Restaurant: Pigya
Location: 3400 W 8th St, Los Angeles, CA 90005. (213) 322-2588
Date: August 3, 2025
Cuisine: Korean, Barbeque
Rating: Solid
Nestled in the heart of Los Angeles, Pigya is a culinary gem that offers an authentic Korean Barbeque experience. Located at 3400 W 8th St, this restaurant is a haven for food enthusiasts who crave the rich, smoky flavors of traditional Korean cuisine. The dining concept is interactive and engaging, with each table equipped with a built-in grill, allowing patrons to cook their own meat to perfection. This hands-on approach not only adds a fun element to the dining experience but also allows guests to customize their meal to their liking.
The inviting façade of Pigya, with its sleek black iron accents and warm, ambient lighting, sets an energized yet relaxed tone, enticing guests to immerse themselves in a culinary journey infused with rustic charm and contemporary flair.
The menu at Pigya features a thoughtfully curated evening tasting experience, highlighting rich and flavorful dishes such as tender pork belly and juicy pork osso buco. The offerings showcase a blend of savory and innovative preparations that promise a culinary journey through a variety of textures and tastes.
Dips.
The atmosphere at Pigya is warm and inviting, with a modern, industrial-chic decor that perfectly complements the sizzling sounds and enticing aromas wafting from the grills. The restaurant’s notable feature is its high-quality, premium cuts of meat, including succulent pork belly, tender ribeye, and flavorful short ribs, all marinated in a secret house sauce that adds a delightful depth of flavor. The menu also features a variety of traditional Korean side dishes, or banchan, that perfectly balance the richness of the barbequed meats. With its unique dining concept, inviting atmosphere, and exceptional cuisine, Pigya is a must-visit destination for anyone seeking a memorable Korean Barbeque experience in Los Angeles.
The dish, Garden Fresh Herb Salad, presents a vibrant tapestry of verdant hues, with the kaleidoscope of greens inviting the eye to dive into its crisp embrace. The aromatic freshness of basil and mint intertwines with the earthiness of cucumber, wafting an invigorating essence that dances in the air. Each delicate leaf offers a delightful crunch, a testament to its garden-fresh nature, while subtle notes of citrus and a whisper of olive oil caress the palate, elevating the experience to a symphony of flavor that celebrates the bounty of the earth.
Kimchee and sprouts on the grill.
Wagyu Carpaccio. Silky, paper-thin slices with lush marbling that melt on the tongue, offering a clean, subtly sweet beefiness. Delicate and luxurious, it’s all about pristine texture and purity.
Steamed Egg. Silky and gently set, it wobbles like a tender custard, mild and savory with a clean, comforting finish.
Pork Belly. Rich and indulgent, it marries shatteringly crisp crackling with silky fat and succulent meat. Expect deep, porky savor and a lightly caramelized edge.
Sliced pork. On the right, some fish cakes. The pork is tender and juicy with a clean, savory flavor, while the fish cakes have a springy bite and subtle sweetness.
Cheese on the pork. Melted cheese adds salty richness and a creamy cap to the pork’s savory juices—simple and deeply satisfying.
Beef tongue. Silky and deeply beefy, it becomes surprisingly tender when slow-braised, takes a lovely sear, and slices thin. Rich yet delicate, with a melt-in-the-mouth texture.
The dish, Sautéed Wild Mushrooms, presents an artistic tableau of earthy hues, with pale ivory and deep umber mingling gracefully on the plate. The aroma is a tantalizing forest breeze, enriched by the delicate char from the sizzling pan, inviting you to breathe deeply. Each morsel offers a sumptuous texture, yielding gently to the bite, celebrated by a subtle creaminess that dances with a whisper of nuttiness. A light drizzle of fragrant herbs elevates the experience, weaving through layered flavors that unfurl like a cherished memory, both grounded and ethereal, leaving an echo of umami on the palate that begs for just one more taste.
Short rib. Typically braised until fork-tender, it’s rich and beefy with a silky, collagen-laced texture; glossy and indulgent, it melts in the mouth.
The dish, Galbi, is a vibrant tapestry of rich ruby hues, interspersed with the warm golden tones of caramelized garlic and shallots. As it sizzles on the grill, the intoxicating aroma of smoky sweetness wafts through the air, evoking a primal allure that draws you closer. Each tender morsel of marbled beef, kissed by the flames, boasts a delicate char that envelops the palate in a savory embrace, harmonizing beautifully with the umami depth of sautéed mushrooms. The luxurious, slick texture of the meat contrasts with the crispness of pickled accompaniments, creating a symphony of flavors that dance with each bite—a celebration of culinary mastery that captivates the senses.
Kimchi fried rice. Tangy, spicy, and umami-rich, it brings kimchi’s gentle funk and a hint of smoke, with tender grains and crisp-edged bits.
Cheesy fried rice! Melty, savory cheese hugs the toasty grains, adding creamy richness while keeping the rice distinct and satisfying.
Hangover Ramen. A steaming, salty, umami-rich broth with springy noodles that revives you on contact. Comforting, a little fatty, and reliably restorative.
The 2013 Château de Beaucastel, produced by Famille Perrin in Châteauneuf-du-Pape, embodies the essence of this renowned region with a rich blend of Grenache, Syrah, Mourvèdre, and other varietals. This vintage features complex aromas of dark fruit, leather, and Mediterranean herbs, leading to a full-bodied palate with velvety tannins and a long, elegant finish. It pairs beautifully with roasted lamb, hearty stews, or a rich ratatouille, enhancing the flavors of each dish.
The Billecart-Salmon Brut Sous Bois hails from the renowned Champagne region of France, crafted with a unique blend of Pinot Noir, Chardonnay, and Pinot Meunier grapes. This non-vintage Champagne exhibits a rich complexity due to its fermentation in oak barrels, offering notes of toasted brioche, ripe pear, and a subtle hint of spice. It pairs beautifully with seafood dishes, particularly oysters, enhancing the wine’s minerality and adding to the overall dining experience.
The 2001 Pommard Rugiens from Domaine Michel Gaunoux hails from the prestigious Burgundy region, renowned for its remarkable terroir. This red wine showcases a complex bouquet of dark cherries, earthiness, and spicy oak, delivering an elegant palate with velvety tannins and a vibrant acidity. It pairs beautifully with rich dishes such as duck confit or wild mushroom risotto, enhancing the flavors of both the wine and the cuisine.
