Best Group Dining Restaurants in Pico Union
4 hand-picked restaurants, critic-reviewed and ranked
Last Updated: February 2026
Our Top Pick
El Parian Restaurant
Decades-old birria and burritos with handmade tortillas in a true neighborhood institution.
Notable Picks
8.7
A Pico-Union landmark since the mid-1990s, El Parian is best known for its Jalisco-style birria and handmade tortillas, but its carne asada and carnitas burritos pack the same deep, slow-cooked flavor. The room is simple and loud, yet locals keep coming back for generous portions, cash-only prices, and food that feels straight out of a family kitchen.
Must-Try Dishes:
Carne Asada Burrito, Carnitas Burrito, Tacos de Birria
What Makes it Special: Decades-old birria and burritos with handmade tortillas in a true neighborhood institution.
#2
Ramen Akira
8.4
Ramen Akira stands out for its signature garlic tonkotsu ramen, expertly crafted noodles, and deeply flavorful broths. Locals return for the house-made curry alongside a generous ramen roster, appreciating both late-night hours and efficient, warm service. The casual, energetic ambiance and steady review volume underscore Akira’s staying power in the heart of Koreatown.
Must-Try Dishes:
Garlic Tonkotsu Ramen, Japanese Curry Rice, Spicy Miso Ramen
What Makes it Special: Noodle texture and garlic-forward tonkotsu broth.
A Pico-Union family operation running since 2008 on handmade tortillas and from-scratch cooking—the chile relleno burrito and pozole anchor a menu built around generous, no-shortcut Mexican plates. The format is casual counter-and-table service with portions sized for sharing, which keeps groups and families coming back on a neighborhood-staple rhythm. Expect straightforward comfort over polish, with weekend parking requiring some patience along the Pico corridor.
Must-Try Dishes:
Chile Relleno Burrito, Pozole de Pollo, Milanesa Plate
What Makes it Special: Family-owned since 2008, serving traditional Mexican plates with handmade tortillas and from-scratch recipes in Pico-Union
Worthy Picks
7.7
Flavors of Thai is a long-running neighborhood spot with an old-school menu of curries, stir-fries, and noodle plates in hearty portions. It’s more about satisfying, familiar flavors and late-night convenience than polish or trendiness.
Must-Try Dishes:
BBQ Pork with Steamed Rice, Tom Yum Soup, Classic Pad Thai
What Makes it Special: A broad, old-school Thai menu with generous portions and reliably late hours.