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New Yorkers 1st Choice
Guide to Pico-Union

Authentic spots

You are looking for an authentic experience that stays true to its roots without any unnecessary polish.

Based on 628 Opinions
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Updated July 2026
01
Xecul Restaurante Guatemalteco image 1
Xecul Restaurante Guatemalteco image 2
Xecul Restaurante Guatemalteco image 3
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Latin American restaurant

Cozy space with colorful murals offers authentic Guatemalan flavors from western Guatemala. Quiet atmosphere turns lively with local musicians on weekends. Menu features traditional dishes and refreshing iced juices.

Offers authentic Guatemalan flavors from western Guatemala. Serves food that tastes truly authentic to Guatemala.

People are saying

"I found the food here to be delicious and very rich."

"I loved the authentic taste of Guatemala here."

Good to know

1

There is plenty of free parking in the plaza.

2

The price is quite high for what they serve.

3

The menu is somewhat limited.

02
UMMA KITCHEN 엄마키친 image 1
Korean restaurant

Bright, clean space serves authentic Korean banchan with a homemade feel. Calm energy makes it like a warm home-cooked meal. High-quality ingredients ensure fresh, well-prepared side dishes and convenient meal kits for home.

Authentic Korean jib-bop shines here with mommy’s food style. The banchan offers a super authentic taste of Korean home cooking.

People are saying

"The Korean food here is so fresh and authentic, like mommy's cooking."

"Their frozen soups are delicious and a lifesaver for busy weeks."

"The banchan here tastes so fresh, like it was just made."

Good to know

1

UMMA KITCHEN offers a variety of authentic banchan and meal kits.

2

Ordering online is simple through their user-friendly website.

3

The shop is known for its cleanliness and well-maintained environment.

03
Casa Gish Bac Cocina Oaxaqueña image 1

Spacious Mexican spot offers authentic Oaxacan cuisine with dishes like mole negro. Live mariachi music fuels a lively, sometimes loud vibe. Tables spread out to balance festive ambiance with room for groups.

Authentic Oaxacan food comes from cooks native to the region, offering dishes like mole negro with a sweet, spicy, and savory flavor. The menu features specialties from Tlacolula de Matamoros and suits groups looking for genuine flavors.

People are saying

"I found the Oaxacan food here to be exquisite and delicious."

"The barbacoa roja here tastes like home, just like in Tlacolula."

"I tried authentic Oaxacan food that was delicious and savory."

Good to know

1

The restaurant hosts local vendor events every Sunday in the plaza.

2

Parking is plentiful and easy to find on Sundays.

3

The restroom includes a baby changing station for families.

04
Mi Cocinita Chapina image 1
Guatemalan restaurant

Small, cozy spot offers authentic Guatemalan flavors like chuchitos and garnachas. Handmade tortillas and genuine decor create a warm, family-friendly vibe. Soft music adds charm despite limited parking and generous portions.

Food features authentic Guatemalan flavors with dishes like chuchitos and garnachas made fresh. The decor also reflects genuine Guatemalan style.

People are saying

"I found the food here to be delicious and authentic."

"The food here is authentic Guatemalan, like the chuchitos and garnachas."

"It's a cozy, family-friendly place."

Good to know

1

Parking can be difficult to find nearby the restaurant.

2

Expect to wait outside around 12pm on weekends.

3

Prices are on the higher side for basic meals.

05
El Colmao image 1
Cuban restaurant

Small mom-and-pop Cuban spot offers authentic Cuban flavors with classic dishes like ropa vieja. Humble vibes and a 1970s patio create a cozy, nostalgic feel. Fried yucca adds a tasty, traditional touch to the menu.

Food serves real Cuban flavors with dishes that taste authentic and traditional. The menu focuses on classic Cuban recipes that stay true to their roots.

People are saying

"I thought the Cuban food here was real and authentic."

"The seafood here, especially the fried fish, is amazing."

"The fish here is so good and fresh."

Good to know

1

There is good parking available and it is secure.

2

You should bring your own bottle of wine to dine with.

3

Karaoke entertainment happens on Sundays from 2:30 P.M. onwards.

06
Jook Hyang image 1
Korean restaurant

Small, family-owned spot serves authentic Korean dishes with genuine flavors in a cozy, quiet atmosphere. Friendly service and clean, spacious seating make it perfect for peaceful meals or casual lunches. Regulars love its consistent quality and warm vibe.

Offers traditional Korean dishes with genuine flavors. Serves authentic Korean cooking that stays true to its roots.

People are saying

"This Korean food feels nourishing, warm, and like home."

"The parking available here is so easy and free."

"I found the authentic Korean food here to be fresh and delicious."

Good to know

1

There is free parking available at the restaurant.

2

The parking lot is large and easily accessible.

3

They charge a $1 service fee for takeout orders.

07
Portobanco's Restaurant image 1
Nicaraguan restaurant

Space offers Nicaraguan paintings and a live stage for weekend music. Menu serves authentic dishes with Cebada and Toña beers. Atmosphere stays quiet with soft music, turning lively yet warm on weekends.

True Nicaraguan dishes fill the menu with authentic flavors. Cebada and Toña beers add a genuine touch to the food experience.

People are saying

"I found the food here to be delicious."

"Parking is available, but it's valet and costs money."

"I loved the authentic Nicaraguan food and drinks here."

Good to know

1

Valet parking costs $7-$10 depending on your vehicle type.

2

Parking is limited outside, but valet service is available.

3

There is an extra charge for parking after paying for the meal.

08
Las 7 Regiones de Oaxaca image 1
Oaxacan restaurant

Cozy spot serves authentic Oaxacan flavors with large portions in a clean, friendly space. Loud TVs add a lively backdrop to the quiet vibe. Parking is tough but worth it for traditional recipes and genuine taste.

Food delivers authentic Oaxacan flavors with a focus on traditional recipes. Dishes consistently reflect genuine regional taste and preparation.

People are saying

"I found the food here to be delicious and authentic."

"I found the food to be very authentic Oaxacan."

Good to know

1

Parking is available at the back of the restaurant.

2

Expect to walk about three blocks if parking is full.

3

The restaurant offers large portions, enough to feed two people.

09
LA 장충 평안도 족발집 (올림픽점) LA Jangchung Jokbal image 1

Old school Korean spot with authentic jokbal and classic comfort food. Dim lighting creates a cozy vibe like Seoul. Portions are generous and flavors stay true to tradition.

Jokbal and Bossam here match authentic Korean versions closely. The menu features traditional dishes like cooked pig feet that capture genuine Korean comfort food.

People are saying

"This Korean food's pig's feet are tender and flavorful."

"This soup makes you feel like you're eating in Seoul."

"I found the jokbal and bossam to be truly authentic and tender."

Good to know

1

There is free outdoor parking available, but the space is limited.

2

The jokbal easily feeds a crew of 4.

3

Rice isn't included with the jokbal.

10
Olympic Restaurant image 1
Korean restaurant

Small Korean spot serves authentic dishes with a homey feel. Close tables create a peaceful vibe perfect for quiet meals. Rich aromas fill the air, making it a clean, simple place to enjoy traditional flavors.

Food offers authentic Korean dishes with a homey feel. Some dishes remind of South Korea, though authenticity varies across items.

People are saying

"The food here is authentic and delicious, like mom's cooking."

"The Korean food here is authentic and delicious."

"I found there was lots of parking available."

Good to know

1

Parking is free at the mall.

2

There is ample parking available.

3

Expect a small wait during popular dining times.

11
La 27 Restaurante image 1
Nicaraguan restaurant

Small space serves authentic Nicaraguan flavors with fresh ingredients. Live music on weekends creates a lively atmosphere where families often dance. Music volume is very loud, adding to the energetic vibe.

Food delivers authentic Nicaraguan flavors with a focus on fresh ingredients. The overall experience stays true to traditional tastes and preparation.

People are saying

"I found the food here to be delicious."

"The live music here is lively and full of energy."

"I loved the authentic Nicaraguan food here."

Good to know

1

The best days to visit are when there is a performer.

2

Parking on the weekends can be a pain.

3

La 27 Restaurante doesn't have parking, so I had to park on the street.

12
La Flor De Yucatan Bakery image 1
Mexican restaurant

Cozy bakery offers authentic Yucatecan baked goods like hojaldra and tamales. Warm aromas fill the air, creating a welcoming vibe. Casual setup favors takeout and delivery with some outdoor seating.

Offers authentic Yucatecan baked goods like hojaldra and tamales with a cozy atmosphere. Prices tend to be on the higher side for these traditional items.

People are saying

"I found the Yucateco food here to be authentic and delicious."

"I thought their hojaldra bread was simply the best."

"I think their hojaldra is the best, truly authentic."

Good to know

1

They offer both baked goods and tasty Yucateco dishes.

2

The bakery offers a variety of traditional Yucatecan breads.

3

Takeout is popular due to the small size of the bakery.

13
El Valle Oaxaqueno image 1

Bakery serves authentic Oaxacan cuisine with handmade Mexican items and authentic Mole to take home. Fresh bread is available all day in a family-friendly atmosphere. Music shifts from The Weeknd to Mexican classics, and prices are on the higher side.

Authentic Oaxacan food stands out with handmade Mexican items and authentic Mole available to take home. The bakery offers authentic bread that complements the genuine flavors of the dishes.

People are saying

"I found the food to be delicious and authentic."

"The bread here is fresh and delicious."

"I found the food here to be authentic and delicious."

Good to know

1

Bring cash to avoid extra charges for card payments.

2

Parking is limited and can be challenging.

3

Expect to pay around $5 for a loaf of bread.

14
Chales Kitchen & Cantina image 1
Mexican restaurant

Mexican restaurant offers a relaxed vibe with perfectly curated decor that feels like a trip to Mexico. Food lacks authentic flavors but prices stay reasonable. Known for excellent margaritas and fresh guacamole in a cozy, dark setting.

Food comes in an understated environment with reasonable prices. Some dishes like the caldo de pescado y camarón do not taste authentic, and overall the food lacks authentic Mexican flavors.

People are saying

"I thought all the Mexican food dishes I tried were delicious."

"The seafood here is so fresh and delicious."

"I loved the authentic food and understated environment."

Good to know

1

Parking in the area can be challenging at times.

2

The restaurant does not automatically serve chips and salsa; customers need to ask for them.

3

Happy hour runs from 4-6pm with discounted drinks and appetizers.

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Pico-Union, Los Angeles

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