Noir Food & WineNew find on the blockThe restaurant is in a quiet street in Pasadena and took over from Scampi, also a good restaurant which sadly closed. The items on the menu were interesting and very good-the cauliflower and Brussels sprouts were excellent, the scallops also very good-grilled well and on a crisp salad. The pork chop with sauce and bacon fried rice was an great combination (without the pickled onions-would have preferred them lightly fried or grilled). The steak salad looked like it needed some zest! The Bananas Foster dessert that we shared could have been better with pecans which could have been roasted and crisp instead of the limp ones we ate. I will try the bar for their wine selection and feast on the cauliflower next time!5/8/2013 12:00:00 AMNoir is great!This place was great for a couple of friends to catch up. Quiet, nice lunch menu and great service. The only down side is street parking is difficult in that area.5/7/2013 12:00:00 AMI'll be back!I cherish each bite of the exquisite burger (literally, the best I've ever had); and unique bufala mozarella/tomato salad (very cold bufala mozarella married to a grilled tomato--the tastes are lovely, but the contrast between hot and cold is brilliant!) . Even the grilled zuchhini was a trasure, lightly spiced and perfectly cooked--grilled but still just crisp enough. The waiter, at our request, introduced us to a new French wine--again just right for price point ($36) and taste--not as sharp as a Sancerre; not as heavy as a chardonnay, but not light like a pino grigio. Their wine variety and knowledge is one of their pride and joys. Obviously I'm a new fan, my luncheon guest was equally delighted. Did I mention desert?5/3/2013 12:00:00 AMAlways a great experienceI have had many dinners at Noir, from just me and my wife up to large groups and I have always had a great experience.4/28/2013 12:00:00 AMBrandon was our server/bartender.Brandon was our server/bartender. He was excellent. The kitchen was closed, but since we had a reaervation and it was a special occasion, they opened the kitchen back up for us. I was there on a date with my lovely lady and we both had a great time. I had chicken she had steak both were delicious.4/28/2013 12:00:00 AMAdmit it -We love fat!Few of us admit to loving pork fat. Not me. The pork belly is a fat lover's dream. Crispy, chewy, meaty, and of course juicy, warm fat! The fingerling potatoes were magnificent, and bacon fried rice was outstanding. The Parmesan cauliflower was a wonderful surprise. Skip the burger. The Sauvignon flight was a delight as well.4/26/2013 12:00:00 AMI've always enjoyed Noir andI've always enjoyed Noir and it is one of the few places left that is truly quiet enough to talk with your dining companion even when they are full. Usually the food is very good, with fresh and unique combinations. However, on this visit my entrée was much too salty for my taste, and my companion was not impressed with the French press coffee served lukewarm and with a tiny pitcher of milk, not even half and half. The staff are very good, perhaps even a little over-attentive at times.4/16/2013 12:00:00 AMRomantic SurprisePasadena is not usually a place we frequent. Having tickets for The Pasadena Playhouse on a Saturday allowed me to look into some eateries in the area. This was a 10 minute walk and worlds away from the bustle of Colorado Blvd. The garden was wonderful and the food and service was very good. The menu is very "foodie" but sharing is the way to go. The wine list was terrific and our server was helpful with explaining the varied menu. I would return for sure.4/13/2013 12:00:00 AMHave been eating at this littleHave been eating at this little gem of a restaurant from since they opened and this is the first time I have felt the food has not lived up to expectations and since "things" can happen we will surely give it another try. The back garden is lovely and now that they have entree size portions on the menu it is much more appealing than having to order appetizer portions. They have an incredible selection of wines at reasonable pricing and of course you are welcome to bring your own bottle and pay a corkage.
Enjoy!!3/26/2013 12:00:00 AMThey do a great job at beingThey do a great job at being a restaurant. Simply put.3/22/2013 12:00:00 AMNoir has improved a lot sinceNoir has improved a lot since my last visit over 2 years ago. An inventive up to date menu,an extensive wine list and a pleasant room made for an enjoyable meal. Service was friendly , pleasant and appropriate. It is open on Mondays and I recommend it. Prices are very reasonable.2/25/2013 12:00:00 AMAlways enjoy coming here.Always enjoy coming here. The wine selection is outstanding and the food is amazing. Knowledgeable staff to help with the selection of the wine..Another wonderful evening.2/23/2013 12:00:00 AMWait staff friendly and helpful.Wait staff friendly and helpful. food was great. wine flights a plus. a bit pricey relatively speaking.2/19/2013 12:00:00 AM