA folks into one-of-a-kind eats.
- People with specific food needs.
- Anyone craving a homemade feel.
9. Delivery.com
Delivery.com casts a wide net in LA – food, groceries, even booze if you’re hosting. It’s not tied to one thing, so you can grab dinner from a spot in Silver Lake and some drinks too, all in one go. It’s got a big reach across the city, leaning on local places.
The app sorts stuff by category, so it’s easy to find what you’re after, and it throws in suggestions based on what you’ve ordered before. It’s a versatile pick for keeping things affordable when you need more than just a meal.
Key Highlights:
- Covers food, groceries, and alcohol.
- Suggests stuff from past orders.
- Hooks up with local LA spots.
Who It’s For:
- LA folks who want it all in one order.
- Party planners needing extras.
- People who like local variety.
10. ChowNow
ChowNow’s got a chill setup – it’s about linking you straight to restaurants in LA, no big commissions involved. It’s big on local joints, so you’re supporting places around town, and it’s got delivery or pick-up depending on what you’re feeling. It’s in a bunch of cities, LA included.
The app’s easy to use – sort by cuisine or whatever’s close, and you’re set. It’s a low-key option for keeping costs down, especially if you’re cool with grabbing your food sometimes instead of waiting for it.
Key Highlights:
- Direct orders to LA restaurants.
- No commission cuts for eateries.
- Delivery or pick-up, your call.
Who It’s For:
- Supporters of local LA eats.
- People who mix pick-up with delivery.
- Anyone keeping it simple and cheap.
11. Caviar
Caviar’s got a fancy edge in LA, zeroing in on high-end spots and local faves DoorDash scooped up a while back. It’s less about fast food and more about curated eats – think upscale vibes delivered to your door. It’s plugged into LA’s food scene, from Santa Monica to Pasadena.
You can snag exclusive deals through the app, and it’s all about making delivery feel a little special. For those in LA who want something beyond the usual, it’s a solid way to keep things tasty without the chain feel.
Key Highlights:
- Targets premium LA restaurants.
- Part of DoorDash’s network now.
- Offers exclusive in-app promos.
Who It’s For:
- LA foodies into upscale bites.
- People who want a curated vibe.
- Anyone dodging fast food chains.
12. EatStreet
EatStreet’s a quieter player in LA, connecting you to local restaurants with a simple delivery setup. It’s not as loud as the big names, but it’s got a decent spread of places to order from, keeping things straightforward. You’re covered across parts of the city, no fluff.
It’s all about getting food from nearby spots to your place without extra hassle – pick what you want, and it shows up. For LA folks, it’s a basic, no-drama option when you’re just hungry and want something quick.
Key Highlights:
- Links to local LA eateries.
- Keeps delivery simple and direct.
- Covers a solid city range.
Who It’s For:
- LA residents who like low-key apps.
- People after no-fuss food.
- Anyone sticking to nearby spots.
13. Rappi
Rappi’s got a wild card feel – it’s huge in Latin America but dipping toes into LA. It’s not just food; it’s groceries, pharmacy stuff, whatever you need, all in one app. In LA, it’s still finding its feet, but it’s got potential for covering a lot of ground.
The setup’s broad – you can order a meal or random items, and it’s built for convenience. For LA’s diverse crowd, it’s an up-and-comer that might save you some cash if it sticks around and grows.
Key Highlights:
- Mixes food with all kinds of deliveries.
- Big in other regions, new to LA.
- Aims for one-stop convenience.
Who It’s For:
- LA folks open to new apps.
- People who want more than meals.
- Early adopters in the city.
14. HelloFresh
HelloFresh switches gears – it’s not takeout but meal kits dropped off in LA. You get fresh ingredients and recipes to cook yourself, all prepped and ready to go. It’s less about instant eats and more about making dinner at home without the grocery run.
It’s got options for different diets – vegan, low-carb, whatever – and you can pick how often it shows up. For LA peeps, it’s a budget-friendly way to eat well if you’re cool with a little kitchen time.
Key Highlights:
- Delivers meal kits, not cooked food.
- Tailors to your dietary prefs.
- Flexible delivery schedule.
Who It’s For:
- LA home cooks on a budget.
- People into fresh, custom meals.
- Anyone skipping takeout for DIY.
15. Yelp
Yelp’s not a delivery app at heart – it’s about finding spots in LA and reading what folks think. But it’s got a tie-in where you can order through partner apps from some listings, so it’s a sneaky way to get food without a separate download. It’s all over LA, from dive bars to fancy joints.
You browse reviews, check menus, and sometimes jump to delivery right there. For LA locals, it’s more a starting point than a full-on delivery tool, but it’s handy for scoping cheap eats.
Key Highlights:
- Focuses on reviews, not direct delivery.
- Links to partner apps for orders.
- Covers all of LA’s food scene.
Who It’s For:
- LA explorers hunting deals.
- People who research before ordering.
- Anyone already on Yelp a lot.
16. OpenTable
OpenTable’s mainly for booking tables in LA, not delivering food straight-up. It’s about snagging a spot at restaurants, but some places let you order takeout through it, which can slide into delivery via partners. It’s big in LA’s dining world, from casual to upscale.
It’s less about getting food to your door and more about planning your next meal out or to-go. For LA folks, it’s a side option for keeping costs low if you’re near a spot and can grab it yourself.
Key Highlights:
- Built for reservations, not delivery.
- Some takeout links to delivery apps.
- Wide range of LA dining options.
Who It’s For:
- LA diners who book ahead.
- People mixing takeout with eating out.
- Anyone avoiding full delivery fees.
Conclusion
After looking at all these apps, it’s clear there’s no single magic bullet for cheap food delivery in LA – it’s more about what suits your mood and your wallet. Some keep the extra charges low, making them great for a quick lunch from a nearby joint. Others shine when you’re ordering for a crowd or need groceries dropped off without braving the 405. The variety’s wild, from hot meals to meal kits, so it’s really just a matter of matching the app to whatever you’re craving.
In a city like LA, where driving a mile can take an hour, having food come to you is a game-changer. Whether you’re holed up in an apartment downtown or sprawled out in the Valley, these apps can save the day without making you feel broke. They’ve all got their own spin – local vibes, big selections, or straight-up convenience – and that’s what makes it easy to find one that works. At the end of the day, it’s less about hunting for the absolute cheapest and more about getting what you want without the hassle.