Top 10 affordable spots to eat in Monterey County.

To qualify for this list the featured restaurants enjoy more than strong value up and down the menu.

They also enjoy:

1. Local ownership. (In fact, almost all of these are family owned and operated.)

2. Food that's prepped to order.

3. Deals that are consistent (so spots like Sushi Time in Seaside, while boasting robust deals like $1 nigiri Mondays, miss the cut).

For other insane values (with a dab of overlap), it's worth glancing at this list's cousin, "Monterey County’s top bargains for the belly, from Lovers to Randy’s to Tommy’s."

Here goes the top 10 of the moment (send any nominees for inclusion to edible@mcweekly.com):

10 • Mr. Noodles

Generous portions of delicious pho, udon and other savory noodle dishes make this small Vietnamese getaway a big-value destination and spring roll heaven. 1176 S. Main St., Salinas. 272-3024.

9 • Mando’s Restaurant

The price is right at this comfort-style Mexican restaurant in Pacific Grove. A la carte menu offerings like the chicken tamales and tender pork enchiladas are less than $5. Nice complements like thick homemade corn tortillas and fluffy rice round out the meal. Breakfast, lunch and dinner versatility is a reason to come back. Just as importantly, the staff is friendly and fast. 162 Fountain Ave., Pacific Grove. 656-9235.

8 • Yama Sushi

Four words: Half off all rolls. The best part: the half-price rolls are at their reduced price all day, every day. Grab your sweetie or a group of friends and munch on their signature Golden Gate roll before heading off to see the newest flick at the mall’s cinema. 1290 Del Monte Center, Monterey. 646-9262.

7 • Taqueria Zarape

This joint brings dynamic flavor and authentic Mexican to the plate. The juicy carnitas tacos are a must-try—along with the shrimp-and-fish burrito, roasted chicken super quesadilla and impressive salsa bar. The tacos aren't cheap, but the size earns them a place on the list, as each is big enough for two. 1107 N Fremont St., Seaside. 899-1125, www.taqueriazarape.com.

6 • Melville Tavern

Value on gastropub items like the tavern burger, pork and polenta and red chili-chicken tacos are solid, as is the $3 beer of the week. And bargains proliferate with happy hour and specials like the $6 wood oven pizzas on Wednesdays. 484 Washington St., Monterey. 643-9525, www.melvilletav.com.

5 (tie) • Mi Tierra

The tacos here are delicious and cheap. Try the al pastor or chorizo for $1.50 and prepare for authentic Mexican food bliss. The market also houses a full-service butcher department in addition to dry goods and fresh produce for those who dare attempt to replicate the taco reverie. 1000 Broadway Ave., Seaside. 394-8113.

5 (tie) • Marina Donuts and Bagels

Limited hours (3pm) but seemingly limitless bang for the buck, which is why the line is often out the door and filled with CSU Monterey Bay Otters. 266 Reservation Road, Marina. 883-4527.

4 • Pelican Pizza

The Pelican has kept students and military flying for decades with its bargain two-for-one slice deals—two slices for $3!—and an average large pizza price of $13. The options are ample, including a whole wheat crust choice and beer and wine delivery. 522 Lighthouse Ave., Monterey. 649-4040, www.pelicanpizzaonline.com.

3 • Chopstix

The fresh festival of crunchy carrots, daikon root, cucumber, and cilantro mingles with soft pâté, creamy butter and crusty baguette to deliver a texture and taste that invokes Vietnam flashbacks (the good kind). But there’s more than bahn mi sandwiches, like zesty rice dishes, noodle bowls, boba and five-spice chicken. A big winner in readers polls for Best Cheap Eats. 1988 Fremont Blvd., Seaside. 899-2622; 1244 Munras Ave., Monterey. 372-BOBA, www.chopstixboba.com.

2 • Tico’s Tacos

This place may look like a chain fast food joint, but don’t be fooled: Tico’s has authentic, fast, and inexpensive Mexican favorites, enjoyed by all ages. Staples like enchiladas, burritos and taquitos are never more than $5. 901 S. Main St., Salinas. 758-8064.

1 • Tommy’s Restaurant

Tommy’s offers a refreshingly simple and warm ambiance in a converted house, with easy-on-the-wallet menus and prices. The flagship plate is mind-boggling: $1.50 “Working Man’s Breakfast,” consisting of eggs, hash browns and toast. Their priciest dish is the combination fried rice, a steal at $5.50. 204 Cypress Ave., Marina. 582-9503.