Best Spanish Restaurants in Downtown

Been waiting to try this restaurant for more than a year, and now I understand why this place always makes every list for best restaurants in Pasadena. It’s larger than I thought it would be, and the decor is understated yet classy—perfect vibe for a modern brasserie. The service was very friendly and unpretentious. We tried the carrots, as reviewers always rave about them, and they did not disappoint. There are lots of delicious shareable dishes on the menu, most of which are vegetarian-friendly. Everything was flavored beautifully. I had the trout for my entree. I’m not usually a big fan of that fish, but here it was excellent. Highly recommended!

Phenomenal dining experience. The restaurant decor is just beautiful from the heated outdoor patio to the dining room. The food was absolutely delicious, each dish had a stunning presentation. Service and hospitality was world class. The delivery of each course was carefully choreographed and executed.

San Laurel epitomizes innovation and elegance even as it avoids the rough edges of some of the trendy eateries that LA foodies are wont to chase. Its concept will be understood by those who want a genuine fine dining experience and can appreciate its extensions the European Spanish culinary traditions as well those who want to see the California/Los Angeles influences represented there. Our dining experience last Sunday was a success from start to finish. It began with the mezcal-based Foggy Hill cocktail that did arrive in a fog of citrus-thyme vapors clearing to reveal a russet liquid chilled by a single diamantine cube and also one of José Andrés' savvy variations on his signature G & Ts. From there it went to a dish of grilled eggplants with mole and one of wild mushrooms in the richest sauce imaginable. For the main plate we shared the basic-sounding "meat and potatoes" that turned out to be anything but basic. It was the most lavish bone-in ribeye I have ever seen, grilled to medium-rare perfection and surrounded by a wreath of herbs. Once presented at table, it was swiftly returned to the kitchen and reappeared carefully carved into bite-size pieces. Over this our server poured a remarkably flavorful jus. It was enough for three. The potatoes were an ethereal purée with a pool of herbal green liquid that left an impression of accompanying greens on the plate. A glass of Tempranillo made it all go down effortlessly. Dessert was a small gem of chocolate crémeux and mint flavors reminiscent of a mousse but creamier. As you would expect, the service at San Laurel is deft and discreet by an intelligent staff. The ambience is relaxed and refined. My review spreads it on pretty thick, but I hope it gives you an idea of the attention to detail that distinguishes everything there. I really do love the place and its special atmosphere. I have dined there four or five times without disappointment whatsoever. I highly recommend it.

Great service and decent food. Drinks were lovely. We were drowning our sorrows from Rose Bowl defeat and it’s our fifth time at El Cholo. Traditions die hard.

Once we found it...paradise! The staff were AMAZING and super attentive. The ambiance was spectacular ....a LA must!