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Diners' Choice: Best Service restaurants in Pasadena

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OpenTable
Updated November 05, 2024

Looking for restaurants with the best service 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 Malbec Market restaurant
4.8
4.8 (143)
$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
Dalevip
Dined on Oct 27, 2024
Great food and wine! Pleasant service. Nice neighborhood restaurant.
A photo of Altaeats restaurant
4.8
4.8 (767)
$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
Jimvip
Dined 4 days ago
AltaEats is a great little neighborhood restaurant! Great food and service!
A photo of Smitty's Grill restaurant
4.8
4.8 (2178)
$31 to $50
Comfort Food
Pasadena
About the restaurant
The Smith Brothers bring you American comfort food at its best. Our menu features iron skillet cornbread, homemade chicken pot pie, BBQ baby back ribs, and more. Smitty's has always been defined by comfort, from the cozy booths and inviting bar, to the helpful staff who welcome each of our guests home.
Top review
Cam
Dined 4 days ago
A lovely place to catch up with friends over a delicious meal!
A photo of Nick's South Lake Ave restaurant
4.8
4.8 (3091)
$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
Sharon
Dined 1 day ago
Went to Nick's for a small retirement dinner. We had the asparagus fries, shrimp taquitos, tuna tartar, halibut special and the sea bass. EVERYTHING was wonderful, as always. and because I had noted that we were celebrating a special event, they even brought over a complimentary piece of chocolate cake. Anthony was our server, and he was fantastic. the only complaint I have is that I had ordered a cup of coffee, and the first one was lukewarm and so I sent it back. The second cup was exactly the same, but I did not bother to return it again. Otherwise, a fantastic meal.
A photo of Dunsmoor restaurant
4.9
4.9 (927)
$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
Shannonvip
Dined on Nov 5, 2024
Great date night. Heavier food than I expected but delicious. Also better vegetarian options than expected
A photo of Shiro Restaurant restaurant
4.8
4.8 (1586)
$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
Jeffvip
Dined 3 days ago
Shiro is absolutely the best restaurant in South Pasadena and one of the finest in the Los Angeles area. The food is sublime, refined and delicious. The ambiance is charming, well lit and active without being too noisy. Excellent wait staff are extremely attentive without hovering. Fantastic dining experience to celebrate the finer things in life.
A photo of Sugarbird Cafe restaurant
4.7
4.7 (55)
$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
Lynne
Dined on Oct 28, 2024
We decided to sit outside for the afternoon tea, because the table and setting was lovely and relaxing. They do a great job making you feel comfortable and spoiled. It was a little breezy and they supplied blankets for our comfort. The tea, served in pretty, floral teapots and matching cups, the tiered service of sandwiches, quiche, mini scones, and a variety of other delicious items, was beautifully presented and delicious. This was a great way to enjoy the afternoon in comfort, beauty and with delicious variety of food and refreshments. Also, our server was wonderful too.
A photo of Parkway Grill restaurant
4.8
4.8 (2437)
$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
FranCvip
Dined 1 day ago
We can’t say enough about how much we enjoy this restaurant. The warm welcome we receive when we walk through the door from Tad the manager and Diana the hostess sets the tone for the entire evening. We have made this our special occasion restaurant, even though we don’t live in Pasadena, it’s worth the drive! In addition to the warm welcome, the beautiful decor and the fabulous food make it wonderful. We have celebrated our last two anniversaries there, and they went above and beyond with a lovely card and everyone wishing us a happy anniversary. It made it very special. If you like bourbon, they have some really nice bourbon cocktails, which we started with. We then enjoyed the black bean soup and crab cakes, and for dinner, the pistachio encrusted halibut and the scallops. They have a nice wine list, available by glass or bottle and some lovely desserts.
A photo of The Proper Restaurant restaurant
4.8
4.8 (586)
$30 and under
Contemporary American
La Canada
About the restaurant
Where our passion is simple: an approachable menu using the highest quality, best tasting ingredients in a comfortable and elegant neighborhood bar and grill. Our owners, Rick and Lisa Anderson and David and Cater Yost are committed to bringing the best customer experience to La Canada Flintridge. Whether it’s our signature Proper martini, a perfectly seasoned ribeye with Cajun butter, or crispy truffled Brussels that make the mouth water, you’ll savor the quality that our chefs and bartenders bring to every meal.

Come bring your friends and family to an unforgettable dining experience in an elegant and contemporary atmosphere designed to invite and excite.

Top review
Dave
Dined 1 day ago
Fantastic place to take the family, great food and value.
A photo of Alexander's Steakhouse - Pasadena restaurant
4.8
4.8 (2244)
$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
Joyce
Dined 3 days ago
Best steak experience ever! And we’ve hit many steak houses in our day! A tad pricey, but if money is not an issue, do not hesitate. Great service as well!
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