The Best Restaurants in Pasadena, California | Eater LA

"Torrance tempura powerhouse Tendon Tempura Carlos Jr. landed in Pasadena in 2024, and locals can’t seem to get enough of the standout Tokyo-style tempura shop. Waits for a table during peak mealtimes can stretch up to an hour, so show up early or expect to kill some time across the street perusing Vroman’s bookstore. The menu features delicately crisp seafood and vegetables served in myriad ways. The $19 tempura bowl with soba offers a bit of everything: steamed rice topped with tempura shrimp, egg, seaweed, and shishito pepper, as well as a tray of buckwheat noodles with a savory dipping sauce." - Mona Holmes