Diners' Choice: Best Overall restaurants in Pasadena

OpenTable

Updated May 05, 2025

Looking for the best overall restaurants in Pasadena? You’re in the right place. Each month, OpenTable analyzes nearly 2 million global diner reviews from the past four months. We sort the results by location and category to help you discover new favorite restaurants. It's a great partnership: you reserve, eat, and review. We listen...and deliver the results for all to benefit. Enjoy!

Dunsmoor

4.9

4.9 (1029)

$50 and over

American

Eagle Rock

About the restaurant

Brian Dunsmoor’s namesake restaurant, Dunsmoor, is the latest iteration of his ongoing exploration of American heritage cooking. It is, first and foremost, a restaurant for the community that surrounds it, and a loving expression of the relentless research that has informed his cooking for the last ten years.

We offer the full menu at tables in our dining room and at the chef's counter, as well as at our outdoor tables. Reservations are recommended but we make every effort to accommodate walk-ins when possible.

Dunsmoor's wine bar, accessible either through the restaurant or via its own door on Ave 35, does not accept reservations and serves a limited menu of our raw and larder items.

Top review

VickyVIP

Dined 6 days ago

Amazing food, a great place to bring my chef friend.

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Nick's South Lake Ave

4.8

4.8 (3239)

$30 and under

American

Pasadena

About the restaurant

Classic American comfort food, crave-able bar snacks, plus unique cocktails, an extensive wine list in an upscale yet casual environment. Our exhibition kitchen highlights the talents of our passionate culinary team.

Nick’s is dedicated to perfecting the dining experience through continuous innovation, offering the highest quality food and beverage, and executing impeccable standards of hospitality. The deeply instilled Nick’s culture is personified by its Ladies and Gentlemen – professionals who share a single focus and are inspired and committed to offering great service and creating positive memorable experiences.

Nick's Pasadena will reopen on April 12, 2021 for dinner starting at 4pm. We look forward to serving you!

Top review

Suzanna

Dined 2 days ago

Had a lovely birthday meal on a Saturday evening. The atmosphere is very charming and upbeat, but the noise level was definitely very high. Food was delicious and the portions were on point. The service was exceptional, which makes up for everything in my book! Will be coming back as regulars frequently.

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Sabrina’s Pizzeria Napoletana

4.6

4.6 (44)

$31 to $50

Pizzeria

Montrose

About the restaurant

Welcome to Sabrina’s!

We’re so glad you’re here!

We are a family-owned restaurant, specializing in authentic artisanal Neapolitan pizzas, made with love.

At Sabrina’s, we use the highest quality ingredients, from imported Italian flour to San Marzano tomatoes and fresh fior di latte mozzarella.

We take pride in our passion for creating world-class pizza dough, with a perfectly puffy, flavorful, charred crust, made in our traditional Italian pizza oven.

In addition to pizza, we offer delicious pastas, fresh salads and appetizers, dessert and a selection of beer and wine.

We’re located in Glendale in the lovely Montrose Village neighborhood, on Honolulu Ave, a charming tree-lined street filled with shops, cafes, and local bookstores.

We are dedicated to being a place where families and friends can gather together, enjoy a great meal and be together as a community.

Top review

Rodrick

Dined 2 days ago

Good pasta, good pizza, good wine. What’s not to like?

Arroyo Chop House

4.8

4.8 (2474)

$50 and over

Steakhouse

Pasadena

About the restaurant

A modern take on the classic American steakhouse, Arroyo Chop House is one of only a few restaurants in Southern California that serves exclusively USDA Prime beef. This strikingly handsome restaurant, inspired by the Arts & Crafts architectural style for which Pasadena is famous, is clad in rich mahogany and the cozy booths are bathed in seductive light.

Our steaks are aged and hand cut daily and then perfectly seared in a 1,500 degree oven. Traditional steakhouse side dishes include creamed spinach, baked potatoes, asparagus spears with hollandaise sauce, and Arroyo Chop House's famous onion rings. We also offer live Maine lobster and fresh fish, Alaskan King Crab legs, fresh oysters, and shrimp. Compliment your meal with a bottle from our award-winning wine list and finish the night with one of our delicious desserts such as a Grand Marnier soufflé, warm apple pie, butterscotch pudding or chocolate pecan pie.

Top review

Jennifer

Dined 6 days ago

All around great restaurant! Food, service, ambience, parkin, drinks

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4.8

4.8 (2483)

$50 and over

Californian

Pasadena

About the restaurant

The Smith Brothers trend-setter in regional American cuisine, Parkway Grill continues to define dining in the city and beyond. Parkway Grill specializes in a seasonal, market-driven approach to cooking that incorporates diverse influences and classic French technique. Throughout its over 30 years, Parkway’s innovative chefs have showcased an intriguing array of dishes using locally sourced ingredients.

Demonstrating the ultimate commitment to fresh produce, Parkway Grill planted its own organic vegetable and herb garden behind the restaurant, which continues to thrive for over 25 years on a piece of prime real estate in the heart of Pasadena.

Top review

Natalie

Dined 3 days ago

Victor was amazing! The food was incredible. The ambience was great five star experience.!!!

Ruth's Chris Steak House - Pasadena

4.8

4.8 (4058)

$50 and over

Steakhouse

Pasadena

About the restaurant

Now Open: We look forward to serving you soon.

Ruth's Chris Steak House in Pasadena, CA serves the finest USDA Prime beef available, broiled at 1,800° and served on 500° plates, so your steak stays hot, juicy and delicious from first bite to last. Enjoy our New Orleans-inspired appetizers, USDA Prime steaks, fresh seafood, signature side dishes and homemade desserts. All this while you enjoy our warm, inviting atmosphere and Ruth’s Chris’ genuine hospitality. So whether you’re a regular or have just been wondering what all the buzz is about, Ruth's Chris is the perfect excuse to enjoy the perfect night out. Dinner is served nightly, reservations are suggested and private dining and offsite catering may be arranged.

Top review

Alexander

Dined 3 days ago

Amazing service and the ambiance set the tone for my partner and I’s date.

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4.8

4.8 (3372)

$30 and under

Italian

Pasadena

About the restaurant

Gale's Restaurant is a totally local Pasadena spot for delicious Northern Italian fare, tucked away from the tourist chains in Old Town. Couples, families and friends that seem to have just finished a day outdoors snuggle among the brick walls and small marble tables, drinking cocktails and wine from elegant Brighton goblets. Start off with Bruschetta, Burrata Salad or Gale's Simple Salad and then move on to the country-style Tuscan steak or one of the house made ravioli specials. For dessert, don't miss the Tiramisu or Gale's iconic Coconut Cake. The wine list is a favorite among the guests for it's variety and excellent value.

Top review

PatriciaVIP

Dined 3 days ago

They use to sell Justin by glass no longer Everything else delicious 😋

Shiro Restaurant

4.8

4.8 (1616)

$50 and over

Contemporary French

Pasadena

About the restaurant

Open for indoor and outdoor dining and curbside takeout. Outdoors dining is subject to the weather. We have heaters but not for all tables. Please dress warmly. If there is a chance of rain we will have to cancel.

Shiro has been named the Zagat Guide's number one restaurant and is consistently one of the highest rated establishments in the guide (#5 in 2011; #2 for service in 2013). Shiro is summed up by it's ingredients. Menu items are driven by the best available, nothing less is acceptable. For over 35 years, diners have enjoyed our French and Pacific Rim inspired menu. A tradition of fine dining with excellent, friendly service. We may supplement our menu with a special Taste of Shiro (soup or salad, meat or fish, dessert). Wed/Th. The evening's menu is posted around 3pm.

As much as we love them, we must ask that your dogs and other pets stay home. Service dogs, of course, are welcome.

Top review

ChristopherVIP

Dined on May 4, 2025

Best food in the area. Understated elegant setting and service. Quite so easy to talk. Often linger for 2 hours over dinner.

Celestino

4.8

4.8 (3614)

$31 to $50

Italian

Pasadena

About the restaurant

Celestino Ristorante in Pasadena is no longer a well-kept secret. The Drago Brothers continue to exceed expectations with the freshest seafood, finest homemade pastas, organic meats, and variety of desserts made on-site. Some of the favorites include; Florentine style T-bone, black and white ravioli filled with shrimp, branzino al sale, flown-in burrata and vanilla custard with an assortment of fresh berries. Come in and enjoy authentic regional and seasonal specialties complemented by an award-winning wine list. We offer dynamic Private Dining rooms, a full bar, garden patios, and the friendliest staff to make any meal or special event at Celestino Ristorante most memorable. We do not up charge for Private Dining room use, or special Wine Dinners. Open Monday through Sunday for dinner seven days a week. Lunch hours are Monday to Friday.

Top review

KennethVIP

Dined 3 days ago

Always fantastic! Carlos always takes care of us and is very accommodating.

Green Street Restaurant

4.8

4.8 (2719)

$30 and under

Californian

Pasadena

About the restaurant

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.

Top review

Janet

Dined 3 days ago

Quality of food was not the usual I’ve come to expect from Green Street. My salad was extremely disappointing. Mostly lettuce with sparse application of other add-ins. I supposed too many MD celebrations, and over crowding contributed to the situation .

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