Diners' Choice: Best Overall restaurants in Pasadena

OpenTable

Updated June 05, 2025

Looking for the best overall 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!

Dunsmoor

4.9

4.9 (1049)

$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

Alison

Dined on Jun 25, 2025

The staff at Dunsmoor are amazing, friendly and attentive. The food was scrumptious and so flavorful

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4.9

4.9 (2214)

$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

bob

Dined on Jun 20, 2025

We had a wonderful time and JJ always takes such good care of us!

Nick's South Lake Ave

4.8

4.8 (3256)

$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

IelenVIP

Dined on Jun 23, 2025

Great staff good food, always very cordial and caring.

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4.8

4.8 (2472)

$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

Karo

Dined 2 days ago

Staff was amazing. Food and Steaks were cooked to perfection and tasted amazing.

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4.8

4.8 (2489)

$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

Michael

Dined 5 days ago

Our server Sterling was excellent as was Naz the bartender. Food was so tasty! A wonderful evening.

Malbec - Pasadena

4.8

4.8 (1910)

$30 and under

Argentinean

Pasadena

About the restaurant

Please note, that 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.

For reservations of parties larger than 6, please reach out to the restaurant directly. We will require a credit card hold to secure large party reservations.

Top review

Dan

Dined 6 days ago

Fantastic and great service! It was my wife’s birthday and we had an amazing dinner and evening

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Popular dish

Arroz Con Mariscos For One

4.8

4.8 (32)

$30 and under

Californian

Highland Park

About the restaurant

Nestled in the heart of Glassell Park, Wife and the Somm is a charming neighborhood bistro that invites you to indulge in a world of culinary delights and exquisite wines. Step inside and be greeted by a warm and inviting ambiance, where the aroma of fresh, seasonal ingredients fills the air. The ivy-covered walls and cozy interior create a sense of intimacy, while the spacious patio and front courtyard offer a delightful al fresco dining experience.

Husband-and-wife team Chris and Christy Lucchese, passionate about food and wine, have curated a menu that showcases their love for fresh, locally sourced produce and expertly paired wines. Their ever-evolving seasonal offerings feature an array of shareable plates, from handmade pastas and charcuterie boards to roasted baby beets with whipped feta and toasted almonds. Each dish is a testament to their culinary artistry, designed to tantalize your taste buds and complement the carefully selected wines.

Top review

OpenTable DinerVIP

Dined 7 days ago

A great time as always! Love the vibe, the people, and the food!

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Experience

Somm Table

Shiro Restaurant

4.8

4.8 (1619)

$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

Joyce

Dined on Jun 12, 2025

Love love EVERYTHING about Shiro’s!! 💗 the ambiance is so cozy and intimate the food is AMAZING! The staff are INCREDIBLE!

Gale's

4.8

4.8 (3376)

$30 and under

Italian

Pasadena

About the restaurant

Gale's Restaurant is a totally local Pasadena spot for delicious Northern Italian fare, tucked away from the tourist chains in Old Town. Couples, families and friends that seem to have just finished a day outdoors snuggle among the brick walls and small marble tables, drinking cocktails and wine from elegant Brighton goblets. Start off with Bruschetta, Burrata Salad or Gale's Simple Salad and then move on to the country-style Tuscan steak or one of the house made ravioli specials. For dessert, don't miss the Tiramisu or Gale's iconic Coconut Cake. The wine list is a favorite among the guests for it's variety and excellent value.

Top review

Julie

Dined 7 days ago

Great experience. We’re from Scottsdale. Super fresh and perfectly cooked pasta and seafood. Fab!

Agnes Restaurant & Cheesery

4.8

4.8 (217)

$31 to $50

American

Pasadena

About the restaurant

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.

Top review

Katy

Dined on Jun 9, 2025

Brought my mother in law who was in for out of town, perfect dinner spot after a day at Huntington gardens. Food was delicious, service was great!

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Experience

Weekend Large Party Reservation

Experience

Weekday Large Party Reservation

Experience

Brunch Large Party Reservation

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