Diners' Choice: Best Value restaurants in Pasadena

OpenTable

Updated October 05, 2024

Looking for the best value 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!

Altaeats

4.8

4.8 (762)

$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

MINAS

Dined 2 days ago

Great Chef Simple and fresh ingredients Accurate cooking method Balanced tastes Always something new on the menue to look for You visit once, you want to visit always

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Buffalo Brussels Sprouts

Malbec Market

4.8

4.8 (141)

$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

Silvia

Dined on Sep 19, 2024

The carpaccio was amazing!!! The service was great overall, we ordered the parrillada, the chorizo was my least favorite.. but great food for the price..

Nick's South Lake Ave

4.8

4.8 (3061)

$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

Mariavip

Dined 4 days ago

First time at Nick’s South Lake Ave. Servers were attentive and respectful. Food was delicious and served promptly. We recommend this restaurant. 👍

Shiro Restaurant

4.8

4.8 (1575)

$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

Bruce

Dined 1 day ago

We had a wonderful experience- it was quite a surprise and we were very fortunate to have found Shiro. While the food was outstanding, the staff was even better!!! Thank you to everyone at Shiro!!!

Dunsmoor

4.9

4.9 (904)

$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

Samvip

Dined 2 days ago

Loved the freshness and flavor of all the foods. The cornbread is the best cornbread I've ever had. Pork chop and mashed potatoes was a highlight! Also get the beef tartare

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4.8

4.8 (51)

$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

Ann

Dined on Sep 22, 2024

I came here with my 11-year-old granddaughter. We both had a wonderful time because the service was excellent and the food was scrumptious. We enjoyed the peppermint/chamomile tea with our tea sandwiches and scones and will definitely be coming back for more.

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Experience

*Sugarbird Afternoon Tea with Tea Sandwiches

Experience

*Wheat Free Casual Tea - Scones + Tea Only

Experience

*Orginal Casual Tea - Scones + Tea Only

Smitty's Grill

4.8

4.8 (2158)

$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

Ellen

Dined on Sep 29, 2024

It was a very good experience. All of us enjoyed our dinner and the service was great.

El Torito - Pasadena

4.8

4.8 (241)

$30 and under

Mexican

Pasadena

About the restaurant

The authority in great Mexican food for more than 65 years. Offering a memorable experience to make each guest feel like family.

Top review

Josevip

Dined on Sep 26, 2024

Great food and drinks! Our server, Trino is always excellent. We will come back😃

Ruth's Chris Steak House - Pasadena

4.7

4.7 (3978)

$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

M. Donna

Dined 1 day ago

Our server made our dinner a phenomenal culinary experience. Jorge was attentive, professional and knowledgeable of it all. Please make sure to give acknowledgment and kudos!!

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Fleming's Steakhouse - Pasadena

4.8

4.8 (1367)

$50 and over

Steakhouse

Pasadena

About the restaurant

Your Pasadena Fleming's is conveniently located on the corner of Marengo and Colorado Boulevard. Fleming's in Pasadena is an outstanding choice to enjoy an exceptional Prime steak, glass of wine or handcrafted cocktail. Whether you're celebrating a special occasion, hosting a business dinner or simply wanting to enjoy a night out - we will create a safe and memorable evening in our Dining Room. If you prefer to enjoy your fine dining experience at home, you can order and pay for lunch or dinner online and then pick up curbside or select from one of our delivery partners.

Top review

Hannah

Dined 1 day ago

Fleming’s is always a 10/10 experience. Bryan was such an amazing waiter and made our anniversary dinner feel so special. We told him it was our anniversary and he brought us each a complimentary glass of champagne and a personal card celebrating us. The food as always was spectacular and cooked perfectly. We each got a ribeye and i topped mine off with the diablo shrimp which was so good. The fact that they bag your leftovers up for you is so nice and makes it feel like you’re being taken care of. 10/10 would recommend going here for your next special occasion and ask for Bryan.

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