Don Pico's first opened its doors for business in 1975 when Isaac and Herlinda Mejia, longtime residents of San Bruno, and immigrants from the Mexican State of Sonora decided to go into the restaurant business. Back then, Herlinda did all the cooking, using time-tested authentic family recipes she learned in Mexico, and Isaac ran the "front of the house." Through the years, the entire family became involved in running the business. Daughters Anabel and Florencia in particular created the friendly ambiance that together with the great food, made people want to come back. The name "Don Pico's" has since become synonymous with Mexican comfort food.

Don Pico's was a successful but small operation until Isaac and Herlinda's son, Chef Isaac Mjia, took over the management of the restaurant in 1999. Chef Isaac brightened the look of the restaurant, updated the kitchen, and added his own mouth-watering selections to the tried-and-true traditional Mexican dishes.

Before settling down back home in San Bruno, Chef Isaac traveled extensively and learned different cooking techniques and recipes from master chefs throughout the world, including Japan, England, Wales, Scotland, Italy, Spain, Peru and, of course, Mexico. As a result, he developed a love of cooking as well as a love of art and design.

The decor at Don Pico's has been carefully selected to create the feeling of a long-established business, using furniture and art which Chef Isaac collected over the years: the large mirrors came from Harry Denton's: the chandeliers are of Austrian crystal, from the World Trade Center at the San Francisco Ferry Building: the booths are from Original Joe's on Powell Street: the large paintings are from the movie Citizen Kane with Orson Welles: the chairs are from Frankie Valle's Coconut Grove: and the sombreros are 1920s antiques that Chef Isaac acquired from a private collector.

The goal of Don Pico's is to provide our customers with the highest quality in our signature dishes. This means a commitment to using the freshes vegetables and fruits. often shopping at farmers' markets in the early morning hours. Chef Isaac proudly offers Niman Ranch meats, widely regarded as purveyors of the finest meats available in the world today. He also showcases fresh seafood and shellfish in delicious, creative sauces that keep both old and new customers coming back from more.

Don Pico's continues to garner the attention of patrons and critics alike. Chef Isaac truly believes that when we put this much love and attention into our cooking, it comes through in the food.

The classic traditional presentation of our comfort food, our friendly service and our affordable pricing make Don Pico's, The Original Mexican Bistro, one of the most beloved restaurants in the Bay Area. Thank you for honoring us with your patronage.

Buen Provecho
The Mejia Family