BY NATALIE HAUGHTON >FOOD EDITOR

In these tough economic times, with skyrocketing prices of food, gas and other goods and services, consumers are juggling their priorities as budgets continue to be squeezed. Some are dining out less and looking for more economical neighborhood joints. The days of splurging at luxury restaurants are often just reserved for very special occasions - and sometimes not even then.

The average American consumes 76 percent of his/her meals at home, according to the National Restaurant Association.

These are difficult times for restaurants, says Rob Finley, senior vice president, California Restaurant Association. "People have less expendable income. What remains very clear is that the cost of doing business has gone up greatly in the last year with increased labor and food costs and more - and providers are passing the price increases along to consumers. Consumers are a lot more selective right now."

But restaurants are finding creative ways to deal with these difficult times, notes Finley. Some are advertising while others are offering two-for-one dinners, early bird specials, reducing portion sizes and pricing, and doing consumer-based marketing including direct mail and e-mail.

Despite the economy, restaurants offering reasonable prices, good food quality and good value (along with large portions, some of which can be taken home for another meal) seem to remain busy, points out Jack Kyser, chief economist, Los Angeles County Economic Development Corp., adding that location and type of food served also impact restaurants. Consumer responses are reflected in less tipping and smaller orders.

"Consumers don't want to pay an arm and a leg, but still want to get food that is tasty. Ask your neighbors about local restaurants they like because sometimes they will tell you about little jewels around the corner," suggests Kyser.

If you're looking to get more bang for your buck - terrific food at wallet-friendly prices, here's a roundup - favorites from colleagues and others - of places where you'll find some inexpensive eats. Prices and styles of food vary - as does the decor, service and appeal. Keep in mind, everyone has his own idea of what's a good value - and the kind of atmosphere preferred or acceptable when dining out.

Natalie Haughton, (818) 713-3692

natalie.haughton@dailynews.com

Zankou Chicken

5658 Sepulveda Blvd.
Van Nuys
(818) 781-0615

1415 E. Colorado Blvd.
Glendale

1001 N. San Fernando Blvd, Suite 100
Burbank
(818) 238-0414

 Also locations in Pasadena, West LA., Hollywood, Anaheim.

Wonderful half rotisserie chicken or beef or tri-tip schwarma plates are $8.99 and include hummus or tahini, pickles, tomatoes and pita. Roasted chicken sandwiches (with garlic sauce and tomatoes) are $4.29. Be sure to get a side of the terrific moutabal (eggplant dip) with pita bread ($6.60). Also falafel, salads, tabouli salad and more.

Zanos Pizza Kitchen

21604 Ventura Blvd.
Woodland Hills
(818) 719-0003

Pizza, pasta, paninis, calzone and salads are available (in big portions) - ranging from $5.50 to $21. For $7, you can get a slice of pizza, a cold salad and a drink (with free refills).

Mandarin Deli

9305 Reseda Blvd.
Northridge
(818) 993-0122

Mandarin Chinese cuisine featured. Try the noodle soups ($6.95), pot stickers ($5.95), scallion pancake ($3.75) along with cucumber and other salads ($3.75). Entree selections, ranging from $9.50 to $12.50 include kung pao chicken, Mandarin boneless chicken, orange chicken, Mongolian beef and hot spicy shrimp, etc. Vegetable and noodle dishes are $7.50 to $8.50.

The Gourmet Tamale Factory

119 N. Maclay Ave.
San Fernando
(818) 837-3524

Although not really a restaurant, you can eat on the premises or pick up tamales and chiles rellenos to go. A dinner plate with Mexican rice, pinto beans and a tamale is about $3. A chile rellenos plate with rice and beans is about $6. Large tamales (beef, pork, chicken, cheese, pineapple, corn or mixed vegetables) are $1.95 each or $19 to $21 a dozen. Chiles rellenos are $2.75 each.

Ginger Thai Cuisine

22330 Sherman Way
West Hills
(818) 887-7118

Salads - such as seafood, papaya, beef or green mango - range from $8 to $12 - and entrees such as yellow chicken curry, chicken kiapow, fish filet with tamarind sauce or grilled rib eye beef,` range from $8 to $18.

The Original Chef Burger Greek Cafe

1543 Los Angeles Ave.
Simi Valley
(805) 520-3997

Chef Burger Greek Cafe

(different owner)

4397 Township Ave.
Simi Valley
(805) 582-1491

Serves burgers and hot dogs, but noted for Greek and Mediterranean fare. For $7.95, several dinners are available including moussaka and rice, a choice of four different shish kabobs (beef, pork, chicken) with rice and Greek baked potatoes or a grape leaves dinner with rice and veggies. All served with pita bread. Greek appetizers are $2.95 to $4.95; Greek salad is $6.95 (large). Also serve tri-tip or pastrami sandwiches and more. Sit down, take out or drive through.

Campos Famous Burritos

2149 Tapo Street
Simi Valley
(805) 522-8590

More than a dozen combination plates available, among them chiles rellenos with rice and beans; a taco, enchilada, rice and beans; and a carne asada plate ranging $3.80 to $5.35. A la carte items like nachos, tostadas, tacos and burritos at $3.85 to $4.40.

Bamboo Forest Chinese Restaurant

14834 Burbank Blvd.
Sherman Oaks
(818) 988-8688

Dinner entrees priced from $6.50 to $10.25. Most popular are volcano shrimp, orange chicken, walnut shrimp, pineapple chicken fried rice, and chicken asparagus - all served with steamed rice. Appetizers such as eggs rolls, white meat chicken dumplings, and crab and cream cheese wontons range from $2.25 to $5.75. Eat in, take out or will deliver.

Rincome Thai

17050 Devonshire St.
Northridge
(818) 366-5805

A Thai dinner for $7.95 includes an eggroll, rice, salad and a choice of entrees such as chicken yellow curry, pad Thai noodles, chicken with mint leaves, beef with broccoli and more. A la carte entree items also available for $6.95.

Melody's Mexican Kitchen

6747 Reseda Blvd.
Reseda
(818) 609-9062

Combination plates - two hard-shell tacos with rice and beans or enchilada and tacos, etc., are $5.50 to $9.60. The salpicon tostada with choice of meat is $7.50, while the carne asada burrito, dry or wet (with cheese sauce on top) ranges from $6.75 to $7.85. The menu also includes appetizers, desserts, beans, rice and other items.

Pita Pockets

9127 Reseda Blvd.
Northridge
(818) 709-4444

Middle Eastern food to eat in or take out. Lots of options for $5 to $10. The lemon chicken and gyros plates are popular, as are chicken schwarma in fresh lafsa bread that is baked on the premises. Tabouli, hummus, baba ganoush and falafel are also available. You can get lamb, chicken and chicken kabob plates with sides - an entire meal for $10 or less.

La Fogata

5142 Van Nuys Blvd.
Sherman Oaks
(818) 501-9065

Burritos, tacos and enchiladas plates are around $8. A la carte items range from $2 to $5. No lard used here. Eat in or take out.

Carnival

4356 Woodman Ave.
Sherman Oaks
(818) 784-3469

Dinner specials range from $8.95 (bean stew, stuffed chicken) to $12.95 (lamb shanks) and include rice. Appetizers range from $3.75 to $5.50. Combination appetizer platter (enough for two to share) is $8.95 to $11.95. A la carte entrees $11.25 and up. Beef and lamb or chicken schwarma dinner plate is $12.95 and comes with rice and salad; schwarma sandwich is $5.95.

Tony's Mexican Grill

12910 Magnolia Blvd.
Sherman Oaks
(818) 769-5754

Dinner specials vary on different nights and might include mahi mahi fish with mashed potatoes, spinach and grilled zucchini topped with sun-dried tomatoes, artichoke hearts and mushrooms sauteed in a lime sauce or grilled salmon over rice with grilled spinach and zucchini, mushrooms, tomatoes, and green and black olive salsa, and tortillas on the side, with prices from $12.95 to $13.95. Also available are burritos, enchiladas, tacos, taquitos, chiles rellenos, fajitas, tostadas and more for $2.50 to $10.50. House specialties include items like tilapia, torta sandwiches, soups, trout and seafood plates.

Versailles

17410 Ventura Blvd.
Encino
(818) 906-0756

1000 N. Sepulveda Blvd.
Manhattan Beach
(310) 937-6829

 Also Los Angeles, Universal CityWalk

 Featuring Cuban food, this chain is known for its garlic chicken but also serves beef, roast pork and seafood. A half chicken dinner with white rice, black beans and fried plantain is $9.95. Other dinner plates are $10.95 to $12.95. Salads are $4.99. Soups including black bean and chicken are $3.

Cafe Bravo

1135 W. Glenoaks Blvd.
Glendale
(818) 500-4005

Middle Eastern food. Plates with skewers of chicken breast, beef or pork kabobs are around $7 and come with with rice and two sides (choices of tabouli, hummus, tomato salad, etc.) and pita bread. Other dinners such as lulu kabobs or ground chicken lulu are $6.50. A la carte appetizers range from $2 to $5.25. Dine in or take out.

Tangy Thai

16045 Sherman Way, Suite D
Van Nuys
(818) 994-7556

Dinner prices range from $6.95 to $9.50 and entrees come with steamed rice. Popular entrees include Thai BBQ chicken, ginger fish, jumbo shrimp and spicy noodles. Appetizers such as Thai egg rolls, crispy wontons, fried tofu and jumbo shrimp tempura range from $4.95 to $7.95.

Pine Tree Inn

8322 Reseda Blvd.
Northridge
(818) 886-1512

Korean food. Chicken dinner is $13.95 (you cook at the table) while barbecue beef is $17.95 - the dinners come with soup, salad and vegetables. Other options also available.

 India Sweets & Spices

22009 Sherman Way
Canoga Park
(818) 887-0868

18110 Parthenia St.
Northridge
(818) 407-1498

Indian vegetarian fare featured. Dinner specials (order at a counter) range from $4.49 to $6.49 and include rice, two vegetables, one bread, yogurt, salad and pickles (add a few snacks for the higher price). Other options also available. A grocery store is adjacent to the eating area.

Hummus Bar

18743 Ventura Blvd.
Tarzana
(818) 344-6606

You'll find many varieties of hummus here along with other Middle Eastern specialties. Dinner plates with items such as chicken breast, schwarma or meat ball kabobs with two sides range from $11 to $15.

Kabuki Sushi

9701 Reseda Blvd.
Northridge
(818) 886-8266

Besides sushi, this Japanese restaurant offers chicken teriyaki and other combination dinners at $14 to $15 along with seafood salads ($9.75 to $12.25) and more.