# LA's new 'affordable' dining: $150 tasting menus

> In Los Angeles, fancy multi-course meals under $150 now count as budget-friendly as restaurant prices skyrocket.
- Title: LA's new 'affordable' dining: $150 tasting menus | Shortify
- Summary: In Los Angeles, fancy multi-course meals under $150 now count as budget-friendly as restaurant prices skyrocket. What counted as expensive dining just two…
- Keywords: los angeles, restaurant prices, tasting menus, dining costs, inflation, the infatuation, michelin star, fine dining, california, food prices, news, entertainment
- Source: California Post — https://nypost.com/2026/09/15/lifestyle/affordable-la-dining-in-2026-means-150-tasting-menus
- Published: 2026-09-15T22:18:16+00:00
- Read time: 1 min
- Topics: los angeles, restaurant prices, tasting menus, dining costs, inflation, the infatuation, michelin star, fine dining, california, food prices, news, entertainment
## $150 is the new affordable
The Infatuation's updated LA dining guide lists tasting menus around $150 or less as 'relatively affordable.' It's a stark sign of how dramatically fancy dining prices have climbed.
## Just two years ago, $100 was pricey
In 2024, Time Out LA featured tasting menus under $100 that wouldn't 'break the bank.' Even then, they noted $100 per person was out of reach for many.
## Why everything costs more now
Inflation, rising ingredient costs, soaring commercial rents, and service fees have pushed prices up. Most omakase bars and Michelin spots now charge over $400.
## Baroo and Holbox lead the pack
Arts District's Baroo charges $140 for seven courses with fermented black bean wagyu. Holbox in South LA offers eight courses for $130, plus tax and 18% service charge.
## Some spots still under $100
Electric Bleu in Mar Vista serves five French courses for $79. At Osteria Mozza's Amaro Bar, four pastas and dessert cost $80 on weeknights.
## The real bargain: Firstborn at $68
Chef Anthony Wang's Chinatown spot offers four inventive courses for just $68. That's roughly $17 per dish, which in today's LA feels almost free.

> Which in today's LA, is almost like getting a free meal.
## Key takeaway

What counted as expensive dining just two years ago is now considered affordable in LA's inflated restaurant scene.