True Food Kitchen

Health food restaurant · Downtown

True Food Kitchen

Health food restaurant · Downtown

3

168 W Colorado Blvd, Pasadena, CA 91105

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True Food Kitchen by null
True Food Kitchen by null
True Food Kitchen by null
True Food Kitchen by null
True Food Kitchen by null
True Food Kitchen by null
True Food Kitchen by null
True Food Kitchen by null
True Food Kitchen by null
True Food Kitchen by null
True Food Kitchen by null
True Food Kitchen by null
True Food Kitchen by null
True Food Kitchen by null
True Food Kitchen by null
True Food Kitchen by null
True Food Kitchen by null
True Food Kitchen by null
True Food Kitchen by null
True Food Kitchen by null
True Food Kitchen by null
True Food Kitchen by null
True Food Kitchen by null
True Food Kitchen by null
True Food Kitchen by null
True Food Kitchen by null
True Food Kitchen by null
True Food Kitchen by null
True Food Kitchen by null
True Food Kitchen by null
True Food Kitchen by null
True Food Kitchen by null
True Food Kitchen by null
True Food Kitchen by null
True Food Kitchen by null
True Food Kitchen by null
True Food Kitchen by null
True Food Kitchen by null
True Food Kitchen by null
True Food Kitchen by null
True Food Kitchen by null
True Food Kitchen by null
True Food Kitchen by null
True Food Kitchen by null
True Food Kitchen by null

Highlights

Healthy fare, vegan options, cocktails, and a lively atmosphere  

Featured in Eater
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168 W Colorado Blvd, Pasadena, CA 91105 Get directions

truefoodkitchen.com
@livetruefood

$20–30 · Menu

Reserve

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168 W Colorado Blvd, Pasadena, CA 91105 Get directions

+1 626 639 6818
truefoodkitchen.com
@livetruefood

$20–30 · Menu

Reserve

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Last updated

Aug 9, 2025

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@eater

Car Dealerships Help Out LA Restaurants With Free Delivery Vehicles - Eater LA

"True Food Kitchen reopens on Colorado in Pasadena, bringing its healthy-leaning menu back for delivery and takeout, along with wine and beer." - Farley Elliott

https://la.eater.com/2020/4/23/21232870/morning-briefing-restaurant-news-los-angeles-rusnak-audi-guerrilla-tacos-uncle-paulies-delivery-cars
View Postcard for True Food Kitchen
@eater

Adam Perry Lang Now Selling Year-Old Dry-Aged Steaks in Hollywood - Eater LA

"Fans of Oprah in Pasadena got a chance to dine with the daytime queen herself the other night, reports ABC7. The celebrity television personality brought over 200 pounds of produce from her own Maui farm to serve it as part of a multi-course meal at True Food Kitchen." - Farley Elliott

https://la.eater.com/2019/1/23/18193004/morning-briefing-restaurant-news-los-angeles-apl-year-steak
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@eater

True Food Kitchen, the Restaurant Oprah Just Invested In, Explained | Eater

"After a high-profile equity investment by Oprah Winfrey—who will also join the chain’s board—the health-focused restaurant brand plans accelerated East Coast expansion and aims to roughly double its footprint from 23 locations in 10 states (concentrated in California and Texas) over the next three years, with first-time openings planned for New York, New Jersey, and North Carolina and near-term sites in Nashville and Jacksonville. Founded in Phoenix in 2008 by integrative-medicine physician Andrew Weil and restaurateur Sam Fox to promote Weil’s anti-inflammatory diet, the casual full-service concept bills itself “conscious casual” and emphasizes seasonal, sustainable, organic ingredients with abundant vegan, vegetarian, and gluten-free options. The diverse menu ranges from bowls, pizzas, burgers, and sandwiches to entrees such as poke, Moroccan chicken, and gluten-free lasagna bolognese, and the beverage program includes sustainable wines, local beer, cocktails made with fresh juice and house-made syrups, and a wide tea selection; Weil remains involved in menu development and some original recipes endure. The brand was spun off from Fox Restaurant Concepts in 2016 and is led by CEO Christine Barone, and although the restaurant markets its anti-inflammatory alignment as a core differentiator, those health claims have drawn criticism." - Monica Burton

https://www.eater.com/2018/7/11/17555958/oprah-restaurant-true-food-kitchen-chain-investment-healthy-menu-anti-inflammatory
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Mabel Curiel

Google
It's nice to eat a burger and feel great afterward. The menu has lots of options, and everything tastes fresh. The veggies and salads are crisp, and the lasagna is pretty good too. There was only a short wait on a Saturday afternoon, which was a nice surprise. It can get a little loud inside, but the place is big, so they might accommodate you. Solid place for a tasty and healthy meal!

Lucia Kim

Google
The true Trio menu was good for brunch. 😋 Chopped Salad was fresh and delicious. Our server was friendly and nice. Clean bathroom and seating areas.

Gayane Gevorgyan

Google
The quality of Tenderlion steak meat was not good. Plus it came out too dry and chewy, though the potato and veggie side was good enough to balance that. Guacamole was tasty. Cauliflower could be better. I give 3 stars for service. Too much wait for seating, to much wait for someone to come and take the order. I do not understand why I should provide phone number when getting on the wait list and not get a call and instead of 10/15 minutes wait for 40 minutes. The host could not find any logical answer when I approached her asking why she had taken my number and did not call to let us know the table was ready. And we were seating and waiting at the bar. The overall noise level is quite high there and one might not hear the will call. Also, before serving the dishes it is always a good practice to bring the plates first, or no? :))))) Anyways, very vibrant place overall.

a Vegan and Her

Google
I said it in Chicago and now I’ll say it in Pasadena, I’ll keep coming back for their seasonal vegan pizza options made with sourdough. Their chili paste, although not made in house, I a must to top any dish. If you don’t want a pizza (serves 1 hungry person or two not so hungry), try their ancient grain bowl with tofu, delicious and fresh. The guacamole and cauliflower wouldn’t be something I order again but they were good. Hadn’t had dates with cauliflower so that was a nice touch. The vibe always feels fresh and nicer than normal restaurants for a cool gather, date night or simply a nice dinner. This particular location of my favorite of three I’ve gone to. It feels fresh and spacious. Offering indoor and outdoor seating in Old Town Pasadena. Service is great, sometimes slower than other times but it gives you time to enjoy more drinks. Drinks are great! I suggest the spicy margaritas. They do have a happy hour but only one vegan option on that menu. Happy Munchies, aVeganAndHer

Lane Darby

Google
Loved it here! Food was good and service was excellent! We came with our dog and Lucas brought her a water bowl. It's nice to have a burger and not hate myself afterwards - excited to dine here again

Michael DiGregorio

Google
This is my third time dining here and it did not disappoint. A lovely indoor/outdoor atmosphere is inviting and a great place to eat, drink, and people watch (this location attracts some beautiful people). My server Sophia this recent experience was superb. She was a doll and super attentive and sweet. The meatloaf didn’t disappoint and the iced lavender match latte was a perfect way to start my meal. I also found paid parking on the street, it was $2.50 for two hours. I love that I could pay my check through the inKind app.

Marie

Google
Not impressed with this place at all we tried to order a pepperoni pizza but they were out of pepperoni at 12:30 so we just said how about a margarita pizza and it came and it had so little cheese on it and very little sauce for $16 it was pretty disappointing. The salad was OK. We split a Caesar

Richard Stoyanoff

Google
This was our first visit to True Food Kitchen. This location is located at the west end of the Old Pasadena shopping district, which is a great place to spend an afternoon by the way. I had the grass fed beef cheeseburger and it was one of the best burgers I have had in a long time. It was cooked perfectly and the grass fed beef had such a rich flavor. The atmosphere is very inviting with an open room indoor and outdoor seating. Very good service and attention makes it a nice place to dine and relax with friends. I would go back based on how the other members of our party enjoyed their meals.

Janette N.

Yelp
My husband and I love TFK in Pasadena. We love the people who are hard workers, and made our visit so much fun. Thank you...Alex (male and female managers), servers..Heather, Sophia Khan, Easter, Cat, Gee, Matt, busboys, Austin and Julian. Brooke our Barmaid. Stephanie, cooks, and all the hands that make our delicious meal! Thank you again.
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Tamela M.

Yelp
We finally made it here. I am very upset with myself for passing up this place for so long. Truly good food from the hummus, street corn, turkey burger and tune poke bowl. Everything here is organic. We will definitely visit again. AMAZING SERVICE by Thomas!!!!
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Janna B.

Yelp
I had a lovely post-wedding brunch with True Food in their large private "Colorado" room. It was tough to find a cute place that could do a tasty buffet brunch for 65 people but this was perfect! I worked with Laura, who helped me with the menu and it was all pretty easy to set up. Everyone who helped serve and make sure things were going well were very attentive, and honestly everything just felt smooth and comfortable. The pricing was very reasonable too. Thank you so much, I wish we'd had our rehearsal dinner here too!
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Administrator A.

Yelp
The waitress came running to the valet parking while my kids were in sitting in the car and started harassing my teenage kids because they did not leave 18% tip. How low can this person be..... A tip is voluntary and there should not be harassing customers specially teenagers. Very unprofessional, disrespectful and rude
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Mike M.

Yelp
Favorite restaurant as of 2024 Been here several times. The quality of service and food is always on par. The ancient grains bowl is amazing. The edamame dumplings are a must. Everything I've had on the menu has never let me down Place can get crowded around brunch time. I believe they take reservations but not 100 percent sure.
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Neoyork N.

Yelp
It's my birthday and my son picked this place. The setting is absolutely amazing! It's the first time I came here. I'm very picky about the whole experience when I go out for dinner. So far the great was friendly and pleasant. They walked us to our table right away which is nice because we didn't make any reservations. The servers were very pleasant and attentive. The food was amazingly delicious! Let me say I don't fine food this good unless I cook it myself! So yes I do recommend this place! I'm
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Jessica A.

Yelp
Been here a few times with the lunch crowd. It's always busy and for a good reason. The food is fresh, healthy, and delicious. I'd highly recommend the ancient grains bowl if you're starting off and don't know what to order. You get a choice of a protein and steak is good, shrimp is bland. Kale Cesar salad is also excellent along with the turkey sausage lasagna. You can also always ask staff their recs and they'll happily oblige. Tiny paid lot in the rear but I'd recommend circling the block to try and snag a street parking spot.
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Timothy Spencer T.

Yelp
TDLR: A brunch spot that has something for everyone. Expect food that feels fresh, healthy, and would definitely not break the bank. Garden Pesto Pizza: It's one of those items that are what they say they are. The pesto, cherry tomatoes, basil, and arugula offer a clean combination with the cheese. Zucchini although thin still provides the crunch outside of the crust. The crust was firm yet chewy and the portion was a healthy amount for the price. I hope they bring this back for their summer menu this year. Service: 0 complaints. We were pretty much taken care of from start to finish. We were always asked if we needed anything even before we actually needed something. Ambiance: The restaurant is beautiful, clean, and gives a very welcoming vibe.
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Tiffany W.

Yelp
Service is great! Had to make reservations for a bigger party so I had to work with Laura and she was great to work with very accommodating and flexible. Our servers have been so sweet and kind. I've been here a few times and love coming here with large crowds. Food was delish!! Have to come back and check out their HH! Decorations and interior feels very clean and urban! Love their true sign
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Trung N.

Yelp
Truly a True Food fan. First time at this location, and it did not disappoint. The spacious patio lends itself to a the perfect dining al fresco situation. It's dog friendly, baby friendly, and just friendly friendly. This place is a Saturday morning vibe. We started with the edamame dumplings ($14.95). That white truffle, that dashi, and that Thai basil - perfection. Does white truffle belong near dumplings? I think not, but here, it somehow works. Tbh, at nearly $15 for 4 dumplings (plus an empty wrapper), it's a tad $$$$, but I did me and let myself have a little treat. I always default to the turkey burger, but today, I ordered the ancient grains bowl ($18.95) because health. It's a bowl full of grains topped with miso sesame glazed sweet potato, charred onions, snap pea, portobello, avocado, all sorts of seeds and pesto. I also added some chicken ($6.00). The bowl is so hearty and filling. There's definitely a little bit of a kick from some form of chili sauce. It's an excellent vessel to get your veggies in. True Food is a lifestyle. It's a very nice place to eat very fancy, healthy food and I'm here for it.
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Assunta L.

Yelp
This restaurant is known for using whole/real food and sustainable ingredients without compromising taste. The dishes that i tried are all yummy with interesting combinations. - Lasagna bolognese - meat sauce on top of lasagna and spinach layers. -Seasonal harvest salad: roasted organic butternut squash, cauliflower, sweet potato, brussels sprouts, cannellini bean, pomegranate, mulberry - Roasted butternut squash pizza - organic butternut squash, kale and cranberry! I can't wait to try their spring menu which should come out in couple weeks according to our server. Any dish on the menu with an avocado denotes seasonal. Service is friendly and attentive. This restaurant has both outdoor and indoor seatings. Ambiance is colorful and can be lively. It is located in old town Pasadena and there are multiple parking structures close by.
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Raymond R.

Yelp
I love True Food Kitchen always a nice meal. Today I was a walk in after going for a jog with some friends. Friday even perfect time for dinner. The wait was about 15 mins. We were a table for four seating in the patio area which was nice. It was kind of chilly , they put the heaters on so it was nice and cozy. I noticed the menu has changed which is normal for this restaurant due to them change within the season which I like. As always we started with the charred cauliflower, and decided to get the hummus this time. Very delicious both were amazing and I took two people that never tried this restaurant before they loved the starters. I ordered the burrito bowl which is a new item on the menu it was really tasty. I added chicken everything was fresh like always . My friends all enjoyed their food as well. Our server was very nice but seemed kind of busy. It was a nice Friday evening in Pasadena. This location is always a good vibe. Staff always friendly . If you're around the area I highly suggest you come check it out.
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Mark R.

Yelp
True Food Kitchen is one of my favorite spots in Pasadena. Why? 1. Excellent food with interesting options on the menu. I almost always get one of the bowls: tasty, healthy, different, generous helping but not too much. 2. Service is always very good. Tonight we had Kevin as our server. He did a great job: attentive, helpful, knowledgeable, friendly. 3. Though sitting inside is quite fine, we always prefer outside in an interior courtyard: quiet, comfortable, lots of patio heaters if needed, etc. 4. True Food's prices aren't cheap, but the value is excellent. Worth every penny. 5. Street parking is hard to find, but there's convenient and reasonably priced parking in a public parking facility on De Lacey just a little south of Colorado. I highly recommend True Food Kitchen.
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Frank C.

Yelp
Shouts out to Michael great job give that guy a raise. We enjoyed watching the kitchen prepping sauces and the making of hummus.
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Mark O.

Yelp
I've dined @ True Food Kitchen, about 10 times in the last two years. I think that qualifies me to leave a review. Food: The salads are consistently good and filling. I like the ancient grains bowl but I've had other good salads too. Seating: On most days, the restaurant offers both indoor and outdoor dining. Exceptions: rain Each time I visit True Food Kitchen I order the OG juice drink. The main flavors are ginger and lemon. Very refreshing and cool. Servers are attentive, and friendly on a consistent basis. Pizza: On my last visit, (2024-January) I ordered garden pesto pizza to try something new. The pizza was under baked and stodgy. Disappointing, considering I have enjoyed my other menu selections at True Food Kitchen. I will continue to visit and try new menu items, just not pizzas. Conclusion: recommended Bon appétit!!
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Madeline A.

Yelp
UPDATE: I want to make a note of the stellar outreach I received from the business owner here shortly after posting my negative review. I think it's only fair that I add a star, keeping in mind the extraneous circumstances of the evening we dined here, and how that might have impacted our negative experience. I am not going to modify my original review below, but it meant a lot that the establishment took accountability and relayed an earnest acknowledgment that, while difficult to see, my feedback was helpful to them. * For the second time, this place has underwhelmed. The venue is gorgeous and has an array of beautiful spaces for al fresco dining, each sporting its own "vibe." However, the wait time for food has always been 45 mins to an hour for us, and the quality of it subpar. Last night, my Idaho rainbow trout ($27.75) came out looking more like a blackened shoe insole, with about as much edible flesh on it as a sardine. Our margarita pizza ($16.95) had no discernible mozzarella cheese on it and was cold. The server was really nice, so I don't want to say that we had "bad service." After all, this was during peak dinner time on a Saturday. But most of the women I talked to in the bathroom were complaining about the long wait for their party's food, and the poor quality of it for the high price tag. The bathrooms were also an issue for me ... I went in several times over the course of our meal to accompany small children in our party, and each time the women's room was out of soap and messy. One of the toilets was so filthy that people were refusing to use that stall. This was an issue, as there are only a few stalls to accommodate a big restaurant.
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Carlos G.

Yelp
I love the food here, I tried the Pink Key Lime Tart. I could not believe it was gluten free! It was one of the most delicious pastries I've ever had.
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Haro T.

Yelp
Visited True Food for lunch, it was an incredible experience. I tried their sourdough pizza and it was exceptional! The service was excellent and the staff was very friendly.
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Victoriya B.

Yelp
True Food Kitchen Restaurant is an absolute gem! The moment you step inside, you're greeted by a beautifully designed space . The atmosphere is serene and inviting, perfect for a relaxing meal.The service is great, with attentive and friendly staff who make you feel right at home. What truly sets this place apart, however, is the food. Every dish is a testament to freshness and health, ideal for anyone who values fitness and nutrition as much as I do. The menu offers a fantastic variety of options that are both delicious and nourishing.I always leave feeling satisfied and energized, knowing I've made a healthy choice.
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Katelyn K.

Yelp
It's been a few years since my last visit. Stopped by for lunch today with a group of 8. We had a reservation and were seated right away. Waitress is friendly and made us feel welcomed. However the restaurant was busy and it was difficult to find her when we needed utensils and such. I ordered Ancient grains bowl, add organic tofu and iced matcha horchata. The drink is not too sweet which I enjoyed. I finished the entire bowl and feel good about eating healthy. Love that the restaurant offers both indoor and outdoor options. A few parking options: street, parking lots and parking garage.
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Paulina S.

Yelp
Who said healthy eating has to taste bad? True Food Kitchen proves that whole foods can be absolutely delicious if made the right way. So many amazing options for vegans and meat eaters alike! I got the Harvest Salad with smoked Tempeh and it was so mouthwatering good! The caramelized Brussels sprouts, sweet potato, and quinoa fused together perfectly. I added smoked tempeh for an extra flavorful twist. I also got a delicious cappuccino with oat milk to warm me up at the end. Service was super friendly. We were seated within 15 minutes in the beautiful patio area. It was a little chilly, so the waiter turned on the heat lamp. Very pleased with True Food! Had an amazing lunch :)
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Justin W.

Yelp
Clean food and helpful service, definitely recommend! Try their seasonal stuff it's fun and fresh.
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Linda A.

Yelp
My bf and i decided to see if the reviews were accurate. We ordered just sides and apps: cauliflower which was likewarm but delicious, the hummus which was delicious but the bread was dry, a side of asparagus - which looked like it was thrown on a plate and was almost cold. And the umami potatoes which were the worst: cold, super dry and one looked burned - no umami flavor of course. It almost tasted like it came out of a frozen bag of precooked food. I couldnt believe this felt ok to serve people especially at a place where the atmosphere looks this lovely. When we came home we researched a little and it turns out the chain now outsources some of its food to sisco? So maybe what we experienced was actually reheated food that wasnt originally cooked on the premises.
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Marshay D.

Yelp
Always wanted to try this place because of how healthy it is! Unfortunately, the menu was limited for my liking. Though I had a wonderful time with good company, the food was not superb in my liking. I had the edamame guacamole, and tried some of the margarita pizza, and The OG for my drink. I did not like the texture of the chips that came with the guacamole, it was very hard to chew and the guacamole was bland. The pizza was decent, but crust very hard as well. My drink was very tasty and I loved the amount of ginger it contained. The service was just ok nothing to rave on. I felt that the waitress was not to memorable. The ambiance is actually impeccable! This is a very nice spacious restaurant. Very clean and nice color of decor to make it stand out! Overall, I'm not sure I'll come back again. I know it's mostly vegan/ healthy food, but Nothing really impressed my tastebuds! They also changed the menu, so I wanted to try the pan roasted chicken, but it's no longer on the menu. They have a new menu that started this week FYI. It's parking on the street and garage parking close by. Located in oldtown Pasadena so it can be busy. -Marshay D.
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Gary C.

Yelp
I met up with a friend yesterday for lunch at True Food in Pasadena as we wanted something healthy and vegetarian friendly. My friend and I chose the vegan cheeseburger and my wife and his wife chose the Idaho Rainbow Trout and the yam and cheese sandwich. Overall I had a positive dining experience as the ambience is very pleasant, with friendly staff to help us. However, I felt that as far as pricing goes, I think it is a bit steep for what you are getting. The sandwiches and burger were going for $18 and the trout was $28. It's a minor quibble but mainly I that the burger was somewhat lacking in terms of ease of handling. I turned the burger upside down as the bottom bun is very thin and was immediately breaking apart. It's quite a tall sandwich so expect to perhaps eat with a fork if you don't want to get your hands greasy. Although the trout was quite good, portion size is a bit small. Perhaps a more substantial side with this entree would have been a better value.
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Tara L.

Yelp
A little on the pricey side but the food is worth it. This location in particular the staff is really nice and there's a lot of seating so even when it's busy there's not much of a wait. I would suggest going during their happy hour to get discounted items. The grilled salmon is so good! Some favorite appetizers would be the Buffalo cauliflower and turkey meatballs
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Roxy V.

Yelp
Absolutely Amazing food, hostess and ambiance. The host was kind and asked if it was our first time; we of course said yes and he walked us through the menu. We ordered the margarita pizza and drinks and cute set up of bruschetta. The drinks were tasty and had their unique twist and the food mouth watering goodness!
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Amber M.

Yelp
I love True Food Kitchen! I have gone to 3 locations. I've been to the one in San Diego, Hawthorne area and Pasadena. Every location is uniquely different but the same menu. I love that they have vegan options and that their food is prepared with fresh ingredients. This particular location was in a cute shopping center. There is patio seating which is where we sat. We ordered charred cauliflower, Hawaiian Fried Rice and the Ancient Grains Bowl. All of the food was excellent. Our server was attentive and knowledgeable. For drinks, I had the chamomile hot tea and I think my friend had a margarita. Tasty meal. True Food Kitchen is one of my favorites.

T Y.

Yelp
Awesome food, great ambience, the service is typically very good in that they seem sweet/kind/helpful however the wait time from start to finish is awful. I come back for the food but only if 1) someone made a reservation 2) I have time for an 80-120 minute meal and 3) if I have a phone or iPad because I can usually have my kid watch a movie in its entirety during the meal. I'm honestly not sure what exactly is going on in the kitchen or if the place is short staffed every time I come but the last 4 times I have come this year it's been lots of waiting but most bothersome is the 20-30 minute wait to get served food.
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Leticia L.

Yelp
Visited True Food Kitchen this past weekend and we loved our experience there. We parked in the parking structure behind Miniso. When we arrived at the restaurant, we noticed that their seating area is very large; they offer both indoor and patio seating. We liked the great variety of dishes they offer for everybody, they offer vegetarian, vegan, gluten free and meat dishes. We ordered the herb hummus and the mushroom spinach pizza. We loved that the herb hummus was very flavorful with olives, onions, cucumbers and cherry tomatoes; it's perfect appetizer for the summer time. The mushroom spinach pizza came with generous amounts of mushrooms, spinach, caramelized onions and dollops of their delicious ricotta cheese (plant based). Overall our experience at True food Kitchen was amazing, can't wait to come back and try their other dishes.
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Yicheng B.

Yelp
My work has sponsored three meals here, and honestly, I probably would not come here if they weren't paying for it. I guess the food is supposed to be healthy food, but it just doesn't taste good. I've had the burger several times now, and it is just OK- the bun and sauce just doesn't do it for me, please add some other flavors like onions. I also don't understand why the portion sizes are so small? The pizza I had as well, but it just didn't fill me up either. I had to order two entrées in front of my employer lol. The saving grace of this place is the drinks, which are all pretty good. The waitress was also kind and considerate. I would probably give this place 2.5 stars, it's not overly bad or anything, it's just not a super enjoyable experience.
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Ellen Z.

Yelp
True Food Kitchen is when healthy meets tasty. Every dish was delicious and it's evident that the ingredients are only from the freshest sources. The trio appetizer was our favorite, we actually ordered it twice in the same meal. It's a combo of savory with the salmon, spicy with the hummus/beets and sweet with the berries. Unexpected flavors that paired perfectly. Salmon dish was yummy. Brussel sprouts was the best part. Chopped salad was light and chicken was cooked perfectly. Pesto pasta was awesome. Particularly loved the artichoke. Peach lemonade was refreshing. Overall, dinner was a wonderful experience. On the pricey side considering the portion, but nice to splurge for a quality meal.
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Shelly Z.

Yelp
My experience was more 3 Stars but our server gave us a free dessert so I'm bumping it up one. We got lucky on parking and didn't have to pay. The parking lots around cost $10. The ambiance is beautiful and definitely birthday worthy. We came on Saturday and got seated around 6:30pm. Our food didn't arrive till 7:40pm. It took an hour to get my lemonade. *Peach lemonade: Awful. I am someone who likes their drinks sweet and this was too sweet for me. There were no hint of lemonade at all, just sweet syrup. *Peruvian Burger: The burger was good. It only came with 5 small pieces of potatoes. My boyfriend was still hungry after. *Smokey Old Fashion: It came with crushed ice. *Garden Pizza: It was more like an appetizer. It was delicious, just the portion was small. *Lava Cake: AMAZING!!! I personally wouldn't mind coming back if I wasn't hungry and I had hours to kill. The boyfriend said no.
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Sheila W.

Yelp
Decided to give this place another try and this time, it did not disappoint! Food was delicious and service was attentive. We got seated in the dining room with a fire place. The ambience was calm and relaxing. Even though it was raining outside, the dining space felt warm and inviting. They now have happy hour from 3-6pm so we ordered the Duo Dip as appetizers. Portion size was good for two people.
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Brad P.

Yelp
The service was the worst I've ever experienced and the food was inedible. I will never return to True Food Kitchen in Pasadena, CA. Our server took our orders, then completely disappeared until about an hour later when he zoomed past our table to slap down the bill -- without even saying "thank you". This was all happening on a quiet Tuesday night with very few customers in the restaurant. There are limited menu options for vegans (like me), so I ordered the Vegan Double Cheeseburger. It seemed okay when I had it there on my last visit a couple years ago, so I figured I was safe to order it again. I was wrong! The patties were hard as a rock. I couldn't even cut them with a knife (I tried!) and the Garlic Potatoes side order was cold, hard, flavorless and inedible. I set the entire plate aside, on the next table, hoping our server would notice and stop by so I could let him know about the big problem with the food and maybe order something else. Unfortunately, we never saw him again until he did a quick, wordless "drive by" delivery of our check. Apparently, he was too busy to actually talk to us. I didn't get to eat dinner that night. My friend had the OG Grass-Fed Burger, which he said was "barely edible". He ate most of it only because I was treating him to dinner and he says doesn't like to waste food. He gave the meal a big "thumbs down". After our check was delivered, we sat there for at least 20 minutes without any sign of our server or anyone else to pick up my credit card. I ended up walking to the bar area and I let them know about our horrible experience. To their credit, the staff I spoke with seemed sympathetic. A manager was called over and she was kind enough to hear my story and comp our meal. Unfortunately, that's not going to be enough to get me to return to the place that delivered the absolute worst food and service I've ever experienced in a restaurant.

Jude J.

Yelp
Genuinely genuinely genuinely- I've been here probably 12 times the last few years. Every time it gets worse and lately all I think is: oh god, why did I come back here? The poor workers look stressed tf out. The food is obscenely mid. The drinks and food take forever and today i went for brunch and just was laughing to myself the whole time. Out of pancakes, I got the breakfast burrito that was literally just scrambled egg and a couple unsalted unseasoned pieces of steak. But look what the scramble looked like! It boasted sweet potato and cheese and avocado and asparagus. Look how much asparagus came. Ridiculous restaurant. Tons of potential!
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Sy M.

Yelp
I really had high expectations for this place. I was really looking forward to some good vegan food, but upon being sat we did not receive any service for 20 minutes. I had to ask someone to help me. LOL after we orders drinks and food again no one asked to follow up and see if we needed anything else.. the food was brought to the table was delicious. Drinks were good. maybe this should be a self-service place with no waiters lol
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Elizabeth G.

Yelp
Ok the food presentation was enticing, smells good but when you start to eat the Mac & Cheese was salty & the fried chicken coatings too thick. I love mushrooms but not loving the flour. The rest of the meal was edible and won't buy it again. Won't Star it because it's Soul Food & others rave about this Kitchen.
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Brandon C.

Yelp
Decided to stop in for breakfast during the weekday and was surprised to find out their menu had recently changed and they did not offer the brunch / breakfast style options like they normally do on the weekends. I went with the gluten free Margherita pizza selection and it did not disappoint. The pizza had flavorful mozzarella balls on each slice and the sauce was fresh. I chose the pomegranate seltzer / juice option for my drink , but it did not have any sweetness to it and was bitter. Unfortunately the service was not the best, but they had just opened for the day so my server was possibly still a bit tired, lol. Really did enjoy the ambiance though, and the location was very clean and tranquil. If I stop in again, it will most likely have to be for a weekend brunch; seeing as how that is probably the best time to try their breakfast options.

Hannah B.

Yelp
I used to come here so often, I am a long time customer and my last experience on 1/29/2024 was so terrible(a while ago but wanted to make sure I updated my review.) Our server never gave us water and would not come back to our table so I asked another service and she gave attitude and was bad mouthing us in the kitchen. She was rolling her eyes as she pointed at us and laughed with her coworkers in the kitchen. I can see her from the clear kitchen window facing the restaurant. The food was cold. All of it! My boyfriend's steak, my pizza, our dessert. The service was goofing off in the kitchen as we watched our food just sit there waiting to be served. Also our server was hanging out with their friends that were having dinner at the establishment and would not bring us the bill till we ask and we waited 20 minutes. Had a conversation with the manager and he was nice enough to comp an entree IF we come back but who would want to come back after being BULLIED for asking for water. Honestly should've complained to the manager in the moment because there's no way I'm going back.
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Saul S.

Yelp
I have found my cheat meal/refeed meal location. If you love healthy food, good vibes, good staff, trendy place. This is the spot. Make reservations ahead of time since this place does get busy. Unless you tend to eat on a Sunday night between 7-8:30pm you'll be fine. Food is delicious; if you're on a strict diet or certain foods you can't eat; this please will make it vegan, vegetarian or gluten free. My girlfriend and I ordered two drinks, bison pizza, two Korean noodle bowls with steak, humus with flat bread, and a roasted corn soup. All came out to $100 which is a really good price. Our server; I forgot his name but he was working late at night on 8/06/2023. Beyond friendly, very attentive to my girlfriend and I. If you're reading this please show this to your manager because you were stellar. Overall, give this place a try, delicious and delicious and proper. Parking: There's street parking on Colorado once you exit the 134, it's not too bad for street parking I only paid $2.50 for 4 hours. There are other lots near by that May cost between $15-$20.
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Mickey R.

Yelp
I'm so disappointed and this is the most painful 2 stars to be given to one of my favorite spots! I've been going here for years since I moved to Pasadena in 2017- whether it was my birthday, or a weeknight coworker meet up, or our family holiday dinners. I came Saturday on a fairly busy day. We waited more than 30 minutes for a waitress to come to us and even acknowledge us. Waited another 45 minutes for our food which at first I thought was just a soggy sandwich but I realized (since I bake) that our bread was completely underdone and still raw dough! So upset and disappointed. I'll be taking a break from going here for a while. I felt way too shy to speak up, but we left and ate something else.
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Lisa N.

Yelp
Friends suggested this restaurant and I am glad they did. We went on Sunday and it was busy so there was a long wait. They take reservations so I would definitely so that in the future Everyone likes their meals - I had the teriyaki grain bowl and loved it. Other people had the burger and turkey burgers. Enough variety that even picky eaters should be able to Find something Food quality and quantity were excellent Don't skip dessert - apple cake was tasty Service was excellent we sat outside - they have a nice courtyard which is great when it's nice out . Patio had heaters which was nice Definitely recommend.
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John B.

Yelp
We came with 4 adults and 2 children, i had the Burger and arugula salad with a side of Mac n Cheese,we had the roasted cauliflower which was also very good. Someone ordered the Humus which wasn't a hit. We had a tomato soup and another burger, and a Meat loaf. All good. Service was a little spotty but not terrible. All around a decent place for a casual night out. It was a chilly night and whenever they opened the door, we froze, a wind block would have been helpful.
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Ann H.

Yelp
Food is delicious and HEALTHY! Friendly service and very nice atmosphere. I always come back when I get a chance. Too bad this time the side of tofu was a little dry.
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Justin C.

Yelp
Service and food quality at this location is horrible. They had said that they had to cut staff and hours. I will not be coming to this location again. Didn't even finish my food cause it was cold.
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Long Z.

Yelp
Super friendly staff and service! We brought our pup with us to dine at their outdoor seating. The wait staff immediately brought out a water bowl and kept up with refills as needed for the pup. They explained the menu thoroughly and checked in often (mostly to say hi to the pup). There was plenty of space outside for our dog to relax and not be too close to other tables. Various of vegan and other options on the menu, but this review is for the dog friendly experience!
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Karine D.

Yelp
I've always been a fan of true food, but let me tell you... their service is a whole other conversation. Every time I've gone to order a meal, the staff are ridiculously friendly and helpful. I love it. Their food is overall top-notch. I love their lasagna and their burgers. When it's seasonally available, their butternut squash soup is also to die for. Their pizzas are fantastic as well. Generally can't go wrong with any item on their menu. I've also actually done two private events here, my baby shower, and a corporate event. They are very well priced and their services again, unparalleled. They accommodate in every way! It's always a joy coming here!
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Frederic H.

Yelp
Came on a date and really didn't know what to expect. Amazing surprise from the warmest greetings from the manager Alex to the above and beyond professionalism from my waitress Mary. She looks so innocent and impressed me with her knowledge. She had an answer to every single question without hesitation. I felt like she knew what I was about to ask. The location is a bit away from the craziness (big like), valet in the back, open air patio, banquette sitting or bar. So many options! Food was also delicious. All the way to the dessert...I will be back and will make sure that Mary is there to deliver the "True" dinning experience before heading over!
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Jennifer R.

Yelp
We were at right away but that was the only good thing about this place. We normally get good service but the servers were no where to be found to help us or no eye contact. We ordered our food and it was overly season with salt in a bad way . The kitchen door was open and I can hear the manager, I'm assuming yelling out orders . Either was I was so happy to just pay and walk away. We just went to Alfred's for another cup of coffee and pastries!