Italian Restaurants in Pasadena CA (2025)

A compact Old Pasadena icon where the kitchen turns out vivid, market‑driven Northern Italian plates and excellent house-made pastas. Recognized as a Bib Gourmand by the Michelin Guide and praised by The Infatuation and Vogue for consistent excellence.

Run by the Drago family, Celestino has anchored South Lake for decades with regional Italian cooking, seasonal specials, and a deep Italian wine program. Featured by Pasadena Magazine and favored by OpenTable diners for celebrations and business dinners.

Beloved by locals for Northern Italian standards and community spirit, Gale’s serves generous pastas, nightly specials, and the often‑mentioned coconut cake. Cited in The New York Times’ 36 Hours in Pasadena and highly rated by OpenTable diners.

Old Pasadena’s longtime Italian hub (since 1990) channels Italian‑American exuberance: house pastas, pizzas, and late hours with a lively bar. Recognized by Pasadena Magazine’s Best of Pasadena and consistently busy, with daily lunch and dinner service.

Italy‑born owner Amedeo Costantino’s supper‑club throwback pairs Italian and continental classics with a piano bar. Reviewed by Gayot and noted for lobster ravioli, cioppino, and old‑school hospitality; dinner only, with a strong neighborhood following.

Family‑run since 1984, this Playhouse District favorite does hearty Pasadena‑style pies, baked ziti, and famous garlic rolls. Celebrated by Pasadena Weekly for its 40th anniversary and loved by regulars; cash only adds to the no‑frills charm.

A third‑generation institution (est. 1960) known for Mama Rosa’s recipes, antipasto salad, and classic pizzas. Named Best Italian by Pasadena Weekly readers and profiled by Pasadena Now; a Northeast Pasadena staple for family‑style red‑sauce fare.

Independent and current, Marina blends rustic Italian technique with California produce from a wood‑fired oven. Founded by local operators behind Republik and Tasca; participating in Dine LA and drawing steady attention from local diners and critics.

More deli than sit‑down, but unmissable for Italian flavors in Pasadena. Since the 1940s, Roma’s famed simple sandwich has drawn citywide pilgrimages. Lauded by the Los Angeles Times, The Infatuation, and featured by Visit Pasadena.