Pasadena Restaurants

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Get in the holiday spirit

Check out diners' favorite restaurants in Pasadena

Updated on 11/5/2023

Diners’ Choice Awards are based on where your fellow diners book, dine, and review. Only verified diners get to review restaurants on OpenTable, so our data doesn’t lie.

Shiro Restaurant

Diners’ top pick

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Price: Very Expensive

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.

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!

Alexander's Steakhouse - Pasadena

Price: Very Expensive

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.

Nick's South Lake Ave

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!

Bar Chelou

Price: Very Expensive

Bar Chelou is Pasadena’s first true neo-bistro, a casual, convivial space that is both a distillation of Chef Doug Rankin's broad gastronomic interests and a deeply personal expression of his individualistic style. 'Chelou' (French slang for ‘strange’ or ‘unexpected’) is both the name and unifying theme of the restaurant, which draws from a range of culinary traditions and service styles to create something personal, novel and fun.
The restaurant is located within the Pasadena Playhouse complex.
NEED TO KNOW
for wine brought into the restaurant is $30 per 750ml bottle with no limit; we do not offer corkage for wines featured on our wine list. Liquor is not permitted to be brought into the restaurant.
Ample parking is available on surrounding streets and at several paid lots within a one-block radius. We recommend parking in the municipal lot directly behind the building we share with the Playhouse or at the underground lot just across the street

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.

Ruth's Chris Steak House - Pasadena

Top-rated hospitality

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Price: Very Expensive

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.

Celestino Ristorante in Pasadena is no longer a well-kept secret. The Drago Brothers continue to exceed expectations with the freshest seafood, finest homemade pastas, organic meats, and variety of desserts made on-site. Some of the favorites include; Florentine style T-bone, black and white ravioli filled with shrimp, branzino al sale, flown-in burrata and vanilla custard with an assortment of fresh berries. Come in and enjoy authentic regional and seasonal specialties complemented by an award-winning wine list. We offer dynamic Private Dining rooms, a full bar, garden patios, and the friendliest staff to make any meal or special event at Celestino Ristorante most memorable. We do not up charge for Private Dining room use, or special Wine Dinners. Open Monday through Sunday for dinner seven days a week. Lunch hours are Monday to Friday.

Fleming's Steakhouse - Pasadena

Price: Very Expensive

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.

The Arbour - Pasadena

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.

The Lobby Lounge @ The Langham Hotel Pasadena

Price: Very Expensive

Afternoon Tea at The Langham Huntington, Pasadena. Enjoy a seasonal menu including delectable sandwiches, scones, sweets, and selection of teas.
Offered Thursday - Sunday between 10 AM-3:30 PM.
Our grace period for reservations is 15 minutes. After that time your table will be given to the next waiting guest.
20% Gratuity Will Be Included in All Final Afternoon Tea Experiences; All Prices Exclude Tax
Parking $15 with restaurant validation.

Magnolia House

Price: Moderate

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Contemporary American

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4.6

(226)

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.

Cafe Santorini

Great budget-friendly spot

Tucked in the heart of Old Town Pasadena, Cafe Santorini is the spot to be in. Offering a variety of delicious Mediterranean dishes and a romantic second floor patio. Perfect for a date, a family gathering or a celebration. Cafe Santorini also offer a large banquet venue, The Rococo Room, which can fit up to 150 guests.

American New Restaurant! (Not a German Pub)
We show all sporting events, NFL, Dodgers, Lakers, Boxing, UFC & more! A chill neighbor bar with good vibes. Open format music, Top 40's & Hip-Hop.
Three bars in One Place! Our main floor is open everyday. Come play Jenga, Beer Pong or enjoy one of our delicious Burgers and Beers! Dance on the weekend! Our Basement Lounge "The Dungeon" opens at 8pm on Friday & Saturday. Our Patio is the place to be for Sunday Brunch!
Any of our 3 bars can be reserved for Private Gatherings. Email us at thewolfpasadena@gmail.com

Henry Parson's Project

Summer Hours now include Thursdays.
Beginning in May we will be open Thursdays 5:00pm - 9:00pm (last seating 8:00pm)
The little neighborhood place in the big yellow building.
Come join us for dinner Thursdays, Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays. Our menu leans a bit Southern; is sprinkled with global influences; and served in a warm and welcoming space.
At Henry Parsons Project you will find a diverse and often changing menu of comforting food, focused on locally sourced and seasonal ingredients. Check out our Instagram and website for the latest menu and updates.
VERANDA & INDOOR DINING:
Thursday 5:00pm - 9:00pm, Friday & Saturday 5:00pm - 10:00pm, Sunday 6:00pm - 9:00pm
We look forward to feeding you!
Cajun Signature Dishes Include: Parsons Shrimp & Grits, Crawfish Etouffee, Gumbo and Biscuits
Located just south of Old Town Pasadena on Arroyo Parkway with a large parking lot in front.

See what locals rave about in Pasadena

From verified diners like you

OT
vip
California Central Coast •6 reviews
5.0
Dined 1 day ago
As always, the food is excellent. I had the spaghetti with meatballs. Those mini meatballs are so delicate, tender and juicy. The texture and flavor were just perfect. My date had penny pasta with marinara and enjoyed it thoroughly. For dessert, we got the cheesecake, cake. it was made like a crème brûlée and fit the bill. Perfect. And would help bring. Everything together was drinking the sangria.. Just be careful cause you will leave there a little tipsy.
More info
Mi PiacePrice: Expensive• Italian• Pasadena
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4.6
NF
N2Foodvip
Los Angeles •48 reviews
5.0
Dined 2 days ago
This was our first time dining here and all 4 of us were absolutely delighted. Three of us had the pecan-crusted salmon and highly recommend it. Our guest had the pasta bolognaise and loved it. We all enjoyed the crispy portobello mushroom appetizer and our (alcohol-free) drinks--the lavender lemonade and the refreshing ice tea. We chose to eat in the outside seating at night, but overhead heaters kept us comfy. We all agreed this restaurant is a keeper.
More info
Great Maple - PasadenaPrice: Moderate• American• Pasadena
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3.9
OT
Los Angeles •2 reviews
5.0
Dined 3 days ago
Good food. Very filling. The seats were good and felt good , ate a lot of food. The service was ok. They waitress checked on us until she left for break without letting us know so we had to wait a little longer for the little things but it was all good
More info
Fogo de Chão - Pasadena, CAPrice: Moderate• Brazilian• Pasadena
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3.9
BL
BillLvip
Los Angeles •3 reviews
5.0
Dined 6 days ago
Food was very good, Jessica's service was as well. Atmosphere excellent for a business dinner. Disappointed that the ribeye was $71. Too expensive. Same with a glass of Faust Cabernet Sauvignon at $43 I believe. A nice wine but a bottle in the store is $55. I get the nice glassware, etc. that goes into a restaurant's costs but that's egregious too. Be prepared to overpay for your evening. A reluctant recommendation.
More info
Ruth's Chris Steak House - PasadenaPrice: Very Expensive• Steakhouse• Pasadena
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4.7
GA
GailA
Los Angeles •1 review
5.0
Dined on Jan 2, 2023
I had an excellent lobster-filled ravioli, an excellent cocktail, and finished my meal off with a very good panna cote. The service was also excellent. A great place to celebrate the new year.
More info
Il Fornaio - PasadenaPrice: Moderate• Italian• Pasadena
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4.6

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Discover Pasadena

The City of Pasadena is the heartbeat of San Gabriel Valley, offering a great nightlife and a variety of restaurants that appeal to both traditional and adventurous sensibilities. Choose from American fare, "Havana meets Madrid" fusion, African, Caribbean, and fresh Pacific seafood. Beef lovers will find their fair share of steak here, whether sauteed by hibachi alongside fresh sushi or prepared in a classic French cut, like Filet Mignon. Convenient access to California produce has also made it easy to find fresh farm-to-table fare in most restaurants at any price range. Explore Old Town Pasadena along Colorado Blvd. for the greatest selection of delicious cuisine from around the world.

Frequently asked questions

Dog friendly restaurants in Pasadena include True Food Kitchen - Pasadena, The Raymond Restaurant and Gale's

Child friendly restaurants in Pasadena include Fogo de Chão - Pasadena, CA, Il Fornaio - Pasadena and True Food Kitchen - Pasadena

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Discover Pasadena

Frequently asked questions

Which restaurants in Pasadena are dog friendly?

Which restaurants in Pasadena are child friendly?

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