Best Restaurants in Pasadena CA (2025)

A lively cheesery-meets-restaurant where hearth cooking and Midwestern-inflected comfort win over crowds. Recognized by the Michelin Guide and praised by the Los Angeles Times, it’s a city touchstone for char-grilled meats, pastas, and a serious cheese program.

Old Pasadena’s pasta landmark serves seasonal, market-driven Italian plates with serious finesse. Awarded a Bib Gourmand by the Michelin Guide and regularly recommended by editors and critics, Union remains a benchmark for handmade noodles and neighborhood warmth.

Family-run and proudly Southeast Asian, Bone Kettle anchors the scene with a 36-hour beef bone broth and vibrant dishes inspired by Indonesia, Malaysia, Singapore, and the Philippines. Frequently covered by local food writers and embraced by the community.

Chef Dean Yasharian’s French bistro channels market produce into elegant classics—think steak frites, sole meunière, and a beloved tarte tatin. Recognized by the Michelin Guide and spotlighted by the Los Angeles Times for its community-minded resilience.

Chef Peter Lai’s Cantonese menu blends tradition and invention—from pre‑order crispy stuffed chicken with shrimp paste to lobster sticky rice. Featured by Eater LA and praised by local editors for bringing high-level Cantonese cooking east of Old Town.

A seafood-forward dining room from South Pasadena locals Bret Thompson and Lucy Thompson‑Ramirez. Eater LA notes dry‑aged fish, a strong raw bar, and California‑leaning plates in a restored 1896 building—distinctly Pasadena in spirit and sourcing.

A family-owned standout for sushi and shabu-shabu, Osawa is the reliable pick for pristine fish and comforting hot pots. Regularly recommended by Eater LA editors and adored by locals for gracious service and seasonal specials.

Modern Mexican cooking with one of the region’s great agave programs. Celebrated by local critics and highlighted in the Los Angeles Times for standout tacos and seafood, Maestro pairs craft cocktails with thoughtful, regionally inspired plates.

Housed in the historic caretaker’s cottage of the long-gone Raymond Hotel, this Pasadena classic marries market‑driven California cooking with one of the city’s most respected cocktail bars. A favorite in trusted dining guides for date nights and brunch.

New England‑leaning seafood with California sensibility—oysters, bisque, and sustainable catches—run by a local team. Featured by Pasadena publications and Dine LA, it’s a relaxed, quality-driven stop in the heart of Old Pasadena.

A Pasadena institution where the famed Italian deli sandwich—simply “The Sandwich”—still draws lines. Celebrated by LAist and local magazines, Roma’s pink-wrapped classic remains a must for an affordable, old‑school taste of the city.

Chef Ian Gresik’s farm‑to‑table dining room champions California produce with polished service on South Lake. Praised by Pasadena Magazine and highlighted by Visit Pasadena, it’s a refined yet welcoming choice for seasonal pastas, seafood, and classics.