Pigya (Los Angeles)

Overview

Pigya is a popular Koreatown spot known for its pork-focused BBQ and lively, casual atmosphere. It’s earned a strong Yelp following and was even named one of LA’s top 10 restaurants. With high-quality meats, full-service grilling, and a fun vibe, it offers great value in a smoky, social setting.

• Address: 3400 W 8th St, Los Angeles, CA 90005

• Website: https://www.pigyarestaurant.com

• Instagram: @pigyarestaurant

• Hours: Mon–Wed 5:00 PM – 11:00 PM; Thu 5:00 PM – 12:00 AM; Fri 5:00 PM – 1:00 AM; Sat 12:00 PM – 1:00 AM; Sun 12:00 PM – 11:00 PM

• Average Cost per Person: Around $40–$60 per person, depending on combos and drinks.

  Parking: $4 valet next door; limited street parking.

• Reservations: Accepted (via Yelp or phone); recommended for peak nights

• Atmosphere: Lively, modern, and loud with K-pop and dim lighting.

• Perfect For: Groups, casual hangouts, pork lovers, and fun date nights.

Menu Highlights (Meat Quality & Selection)

Thick-cut pork belly sizzles on Pigya’s cast-iron grill alongside kimchi, onions, and bean sprouts, a nod to the Honey Pig days. Pork takes center stage here, especially the rich slabs of samgyeopsal and fatty jowl that render beautifully and soak the veggies in flavor. The pork belly is often called “insanely good” for its tender bite and crispy edges.

You’ll also get juicy pork jowl, great for wrapping in perilla with ssamjang. Beef shows up in their combo sets, most notably the Pork Gyu, which includes short rib and a yuzu-dressed wagyu carpaccio appetizer that adds a light, citrusy start.

Meat quality is consistently high. Cuts are fresh, well-marbled, and grilled for you by staff who know what they’re doing. That means caramelized, juicy bites without you hovering over the flame. Combos are the way to go for most groups, but you can always add à la carte cuts if you want more variety. The menu stays focused, not overwhelming.

Banchan and Sides

No Korean BBQ is complete without banchan, and Pigya delivers. You’ll get a spread of classics like kimchi, pickled radish, sprouts, and marinated onions, plus wrap fixings like lettuce, perilla leaves, garlic, and jalapeños. Sauces include sesame oil with salt, vinegar soy, and ssamjang. Refills are easy to get, and the grilled kimchi and sprouts soaked in pork drippings are a highlight.

Each combo meal also includes some standout extras:

• Steamed egg served in a hot stone bowl

• Wagyu carpaccio with a light yuzu marinade

• Kimchi fried rice cooked tableside with crispy edges

• Spicy “hangover” ramen to finish off the meal

These sides turn the meal into a full experience. It’s not AYCE, but the portions are generous and you can take leftovers home, which most diners appreciate. Between the solid banchan and the bonus dishes, you’ll leave full and probably planning your next visit.

Pricing and Value

Pigya offers high-quality KBBQ at a fair price. Combos range from $68 to $98 and feed 2 to 4 people, averaging about $25–$35 per person. The value stands out with meats, banchan, egg, fried rice, and ramen all included.

Portions are generous, and the staff handle the grilling to avoid waste. With no hidden fees and a full-service experience, Pigya delivers great quality without breaking the bank.

Service

Pigya’s staff grill everything for you with care, so you can sit back and enjoy. It’s ideal for anyone who’d rather eat than cook. Servers are fast, friendly, and helpful with sauces and suggestions. Even first-timers feel comfortable.

Despite the crowds, service runs smoothly. Food comes out fast, and the team keeps things moving without rushing you. They also handle banchan refills and that signature fried rice finish. The attentive service is a big part of what makes Pigya memorable.

Atmosphere and Vibe

Pigya isn’t quiet, but it’s full of energy. Expect sizzling meat, loud K-pop, and a crowd that feels like one big hangout. The noise is part of the charm, giving off real Seoul BBQ vibes.

The space is clean and modern, with built-in grills, dim lighting, and solid ventilation. It’s lively but still comfortable - more Korean pub than fine dining. Set in the old Honey Pig spot, it keeps the signature circular grills that warm sides around the meat, a nostalgic touch for longtime fans.

Come as you are. The crowd is young and mixed, from locals to tourists. For a calmer experience, go early on a weekday. Otherwise, enjoy the buzz - you might even end up cheers-ing the table next to you.

Bottom Line & Final Verdict

Pigya lives up to the hype with a pork-focused KBBQ experience that’s fun, flavorful, and filling. Between the premium meats, generous sides, and that final kimchi fried rice grilled tableside, it’s a meal that sticks with you. The vibe is loud, casual, and energetic - very Koreatown.

Pigya nails the balance of great meat, attentive service, and solid value. Yes, it gets busy and noisy, but the food and experience more than make up for it.

Bottom line: if you love pork and good times, Pigya should be on your list. Bring friends, come hungry, and expect to leave full and happy. It’s one of LA’s top KBBQ spots for a reason.