DINING DEALS : IT'S POLISH AND SHINES.

Byline: Larry Lipson

Parthenia St., North Hills, [phone]. Your hearty, satisfying Polish meal here runs from $3 to $7.50 according to the time of day (open 11 a.m. to 8 p.m.). Great soups and such faves as pierogi, golabki and kielbasa. Very tasty and very inexpensive.

Java jubilation

Sudi Mampir, 12728 Sherman Way, North Hollywood, [phone]. Delicious Indonesian food in a no-frills setting at ridiculously low prices. We're talking serious Western Javanese fare here with entrees priced from $4.25 to $9. And a host who will eagerly fill you in on the whys and wherefores of the foods and mores of everything east and west of Bali.

Viking victuals

Taste of Scandinavia, 21629 Devonshire St., Chatsworth, [phone], (also at 21136 Ventura Blvd., Woodland Hills, 818-348-1281). Smorgasbord ($5.95 for dinner, $4.95 lunch) displays freshly cooked, nicely presented, tasty, homey food like roast beef, baked chicken, fried fish, pepper steak, pork chops and Swedish meatballs.

Byzantine buy

Marianthe's, 20103 Saticoy St., Canoga Park, [phone]. Entrees run from $6 to $8.50 here, most served with soup or salad, and Marianthe makes everything from scratch like her mother did. Good, homey Greek, Egyptian and other Middle Eastern fare for a pittance.

Grazing spot

California Canteen, 3311 Cahuenga Blvd. West, near Universal City, [phone]. Located west of Barham and east of Lankershim, it's considered a Valley spot by East Valleyites, though technically in Hollywood. And it's a grazer's paradise with its array of snack plates ($4.75 to $7) and relatively inexpensive pastas ($6.50 to $9.75). Five entrees are under $10. Plenty of garlic used here. And there's a new sidewalk patio.

Save on steaks

Sherman Room, 16916 Sherman Way, Van Nuys, [phone]. For adults (21 and over) only with cash in hand (no credit cards) the steaks are about as low in price as you'll find anywhere. All steaks are under $11, all lobster combos under $19 and the tab includes soup or salad, baked potato or fries and garlic toast. Get in line. There are no reservations taken.