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Diners' Choice: Best Food restaurants in Pasadena

OpenTable

Updated September 05, 2024

Looking for restaurants with the best overall cuisine 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!

A photo of Dunsmoor restaurant

4.9

4.9 (886)

$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

A

Alison

Dined 5 days ago

One of the best meals we've had in a while! Everything about the experience was amazing!

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A photo of Beef Ribeye of a restaurant

A photo of Grilled Swordfish of a restaurant

Grilled Swordfish

A photo of Baby Albacore of a restaurant

A photo of Sugarbird Cafe restaurant

4.9

4.9 (48)

$31 to $50

Afternoon Tea

Montrose

About the restaurant

Welcome to Sugarbird Cafe, Montrose, CA's unique scone and tea cafe.
Nestled in a cozy, shaded outdoor courtyard, it's the perfect spot for casual tea under the Cali sun, with limited indoor seating for a more intimate vibe. Variety of scones, from classic strawberry buttermilk to unique Cali-inspired flavors like fig rosemary, all perfectly crunchy outside and moist inside. Elevate your tea experience with our handcrafted teas, delightful tea sandwiches, and house-made jams. Please note, we need 36 hours advance notice for special dietary requests for wheat-free, vegan, or kids menu, 10 & under. 18% gratuity is auto-included on the bill & parties of 6 or more will have a 20% charge.

Join our community for a taste of global afternoon tea menu at our outdoor garden.
To ensure your spot, BOOK 36 hours in advance—text 818-282-7299 to CONFIRM your reservation for same-day reservations. Don't miss out; we're featured in [LA Times]. Sip, savor, and make tea time your daily retreat!

Top review

MC

MarissaCvip

Dined on Jul 26, 2024

Enjoyed the creative seasonal sandwiches, which are a bit unconventional. However, should add back the egg salad. The extra bonus (mini breakfast quiche) was delicious. Cost is a bit pricier than other tea rooms. Tea selection is a limited .

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A photo of *Sugarbird Afternoon Tea with Tea Sandwiches of a restaurant

*Sugarbird Afternoon Tea with Tea Sandwiches

A photo of Afternoon Tea (Parties 6 or more) w/ tea sandwiche of a restaurant

Afternoon Tea (Parties 6 or more) w/ tea sandwiche

A photo of *Wheat Free Casual Tea - Scones + Tea Only of a restaurant

*Wheat Free Casual Tea - Scones + Tea Only

A photo of Altaeats restaurant

4.8

4.8 (759)

$31 to $50

American

Pasadena

About the restaurant

Tucked away on the Altadena/Pasadena border,
Chef Paul Ragan brings a feast of flavors to the dinner table.
Join us in our dining room or order the Roastie to go!

Top review

K

Karen

Dined on Aug 30, 2024

Great dinning and service experience as always. We will be back for their "roastie"

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A photo of Beef Wellington of a restaurant

Beef Wellington

A photo of Seared Scallops of a restaurant

Seared Scallops

A photo of Buffalo Brussels Sprouts of a restaurant

Buffalo Brussels Sprouts

A photo of Malbec Market restaurant

4.9

4.9 (140)

$30 and under

Argentinean

Eagle Rock

About the restaurant

Malbec Market is the little sister of Malbec Argentinean Cuisine. Providing the enticing flavors of Argentine and Italian Foods in a casual environment. Whether you order the meat dishes or one of our vegetarian dishes, you are sure to find something that you will enjoy.

Top review

E

evavip

Dined on Aug 10, 2024

Great place, wonderful and friendly staff and awesome food!!

A photo of Nick's South Lake Ave restaurant

Nick's South Lake Ave

4.8

4.8 (3032)

$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

J

janis

Dined 5 days ago

Lovely time! very accommodating and ver professional! Definitely will go again!

A photo of Arroyo Chop House restaurant

Arroyo Chop House

4.8

4.8 (2386)

$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

K

kimberlyvip

Dined 6 days ago

High quality food, beautifully prepared and top notch service. Cocktails were nicely done too! Prices are in line with other restaurants in this category, maybe even slightly less. We will definitely be back!

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A photo of Porterhouse of a restaurant

A photo of Alexander's Steakhouse - Pasadena restaurant

Alexander's Steakhouse - Pasadena

4.8

4.8 (2222)

$50 and over

Steakhouse

Pasadena

About the restaurant

You will enjoy the beautiful patio setup we have in Pasadena. We have instituted all health and safety precautions to ensure all of our guests and employees feel safe and can enjoy themselves. If you have any questions, please contact us and our team will take the pleasure of assisting you.

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Alexander's Steakhouse offers a fine dining interpretation of a Modern American Steakhouse with hints of global influences throughout the menu. Featuring classic cuts such as Ribeye, Bone-In New York and Filet Mignon, to sustainable seafood, our signature Hamachi Shot and a large selection of Wagyu. We also highlight dry-aged steaks and offer the finest and most luxurious products available including two tasting menus and a Extensive Wine List. A full bar featuring some of the most unique specialty cocktails is a great way to begin your evening here at Alexander's Steakhouse.

Top review

A

Adelina

Dined 7 days ago

Perfect dinner night. Food was delicious. Service was exceptional. Wish I had room for dessert. Next time!

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A photo of Filet Mignon of a restaurant

A photo of New York Strip of a restaurant

A photo of Chocolate Soufflé of a restaurant

Chocolate Soufflé

A photo of Shiro Restaurant restaurant

Shiro Restaurant

4.8

4.8 (1572)

$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

D

David

Dined on Sep 7, 2024

As usual , our Shiro experience was a real pleasure: great food, service and ambiance. Our group of seven felt well taken care of and enjoyed a relaxed evening discussing our latest book club book.

A photo of Ruth's Chris Steak House - Pasadena restaurant

Ruth's Chris Steak House - Pasadena

4.7

4.7 (3971)

$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

R

Richardvip

Dined 3 days ago

We celebrated a birthday and it was wonderful… Jorge was extremely professional and made it special for all of us.

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A photo of Ribeye of a restaurant

A photo of Tomahawk Ribeye of a restaurant

Tomahawk Ribeye

A photo of Classic Cheesecake of a restaurant

Classic Cheesecake

A photo of Malbec - Pasadena restaurant

Malbec - Pasadena

4.7

4.7 (1828)

$30 and under

Argentinean

Pasadena

About the restaurant

Please note, our outdoor seating is first come first serve. If you have a reservation through OpenTable, you will be seated, however please allow a few extra minutes to ensure that we can properly sanitize your table.

Argentina is world famous for its cuisine. From homemade salads, pastas and fish to an abundant selection of our signature grilled meats, Malbec Argentinean Bistro brings you the best authentic cuisine prepared on our genuine Argentinean grill.

Top review

C

carherine

Dined on Sep 7, 2024

It was great. Delicious. Loved it. Will come back.

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A photo of Arroz con Mariscos of a restaurant

Arroz con Mariscos

A photo of Tagliolini Golfo Nuevo of a restaurant

Tagliolini Golfo Nuevo

A photo of Frito Mixto of a restaurant

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