Where to eat Italian food in Pasadena: The Best Restaurants and Bars

December 17, 2019 Natalie Tallman

Find out what Italian restaurants to try 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

10. Maria's Italian Kitchen

3537 E Foothill Blvd, Pasadena, CA 91107-3119 Italian, Pizza Lunch, Dinner Takeout, Seating, Wheelchair Accessible, Serves Alcohol, Delivery, Reservations, Table Service +1 626-351-2080 http://mariasitaliankitchen.com
Food
Service
Value
Atmosphere
Overall Ratings

4 based on 73 reviews

Maria's Italian Kitchen

TO GET THE MOST AUTHENTIC ITALIAN FOOD, YOU NEED AUTHENTIC INGREDIENTS Maria’s Italian Kitchens is one of those grand American success stories. Maria’s Italian Kitchens often remind guests of the casual, sometimes boisterous, neighborhood eateries of anot

Reviewed By geotech522

This restaurant is in Hastings Ranch area of East Pasadena on Foothill Boulevard, west of Rosemead, near the Ralph's Market. It is a nice find in a row of restaurants that have a variety of different cuisines. Maria's has both inside and outside seating, which is nice. We sat inside at a table and it is very comfortable with lots of space and comfortable chairs; there are also booths. Our server was very attentive and friendly. We ordered two chicken dishes: Chicken Michelangelo and Chicken Marsala. It comes with a salad. Both chicken dishes were very good and filling. We had leftovers to go. Prices were very reasonable. Very pleasant experience.We work hard to offer our guests the most delicious and authentic Italian dishes, and are very glad to hear that your Chicken Michelangelo and Chicken Marsala were such a hit! your support has brightened our day and we hope to have you back soon! Grazie, Maddy

9. Celestino Ristorante & Bar

141 S Lake Ave, Pasadena, CA 91101-2673 Italian Lunch, Dinner, Late Night Reservations, Private Dining, Seating, Parking Available, Valet Parking, Serves Alcohol, Full Bar, Table Service, Outdoor Seating, Wheelchair Accessible +1 626-795-4006 http://www.celestinopasadena.com/
Food
Service
Value
Atmosphere
Overall Ratings

4 based on 182 reviews

Celestino Ristorante & Bar

Reviewed By Hidrfoot01

Suggested by the concierge at Hotel Constance, a wonderful dining experience. When you enter you are given a choice of the out door dining patio under a canvas cover or dining inside.We opted for inside.The atmosphere is a classic with tones of red leather benches with black chairs. All I he waiters were pleasant and spoke other heavy Italian accents.We shared a beat salad of golden & red beats with goat cheese, walnuts and matchstick sized apples drizzled in a olive oil. Along with fresh bread, EVOO & balsamic vinegar.My entree Osso Bucco with risotto was outstanding in flavor and texture. My wife had the halibut-with a light tomato sauce over bed of spinach. We both enjoyed the atmosphere and the food and would return if in Pasadena.

8. Buca di Beppo Italian Restaurant

80 W Green St, Pasadena, CA 91105 Italian, Pizza Lunch, Dinner Takeout, Reservations, Seating, Highchairs Available, Serves Alcohol, Delivery, Private Dining, Wheelchair Accessible, Accepts Credit Cards, Table Service [email protected] +1 626-792-7272 https://locations.bucadibeppo.com/us/ca/pasadena/80-w-green-st?store=0503&utm_source=yext&utm_campaign=local-listing&utm_medium=referral&utm_content=partner-listing
Food
Service
Value
Atmosphere
Overall Ratings

3 based on 103 reviews

Buca di Beppo Italian Restaurant

If you are looking for an Italian Restaurant in Pasadena, CA then come to Buca. Our Italian Restaurant serves Authentic Family Style Italian Food. When you're looking for family style portions of authentic Italian food, everyone knows you go to Buca. Near

Reviewed By geotech522

This was the best experience we've had at this Buca di Beppo as we had a gathering of friends to celebrate a couple of birthdays. We ordered apple gorgonzola salad, shrimp Florentine, Chicken Saltimbocca, Prosciutto Stuffed Chicken, Lasagne with sides of brussel sprouts and green beans. The dishes were all good and delicious. The wait staff brought deserts with candles for the birthday salute and it was all fun. On top, all of us got gelato to boot. It was a nice evening.

7. Settebello

625 E Colorado Blvd, Pasadena, CA 91101-2005 Italian, Pizza Lunch, Dinner Takeout, Seating, Wheelchair Accessible, Serves Alcohol, Full Bar, Table Service, Reservations, Television 626-765-9550 http://settebello.net/
Food
Service
Value
Atmosphere
Overall Ratings

4 based on 137 reviews

Settebello

Reviewed By _leland_

Friends invited us for dinner and we were surprised that we had not yet tried this restaurant. We love Italian, we love Pizza... and our friends love this place.First, the pizza is just OK. We commented that pizza from WholeFoods (by the slice) is much better.We had a salad which was not the one we ordered (beet serviced but ordered house). It was good.We also had the bruschetta which was not good: very oily and soggy.Drinks were also less than good.Overall, I would say it was disappointing. I've rated average because it was just that.

6. Il Fornaio

24 W Union St, Pasadena, CA 91103-3627 Italian, Pizza Lunch, Dinner, Brunch, Late Night Takeout, Reservations, Outdoor Seating, Private Dining, Seating, Wheelchair Accessible, Serves Alcohol, Full Bar, Table Service, Highchairs Available +1 626-683-9797 http://www.ilfornaio.com
Food
Service
Value
Atmosphere
Overall Ratings

4 based on 274 reviews

Il Fornaio

Reviewed By CCS2009

Dinner with friends with lovely wine and delicious food. The restaurant seats a lot of people so the place is loud. It was difficult to visit with our friends. The tables are quite close together which doesn't help. Our server was friendly and informative. The food & wine were wonderful. Pricing is a little high.

5. Mi Piace

25 E Colorado Blvd, Pasadena, CA 91105-1901 Italian Lunch, Dinner, Brunch, Late Night, Drinks Reservations, Outdoor Seating, Seating, Valet Parking, Highchairs Available, Wheelchair Accessible, Serves Alcohol, Full Bar, Accepts Credit Cards, Table Service +1 626-795-3131 http://www.mipiace.com/
Food
Service
Value
Atmosphere
Overall Ratings

4 based on 535 reviews

Reviewed By WHS-Eagle

Mi Piace has grown from a rather small restaurant to a moderate size restaurant over the years. Fortunately, the quality of the food and service as continued to be excellent. The ravioli al burro, the penne all'arrabbiata and the salted chocolate tart were superb. The extensive wine list included moderate priced Italian wines in addition to expensive classic Italian wines. Our server, Nico, was efficient, knowledgeable, and attentive, but not intrusive.

4. Gale's Italian Restaurant and Bar

452 S Fair Oaks Ave, Pasadena, CA 91105-2634 Italian Lunch, Dinner, Brunch, Late Night Reservations, Seating, Parking Available, Highchairs Available, Serves Alcohol, Full Bar, Table Service, Takeout, Wheelchair Accessible [email protected] +1 626-432-6705 http://www.galesrestaurant.com/
Food
Service
Value
Atmosphere
Overall Ratings

4 based on 376 reviews

Reviewed By Bookistan5

This restaurant was a real winner for us - nice decor, excellent food, and very accommodating service. We went for lunch and had a very relaxing meal. Big plus is the adjacent, free parking lot. Highly recommended.

3. Union

37 E Union St, Pasadena, CA 91103-3923 Italian Dinner Reservations, Seating, Wheelchair Accessible, Serves Alcohol, Full Bar, Table Service +1 626-795-5841 http://unionpasadena.com
Food
Service
Value
Atmosphere
Overall Ratings

4 based on 176 reviews

Union

Reviewed By 949sharonl

This is a share a meal place. We had the grilled octopus (wonderful!) and their bread and butter starter, wild mushrooms with polenta (incredible), and the ragu pasta. Everything was exquisite. The gentleman sitting next to me ordered the pork chop. It completely filled the plate! He said it was phenominal!

2. The Luggage Room Pizzeria

260 S Raymond Ave, Pasadena, CA 91105-2014 Italian, Pizza Lunch, Dinner, Late Night Takeout, Outdoor Seating, Seating, Parking Available, Validated Parking, Valet Parking, Wheelchair Accessible, Serves Alcohol, Full Bar, Table Service +1 626-356-4440 http://theluggageroom.com
Food
Service
Value
Atmosphere
Overall Ratings

4 based on 233 reviews

The Luggage Room Pizzeria

Reviewed By Keystone_Traveler

Was surprised to see the place full on a recent Sunday night, but after having a delicious dinner, I can see why. This restaurant offers high quality food in a place with great atmosphere. We enjoyed our bacon wrapped dates with goat cheese app, followed by the Dalai Lama and The Padre pizzas. We liked the historic building and how it’s been re-purposed into a restaurant.

What to do and see in Pasadena, United States: The Best Places and Tips

1. Buca di Beppo Italian Restaurant

80 W Green St, Pasadena, CA 91105 Italian, Pizza Lunch, Dinner Takeout, Reservations, Seating, Highchairs Available, Serves Alcohol, Delivery, Private Dining, Wheelchair Accessible, Accepts Credit Cards, Table Service [email protected] +1 626-792-7272 https://locations.bucadibeppo.com/us/ca/pasadena/80-w-green-st?store=0503&utm_source=yext&utm_campaign=local-listing&utm_medium=referral&utm_content=partner-listing
Food
Service
Value
Atmosphere
Overall Ratings

3 based on 103 reviews

Buca di Beppo Italian Restaurant

If you are looking for an Italian Restaurant in Pasadena, CA then come to Buca. Our Italian Restaurant serves Authentic Family Style Italian Food. When you're looking for family style portions of authentic Italian food, everyone knows you go to Buca. Near

Reviewed By geotech522

This was the best experience we've had at this Buca di Beppo as we had a gathering of friends to celebrate a couple of birthdays. We ordered apple gorgonzola salad, shrimp Florentine, Chicken Saltimbocca, Prosciutto Stuffed Chicken, Lasagne with sides of brussel sprouts and green beans. The dishes were all good and delicious. The wait staff brought deserts with candles for the birthday salute and it was all fun. On top, all of us got gelato to boot. It was a nice evening.

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