Location: Pasadena
Top Restaurants in Pasadena
Top Things to do in Pasadena
Countries
Pasadena Food Guide: 10 Must-Eat Restaurants & Street Food Stalls in Pasadena
Most famous for hosting the annual New Year's Tournament of Roses Parade and Rose Bowl, Pasadena is more than just a football town. Its extravagant City Hall boasts a beautiful Baroque dome, a courtyard garden and relaxing fountain. On South Orange Boulevard, known as Millionaires' Row, there are landmarked mansions to rival the most opulent homes of Beverly Hills. That chattering in the air is probably the local population of naturalized Red-crowned Amazon parrots.
Things to do in Pasadena
1. Luggage Room Pizzeria
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 162 reviews
Reviewed By snamber77 - Alhambra, California
This is my favorite place to eat. It's family friendly and its also a great place to go without kids too. They're extremely accommodating, best customer service of any restaurant around. The food is delicious, fresh and exciting. As a gluten free vegetarian, I love their Mother Earth pizza (with a GF crust), but I always add sauce on it. My husband is gluten free and enjoys their pizzas too. My dad is a huge meat eater, and loves the Gladiator Pizza, and he's usually hard to please but really enjoys it here. They have kids meals and kids size pizzas that come with fruit and fries. Their salads are really really good, fresh, tasty and finely chopped (so even the kids enjoy eating them). The only complaint is that the salad could be bigger since we order to share :).
2. Russell's
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 327 reviews
No description available.
Reviewed By mgriffis22 - rancho cucamonga
Excellent breakfast. Although line was long, wife and I grabbed a spot in the bar and ordered a full breakfast. Pancakes and sides were delicious. Unfortunately, biscuits and gravy tasted pretty average and could be better, but a solid breakfast for the price nonetheless. The ruby orange mimosas were also excellent!
3. La Grande Orange Cafe
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 495 reviews
Reviewed By James M - Las Vegas, New Mexico
Nice bar and very convenient on and off the light rail, but not sure I’d go back. Was told to quiet down numerous times and we weren’t even being loud. Plus we were on the end of the bar out of everyone’s way.
We think we might have offended a gal sitting within earshot with a politically incorrect comment and think that she was a regular, so must have complained about us. That’s the only explanation we could gather.
In fairness, we were so put-off that we only ordered some deviled eggs, payed our bill and left.
4. Parkway Grill
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 285 reviews
Since 1984, Parkway Grill has specialized in a seasonal, market-driven approach to cooking that incorporates diverse influences and classic French technique. Demonstrating the ultimate commitment to fresh produce, the Parkway Grill planted its own organic vegetable and herb garden behind the restaurant. Tiki Salad, Brick-Oven Baked Cambozola Pear Flat Bread, and Whole Ginger Fried Catfish are long-time favorites. The design of the Parkway Grill is a study in casual sophistication, striking a perfect balance between elegance and rustic approachability. The brick walls are adorned with elegant paintings by Millard Sheets and mixologists prepare hand-crafted cocktails at the expansive bar, an original from 1920's Chicago. Parkway's award-winning wine cellar, comprised of upwards of three thousand bottles, includes a broad selection of wines served by the glass.
Reviewed By semanticvision - Los Angeles, California
Not many places open for lunch on Dec 26, Parkway Grill came to rescue. Definitely more of an Old World charm with a comfortable lunge/bar and laid back dinning area. Menu includes both classics and dishes with a California twist, nice food with excellent service in a relaxed vibe.
5. Houston's
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 546 reviews
Reviewed By Vanessa R - Pasadena
Hands down one of the best restaurants in Pasadena. This is our go to date night place! The fish is to die for!
6. Gale's Italian Restaurant and Bar
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 328 reviews
Reviewed By Ray Q - Pasadena, California
About half a mile south of the heart of Old Town Pasadena, this restaurant serves up great food from an almost overwhelmingly extensive menu: lots of regular items, even more specials, and a separate dessert menu (leave room, of course)! Friendly and fast service with good selection of cocktails and wines too. A really enjoyable night out!
7. Cafe Santorini
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 386 reviews
Tucked in the heart of Old Town Pasadena, Cafe Santorini is the spot to be in. Offering a variety of delicious Mediterranean dishes and a romantic second floor patio. Perfect for a date, a family gathering or a celebration. Cafe Santorini also offers two large banquet venues in the Rococo Room and Pandora on Green.
Reviewed By JohnAnnColumbia_MD - Columbia, Maryland
We had supper at Café Santorini on Sat. 23 Sept. 2017. The chicken w/garlic potatoes, grilled vegetables & Porcini mushrooms ($21) was especially flavorful as was the grilled Kefta kebob with pilaf, grilled vegetables, humus & pita bread ($18). We had a fairly good whiskey sour and Chimay beer. We would definetly come back again and again. There’s much more to explore! Reservations recommended.
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8. Roy's Pasadena
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 277 reviews
Blending classic techniques with adventurous Pacific Rim flavors, culinary pioneer Roy Yamaguchi created an entirely new approach to fine dining. The first Roy's opened in Honolulu in 1988 and we've spread our warm hospitality and passion for innovative and creative cuisine around the world ever since. Indulge in one of our spectacular cocktails or choose a glass from our award-winning wine list while you discover the fresh ingredients and outstanding seafood, expertly prepared by our local chefs that made us famous.
Reviewed By caryleach - Los Angeles, California
I always enjoy myself here..the food is delicious (short ribs are a favorite), and the service is typically good. Last Sunday however, the place was super-busy...we were told when we checked in that they were 'running behind' so we waited at the bar for a bit. Not sure if it was because it was so so busy or what, but the service was horrible - took longer than needed for our waiter to come back to us, took awhile to actually get our food, and no one ever asked if I wanted another drink. Hey, if you aren't going to ask, then I guess I'm not going to spend any more $$ on drinks. Also (coincidence?) somehow 'someone' got a hold of my Amex card that night...not sure if from the restaurant itself, but it's a good possibility....and tried to make some fraudulent charges the next morning. Overall - good food but be careful.
9. Union
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 142 reviews
Reviewed By PrinceConsort - New York City, New York
Finally, a restaurant in Pasadena that knows how to cook pasta! This is a great restaurant. Everything we had was fabulous. The restaurant itself is small, simple, and informal. You are encouraged to share plates, but I refused. I wasn't going to share my food with anyone. Portions are small but were adequate for us. We had pork meatballs, an arugula salad, risotto, and potato leek agnolotti. The arugula salad was just that...what can you do with a simple green salad and dressing?...but the rest were exquisite. They have a small but nice selection of bottled beer and a good, if expensive, wine list.
This is an expensive restaurant...more or less the same as Parkway Grill. I think both are great, but while Parkway Grill is more formal and more of a traditional American restaurant, Union is much less formal and northern Italian with a twist. They say everything is prepared on site, all meat is butchered on site, etc. And if you are more of a pasta eater than a meat eater, this place is for you.
10. Green Street Restaurant
Overall Ratings
4 based on 415 reviews
Green Street Restaurant is where Pasadenans go to enjoy breakfast, lunch or dinner and it's been a Pasadena tradition since 1979. It is centrally located just off South Lake Avenue and is within walking distance of hotels, the convention center, the Pasadena Playhouse and popular shopping areas. Green Street has an eclectic menu featuring savory salads (the ever popular and addicting Dianne Salad is ordered over 2,000 times per week), tasty meats, fresh fish and creative sandwiches served on wonderful breads. Guests enjoy a full bar and interesting wines by the glass on a beautiful patio or in the airy interior. Take-out and full catering services are also available.
Reviewed By Steven B - San Francisco, CA
Brought a business group here for lunch. Very good menu, amazing zucchini bread for the table. Ordering a Caesar salad with grilled chicken had a good size portion for lunch. The Reuben looked delicious. Wait staff were friendly and attentive.
