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 Stunning Seafood Haven Just Opened in Pasadena From the Pez Cantina Family | Eater LA

Opened on February 15 by Bret Thompson and Lucy Thompson-Ramirez, this Pasadena spot occupies an 1896 corner building in Old Town (Raymond and Union) whose massive windows, restored copper-plated doors, custom arches, booths, banquettes, and Havana-style ceiling fans preserve its solid architectural bones. I found the seasonally driven menu leans toward seafood with an emphasis on smoked meats and dry-aged fish—Thompson cures for three days and dry-ages fish for seven—reflecting LA cultures, Lucy’s Mexican American background, and Thompson’s training and travels in Spain and France as well as Lebanese influences from time spent in Beirut. The cold bar feels like a Parisian brasserie with shellfish towers and scallop aguachile shooters, oysters, and sea urchins; appetizers include sweetbreads, seared bluefin tuna, and a Caesar that uses pepitas and nori crisp instead of croutons. For entrees there are seared jumbo scallops, house-made pasta such as spaghetti alla chitarra with Manila clams, mussels, and uni, a whole fried fish piccata with capers, lemon, and white wine, plus a crispy half chicken and a prime center-cut ribeye with salsa verde. The opening cocktail menu by Mike Dane features twists like a rosemary paloma, matcha sour, and a Chartreuse colada; the wine selection spans California, Oregon, France, Spain, and Italy, and Pez pours 16 beers from mostly local makers like Craftsman Brewing Company. Pez Coastal Kitchen is located at 61 N. Raymond Avenue, Pasadena, CA 91103, and is open Wednesday, Thursday, and Sunday from 5 p.m. to 10 p.m., and Friday and Saturday from 5 p.m. to 11 p.m. - Mona Holmes

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.