Pasadena is a diner’s dream with its mix of cool new spots and beloved classics. There’s a taste for every craving in this city’s vibrant food scene.
Looking for a quick tip on where to start? Union is your go-to for an intimate dining experience, featuring pasta that’ll make your heart sing. For those with a hunger for something unique, Bodegon No.69‘s tapas will transport you straight to Spain.
Whether it’s a hearty burger or fresh seafood, these spots promise flavors that pop. Time to grab your keys – let’s eat our way through the best Pasadena restaurants!
1. Union
Union is your cozy corner in Pasadena for Italian flavors that feel like a hug. It’s small, it’s buzzing with a “we got this” vibe, and it’s got a menu that’s straight-up tantalizing.
Their Squid Ink Lumache is the pasta king – think silky ribbons swimming in a sea of lobster and squid flavors. And for the truffle lovers, the Local Wild Mushrooms with creamy polenta will have you at hello. Their Olive Oil Cake? Just the right sweet note to end on.
At Union, it’s not just a meal; it’s an Italian masterpiece on a plate.
What to order: Squid Ink Lumache, Local Wild Mushrooms, Olive Oil Cake
Address: 37 Union St, Pasadena, CA 91103
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2. Bodegón No.69
Stroll into Bodegón No.69 on Raymond Ave and you’re in for a Peruvian treat that’s casual yet classy. They’ve got a service vibe that’s about spoiling you, minus the need for a suit and tie.
Their Lomo Saltado? A juicy marvel that’s spiced just right – and with their spicy green sauce, it’s a flavor party. The signature Ceviche with fried calamari is the fresh splash your taste buds have been waiting for.
If Peruvian food is calling your name, answer it here.
What to order: Lomo Saltado, Ceviche B69
Address: 69 N Raymond Ave, Pasadena, CA 91103
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3. Nick’s Pasadena
Nick’s in Pasadena is where elegance meets comfort food. The setting? Like a page from an interior design book. But it’s their food that’s the real masterpiece.
Their Buttermilk Fried Chicken is not just any chicken; it’s a symphony of moist, flavorful, and crispy. Pair it with biscuits and you’re golden. The Pan Seared Chilean Sea Bass? It’s the sea bass of your dreams – crunchy yet tender. And if you can, make room for their Warm Butter Cake, because it’s the sweet finale that every meal deserves.
What to order: Buttermilk Fried Chicken, Pan Seared Chilean Sea Bass, Warm Butter Cake
Address: 336 S Lake Ave, Pasadena, CA 91101
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4. Osawa
Osawa is the Old Town sushi oasis you can’t miss. Whether it’s a low-key lunch or a dinner to impress, Osawa delivers with authentic Japanese flair and wallet-friendly prices. Their Premium Omakase Sashimi is top-tier seafood, a fresh feast for the senses. And don’t skip the Shishito Tempura stuffed with Spicy Tuna – it’s crispy, it’s flaky, and it’s stuffed with wow. When it comes to sushi in Pasadena, Osawa is your must-go.
What to order: Premium Omakase Sashimi, Shishito Tempura stuffed w/ Spicy Tuna
Address: 77 N Raymond Ave, Pasadena, CA 91101
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5. Maestro
Maestro mixes Mexican tradition with modern flair, and it’s a blend that will have you coming back for more. Their Carnitas Plate is the star, with meat so tender and tortillas so divine, you’ll be planning your next visit before you leave. Their Scallops? A smoky sensation that’s a must-try. And the Tres Leches Carrot Cake is the sweet show-stopper with a presentation that’s as impressive as its taste. If Mexican with a twist is your thing, Maestro plays the tune you need.
What to order: Carnitas Plate, Scallops, Tres Leches Carrot Cake
Address: 110 Union St, Pasadena, CA 91103
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6. Bone Kettle
At Bone Kettle, they’re all about the bold and the brave flavors of Southeast Asia. Think dynamite dishes in a spot that’s all good vibes. Their Oxtail Dumpling is a crowd-pleaser, savory to the last bite. And the St. Helen’s Braised Oxtail Bone Broth? It’s comfort in a bowl, with meatballs that mean business. Looking for a foodie adventure in Old Town Pasadena? Bone Kettle’s your ticket.
What to order: Oxtail Dumpling, St. Helen’s Braised Oxtail Bone Broth
Address: 67 N Raymond Ave, Pasadena, CA 91103
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7. The Arbour
The Arbour is where chic meets farm-to-table in Pasadena, a place that’s as stylish as it is relaxing. Their Spicy Beef Chili with a beef fat candle is innovation on a plate – and a delight for the daring. The Mediterranean Sea Bass? It’s cooked to perfection, making you consider whether it’s polite to lick the plate. If a dining experience that’s both rustic and refined is what you’re after, The Arbour’s doors are open.
What to order: Spicy Beef Chili, Mediterranean Sea Bass
Address: 527 S Lake Ave #120, Pasadena, CA 91101
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8. Russell’s
Russell’s is where breakfast feels like a regal affair, all in the heart of Old Town Pasadena. Their French Toast? It’s a buttery triumph, drenched in syrupy goodness. And their Breakfast Burrito is the stuff of legends, served with hash browns that are just the right kind of crispy. If you’re on a quest for a breakfast that feels like home but tastes like heaven, Russell’s is your destination.
What to order: French Toast, Breakfast Burrito
Address: 30 N Fair Oaks Ave, Pasadena, CA 91103
9. Cafe Santorini
Tucked away behind a sushi spot, Cafe Santorini is the Mediterranean escape in Pasadena that’s too good to keep secret. Their Grilled Calamari Salad is a refreshing start, and the Red Curry Risotto? It’s an oceanic fest in a bowl. If your palette is craving something between the coasts of Greece and Italy, Cafe Santorini sails you there, no passport required.
What to order: Grilled Calamari Salad, Red Curry Seafood Risotto
Address: 64 W Union St, Pasadena, CA 91105
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10. Agnes Restaurant & Cheesery
Agnes Restaurant & Cheesery is Pasadena’s cozy nook where comfort food and cheese make magic. Walk in and feel at home with a warm welcome and a menu that reads like a love letter to cheese lovers.
Their Mac & Cheese is a creamy dream, and don’t even get me started on their cheese boards – they’re like a world tour for your taste buds. And, their Grilled Cheese? It’s the childhood classic, all grown up and gourmet. If your heart says cheese, let Agnes be your guide to cheesy bliss.
What to order: Grilled Half Chicken, Pineapple Upside-Down Cake
Address: 40 W Green St, Pasadena, CA 91105
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11. Top Restaurant
Nestled in a Pasadena strip mall, Top Restaurant is a hidden gem where Indonesian meets Hawaiian. It’s the go-to spot for the best Chicken Katsu in town – think perfectly crispy outside, succulent inside. And the Indonesian Fried Rice? It’s a flavor-packed dish that’s got everyone talking. With generous portions and friendly prices, this little spot is big on taste. Don’t miss out on this unique culinary mash-up – it’s where every meal is an affordable ticket to flavor town.
What to order: Chicken Katsu, Indonesian Fried Rice
Address: 1842 E Colorado Blvd, Pasadena, CA 91107
12. Rotisserie Chicken of California
Tucked away in Pasadena, Rotisserie Chicken of California offers a global twist on a classic favorite. Run by a delightful elderly Japanese duo, this cozy spot presents a rotisserie chicken that’s a savory wonder, marinated in an array of international sauces.
Their standout dish, with 32 spices and a garlic crunch, is simply irresistible. It’s not just about the flavors; it’s about the generous helpings too, with fries sprawling across half your plate. If you’re in for a treat that’s cooked to perfection every time, make sure to savor their original recipe—it’s pure culinary gold.
Address: 26 N Los Robles Ave, Pasadena, CA 91101
Pasadena is not the only city with a rising culinary scene in California. If you don’t mind a little adventure, head on over to our list of the best restaurants in Long Beach for more mouthwatering recommendations.
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How We Create Our “Best” Lists
All Noms Magazine’s “best” lists are created using multiple factors and signals to help readers find the best restaurants, things to do, and places to stay at. Some of these factors and signs include personal experiences, correspondence with locals, and compiling experiences from review sites.
Each list is also created to be balanced (in terms of price, cuisine type, ambiance, and more) as possible. This means that the lists are not specifically created in ranking order. You should be comfortable picking from any of the spots on the list and generally have a good time. But of course, YMMV (your mileage may vary) and everyone may have different experiences/palates.