Best Restaurants for Spicy Food in South Pasadena

Price

$$
$$$
$$$$

Cuisine

AmericanItalianSteakhouseSeafoodFrenchIndian

Regions

DowntownEast LAHollywoodPasadenaSan Fernando ValleySan Gabriel Valley

Neighborhoods

AlhambraArts DistrictAtwater VillageBurbankCentral Los AngelesDowntown

Top Rated

CharmingFancyGood for business mealsGood for groupsGood for special occasionsGreat for brunch

Dining Options

All dining options

Delivery only

Takeout only

Seating Options

BarCounterStandardHigh TopOutdoor

Award-winning

MICHELIN

Accessibility

Wheelchair access

114 restaurants available nearby

How are Featured results ranked

A photo of Gus's BBQ - South Pasadena restaurant

1. Gus's BBQ - South Pasadena

4.7

Exceptional(2050)

$$$$Price: Moderate

• Barbecue • South Pasadena

Booked 27 times today

Since 1946, Gus’s has been serving the good folks of South Pasadena (and beyond!) true Southern hospitality and some of the best real pit BBQ around. Housed on historic Route 66, Gus’s is a tribute to Southern life, where family, tradition and celebration are of the utmost importance. A menu filled with traditional Southern cooking and authentic, wood-smoked BBQ is complemented by an impressive range of whiskies, wines, cocktails and local craft beers. Today, Gus’s is a space for a warm welcome, a cold mint julep, and a big plate of the best flavors from the American South and Midwest. You’ll leave knowing exactly why Gus’s food has been hailed, “….so good that we found ourselves eating more than we’d imagined” by S. Irene Virbila, Los Angeles Times and was named one of the top 10 BBQ restaurants on the west coast by Sunset Magazine.

2. Aro Latin

4.1

Excellent(23)

$$$$Price: Moderate

• South American • South Pasadena

Booked 1 time today

Aro Latin is a contemporary restaurant that serves authentic Pan-Latin cuisine and curated handcrafted cocktails.

A photo of The Raymond Restaurant restaurant

3. The Raymond Restaurant

4.6

Exceptional(3601)

$$$$Price: Expensive

• Contemporary American • Pasadena

Booked 40 times today

Hello Friends,We look forward to welcoming you to The Raymond 1886. Please make reservations online or by calling the restaurant on 626-441-3136. If you have any special requests please note we will do our very best to accommodate however we cannot guarantee them. We have both outdoor seating in our wonderful patio spaces and indoor tables in the beautiful cottage and bar.Bar 1886 is open Sun-Thursday until 9pm and Friday - Saturday until 11pm. Walk-in welcome! Cheers,The Raymond 1886 Team

A photo of Nick's South Lake Ave restaurant

4. Nick's South Lake Ave

4.8

Exceptional(3256)

$$$$Price: Moderate

• American • Pasadena

Booked 80 times today

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!

A photo of Agnes Restaurant & Cheesery restaurant

5. Agnes Restaurant & Cheesery

4.8

Exceptional(217)

$$$$Price: Expensive

• American • Pasadena

Booked 23 times today

Agnes Restaurant and Cheesery is a neighborhood oasis that showcases live-fire cooking with seasonal ingredients behind an adorable cheese shop that offers unique and thoughtfully curated artisan cheeses and renowned provisions. With our spaces for large parties, an open kitchen, darling outdoor patio, and a beautiful marketplace, Agnes offers many opportunities for celebrating a wide variety of occasions.The holidays are a wonderful time to discover Agnes with the Cheesery offering several stunning products worth sharing with all of your friends and family. From large format cheese, meat and crudité platters, tinned fish, delicious gifts, freshly baked treats, to our decadent Sides & Pies holiday offerings. Enjoy and relax during the holidays with Agnes catering your parties and family get-togethers. Founded by Chefs Thomas and Vanessa Tilaka Kalb, stop by while exploring the famous Gamble House, Rose Bowl, Castle Green, Huntington Library or strolling through Old Town Pasadena.

A photo of The Terrace at The Langham, Pasadena restaurant

6. The Terrace at The Langham, Pasadena

4.5

Awesome(1387)

$$$$Price: Expensive

• Californian • Pasadena

Booked 23 times today

The Terrace serves breakfast, lunch and dinner, featuring a California bistro-style menu comprised of the freshest seasonal and sustainable ingredients.

A photo of The Arbour - Pasadena restaurant

7. The Arbour - Pasadena

4.7

Exceptional(2129)

$$$$Price: Expensive

• Californian • Pasadena

Booked 17 times today

The Arbour brings rustic elegant dining to the historic Pasadena neighborhood of south Lake Avenue. Paying homage to the extraordinary agricultural bounty of California, The Arbour’s menu showcases relationships with sustainable local farms and purveyors.

8. Star Leaf - Asian Cuisine

4.7

Exceptional(254)

$$$$Price: Expensive

• Asian • Pasadena

Booked 18 times today

As an award winning restaurant group, Star Leaf creates a fine dining experience that combines ingredients and spices that will teleport guests across the Pacific to a tropical paradise. Founded in 2011, Star Leaf Pasadena is our first US-location in the beloved Playhouse Village. Every dish is prepared with passion and respect for the traditions that shaped Asian cuisine. The culinary team selects the freshest ingredients, ensuring each bite is a celebration of flavor and culture, while instilling innovative modern touches.We’re celebrating our 1-year anniversary! As a thank you for an incredible first year, enjoy a complimentary Lobster Curry and a Happy Hour Salmon Sashimi voucher to redeem on your next visit when you spend $150 or more during our anniversary celebration from 5/22-6/31 —an experience as generous as it is delicious. Vouchers expires 7/31/2025

9. Magnolia House

4.7

Exceptional(353)

$$$$Price: Moderate

• Contemporary American • Pasadena

Booked 16 times today

Located in a 100-year-old Pasadena craftsman bungalow, Magnolia House is a hideaway for those in the know – unique cocktails and a small plate menu from around the world. Stop by for handcrafted drinks, a boutique selection of wines, and local craft beers on tap while the menu boasts market-driven selection of seasonal shareable plates.

A photo of Gyu-Kaku Japanese BBQ - Pasadena, CA | Old Town restaurant

10. Gyu-Kaku Japanese BBQ - Pasadena, CA | Old Town

4.7

Exceptional(1658)

$$$$Price: Expensive

• Japanese • Pasadena

Booked 33 times today

Founded in Tokyo in 1996, Gyu-Kaku has become the world’s #1 Japanese BBQ brand! Thanks to our devoted fans we have reached over 700 locations worldwide. Each day, hundreds of thousands of people gather around the table-top smokeless grill, a centerpiece of our dining concept, enjoying selections of premium meats, just off the grill, and other freshly prepared foods from our kitchens, inspiring laughter, conversation, and a magical dining experience.Our authentic yakiniku (grilled barbeque) dining experience crowns you the chef. Share a variety of delicious appetizers and premium cooked meats over a flaming grill, paired with Japanese sake, frosty cold beers, or other alcoholic and non-alcoholic options of your choice. We're the perfect spot to enjoy time with friends and family, organize an office party, or to spend quality time with your significant other!Before you go, don't forget to taste our best-seller Harami Skirt Steak or Prime Kalbi Short Rib among other must-try dishes!

See what locals rave about

From verified diners like you

J
JonathanVIP
San Francisco Bay Area •22 reviews
5.0
Dined on Jun 22, 2025
The guacamole, margaritas, and ribeye steak were standouts. We were glad to be seated outside, because the noise level inside was pretty high.
More info
EncantoPrice: Expensive• Mexican• Los Feliz
•
4.7
S
SylviaVIP
San Diego •1 review
5.0
Dined on Jun 18, 2025
Best fried fish!! Food is fresh and delicious each time.
More info
Pez Coastal KitchenPrice: Expensive• Seafood• Pasadena
•
4.5
M
mike
Los Angeles •1 review
4.0
Dined on Jun 15, 2025
Good place to eat at for Mexican ,, reserve a table trust me
More info
Joselito's Mexican FoodPrice: Moderate• Mexican• Tujunga
•
4.7
E
EdwardVIP
Los Angeles •21 reviews
5.0
Dined on Apr 27, 2025
Really good meat. Focus on beef. We had someone who didn’t eat beef and had to find other options. Service was excellent. Felt there was lots of attention to our cooking needs. Also, found an amazing bottle of wine from their wine list. We will be coming back.
More info
Daedo SikdangPrice: Very Expensive• Steak• Koreatown
•
4.8
M
Marguerite
Los Angeles •2 reviews
5.0
Dined on Sep 3, 2024
They set up a table for 12 for us with 10 minutes notice and did an outstanding job. Great food, service and atmosphere!
More info
Ventanas Restaurant & Bar - The Westin PasadenaPrice: Expensive• Californian• Pasadena
•
4

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