Mi Piace

Italian restaurant · Downtown

Mi Piace

Italian restaurant · Downtown

2

25 E Colorado Blvd, Pasadena, CA 91105

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Highlights

Californian-Italian fare, bustling modern spot with patio seating  

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25 E Colorado Blvd, Pasadena, CA 91105 Get directions

mipiace.com

$10–20 · Menu

Reserve

Information

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25 E Colorado Blvd, Pasadena, CA 91105 Get directions

+1 626 795 3131
mipiace.com

$10–20 · Menu

Reserve

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Last updated

Aug 30, 2025

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

"The fancy Italian restaurant that you would go to for a special occasion." - 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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@postcardnews

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.

https://www.mipiacemenus.com/
Italian Restaurants in Pasadena CA (2025)
View Postcard for Mi Piace

Sophia Liu

Google
The Caprese Burrata was a refreshing appetizer, I enjoyed the ratio of tomato to burrata. The Fettucine Alfredo Tartufo was so delicious, 9/10! The wider pasta noodles paired really well with the cream sauce, which was flavorful and not too heavy like other versions of this dish. But the portion size was a bit smaller than expected. Perfect for one person, but if you want to share dishes or are hella hungry, I’d recommend ordering two. The Farfalle Salmone Vodka was also very tasty. The smoked salmon was very salty, but if you eat it in small bites with pasta, the flavors balance out well. Solid 8/10! The open kitchen adds to the ambiance, but the restauraunt itself was quite dim. I think an addition of candles or mini centerpieces would really enhance the atmosphere. Although the service was a bit slow and difficult to get attention, the restauraunt was so busy and we didn’t mind too much. Shoutout to the one chef who went around asking how everyone’s dinner was. Gave him a fistbump and he kindly gave us a tiramisu on the house. Which was bomb!!! Perfectly balanced flavors and sweetness. Would come back just for that dessert. Overall, would definitely recommend this place to anyone craving some authentic italian.

Catherine G.

Google
Had dinner here celebrating my bestfriends birthday. I can not say enough good things about this place. Food was AMAZING!! Service was IMPECCABLE!! Drinks were STRONG!! The owner very graciously game us complimentary desert. I spent a couple hundred but it was worth every penny for every delicious bite.

Gail Crosby

Google
Food is good. The bread was our favorite with the escargot. I had the shrimp scampi. The menu said it came with 4 shrimp, I only got 3. Service was not that good. We had to wait a long time for the waiter to come back to us regarding our check or dessert. We felt it was overpriced for what you get. We wouldn’t go back. There’s no parking. It’s on a very busy street.

Matt Misetich

Google
Found this restaurant in 2021 and have been going ever since for business lunches/dinners, birthdays, dates, and even late night last minute meals. The owner, Armen, is great and always greeting us as we pass by or while we are eating. The host/hostess are always accommodating to the last minute changes when able, and the waiter, waitresses, and bussers are all very kind.

Josephine Shiau

Google
Sadly, this will be our last time going to this restaurant. Been here ever since a teen. The service and food have just gone downhill. This last time was a last minute decision to go here. My husband did not want to but I convinced him. Started out with the waiter, for whatever reason, ignored me. I had to repeat the order three times. I even asked my kid was it me or did he just blatantly ignored me. My husband laughed at how ridiculously he was behaving. The food - I was soooo looking forward to the pasta. Got the gamberi. It tasted like baby food. The pasta and the carrot sauce 😳. Of course, I had other people at the table taste it just to make sure it’s not “me thing.” At the end of the dinner, he brought the check and handed it to my husband and said “here you go buddy”. Well, the check was split. Bad service + bad food = $200 bill (not including tip). For that amount of money, you CAN get better food and service elsewhere.

Vivian K.

Google
Dinner at Mi Piace was absolutely perfect. The pasta was incredibly delicious, and even the bread was so tasty. After we finished eating, the cozy and relaxed atmosphere made it easy to linger and enjoy a lovely time with friends. Everything from the food to the ambiance and service was just right. Definitely a place I’d love to visit again!

Ahmed Elagouz

Google
Mi Piace has been a solid choice in Old Pasadena for over 25 years, and it shows. Came here with a friend for dinner after FIFA Club World Cup game Monterey vs River Plate. Service was smooth. Staff was attentive but not overbearing. Interior feels upscale without being stiff. Good for dates, small groups, or casual business dinners. Prices are fair for the area and the quality. Expect $25–$40 per entree. You come here when you want something reliable, well-prepared, and with good service. I’ve eaten here more than once. Never had a bad meal. Would recommend for both locals and out-of-towners.

best youtuber n

Google
I’ll start by saying that this restaurant certainly doesn’t deserve five stars. It was obvious they didn’t have enough waitstaff, so each server was constantly running between tables. We waited far too long for our order, and then they got confused, forgot items — possibly just overwhelmed by the workload. It clearly reflects a lack of personnel and high pressure on the staff. We ordered three dishes, and the only one we actually liked was the pizza. As for the tea — they brought us cups but no tea, then left us waiting for another 20 minutes. The biggest downside was the indoor area, which was filled with noise from people talking, music, and strong smells from the kitchen. If someone is looking for a place to relax — this is definitely not it. It's more suitable for a first date, where you're focused on each other and can ignore the crowd and chaos. The pizza deserves a solid 10 out of 10, but the restaurant overall — with its service, prices, and dirty restroom — doesn’t earn a high rating. Also, we got the feeling they wanted us to leave quickly. Maybe I’m wrong, but toward the end, the staff started pushing with questions like “Do you want anything else?” and “Is everything okay?” — as if they were trying to wrap things up. I would give this place a firm three out of five

Anna H.

Yelp
Perfect customer service and great food. Finally could enjoy my favorite lasagna. It was excellent done. Thank you!

Nicholle H.

Yelp
Customer service was outstanding and the food was yummy. The chocolate soup (aka soufflé) will heal your soul.
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Samantha S.

Yelp
If you're looking for a place to elevate your pasta game to celestial heights, look no further than this Italian gem! The food was so good it made me question every other meal I've ever had in my 43 years--seriously, I might need therapy to cope with the taste of my old life! Our server, Al, was a superstar--friendly, attentive, and just the right amount of charming. The service? A solid 10! And don't forget the dessert and coffee--each bite was like a hug for your taste buds. If you don't leave this place feeling like a satisfied food astronaut. Seriously the food and service was a 10.
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Lisette M.

Yelp
This review breaks my heart to post because I used to LOVE this place... thats why I was kind enough to give them 3 stars! BUT this restaurant SHOULD NOT serve brunch on the weekends! The brunch menu options are terrible!! From the servers to the food, and the outrageous prices, JUST NO! Let me preface by saying that the host Giana, and the buss boys are on it!! BUT the food runner that I saw scratch or pick his nose then bring me my food, to the server Jordan that was missing half the time... that didn't thoroughly take our order, she did the bare minimum. Unfortunately for a $200 meal for 3 of us, including a $7 breadbaskets, it was definitely NOT worth it! I should have known better when the spot across the alley had an hour wait with people pouring out of the place waiting for a table, we made our way with a 2 min walk to Mi Piace...which was empty during peak brunch hours! That should have been a dead giveaway! The topper for us was the 4 dogs we came across in the restaurant in the one hour time period that we sat there. 4 DOGS!! I own a service dog for my daughter so I totally understand, but out of the 4 dogs, only one had a visible vest allegedly stating it was a service dog! Not to mention one of the dogs that invaded our space was with an owner that was completely oblivious. It was all just too much! We definitely will not be rushing to brunch there again any time soon!
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Lishya H.

Yelp
I was in the area and missed this place that I used to go during my college days. Made a reservation and got seated right away during weeknights dinner. The service was nice and attentive, unfortunately the food was way below par. I was extremely disappointed from what Mi Piace that I used to be excited about. The bolognese pasta was very bland and kind of dry, not flavorful at all, as well as the gnocchi, the texture is not like the typical gnocchi, it tasted like cheap store bought gnocchi. My Caesar salad, sadly, it was the worst Caesar I've ever had. The bitterness of the lettuce was very pungent, I couldn't even taste the overall salad. What a sad, sad visit in an old town Pasadena.
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Sheeny N.

Yelp
Mi Piace is one of my family's favorite Italian restaurants in LA! The food always hits the spot, and the staff are extremely accommodating and friendly. When I asked for substitution on one of the dishes, one of the staff members said, "Our motto is any thing that you'd like. So of course we can make adjustments for you and make it the way you like!". So kind!! Notable items: Bread service: Garlic Focaccia Bread served with olive oil and vinegar. IT WAS SO GOOD. Bread was soft and flavorful. I tried so hard to stop myself from eating too much of it because I wanted to save my stomach for the main entrees. Caesar Salad: fresh vegetables and very light. Enjoyed it as a perfect appetizer! Bucatini Alla Carbonara: creamy sauce with al dente pasta. Paired so well with the savory pancetta! Fettuccine Alfredo Tartufo: rich, cream sauce. very filling! Pepperoni Pizza: HUGE portion. Shareable size and the kids loved it. There's parking available at the public parking structures nearby for $1. Very beautiful and clean decor inside. Classy setting, but casual dress code is still fine (perfect for a date night!). Even though it's quite big inside and there's seating available outdoors too, it can get busy, so I highly recommend getting a reservation! Thank you Mi Piace for the wonderful experiences throughout the years!!
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Marisol F.

Yelp
I was hitting Pasadena for my bday gift and Decided to stop by to grab a bite . Great place always fresh food and great service . Is always busy that must mean something right ? I have been here for dinner and lunch and is always fresh and delicious !
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Priscilla Y.

Yelp
Came here for a work dinner with 20+ people. Staff are very nice and catered to our drink needs. While everyone drank the wine, I asked for a Paloma which tasted more like a drink I'd get at sports bar (too much tequila). The food was also not up to par. I ordered the scallop truffle risotto off the special menu and the rice was undercooked and scallops were rubbery and overcooked. I was not satisfied with my dish and saw others had the same sentiment. The dessert was better but I'd only give it 4 stars. We ordered the chocolate trio, tiramisu, midnight fantasy and almond roca cake (not pictured). Unlike the food, the staff were very helpful and attentive to our large party's needs. Because of our size and the chaos I give them credit for attending to us. Overall I wouldn't recommend coming here if you like decent food, sorry!
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Alma R.

Yelp
When in Old Town Pasadena we make a point of treating ourselves to something yummy and Mi Piace did not disappoint! The ambiance was nice and cheery crowd watching from the inside. We love sitting outside too but they only have a few tables and they were taken. Very classy decor and definitely clean. I started with a dirty martini but they brought it dry so they brought the olive juice on the side.. came out really really well. We had the Bruchetta appetizer and it was really good. I just wish they served it with a few crostinis on the side. Can't forget their delicious bread with olive oil and balsamic glaze... yum! We both had the Spaghetti Aragosta and finished them to the last bite. It had plenty of lobster pieces with a small lobster tail.. I can almost taste again it was that good. We finished off with dessert and split a crème brûlée cheesecake and a vanilla latte What a perfect meal!
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Danica C.

Yelp
Some friends and I had a reservation for 7PM on a Saturday. The place was packed and there was definitely a lag in being seated. We checked in 15 minutes prior to our reservation but we're not seated until 7:45PM. I think the issue was that some folks were not getting up to leave after settling their bill. Aside from that hiccup our server was very kind and attentive. They checked in with us throughout the night and made sure we had everything we needed. My friends ordered margaritas and I had a gimlet. They said their margaritas were great. Unfortunately I can't say the same about my gimlet. If you're looking for a cocktail it's probably best to order from the menu or order something very basic. All of our food came out at the same time and we all really enjoyed our dishes.
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Shirley J.

Yelp
Mi piace has been a staple in Pasadena for so long. I used to come here a lot in my college years and is so packed with nostalgia. We were here at 8:30PM on a weekday and were seated right away. We decided to sit outside and the ambiance was great. Ambient lighting with pedestrians walking by made it a great evening. Service was good but I did feel we were somewhat rushed through the ordering process which I was not a huge fan of. They have a really good wine selection including a large selection of single glass, half bottle and entire bottles. Calamari 4/5 - great flavor, fresh pieces of calamari. The chimichurri dipping sauce was delicious. The only thing is the breading was coming off of the calamari which made it a little difficult to eat but flavors are on point. Fettuccine Alfredo tartufo 10/5 - so good and the truffles hints throughout the pasta complements the pasta so well without taking over the dish. With truffle dishes this is actually difficult to do. Must add a protein to the pasta to take this to the next level. We went with chicken and it was perfect. Ravioli Al burro 4/5 - flavors are good but a tad too sweet for my taste. I've had this a union in Pasadena and they definitely had a better version. But good effort at the dish. I still thought it was delicious nonetheless. I've heard their tiramisu is amazing but we're too full for dessert. Will definitely have to try next time. Overall a great meal.
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Cydney M.

Yelp
GREAT PLACE FOR ITALIAN IN OLD TOWN PASADENA ================================= I don't know about everyone else, but it's really difficult trying to find decent Italian food in Pasadena. Il Fornaio at One Colorado closed last year which was a bummer. So my husband and I went back to Mi Piace. The service is great which helps. Today we went for lunch and I made a reservation on Open Table. They had the Dine LA menu and we wanted to order chicken Parmesan which was on it, but not the other two courses for $45. Our waiter let us order that with a Caesar salad which hit the spot. We loved everything. My husband is a tiramisu snob and he likes their tiramisu. We will be back.
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Beatrice T.

Yelp
Since the AC didn't work inside, we opted to sit outside. We started out with the Calamari Fritti, which were really good. For the main dish we ordered Pollo Parmigiana for 2. It was delicious. Since it was Father's Day we had to have dessert and we shared the Apple Pie a la Mode. It was divine. As we still enjoyed the evening breeze we ended with an Espresso Martini. Mi Piace was a wonderful experience, the food, ambiance and service was all excellent.
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Robert S.

Yelp
Wow! Every dish was so delicious and the service exceeded expectations and felt very attentive and special. We came to celebrate a birthday and it was our first time and as much as I would have loved every name of the dishes we had, nothing did not disappoint and every recommendation was a great one. We definitely will be back and glad we came here to experience such a great restaurant with an amazing and attentive staff and an ambiance that made us feel welcomed and part of the family. Much thanks to our server Santos and Owner Armond for making it an awesome experience. I can't wait to be back and experience more.
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Ryan Y.

Yelp
This is located on Colorado Blvd- and frankly I was disappointed with the experience for the cost. When it comes to experience in relation to value- Mi Piace falls short. The location is excellent and convenient- perfect for a bite between shopping or dinner and walking through Colorado. The interior is nicely decorated but there are elements that feel off- the layout is awkward and things like the bathroom being a separate area decrease the overall experience (having to exit the restaurant through the back in a bit of a dingy back room). Food was subpar- while the pasta was "homemade" and/or imported- the pasta was a bit overcooked, and the sauce made the pasta mushy. Service itself was good- our waitress was attentive and helpful, kind and had table service.
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Flor M.

Yelp
First timer here who passes this place all the time definitely regrets not trying this place sooner! First off, can I just say how wonderful it was to see the owner make his way around to each table thanking them for dining in, asked how their food was, and made sure you were happy with your experience. Definitely impressive. Especially because we were that last minute big dinner party that decided on a whim to try this place. Thank you again so much for accommodating us. Now let's get into the food. Presentation is key here and you know what, it was definitely a vibe. You can see the pride this restaurant takes in every detail of the dining experience. The portions are shareable, but let's be honest do we really want to share? Especially when it's homemade pasta?! To start, we had the Italian wedge salad and it is really good. Just make sure to ask for extra dressing if you prefer a lot of dressing on your salad. Next, I had the Fettuccine Alfredo Tartufo with shrimp (extra cost for shrimp). It was delicious and didn't send me into a foodie coma like most other Alfredo's. It had great flavor and each bite was delicious. I did try a few bites of the lasagna di carne, which is some of the best lasagna I've had. Definitely will be choosing that option next time. Thank you again for such a wonderful dining experience and for making our birthday dinner incredibly special. We will definitely be back!
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Andy W.

Yelp
We have dinner few weeks at mi piace , service was very professional, food was delicious & great ambiance .
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Rachel M.

Yelp
Our server, Tina, was excellent, very knowledgeable and helpful. I wanted to stick with high protein and low carbohydrates which can be really hard in an Italian restaurant. However I was able to tweak one of the appetizers, I added grilled Salmon to the roasted vegetables and it was really delicious!
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Michelle A.

Yelp
From the barrata to the tiramisu we had an Italian experience beyond words. The staff was courteous and friendly. The food was delicious especially the butternut squash ravioli. An amazing ambiance. Take your date. Take your significant other. Take your appetite.
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Shatarra S.

Yelp
My experience at Mi Piace, I felt compelled to warn others. The only positive thing I can say is that the ambiance was decent, but everything else was a disaster. First off, there were little bugs flying around the restaurant, which completely grossed me out. It was hard to enjoy the meal with that going on. We ordered the Pappardelle Bolognese ($34) and were completely disappointed. Not only was the portion ridiculously small for the price, but the taste was completely bland--honestly, I could barely taste any flavor at all. It felt like a frozen dinner you could get at the grocery store, but way overpriced. And don't even get me started on the pizza ($20) We also added pepperoni to the pizza for an extra ($5); it had this weird, off taste that made me question whether it had been sitting out too long or something. The service was okay, but honestly, that doesn't make up for the rest of the experience. At the end of the day, I won't be returning and definitely can't recommend this place to anyone. For the price and experience, it was an absolute letdown.
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Kati V.

Yelp
It is a beautiful restaurant with indoor and outdoor seating. Pollo prezzemolo is my safe dish. It's five stars, for sure. Beef carpaccio (yum!) I can't remember what the beef ravioli was called, but it was also very good. It's a good appetizer, though. It won't fill you up. And the last time I was here, I had an incredible custom seafood risotto!!! Service is always wonderful. A favorite in the books.
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Rebecca N.

Yelp
Amazing food amazing services n ambiance n owner! Thank you for the hospitality and tiramisu haha love that!
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Darlene H.

Yelp
Went for Thanksgiving and it did not disappoint. This is my second time there. Service is amazing, everyone if friendly. You have people checking on you to see if everything is perfect. The gnocchi is to die for. The cocktails are on point. They have outdoor seating as well as a bar area.
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Olive M.

Yelp
We were seated outside and service was very slow. I ordered bread service, followed up a few times, and it was still not there when we finished our meals. I asked for check and the bread one last time and it finally came. Inside the restaurant was very loud

Elayne L.

Yelp
Used to eat here regularly until I looked up in the main room and noticed the hanging light fixtures were covered in s0 much dirt it looked like " felt"asked to speak to the manager and was told he was busy but my concern would be communicated. Came back several weeks later and they were still filthy. I walked out and have never been back. If this is in the main dining area what must the kitchen look like. Have no idea if it was ever cleaned.
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Chloe T.

Yelp
Pasta dishes are good. Steak was dry and under seasoned. Chilean sea bass are nice and flaky. Not so crowded at lunch time and easy to make reservation online. Parking structure is located behind the restaurant. Nice area to walk around after the meal
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Monica R.

Yelp
The rainbow trout with vegetables was delicious. I'd asked the server Eleanor about two dishes and I appreciated her recommendation- and that she hadn't tried to steer me toward the more expensive dish - but described them both two me and had told me she really likes the trout.
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Renee D.

Yelp
There's a reason this place is always busy! Great food, efficient service, bustling ambiance and it's been this was since day 1 decades ago! My Goddaughter had her post christening party here back in the day, she's now a college graduate. I had the butternut squash raviolis garnished with crispy sage leaves that are so delicious! After was finished I couldn't waste the sauce. For an extra $5 you can have bread to sop up the little remaining dregs of deliciousness... I know that behavior will require more time on the treadmill, but I couldn't let it go to waste, so I'm adding it to my waist. So go from the frying pan into the fire, our party shared the midnight chocolate ganache cake dessert. Each bite is like eating a truffle. There are overtones of orange flavors in a smooth thick dark chocolate. Definitely worth it. Oh, and for a starter share the Calamari. The dipping sauce is actually quite delicate and citrusy even though the menu claims it has jalapeno, I didn't taste any heat. A lovely lunch came to $48 each. We shared the appetizer, bread and dessert and we each had our own entree. They had the Gnocchi and a special ravioli. (I think mine tasted the best)

Andres R.

Yelp
I had one of the greatest experiences eating at this restaurant! I had a birthday celebration here and the service was amazing! The food was very delicious and savory! The pasta was very well prepared with a great zesty flavor. They were also able to accommodate when more guests arrived. :) Will definitely be coming back here again!
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Aarti G.

Yelp
The biggest downside was the wait. I made a reversion for 7:30 but we didn't sit down till 8:30 so the reversions here don't mean anything. I'm sure it would have been even worse if we had walked in but I was surprised about the wait. Once we sat down the waitress came right away to take our drink orders. We had to wait on water though since they were out of glasses. I got a class of Chianti for $18 which was a good enough pour for the whole meal. They charge for bread service which is unusual for an Italian restaurant. We paid $6 for some crispy bread (I think it was focaccia but it was cut up small and too crisp). The mi Piace salad was good and came with tomatoes, carrots, and peppercini. For entrees we got the chicken lasagna which I never see on menus and was pleasantly surprised and fri Diablo which is a shrimp and calamari pasta with red sauce. I preferred the lasagna and would get that again. For dessert we got the New York cheesecake. I saw that other reviews said it was better than Cheesecake Factory but not sure I agree. It was definitely delicious and creamy but smaller and more expensive than Cheesecake Factory.
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Anh D.

Yelp
Service was good and food was as well. The manager came around twice during our meal to see how we were doing which was nice. I got the sea bass and the whole plate was delicious... nearly licked the plate. However, overall a little pricey. Side note: there were 3 adults in my party, 2 male and 1 female (myself) and I felt our male server really did not acknowledge me unless I was speaking, which was weird. Like he asked how we were doing or are we ready to order and looked at the two men. It definitely made me feel some type of way... The manager checking in is really the thing the bringing this review to a 5.
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Phillip C.

Yelp
The food was actually really good and also very good portions!! The waiters were very attentive and food came out fairly quickly. The restaurant has a nice romantic feel to it and music was on point!!!
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Esmeralda V.

Yelp
Hostess wanna be Dionne Davenport was the rudest. We had a reservation for 4. We arrived 10 minutes early and the hostess stand was disorganized and people were standing around waiting for their table. We sat at the bar and ordered a drink for my husband with sparkling water for my daughter and I. 30 minutes later I walked up to the hostess stand and asked about our table and I was told it would be a wait because they had several reservations. I reminded her I had a reservation and why was everyone seated that walked in after me. She looked at me and said because they had reservations- clearly she didn't understand that I had one too and made us wait another 15 minutes. We were finally seated and the waiter came by and asked for our drink order. It was loud in the dining room- the food order was ok. Nothing really to rave about, do we go back? Will try again.
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Pina S.

Yelp
The ambiance , service and most of all the food is fun ,delicious, and engaging! Jordan behind the bar is wonderful with recommendations and personality!! Love this neighborhood restaurant, I'll be returning again and again to try lots of the menu. Very New York vibes
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Mimi L.

Yelp
This is our go-to place to eat whenever we are in this area. Glad to see this is one of the few restaurants in old town Pasadena that's been thriving for decades. It's rather packed on weekends so reservations are recommended. I love this Italian restaurant and bar because of the consistency on food, drinks and service. I usually prefer the lounge area to have a more relaxed atmosphere to eat. For food our favorites are seafood pasta / risotto, escargots, steaks, Chilean sea bass and whole Branzino fish. The caesar salad is absolutely my favorite starter. They also offer gluten free pasta like most of the upscale Italian restaurants these days. For drinks the mixologists make very good cocktails here. Try that empress gin specialty cocktail which is super strong! Hubby likes his Vespers and I enjoy my lemon drop martinis. The martinis were always great pours! The staffs were always so pleasant and friendly. The services we received were always top notch! This is definitely our favorite Italian restaurant to eat and drink in this area!

Jessica Y.

Yelp
The service was terrible. The inside was loud. Bathrooms were oddly far away. We had two different servers. First server kept asking us if we needed anything multiple times as we were waiting for our entrees, which took a very long time after our appetizers. Our second server hardly helped us through our dinner. We had to flag a different server down to help us get our check. The food is so overpriced for mediocre food. I would not recommend.
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Richie D.

Yelp
I finally stopped by Mi Piace after years of visiting Pasadena but never really stopping by here until this time. I ordered the roasted beet salad and the ravioli burrata, both around $20. Both very tasty but the quantity left me wanting more :( The service was good but there was a bit of miscommunication of when the plates should come out. I wanted both of them to come out, but waiter assumed I wanted salad first, and then the ravioli after but I wanted both to come out at the same time. But it's fine, the salad couldn't get any colder :D The ambiance was nice even though I'm not a fan of white table clothes.
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I.on U.

Yelp
The food and staff are good & friendly. The value is definitely overpriced for what you get, but your in an area known for a more upscale experience, so thats what you're paying for. This is not my first time here, so its definitely a romantic date night spot and we came back for that reason alone. After this experience, although good, we've had better and will probably steer to our other options from now on only because our dollar can go further at our other local favorites.
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Jackie C.

Yelp
Introduction: We stumbled on this place as we were walking down Pasadena. It had this fine dining feel to the Italian restaurant with an open kitchen. Pros: - food was delicious. It came out warm and mouth watering. Couldn't stop digging in. - there wasn't huge wait time when we got there. They sat us down pretty quickly. Cons: - feels like they were trying to squeeze as many tables into the restaurant as possible. I can hear diners next door's entire conversation. - wait time for our dishes was surprisingly long, it took roughly about 30minutes. - we thought the dishes were a bit overpriced compared to all the other Italian restaurants we've been to. Overall: The dishes were delicious and satisfying but the service was mediocre. Is it worth the money for some dishes especially the seafood sitting at about $68 probably not. A story telling experience with at least a 3 course dining experience would be much more worth it. I wish had a more inviting experience for a higher end Italian restaurant that tells a more story.
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Titi P.

Yelp
Pizza and pasta was great Ambiance was good Location in old town Pasadena was good Will come back again

Stephanie M.

Yelp
Great food, service and atmosphere! Drinks are off the chart...thanks Hammerin Hank and Chris for the espresso martinis! Owner always comes by to greet each guest. Really great restaurant when we visit Pasadena
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Jan B.

Yelp
Popped in for a late lunch with a friend who lives locally. Server and service was exceptional. We each ordered a salad, I ordered a simple pasta and she ordered a grilled veg plate. The salads (Caesar for me, beet for her) were very generous portions. So much so that we each ate about ¼ of our entrees. Food was good but for Italian food, it was ok. I ordered a custom gin drink and the server went to great lengths to ensure it was as I expected. I appreciate her attention to detail. There are lots of dining options in downtown Pasadena, the interior is lovely and the service is great. The food - ok.
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MaDonna U.

Yelp
You know that feeling you get sometimes? Welk, It began when we inquired about brunch options. The hostess sad it was available, seated us, and provided an assortment of menus, including the brunch menu. However, we later learned from our attentive waitress, Eleanor, that brunch had actually ended at 3 p.m. As a result, we chose items from the regular menu. My guest was pleased with his skirt steak, but my piccata di pollo was rather salty. I did mention it. Unfortunately, it seems the food quality is lacking in care and love these days. Perhaps it was just an off day for the kitchen.
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Alma A.

Yelp
Ambiance was absolutely gorgeous and radiated from the inside out. The service was great, but upon receiving our food, we asked why it was slightly cold. He told us it has to sit for 10 minutes to cool down the temperature. I would have liked to received it hot and sooner since it took over an hour to wait for it. The bar areas were too crowded and sitting right by them was difficult to get in and out of our seats. But the food was delicious!
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Shannon D.

Yelp
Went in on the Saturday night before Mother's Day with a party of 6 and the average score came to a 3.66 so I rounded to 4. Had a reservation for 6pm, but wasn't seated until 6:45pm. Place was overpacked; seems as if they placed extra tables on the floor to accommodate. Once seated, was informed that the food would take around 45 minutes to come out from the kitchen. Wouldn't have minded if we hadn't already waited so long to sit. Food was ok, got the bone in ribeye, 2 margarita pizzas, gnocchi, chicken sesame, and lasagna bolognese. The lasagna was excellent , best thing we ordered. Shout out to GM/ floor manager Johnathan tho, he came by and asked about our experience and he took care of us. Wouldn't come back anytime soon, but would give them another chance eventually to experience then on a good night.
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Donna J.

Yelp
The food was delicious and the atmosphere is amazing. Our server, Frank, was very attentive and knowledgeable of the menu.
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Monica S.

Yelp
I've been going to Mi Piace for years and the food and service are consistently good. I had dinner with a group of friends last night and we started with the calamari and bruschetta. The calamari fresh and fried to perfection and the bruschetta was bursting with flavor and the texture was amazing. I had the lasagna (my favorite) and a couple of my friends raved about the sea bass. Another friend had the Old Town Special pizza and I enjoyed a slice and it was very good. We finished the evening with the chocolate trio and it just as delicious as everything else! Bo K, our server, added to our experience by being attentive, friendly, and efficient. I am already looking forward to my next visit.
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Bianca S.

Yelp
They don't need your business and let you know it. Manager and hostess are incredibly rude and condescending. Waited in the line right behind the hostess stand for 30 minutes despite having a reservation. When I approached them she said she had been calling our name for a while. Absolutely wrong. We saw them walking back and forth to get everyone else but clearly they just skipped our table and didn't want to admit that making it seem like it was our fault. The table next to us was waiting for their food for 45+ minutes. We were seated well after them and got our food before them. The manager was so rude to them also making it as if it was their fault for ordering lasagna. Other than nice decor, I would skip this place entirely, especially if you're celebrating something.
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Jenny T.

Yelp
Had a bad experience here! The service was terrible and unprofessional. I was planning to propose to my girlfriend here because this is where we first met. Called a few days in advance to reserve a table and let them know about my proposal. I wanted them to arrange a private and romantic seat for me. Arrived on time but they didn't have any available tables. We had to wait for 15 minutes then the girl took us to the back near the kitchen, it was really hot and stuffy there so we asked to sit outside. Waited another 15 minutes then she took us to the booth seating, my girlfriend is pregnant and the distance between the table and the chairs was too close together making it difficult for her to get in and out. How could I propose to my girlfriend in such a place like this? It was no different than a fast food restaurant or a pizza place. Even though I had a reservation, why couldn't they arrange for us to sit at a normal table with a tablecloth while I still saw a few available tables? But we didn't want to wait any longer. The waiter came to greet us "Hello, should I say congratulations?". What a ridiculous question, my girlfriend didn't know anything about my proposal, so she felt very confused. Congratulations for what? I was really unhappy and just wanted to get out of there as soon as possible. Plus the uncomfortable seat and the air conditioning weren't cold enough, making it impossible for me to finish my meal. In the end, we left angrily and they ruined my proposal. I wouldn't want to come back here again.