Cafe Santorini
Mediterranean restaurant · Downtown ·

Cafe Santorini

Mediterranean restaurant · Downtown ·

Mediterranean cafe with rooftop balcony, seafood, pizza & mezes

ambiance
mediterranean food
service
grilled octopus
lamb shank
calamari
tiramisu
branzino
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
Cafe Santorini by null
Cafe Santorini by null
Cafe Santorini by null
Cafe Santorini by null
Cafe Santorini by null

Information

64 W Union St, Pasadena, CA 91103 Get directions

$30–50

Order delivery
See Menu
Usually a wait
Reservations required
Restroom
Popular for lunch
Popular for dinner

Information

Static Map

64 W Union St, Pasadena, CA 91103 Get directions

+1 626 564 4200
cafesantorini.com
@cafesantorini

$30–50 · Menu

Features

•Usually a wait
•Reservations required
•Restroom
•Popular for lunch
•Popular for dinner
•Cozy
•Romantic
•Trendy

Last updated

Jan 14, 2026

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@eater
391,688 Postcards · 10,993 Cities

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
Cafe Santorini
@eater
391,688 Postcards · 10,993 Cities

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
Cafe Santorini
@eater
391,688 Postcards · 10,993 Cities

Alison Brie Interview Talks Restaurant Work, LA’s Best Eats, and Pasta | Eater LA

"My favorite restaurant in Pasadena is actually not Italian — it’s Cafe Santorini, where I used to work as a hostess; their food was so good that 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
Cafe Santorini

Alya K.

Google
Expeeeensive!! But SO WORTH IT! Their steaks IS THE BEST! The sauce, how great the meat was cooked…. It’s unreal. But it is expensive ~50$. For appetizers I definitely recommend their hummus - so good. Their seafood linguine was great as well. Chicken kebap was a small portion and it was decent. The environment is chic so be sure to dress up a bit :) I would definitely go here again and recommend the place :D

Chat S.

Google
Stop by here to have a quick dinner after my appointment in Pasadena. I basically googled the place and checked it on open table then booked it. It was on a second level which I wasn’t expecting, but not a problem at all, and I was received well by the receptionist. She offered if I wanted the Patio, but since I was alone, I opted for the inside table, which was fine because it was more quiet. Steffi, the table server was super nice in spite of being very busy serving the patio area as well. I had the grilled octopus for my starter, and I’m so glad it was one of the best octopus I’ve ever had. For Dr the portion was pretty generous so I ended up just ordering the Mediterranean salad. It was really good. But I needed some kind of bread to eat those lemony tangy flavors of both the octopus and the salad, and so I asked Steffi for some bread I guess just to lessen the acidity. She responded sure you can have some, but we charge for it. And at that point, I didn’t care cause my food was too tangy to be eaten by itself. I figured for three bucks I can pay for bread that used to be a gratis in most restaurants I go to. And I’m not a person that would nickel and dime everything but because it kind of is weird to be paying for bread in a restaurant like this place. I made sure I checked how much they charged the bread that they served me. Much to my surprise I was charged six dollars for the bread. You’ll be the judge if it’s truly worth the six dollars. I took a picture of the bread in here. Ambience was good and quiet because I was inside there was only one other table with a couple eating next to me. I looked outside on the patio. It was almost full, and the ambience was really nice also as well. There is paid public parking across the street which was $10 for me for the whole time I ate. Would I go back there? Probably will if I will not be alone because I felt I wasted so much by dining alone. For example, I wasted 4 slices of the bread because I only ate two slices, and barely finished half of the big bottle of the Pellegrino sparkling water which I wish I was told they only had one large bottle being that I was alone.

Ted M.

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 L.

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.

Hani A.

Google
Nice sitting area, Service was not great but ok. Very expensive compared to food quality. Taste: some dishes were good and some were ok. My wife told the waiter her kabab was overly cooked the waiter wanted to prove her wrong and did not change the dish. My 15 months baby boy's grilled chicken was chared and waiter insisted that was ok but babies can not eat chared meat so I spent good amount of my time peeling the chicken to feed him the inside of it only!

Jimmy S.

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 R.

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!

Deena D.

Google
Amazing experience! The food was so delicious and fresh. And the service was very good. We had a large group dinner here and the team took care of food allergies and made sure things were flowing perfectly. Will definitely be back.
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Tigran N.

Yelp
A perfect dinner spot. The ambiance is perfect for date night or family dinner night. The service was amazing. Our server Alex is probably one of the best servers I have ever had. He was very friendly, gave great recommendations and took care of all of our needs. The food was great. My pesto chicken and pasta was so good. It was nicely seasoned and the pesto sauce wasn't overpowering. Genuinely, had a great experience and will definitely be back. PS: There is a parking structure right next to the restaurant so don't waste time looking for street parking.
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Paul B.

Yelp
Great place, great food, really nice customer service! Always consistent, reliable, Nice cozy ambiance. Give them a shot you'll be happy you did!
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Chat S.

Yelp
Stop by here to have a quick dinner after my appointment in Pasadena. I basically googled the place and checked it on open table then booked it. It was on a second level which I wasn't expecting, but not a problem at all, and I was received well by the receptionist. She offered if I wanted the Patio, but since I was alone, I opted for the inside table, which was fine because it was more quiet. Steffi, the table server was super nice in spite of being very busy serving the patio area as well. I had the grilled octopus for my starter, and I'm so glad it was one of the best octopus I've ever had. For Dr the portion was pretty generous so I ended up just ordering the Mediterranean salad. It was really good. But I needed some kind of bread to eat those lemony tangy flavors of both the octopus and the salad, and so I asked Steffi for some bread I guess just to lessen the acidity. She responded sure you can have some, but we charge for it. And at that point, I didn't care cause my food was too tangy to be eaten by itself. I figured for three bucks I can pay for bread that used to be a gratis in most restaurants I go to. And I'm not a person that would nickel and dime everything but because it kind of is weird to be paying for bread in a restaurant like this place. I made sure I checked how much they charged the bread that they served me. Much to my surprise I was charged six dollars for the bread. You'll be the judge if it's truly worth the six dollars. I took a picture of the bread in here. Ambience was good and quiet because I was inside there was only one other table with a couple eating next to me. I looked outside on the patio. It was almost full, and the ambience was really nice also as well. There is paid public parking across the street which was $10 for me for the whole time I ate. Would I go back there? Probably not in the nearest future but will do but not by myself. Wasted too much of the bread and the Pellegrino that I didn't finish.
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Gabriel R.

Yelp
Cafe Santorini is quaint. Fits in perfectly in Pasadena and you have to love it's location Old town Pasadena near the alley I like being seated outside where you get a good view of the courtyard Food is always good and be certain to ask for the specials. It's proximity to the IPIC theatre makes for a good date night
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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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Emily B.

Yelp
A+ for ambiance and the service was great. We had the hummus and the pita bread was flat and flavorless. The fried cauliflower had so much balsamic it made our cheeks pucker (not in a good way). The fried calamari was lacking in flavor and the aioli had so much lemon. Our girls enjoyed their pesto pasta. The lemon drops were good. Flourless chocolate cake was dry. Tiramisu was also dry.
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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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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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Phil B.

Yelp
I have returned to Santorini now a few times lately after a more than 15 year hiatus. Santorini continues to shine. We had a very nice light meal to celebrate my wife's birthday. The Santorini Mediterranean Mezze plate is is amongst the best middle eastern apps I have had, ever. And it is very substantial, more like a meal than an app (caveat: the pita bread was just adequate.) We also had the cauliflower dish and the pear and walnut salad which were both very good. The cocktails were delicious! (Though a bit pricey...) The service is spectacular. Amongst the best service I have received at any restaurant in Pasadena! Love the intimate and cozy ambiance, the patio, and the out of the way location in Old Town Pasadena. We really enjoyed the fresh electronic music sound track. Lastly, despite the name, Santorini is more of a bistro vibe than a cafe. Highly recommended!
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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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Ginger I.

Yelp
We tried Cafe Santorini last night for dinner and had a great time. First off, customer service is 10/10. We were checked on by our waiter a few times and he was super friendly. I'm not a fan of waiters coming around to check on you a billion times (or the opposite & not come around at all), so it was perfect for me. We sat outside on the balcony and there was a nice ambiance. Bathrooms are kept up and super clean, and as a woman I love that there are no holes between the restroom doors. That is so important to me. I ordered the peach martini and it was yummy, with neither the peach nor the alcohol overpowering one another. I'm normally not a big fan of martinis, but I would get this again. We also ordered the paccheri al pesto e pollo and the orecchiette arrabbiata pastas and we were both pleasantly surprised. I really enjoyed the arrabbiata. It was spicy, but not too much for people that might be a little more sensitive to spice. The flavor was amazing. This restaurant definitely went above and beyond by my standards and I would love to come back here to try more dishes.
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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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Michele G.

Yelp
Café Santorini is an excellent place located in the heart of old town Pasadena in a beautiful historic brick building. They offer indoor outdoor dining and it's very romantic. It is noisy, but the service is excellent and the food is as well. They also have a great selection of wine.
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T. T.

Yelp
Very disappointed, I am Greek and from Santorini. Food is no where near to authentic Greek or Mediterranean cuisine. To add to our disappointment table service is extremely unprofessional,the manager seemed annoyed when we requested food to be cooked properly.
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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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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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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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Maria A.

Yelp
Food is fresh and outstanding! The appetizer sampler platter with all the traditional starters is a must. Everything was bursting with flavor. The service was friendly and on point. The manager Pano went out of his way to make us feel welcome. Will be back!
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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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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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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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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.

Resi Q.

Yelp
Amazing atmosphere we have dinner at café santorini,branzino so tender,lamb shank,our server alex gived us amazing recommendations,and we have shots of uzo,
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Valerie G.

Yelp
Great customer service. A lot of the servers were very attentive. The food was absolutely delicious. I couldn't get over the mussels and that broth that came along with it! Very flavorful. Rigatoni had my heart! So good! Layout was nice and fancy.

Sevan A.

Yelp
We went for my wife's birthday. Service was poor. They barely stopped by our table. Food was very delayed. We complained but the reason for the delay was that there was a large table in a different area. However people around us got their food way before us even though they got there after us. Food was hit or miss. My wife's dish, the Branzino, was way over salted and not edible. Some of the other dishes were okay and others were not good.
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James S.

Yelp
Everything was perfect except the 2% surcharge on a $500 meal was never disclosed. Shouldn't this be the owner's responsibility to pay their staff a living wage? Since when did the diners are supposed to be responsible for and we needed to tip on top of the 2%.
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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. =)

Sara B.

Yelp
Gone are the good old days of Cafe Santorini! It's been around for so long. This place is awful now. We waited an entire hour to get our food from the time we ordered. The food was over salted and very expensive. 4 oz filet of branzino with a couple potatoes for $50. Service was the worst I've had in a long time. Goodbye Cafe Santorini! You will closing down soon at this rate.
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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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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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Ashley B. ..

Yelp
Really loved this spot. Very low key and lovely vibes + food. I met with my girlfriends from undergrad and HS and we had a lovely time. It's funny how this place can be so crowded but it's not overwhelming. Our server was amazing as well.
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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.

Kate W.

Yelp
Cafe Santorini has clean and sophisticated vibe about the restaurant. The patio seating was quite airy and cool when I went in the evening for dinner. To start I had the grilled veggies with cauliflower, brussels sprouts, and shishito peppers. The seasoning on the grilled vegetables gave them a slight Mediterranean kick, and with the dill and yogurt like sauce, it cooled the flavor and offered a slightly more comforting, slightly sour taste. For my main dish, I had the Branzino. The capers, olive oil, and butter sauce truly gave it a melt in your mouth feel. The fish was also flakey and light. Combining this with the potatoes, which were also soft and buttery, it truly was a delicate yet filling meal. For dessert I had the Ashta cake. The Ashta cake had a rose water base with a clotted cream middle and nutty topping. Combining this with a cup of black coffee really upped the lighter sweetness this cake offered. Overall, this place is a very nice and sophisticated. The service was also very helpful and knowledgeable about the food. Definitely recommend.
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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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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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Arielle C.

Yelp
Food is always delicious and the service caring & responsive! I appreciate the outdoor seating which works any season. It feels like you are in the tree tops, safe & comfortable!
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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!

Raquel E.

Yelp
It is my favorite Mediterranean infused restaurant I go to at the moment. The food, people and experience is unique every time I am there. Whether I am there for a Sunday lunch or a Friday date night it is perfect. Chef's Kiss

Loida S.

Yelp
We sat outside in the balcony and it was beautiful. The lights and the ambiance excellent. I really enjoyed their chicken kabab

Linda C.

Yelp
The outdoor balcony is lovely. I hadn't been here for a while. The menu has greatly improved!! The octopus was perfect, grilled vegetables, calamari salad and grilled vegetable all were delicious! Service is attentive.
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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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Nairy D.

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