Cafe Santorini

Mediterranean restaurant · Downtown

Cafe Santorini

Mediterranean restaurant · Downtown

3

64 W Union St, Pasadena, CA 91103

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Cafe Santorini by null
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Cafe Santorini by null
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Cafe Santorini by null
Cafe Santorini by null
Cafe Santorini by null
Cafe Santorini by null
Cafe Santorini by null
Cafe Santorini by null
Cafe Santorini by null
Cafe Santorini by null
Cafe Santorini by null
Cafe Santorini by null
Cafe Santorini by null
Cafe Santorini by null
Cafe Santorini by null
Cafe Santorini by null
Cafe Santorini by null
Cafe Santorini by null
Cafe Santorini by null
Cafe Santorini by null
Cafe Santorini by null
Cafe Santorini by null
Cafe Santorini by null
Cafe Santorini by null
Cafe Santorini by null
Cafe Santorini by null
Cafe Santorini by null
Cafe Santorini by null
Cafe Santorini by null
Cafe Santorini by null
Cafe Santorini by null
Cafe Santorini by null
Cafe Santorini by null
Cafe Santorini by null
Cafe Santorini by null
Cafe Santorini by null
Cafe Santorini by null
Cafe Santorini by null
Cafe Santorini by null
Cafe Santorini by null
Cafe Santorini by null
Cafe Santorini by null

Highlights

Mediterranean cafe with rooftop patio, seafood, pizza, mezes  

Featured in Eater
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64 W Union St, Pasadena, CA 91103 Get directions

cafesantorini.com
@cafesantorini

$30–50 · Menu

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64 W Union St, Pasadena, CA 91103 Get directions

+1 626 564 4200
cafesantorini.com
@cafesantorini

$30–50 · Menu

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Last updated

Oct 7, 2025

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@eater

The Best Restaurants for Outdoor Dining in Los Angeles, According to Eater Editors | Eater LA

"Set on the second story of a building in Old Town Pasadena, Cafe Santorini is a longtime favorite for Mediterranean fare. Start with hummus or grilled calamari before enjoying plates of kebab, steak frites, or a Moroccan lamb shank. During warmer months, the patio is covered by a canopy to protect diners from the sun. In the evenings, the outdoor space is lit by candles, making it a great spot for a casual date night." - Rebecca Roland

https://la.eater.com/maps/best-outdoor-dining-restaurants-patios-los-angeles
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4 Restaurants to Try This Weekend in Los Angeles: January 26 | Eater LA

"Looking at Old Pasadena’s revival in the 1990s, Cafe Santorini fits perfectly: opened in 1993 by brothers Vasken and Panos Haitayan, the restaurant serves Mediterranean fare including traditional hummus, tabouleh, kibbe, kebabs, and entrees like grilled rib eye, salmon, and Moroccan-style lamb shank. When I go up to the second floor I notice the massive windows, restored brick walls, and one of the best patios in the neighborhood overlooking One Colorado plaza — it’s romantic any time of day but especially at night when candles and moody lights sparkle across the patio." - Eater Staff

https://la.eater.com/2024/1/26/24033306/la-los-angeles-restaurant-recommendations-eater-editors-january-26
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Alison Brie Interview Talks Restaurant Work, LA’s Best Eats, and Pasta - Eater LA

"Their food was so good, it was the great perk of working there." - Farley Elliott

https://la.eater.com/2022/8/22/23316386/alison-brie-actor-los-angeles-favorite-restaurants-film-spin-me-round-italian-pasta
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Ted Medina

Google
I came for a Thursday evening dinner with my wife to be and our families (party of 12) and we had a great time here. We sat outside on the patio which had a very nice look to it along with outdoor lights. The servers Dennis and Martín were super nice and very diligent. I was quite dehydrated so I was chugging water but they promptly refilled my water which I do appreciate especially on a warmer and humid evening. For the food, we got the sample platter for the table which was pretty good. But gosh the lamb shank was marvelous. It was so tender, I just scooped it off the bone with my fork. I also had a spicy sumac margarita (not pictured), it was a delicious cocktail. Overall I had a pleasant experience here. I appreciate the atmosphere, the service, and the food. If I am in the area again I would definitely come again.

Jose Lim

Google
Getting to the second floor could be a little tricky. One needs to know which door to use for the elevator. The food however is pretty good. The serving size is sufficient. We also had an excellent server.

Daniel Naccarati

Google
This restaurant is on my top 3 of all LA. I have brought at least 67 new families to this restaurant. All 250 times I’ve been here I’ve gotten the Calamari, Bruschetta, Large greek salad extra cheese, and the absolutely mouth watering Farfalle con pesto /pollo and add shrimp. Nothing better than this combo in all of LA. I went back recently and then again today only to find out 2/4 of those items changed. Not necessarily for the better either. The salad no longer has lettuce, i under the traditional (Horiatiki) does not have lettuce, but its always had lettuce and now without the lettuce the plate is 50% smaller yet the price is the same. Then the worst part that broke my family’s heart, was changing the farfalle to paccheri… dont get me wrong, the paccheri is good but it comes with like 12 pieces. The farfalle was a lot more filling and was absolutely perfect. I literally had to go to Mi Piace after to eat again because the portions were not filling like before. I understand there is new ownership and the sons are taking charge and I commend them looking for change, but for all thats good in this world, please put that lettuce and farfalle back.. some of the other regulars said the same. I love this place but really hope some miracle happens so the farfalle gets back. Ironically i went in to record another video for my social media food page and out of respect held back. Hope to come back to the amazing food that was always here and hope to be to adjust this review to the 5 stars it deserves and to re-write this whole thing.

Jimmy Su

Google
Came to Café Santorini for happy hour with my brother and started with the grilled octopus and Santorini garlic fries. Both were delicious and our bartender Eduardo was amazing. We moved to our patio reservation once our friend arrived and ordered a pitcher of red sangria. At $65, it felt overpriced and not worth it. We would skip it next time. We ordered the grilled octopus again so our friend could try it. Also got the pear and walnut salad and the burrata. Both were fresh and full of flavor. For mains, we had the steak and frites with an incredible au poivre sauce, red curry seafood risotto, and beef brochette with hummus and pita. Dessert was a hit. The tiramisu was one of the best I have had. Service from Samuel and the rest of the staff was excellent. I have been coming here for over 10 years and the food is always consistently great. Parking can be tricky but there are paid garages nearby. The balcony patio is perfect for fresh air and a great spot for a first date. Inside can get loud so not ideal for a quiet conversation.

Steve Reed

Google
It’s always a wonderful experience at Cafe Santorini. Jessica was our server and she was delightful! A great smile goes a long way to make the food taste great! 4 men, 1 being a boring vegetarian! I split the chicken kabobs and the beef kabobs with one of my friends! Perfect combination! I wish they would expand their menu to include Greek classics but that was yesteryear! A wonderful lunch on the patio! The atmosphere is so pleasant and the noise level is as expected in a great Greek Restaurants!

Lindsay Plake

Google
I had such a great experience here for dinner last night! The food was absolutely delicious — fresh, flavorful, and beautifully presented. What really made the visit stand out was our server, Alex. He was incredibly attentive, friendly, and knowledgeable about the menu. He made excellent recommendations and checked in often without being intrusive. Alex’s warm and professional service made the whole evening feel special. I’ll definitely be coming back and asking for him again!

Gabriel Radford

Google
A really nice visit featuring an incredible rooftop patio and wonderful service - thank you Frankie. The SANTORINI MEZZE TASTING was top notch. really great. Here is the problem - I ordered steak frites medium rare and it arrived well done. not medium well. brown inside well. Also over seasoned which is hard to do for me. It was truly unacceptable for a fine restaurant. In good company so it would have been a scene to return but should have been.

Naira Sukoyan

Google
Cafe Santorini in Pasadena offers a great Mediterranean dining experience. I had the Seafood Risotto, which was rich and creamy with perfectly cooked seafood. My husband had the Branzino, which was tender with a crispy skin, letting the fresh flavors shine. The ambiance is charming, with a lovely rooftop patio. Service was friendly and attentive. Highly recommend for a great meal in Old Pasadena!

Amy G.

Yelp
The food and service were average. but, a 2.2% kitchen wage surcharge on the bill was a bit much. when questioned, they said so our kitchen help gets to a fair wage, so why don't you either pay them one or adjust your menu prices to absorb the cost.
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Sharon B.

Yelp
This place is an Italian getaway hidden in old town pasadena. BEST Armenian/Greek Restaurant in the world in my opinion! Shoutout to Chef Garo our fav! Amazing ambience, amazing food, best service, best chefs, this place is a 10 out of 10 on everything. I usually have a "must try" list but we've had everything on the menu and nothing is ever a miss. I will say if you had to stick to one app - do the Santorini meze sampler. One entree would be the pesto pacherri pasta. And one must try dessert would be the Ashta. It's the owners mom's homemade recipe!! This is a secret spot that will soon be a Michelin star restaurant mark my words! Check it out! Also a great spot for events- they have a side room nestled away.
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Barb B.

Yelp
The location was small and tucked away right behind busy Colorado blvd in downtown. Service is excellent and the wait staff are always available to refill waters and drinks. Large party or 14, sat us in the patio. It was uber hot but once the sun was down, it was pleasant to be outside. Ordered everything shown here. I probably would pass on the meze sampling plate. I didn't think it was as great for the price. Everything else was pretty good. I forgot my photo of the cioppino. But nonetheless, it was good.
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Denise M.

Yelp
We came here for our friends birthday and I absolutely loved the atmosphere that the restaurant had. We were able to get a long table outside so we had our own little space. While it was a great place to host an event/birthday, the food was just okay to me. I ordered the chicken kebab. I didn't find that the food super flavorful and the chicken felt a bit dry. I don't know if this was a one-off. I would come again, but would probably try some other dishes next time!
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Aprille C.

Yelp
Know that this is a fancy restaurant where the waiters put the cloth napkin on your lap! It's upstairs. We came through the back and up the stairs(that killed my bad knees). Had we come through the south side I would have seen the elevator. We were seated right away on the patio. We were offered still or sparkling water. We asked for still. I FOUND ON OUR BILL THAT WE WERE CHARGED $19 FOR MINERAL WATER!!! I am still mad about that. Tap water would have been fine like at EVERY other restaurant! We shared the stuffed grape leaves. They were yummy but only 4. I had the pear & walnut salad. It was good. My friend had the salmon. 2 of them had the beef brochette (kabobs). They liked it. It was nice. But not enough to return.
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Sandy P.

Yelp
Ordered the hummus, fried smelt, mussels santorini, & red curry risotto all dishes were delicious and the seafood tasted fresh. Food was a bit salty but the flavors were there. Wish they could include more pita with their hummus. Space is intimate and small but we saw that they could accommodate larger parties if notified ahead of time.
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Amy L.

Yelp
I used to really love this place. It seems like their menu got smaller. They dont have pizza and very limited pasta selection. I also didn't realize that 90% of the items all have lemon or citrus in it. A family member couldn't eat lemon/lime, cheese or nuts. Be careful of the steak. Im not sure what sauce they used but someone started breaking out in hives. But we were unable to substitute some items out. There was alot of vegetarian food for another family member. The calamari salad was very good. The calamari was grilled perfectly. I also liked the grilled octopus but it was very lemony. The muscles in the ciopinno Santorini had very good bread. The mussels were pretty bad it tasted like ocean. We got the platter with humus,tabouleh,dolmades. Making it into a vegetarian pita sandwich was very good. The branzino and burrata were kind of plain. Branzino tasted mostly of lemon. I would not recommend this place if you have dietary//digestive sensitivity. Service was good. We kept getting ice refills but the waitress did disappear for a while after we ordered appetizers. There is a parking structure across the street that is max $10 weekends and $16 weekdays i think.
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Murray M.

Yelp
Super great food and service . European atmosphere . I love their Morrocan Lamb Shank and the Brazini (Sea Bass ) as well as the middle eastern Mesa plates are amazing . You can fine in the outdoor patio ,on a good weather day . Enjoy this gem .
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Jimmy S.

Yelp
Came to Café Santorini for happy hour with my brother and started with the grilled octopus and Santorini garlic fries. Both were delicious and our bartender Eduardo was amazing. We moved to our patio reservation once our friend arrived and ordered a pitcher of red sangria. At $65, it felt overpriced and not worth it. We would skip it next time. We ordered the grilled octopus again so our friend could try it. Also got the pear and walnut salad and the burrata. Both were fresh and full of flavor. For mains, we had the steak and frites with an incredible au poivre sauce, red curry seafood risotto, and beef brochette with hummus and pita. Dessert was a hit. The tiramisu was one of the best I have had. Service from Samuel and the rest of the staff was excellent. I have been coming here for over 10 years and the food is always consistently great. Parking can be tricky but there are paid garages nearby. The balcony patio is perfect for fresh air and a great spot for a first date. Inside can get loud so not ideal for a quiet conversation.
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Lucky P.

Yelp
I been coming here for almost 30 years. Can't believe how time has flown by. The place is still nice and good to seat on the outside patio. Old town Pasadena has always been a nice spot. Food quality was good as usual. Except no more complementary bread and some surcharge on the bill, which kinda didn't make me feel happy as all the prior times I been coming to this establishment. We are past the pandemic really not a good business practice to use surcharge. Especially for 2 dollar's. I was not happy with it. Probably will not be coming back to this place.
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Jhenny R.

Yelp
We went to Café Santorini in Pasadena for our wedding anniversary dinner and really enjoyed the evening overall. The service and ambiance were nice. The rooftop patio with string lights and a warm vibe made it feel special for our celebration. I ordered the Risotto Seafood, which was yummy and flavorful with perfectly cooked seafood and creamy rice. My husband had the lamb shank, which was tender but unfortunately came with grains that were a bit dry for some reason. We still enjoyed our meal because the drinks made up for it. My red sangria was refreshing and delicious. We took our time, soaking in the beautiful night and architecture from the neighboring building. We ended with their pistachio ashta cake, which was nutty, light, and just sweet enough, paired with yummy Lavazza Black coffee/Americano. Despite the minor issue, we'd definitely come back for another date night to enjoy the ambiance, drinks, and dessert! @jhennybventures (ig/tiktok)
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Sandi I.

Yelp
Café Santorini is in the old part of Pasadena. It is a beautiful Mediterranean restaurant. The ambience is perfect for a nice date night with prices to match. The lamb was fall apart, tender . The Arrabiata sauce was spicy, but I love spice. The appetizer and salad was good. The staff was very kind and helpful and attentive. It was a lovely dinner.
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Eddie D.

Yelp
We stopped by before catching the shuttle to the Rose Bowl for the AC/DC concert. The service was good and the food was solid, though nothing particularly memorable. We've had similar dishes at other restaurants that stood out more. That said, we are glad we came and enjoyed the experience overall.
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Kay M.

Yelp
There's a parking structure across the street. You may be lucky to find parking on the street with a 2 hour limit. Free street parking after 8pm. Restaurant was upstairs. The wait staff were alright. The Cafe Greek Salad had too much sauce. Ironically the Faroe Island Salmon didn't have enough sauce, but the sauce was good with the salmon. The lentils that came with the salmon were alright. The Tiramisu was absolutely amazing. Probably the best tiramisu we ever had. Would come back for the tiramisu.
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juju c.

Yelp
Love it here. Love the service and ambiance. The only disappointment was we were looking forward to the Moussaka and was told it wasn't on the menu anymore . We were looking for a more authentic food experience. Food wasn't bad but not the authentic food we were expecting.
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Narine G.

Yelp
Still one of my favorite restaurants in the greater Los Angeles area. Grew up on Cafe Santorini and came back a few weeks back for the first time in over 5 years. The ambiance is lively, service friendly, and food impeccable. For two, we shared the mezze platter, steak frites, and Greek salad. We probably over ordered but every dish was delicious. Service is punctual and friendly. Must get the ashta for dessert (the owners mother makes it). For parking, I'd recommend the structure across the street. Can't wait to come back more frequently. Wish I lived closer.
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Andrea C.

Yelp
Everything we ordered was excellent except for the lamb shank- it was hot on the outside but cold on the inside. I think perhaps they microwaved it. My favorite was the Paccheri Al Pesto E Polo, the grilled octopus and the salads but everything was really very good. I also enjoyed the red curry seafood risotto and the chicken kebab. Samuel was very patient, made great recommendations. Coming back again, but not ordering the lamb shank. =)
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Annie A.

Yelp
This is our go to place especially these past 2-3 years. You will never get disappointed with the quality of their food. Service is always excellent. We have tried almost every item on the menu and everything has been amazing. Their fried smelt is one thing that we always get. Appetizers are so good you can literally get full off the appetizers. And if you have a big party or an event you can book it in advance and they set up the corner for your event.
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Nairy D.

Yelp
As always delicious food, great service and beautiful location. Really enjoyed curry risotto and Bronzino!
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Nicholas S.

Yelp
One of my favorite restaurants in Pasadena. I have been here twice in the last 4 days because it's so delicious and couldn't kill the craving with just one visit. The service, the ambiance, the food, everything is top tier.
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Vlad V.

Yelp
Greece is at the top of my list to visit. And Santorini is one of the coolest places there. So when I heard we'd be having a family dinner at Cafe Santorini prior to my sister's wedding, it was an easy sell for me. We had a reservation at 6:30 p.m. on a Friday evening. Located in downtown Glendale, they don't have a parking lot so your best bet is street parking or a parking garage. Keep in mind, if you're going to park on the street like I did, there's a two-hour limit. Ambiance (4/5): Nice restaurant. We sat on the rooftop patio which is awesome when the weather's nice (it was a bit toasty for us). They have lights on the railings so it's especially picturesque after the sun sets. Service (4.5/5): Taking care of a group of 21 people is no easy task. Our main waiter did a fantastic job. He checked in regularly, was attentive, and didn't make any mistakes. Which is easy to do when you're taking care of such a large group. A job well done. Drinks (4/5): I started with a Oaxacan old fashioned before transitioning to a bottle of cabernet sauvignon. The old fashioned had mezcal as its base. I love that I'm seeing more and more spots do different versions of an old fashioned. Cafe Santorini has a nice cocktail list, wine list, and beer list. Full bar with quite a few interesting cocktails which I always appreciate. Food (4.5/5): Coming in, I was expecting Greek food. While there are Greek influences, the owner is Lebanese so you see a lot more of a Middle Eastern influence. And it's more than that. A fusion of sorts. With Indian and Moroccan dishes mixed in, too. A little deceiving but an interesting menu nonetheless. I had the beef brochette which consisted of tender large cubes of beef tenderloin (cooked medium rare to my liking), rice, a grilled tomato and pepper, and a side of pita bread and hummus. The portion size was generous and everything was delicious. The meat was succulent, the rice flavorful, and the hummus delivered. I also tried some fries and they were well seasoned and delicious, too. A great meal all-around. The dessert, on the other hand, left something to be desired. I had the warm apple tart which is served a la mode with a side of vanilla gelato. Usually a big winner in my book, the thin tart sprinkled with cinnamon was a bit lifeless. Don't come to Cafe Santorini expecting a Greek meal. Come expecting a great fusion meal.
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Kim C.

Yelp
Located in Old Town Pasadena on Union across from a paid parking structure. There is a sign and the restaurant is on the second floor. There's a bar inside and a few tables with more in a covered outdoor patio. The outdoor patio can be cold on a cool night, so bring a sweater/jacket. They have heaters that are fixed to the building wall, but they are only on one side of the patio. So if your table is on the street side, it's a bit chilly. Service was quick. Recommendations given if asked. They seemed busy and distracted, not overly friendly. We ordered the mezze tasting which was perfect for 6 of us. Has a little bit of everything. My linguini clams was good but not the best I've ever had. Wish I had a bit more of it to fill me up. The apple crisp wasn't my favorite. Presentation is great, place is great for a date night and even big groups.
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Anneke S.

Yelp
This restaurant is five star all around from taste of food to presentation to service and ambience. I usually go here for birthdays because it is a lovely celebration and view from the second floor. I know it's been around for more than 30 years and it will probably be for Many more to come. It is a bit expensive so prepare for that, but you will have a good time.
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Lauren A.

Yelp
okay but how are their salads literally to d*e for? the calamari salad changed my life -- i didn't know putting squid on greens could be so delicious. our server was funny, super hospitable, & quick with service. the outdoor patio on the roof is a nice touch too. will come back when i'm in pasadena!
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Tracey M.

Yelp
What a treat to find this spot- very authentic Greek experience- highly recommend the octopus- perfectly grilled- I had the beef kabob - perfectly cooked and seasoned to perfection-and my husband loved his linguine and clams. Portions were beautifully plated, generous serving and incredibly fresh.
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Carlos M.

Yelp
I really feel I need to throw this out there. The service is always horrible and most of the staff have nasty attitudes. They pose as a high end restaurant and give you mid level food with a decent rooftop view. Will not be coming here again. Servers should not be commenting on how much food I want to order. If I want to try different dishes and want to spend for my girlfriend and I he should not make comments like hey that's a lot of food it's gonna be expensive. I've been to high end restaurants and don't care about the price I just want my expectations met with their food and services. The hostess should not be making snarky comments as soon as I walk in either. Horrible establishment.
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Sona K.

Yelp
I had a recommendation to try this place from over 10 years ago but never got around to it until recently and I'm glad I did! Just a heads up this is a place that seats you when your whole party is present. Also there are stairs to the venue so if you need an elevator there is another entrance from the alley just call the place and ask them about it! The mezze plate was so delicious. The hummus was creamy and the babaganoush too. And the grape leaves were juicy and not try. I tried the baby gem salad and it could have used a bit more vinegrette in my opinion but was still delicious! Will most likely return to try some of their other goodies but the mezze plate is a must!
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Angelica B.

Yelp
Finally got around to dining at Santorini. We started off with hummus, pita bread, and icy cold Mythos; great combo! Shout out to Samuel who was very attentive and helpful with our request for a side of spicy sauce. We ordered the Branzino with capers over house potatoes, delicious! The seasoning was perfectly balanced and did not need any additional flavoring. Also, ordered the Pesto e Pollo and wow, the pasta sauce was perfectly creamy with a hint of fresh cilantro garnish that elevated the pesto flavor. Finished the evening with their delicate and sweet pistachio and rose water cake. Surprisingly, a very good duo of flavors. All worth splurging!
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Jean Y.

Yelp
Dear owner and management, I'm currently writing this as I'm sitting waiting for the food. To start off, the staff and service are absolutely amazing. Dennis is very knowledgeable, kind, friendly, and simply wonderful. He has excellent customer service ethics. I've discovered this wonderful place a little more than a decade ago. Ever since, my family and I have been faithful customers. Great ambiance, too! Now for the actual review: I wish I could give this place 10 stars. And this will make you wonder, "Why the 4 stars then?" Like I said, we've been faithful customers for ages, and I HARDLY rate a place less than 5. However, today, we drove from Temecula, where we live which is close to 3 hours away just for the Moussaka. However, to our unpleasant surprise, it was no longer available. Can you imagine waiting days and looking forward and dreaming of eating our favorite dish that no one else makes as Cafe Santorini, only to discover that it's been remoced from the menu...? The entire table of 5 of us were disheartened by the unpleasant news. Please, please, PLEASE, for the Love of God, bring back the Moussaka. Thank you and God bless. Sincerely, A very sad and upset, me.

Veronica V.

Yelp
Everything we all ate was so delicious. They have a great variety of foods to choose from. Its been there a very long time but it's still do good. Its well situated too.
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Jennifer G.

Yelp
I've been to this place many times, and it never disappoints. The service is always excellent, and the rooftop seating offers a nice atmosphere--perfect for a relaxed meal or drinks. The food is consistently good, and they have a solid wine selection. It's become a favorite neighborhood spot for me. If you're looking for a reliable place with good food and a pleasant ambiance, I'd recommend giving it a try.
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Masanori D.

Yelp
My girlfriend and I spent a few weeks traveling in Greece last summer (including Santorini). We found the food here to be pretty authentic and solid. Everything we had was good, but my absolute favorite was the fried smelts followed by the halloumi cheese. The waiter could be a bit more helpful, but the service was nice and quick. We walked in without a reservation on a Thursday evening, but we were seated without waiting. I would not call the ambience romantic or upscale, but it's a nice restaurant a couple, a group of friends, or a family can have a good meal here. If you happen to be in Pasadena and are hungry for Greek food, you should give them a try.
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Janet T.

Yelp
Like a VIRGIN, it was our first time eating here and it was worth a try! My dear monster, I mean mother in law wanted to eat here for EASTER dinner... We reserved a table for 10 people. My niece and nephews ordered the lamb brochette. My mother in law ordered the branzino and we got the shrimp with angel hair pasta. I didn't have a chance to try the other dishes but, we LOVED our pasta dish! It reminded me of a rich marinara sauce with shrimp pasta... Parking is conveniently located across the street and it is $2 for every 15 minutes! Good food, service and ambience check! Cheers everybody!!
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Gregg L.

Yelp
Hadnt been in some time. So many other choices. But a buddy wanted to go again and it came through! The balcony is great. Heated and partially covered. It's a very pleasant atmosphere with terrific service and very good food. I ordered the lamb shank, and my buddy ordered the cioppino. Both were outstanding, and we both had a salad to start and a couple of glasses of wine. It was a terrific evening to catch up with an old friend. Recommend it!
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Ginny B.

Yelp
Cafe Santorini is our family favorite whenever we're in LA. The restaurant exudes charm, offering incredible food, warm service, and owners who genuinely care about your experience. The new menu is great--don't miss the flavorful cauliflower dish, their signature hummus, and their mom's special dessert. Lovingly run by a multi-generational family, it's truly a Pasadena treasure! Bonus: there's convenient parking just across the street.
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Dave M.

Yelp
This is a great spot if you're looking for a nice restaurant that serves really delicious food and isn't too expensive. With appetizers, entrees and drinks it came out to about $50-60 a person. The menu has a great selection of things to try for each category. I ordered the Beef Kabab medium rare and it was really good. I also ordered Greek beer (served with a chilled cup) to go with it which pairs really nicely with the meal. Servers were nice and would offer to pick up our empty dishes so our table isn't overcrowded. I would also recommend to be seated in the balcony, it's a cozy aesthetic especially during the winter.
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Arpineh Z.

Yelp
The Food was flavorful and Drinks were also good. Our server was very friendly and attentive. Love the mezze tasting appetizer and the dessert.
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Julio V.

Yelp
This popular place certainly lived up to the hype! We got a reservation for a birthday lunch. Got sat right away on a nice balcony. The service was excellent. Attentive and accommodating. The food we got was delicious. Every single plate had something special to it. The only disappointments were that they forgot our grape leaves in the appetizer (pictured) and one pair of our utensils was pretty dirty. Otherwise a great place and I recommend it!

onie p.

Yelp
Love the ambiance, food is also good, not great, very fair pricing, decent service. Love being able to sit outside with a nice breeze. If you find yourself Pasadena, come give this place a try. I might be a bit bias since I love Pasadena, but this place is tucked in Miller alley, where iPic theater is. If you don't care to dine while watching a movie at iPic then come try cafe Santorini either after or before your show time.
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Hugo A.

Yelp
Mediocre at best. Tried the mezze plate, branzino and mussel shrimp risotto. It all tastes like something you could just buy from Trader Joe's. The branzino is only half of a filet?? This was the first time I wasn't served the entire fish when ordering a branzino. For having such an abbreviated menu, you'd expect every dish to be amazing, but it's not. Ambiance is fine, they're on the second floor with outside seating, no particular views. Service was good and friendly.

Laura J.

Yelp
The food, service and setting were all very good. Everyone was happy and the drinks were very good. The waiters were efficient but could be a bit more friendly.
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Paulina S.

Yelp
Amore! The food and atmosphere of Cafe Santorini - perched on a charming rooftop in Old Town Pasadena - will whisk you away to the vibrant coastline of the Mediterranean. We started off the night with the Mezze Vegetarian Appetizer. Not only is this dish beautiful to look at with all its vibrant colors, but it's also bursting with flavor - tangy hummus, zesty tabbouleh, marinated grape leaves, and crispy Borak (to name a few) will excite you with different tastes. For the main course, we each got the chicken kebab. What an indulgent dish! The chicken was succulent and perfectly seasoned. It came with rice pilaf, tzatziki, hummus, and a colorful assortment of roasted vegetables. Unlike other restaurants that give you insanely small portion sizes for a ridiculous price, Cafe Santorini serves up very filling meals that leave you feeling perfectly satisfied. We were delighted by our dinner and thrilled that we got to sample different types of dishes from the Mediterranean. Thankfully, this restaurant does NOT limit itself to just pasta and pizza. The only downsides were that it took a long time for our food to arrive (around 30 minutes) and that our waiter was not very communicative. For example, our appetizer came with pita bread but we had no idea because it was tucked away under several layers of napkins! Wish our waiter told us, since we unknowingly ordered extra pita bread. Moreover, the tables on the balcony are arranged very close together, which did not provide us with much room for intimate conversation, but I guess that's ok ...we were focused on savoring our delicious food anyways!
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Judith A.

Yelp
Great service and delicious food. The restaurant on a second floor, with outdoor seating. Beautiful.

Karen S.

Yelp
Wow wow WOW ! Samuel at the bar was absolutely amazing !!!! Drinks were perfect and he was so professional and accommodating. Garo was also just as good he was very personable and sweet ! The drinks were perfect also grab the Ashtah ! It's almost like a tres leches with baclava toppings ! It was perfect not too sweet and just as good ! Will def be back for Sam and Garo .
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Arnold T.

Yelp
Came here with several colleagues and apparently this restaurant certainly has some history in Pasadena. Service was prompt and upon arrival, we were greeted by the staff and they immediately provided us details from their menu selections, drinks, and desserts. Our group ordered the Fettuccine Con Gamberetti, Salmon, and a beef brochette. Desserts included flourless chocolate cake and ice cream. The beef was flavorful, hearty, but some pieces were a bit hard to chew. The vegetables and tomato were grilled to my liking, with a hint of smokey aroma. I was able to try a bite of the salmon and I have to say, it was spot on. I wasn't able to try the vege option or the fettuccine but I look forward to doing so during the next visit. Parking in Old Pasadena can be challenging at times but there are structures throughout.
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C Y.

Yelp
Great services and love it. We had non alcoholic mojitos . The food taste great too ~
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Angela D M.

Yelp
I have come here a couple of different times in the last month. First time was a brunch with some girlfriends. Got a couple of apps, fried cauliflower and Burrata dish, so good. Shared the lamb dish and my friend got the sea bass fish. Sea bass dish was amazing! The lamb was good but not great. The lamb seemed dry but we didn't give that feedback until the end, so that is on us. Second I went was with my sister who uses a wheelchair. They do have an elevator however if you go at night the door will be locked to access the elevator. So for someone who is in wheelchair and is alone, this would not be the ideal place to go as trying to access the restaurant is difficult. We did the same fried cauliflower which was good but not as great as it was when I had it just a week ago. My sister got the salmon dish and I got the Sea bass dish and both were amazing.!
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Linda D.

Yelp
We loved sitting out on the patio! We order a chicken kabob plate, the hummus plate with veggies and a la carte salmon which all were really good! The ambiance and service here was great!
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Ryann M.

Yelp
The food was amazing. This place was recommended by the desk clerk at the Courtyard and I'm so glad I went. I had the seafood risotto and a babaganoush appetizer. Both were just perfect. I added the veggies with the appetizer and I couldn't finish everything but it was all great the next day as leftovers. I had to cut short my stay in Pasadena but I would have loved to explore more of the menu here.