The best restaurants in Pasadena
93 restaurants we’ve checked and stand behind — with the story on each one. Not a ranking; a record.
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Two pinned places a day in Pasadena — $10 here, $25 adds the newsletter. List your business →Paid placements are always marked.
Postino Montrose
RestaurantsPostino Montrose is your move when you want an easy hang with excellent bruschetta boards, snacky things, salads, and paninis, plus a solid…
Postino Montrose
RestaurantsThe Patio At The Pit Room
RestaurantsThis week, skip the couch and slide into The Patio At The Pit Room, where you can haul over Pit Room BBQ, settle into the Montrose patio,…
The Patio At The Pit Room
RestaurantsThe Pit Room
RestaurantsCraving real deal Central Texas-style BBQ with that black pepper, smoke, love thing going on, no sauced meats unless you ask. The Pit Room…
The Pit Room
RestaurantsPho Now
RestaurantsPho Now brings authentically Vietnamese comfort with rich pho, Fresh Spring Rolls, Banh Mi, grilled specialties, and Bo Lu Lac. Swing by…
Pho Now
RestaurantsRodeo Goat
RestaurantsCasual joint offering inventive variations on house-ground burgers and a lengthy craft-beer lineup, with takeout options.
Rodeo Goat
RestaurantsPho Saigon
RestaurantsInformal eatery serving a variety of beef noodle soups (pho) & other classic Vietnamese fare.
Pho Saigon
RestaurantsCiccio's Pasta
RestaurantsCasual eatery offering small plates and Italian dishes such as chicken alfredo, spaghetti and meatballs, and fried cheese.
Ciccio's Pasta
RestaurantsARTISTRY
RestaurantsCozy spot serving fresh salads, paninis and other casual bites from a scratch-cook kitchen.
ARTISTRY
RestaurantsCafe Petra Greek & Lebanese Restaurant
RestaurantsCasual dining room serving classic grilled chicken kabobs plus other Mediterranean delicacies.
Cafe Petra Greek & Lebanese Restaurant
RestaurantsSnooze, an A.M. Eatery
RestaurantsVibrant, retro chain serving a seasonal menu of creative breakfast & lunch fare, plus cocktails.
Snooze, an A.M. Eatery
RestaurantsSorrento
RestaurantsCreative Italian dishes in an elegant interior with muraled walls & live piano, plus Sunday brunch.
Sorrento
RestaurantsPinball Pizzeria
RestaurantsCasual spot with a retro vibe, known for pizza and pinball machines.
Pinball Pizzeria
RestaurantsStuff'd Wings
RestaurantsDown-to-earth fast-food joint dishing up fried chicken wings with a choice of sauces.
Stuff'd Wings
RestaurantsLien's Viet Kitchen
RestaurantsCasual eatery for pho, boba and banh mi sandwiches, plus rice bowls.
Lien's Viet Kitchen
RestaurantsDickey's Barbecue Pit
RestaurantsBBQ chain eatery featuring house-smoked meats, stuffed baked potatoes & classic sides.
Dickey's Barbecue Pit
RestaurantsMagdalena’s
RestaurantsPizza and other Italian dishes are served in a comfortable family-owned eatery.
Magdalena’s
RestaurantsR & K Barbecue
RestaurantsNo-frills BBQ restaurant with functional decor & a menu of smoked-meat platters, sandwiches & sides.
R & K Barbecue
RestaurantsLuigi's Pizzeria
RestaurantsLocal pizzeria chain serving NY-style pies, plus pasta, sandwiches & gelato, in a relaxed space.
Luigi's Pizzeria
RestaurantsPho Dien
RestaurantsVietnamese noodle house with a casual ambiance & a selection of bubble teas.
Pho Dien
RestaurantsElliot's Table
RestaurantsElevated regional American fare plus local desserts served in a rustic-chic space.
Elliot's Table
RestaurantsNettBar
RestaurantsDog-friendly hangout in a historic building offering craft beers, cocktails, games & a patio.
NettBar
RestaurantsWings N Go
RestaurantsCasual restaurant serving up wings and other bar bites, plus happy hour drinks.
Wings N Go
RestaurantsPappas Bar-B-Q
RestaurantsLong-standing chain dishing up Texas-style smoked meats & sides in a relaxed counter-serve setting.
Pappas Bar-B-Q
RestaurantsBrookstreet Bar-B-Q
RestaurantsCasual restaurant serving brisket, turkey, and other hickory-smoked meats, plus breakfast tacos.
Brookstreet Bar-B-Q
RestaurantsFrenchies
RestaurantsItalian spot with counter-serve lunches & sit-down dinners has space-centric decor (NASA is nearby).
Frenchies
RestaurantsKatami
RestaurantsUpscale restaurant offering sushi, wagyu, and sake in a stylish setting.
Katami
Restaurants5Kinokawa
RestaurantsIntimate restaurant with an omakase menu of Japanese dishes crafted with seasonal ingredients.
5Kinokawa
RestaurantsThe Annie
RestaurantsBustling bar & eatery for classic drinks & American-Southwestern eats in an ornate dining room.
The Annie
RestaurantsPinkerton's Barbecue
RestaurantsTexas-style brisket and ribs, plus sides and cobbler, dished up in a classic setting with rustic decor.
Pinkerton's Barbecue
RestaurantsDave's Hot Chicken
RestaurantsCasual, chicken fast food chain featuring fried tenders, sliders and sandwiches as well as Mac and Cheese for kids.
Dave's Hot Chicken
RestaurantsJ.A.M Viet Kitchen & Bar
RestaurantsPho, egg coffee, and other Vietnamese favorites served in an informal setting with a bar.
J.A.M Viet Kitchen & Bar
RestaurantsNorth Italia
RestaurantsRelaxed Italian restaurant serving scratch dishes from pizza to pasta and meatballs, as well as housemade cocktails and craft beers.
North Italia
RestaurantsFrank's Pizza
RestaurantsGiant, foldable slices of New York-style thin crust pizza (or whole pies) available late night.
Frank's Pizza
RestaurantsCitizen of Montrose
RestaurantsBrunch-focused eats featuring classic favorites with a creative twist served in casual surroundings at this restaurant and bar.
Citizen of Montrose
RestaurantsSushi Koi
RestaurantsCasual eatery featuring sushi rolls, hibachi steaks and udon noodles, along with beer and wine.
Sushi Koi
RestaurantsCOPA Sips & Latin Tapas
RestaurantsCasual restaurant serving fusion Latin tapas and empanadas in Vintage Park, plus drinks.
COPA Sips & Latin Tapas
RestaurantsFlossie's Barbecue
RestaurantsSmoked meats and baked potatoes highlight this eatery, but brisket is the star.
Flossie's Barbecue
RestaurantsThe Chef's Table
RestaurantsGlobal fare, including Indian, African, and French options, served in an upscale space with live music.
The Chef's Table
RestaurantsMi Luna Tapas Restaurant & Bar
RestaurantsCasual eatery serving a menu of Spanish tapas with an emphasis on seafood, plus sangria.
Mi Luna Tapas Restaurant & Bar
RestaurantsBuffalo Wild Wings
RestaurantsChain dishing up wings, tenders & burgers, plus sauces ranging from sweet to very spicy.
Buffalo Wild Wings
RestaurantsPho Vi Vi
RestaurantsCasual, family-run eatery serving traditional Vietnamese dishes, including noodles, banh mi sandwiches and rice dishes.
Pho Vi Vi
RestaurantsYummy Pho & Thai Bistro
RestaurantsCozy eateries serving traditional Vietnamese fare (including pho and banh mi) in a clean setting, plus Thai options.
Yummy Pho & Thai Bistro
RestaurantsThe Finn
RestaurantsEuropean-inspired, art deco food hall with casual, diverse dining options, bars & a cocktail lounge.
The Finn
RestaurantsGolden Corral Buffet & Grill
RestaurantsFamily-friendly buffet chain featuring all-you-can-eat American fare, plus salad & dessert bars.
Golden Corral Buffet & Grill
RestaurantsAkashi
RestaurantsSpacious place for Japanese cuisine (such as sushi, nigiri) and Chinese fare such as orange chicken.
Akashi
RestaurantsGen Korean BBQ House
RestaurantsLocal chain offering Korean BBQ grilled tableside & ban-chan in a trendy, modern setting.
Gen Korean BBQ House
RestaurantsTrue Food Kitchen
RestaurantsRelaxed, eco-chic chain serving health-conscious fare, including vegan options, plus cocktails.
True Food Kitchen
RestaurantsJINYA Ramen Bar - Heights Waterworks
RestaurantsPopular chain preparing slow-cooked ramen noodle dishes, plus buns, fried chicken, and sake.
JINYA Ramen Bar - Heights Waterworks
RestaurantsRays Real Pit BBQ Shack
RestaurantsHickory-smoked meats & housemade sides & desserts plus seafood specials in a casual dining room.
Rays Real Pit BBQ Shack
RestaurantsHoot's Smokehouse
RestaurantsLaid-back BBQ eatery smoking brisket, ribs, sausages and other meats, plus live music and catering.
Hoot's Smokehouse
RestaurantsBCN Taste & Tradition
RestaurantsSet in a 1920s home, this contemporary Spanish fine-dining spot presents classic Catalan flavors.
BCN Taste & Tradition
RestaurantsMAD
RestaurantsStriking & vibrant destination for innovative Spanish tapas & mains plus unique gin & tonics.
MAD
RestaurantsPrima Pasta Italian Restaurant
RestaurantsCozy Italian eatery featuring homemade noodles, sauces and pizzas. Live music is offered in the evening along with delivery and catering.
Prima Pasta Italian Restaurant
RestaurantsBig City Wings- EaDo
RestaurantsPopular eatery featuring a variety of wings and other chicken dishes.
Big City Wings- EaDo
RestaurantsBrisket & Rice
RestaurantsCozy kitchen serving Texas-style barbecue fare such as brisket and ribs, along with Asian-inspired fried rice.
Brisket & Rice
RestaurantsKata Robata
RestaurantsSleek, contemporary space for innovative sushi & Japanese small plates such as Kobe beef skewers.
Kata Robata
RestaurantsSnooze, an A.M. Eatery
RestaurantsVibrant, retro chain serving a seasonal menu of creative breakfast & lunch fare, plus cocktails.
Snooze, an A.M. Eatery
RestaurantsPizzitola’s Heritage BBQ
RestaurantsInstitution for BBQ classics, especially racks of ribs, chicken, sausage & down-home banana pudding.
Pizzitola’s Heritage BBQ
RestaurantsPotente
RestaurantsSwanky, modern destination serving locally sourced modern Italian cuisine plus wine & cocktails.
Potente
RestaurantsEmber & Greens
RestaurantsCasual restaurant/bar offering international cuisine, cocktails & weekend brunch, plus happy hours.
Ember & Greens
RestaurantsSaltgrass Steak House
RestaurantsInformal Texas-themed chain offers a meaty menu & full bar amid cattle kitsch decor.
Saltgrass Steak House
RestaurantsRoost
RestaurantsCozy bistro dishing up a diverse selection of creative New American dishes in a small, old house.
Roost
RestaurantsHuynh Restaurant
RestaurantsHomestyle Vietnamese fare such as spring rolls & rice plates with BYOB available for a fee.
Huynh Restaurant
RestaurantsUrban Bird Hot Chicken
RestaurantsVeteran-owned spot for Nashville hot chicken, including chicken and waffles, tenders, and sandwiches, with vegetarian options.
Urban Bird Hot Chicken
RestaurantsCentral Texas Bar-B-Q
RestaurantsLunch-only mom-&-pop barbecue joint with straightforward menu in close proximity to Hobby Airport.
Central Texas Bar-B-Q
RestaurantsDaily Gather
RestaurantsSpacious New American eatery serving classic dishes like deviled eggs and steak, plus cocktails and beer.
Daily Gather
RestaurantsPostino Heights
RestaurantsHip chain in a modern-chic space, specializing in Italian favorites and specialty bruschetta, plus wine.
Postino Heights
RestaurantsAkashi
RestaurantsStyle-conscious locale for Chinese & Japanese dishes, contemporary sushi rolls & lunch specials.
Akashi
RestaurantsOsaka Japanese Steakhouse
RestaurantsJapanese restaurant featuring hibachi grill experiences along with an extensive selection of sushi.
Osaka Japanese Steakhouse
RestaurantsShogun
RestaurantsCasual, contemporary eatery for sushi and sake, plus teppanyaki and hibachi menus.
Shogun
RestaurantsBurger Vibe
RestaurantsNew York-style burgers, other comfort foods, and coffee served in a casual spot with a counter and a patio.
Burger Vibe
RestaurantsEmilia's Havana
RestaurantsCozy restaurant serving Cuban food and drinks in a space featuring a fountain and a speakeasy.
Emilia's Havana
RestaurantsSimply Pho
RestaurantsThis casual site offers familiar Vietnamese soups, rice plates, banh mi sandwiches & other dishes.
Simply Pho
RestaurantsD'Amico's Italian Market Cafe
RestaurantsLong-running Italian restaurant with an on-site market serving traditional dishes in a lively setting.
D'Amico's Italian Market Cafe
RestaurantsBurger Bodega
RestaurantsBurgers, fries, hot dogs and milkshakes meet at this bustling eatery known for smash-style burgers.
Burger Bodega
RestaurantsSteak 48
RestaurantsHigh-end steakhouse serving prime cuts, seafood & shellfish in an elegant, modern venue.
Steak 48
RestaurantsEl Meson
RestaurantsHomey Spanish eatery with Cuban flair presenting tapas, paella & an extensive wine list since 1981.
El Meson
RestaurantsPluckers Wing Bar
RestaurantsSports bar & grill offering wings, burgers & more, plus trivia nights.
Pluckers Wing Bar
RestaurantsLa Griglia
RestaurantsLively go-to for upscale Italian fare featuring ingredients sourced directly from Italy.
La Griglia
RestaurantsBrothers In Laws BBQ
RestaurantsTaxidermy & Texas paraphernalia line the walls at this traditional BBQ joint operating since 1981.
Brothers In Laws BBQ
RestaurantsPappas Bar-B-Q
RestaurantsA menu of hearty burgers, fries & milkshakes served in a down-to-earth restaurant.
Pappas Bar-B-Q
RestaurantsRuggles Black
RestaurantsIndian flavors meet French-American cuisine while Paleo options abound at this casually chic eatery.
Ruggles Black
RestaurantsApplebee's Grill + Bar
RestaurantsFull-service chain bar & grill providing hearty American eats in an informal setting.
Applebee's Grill + Bar
RestaurantsHull & Oak
RestaurantsCajun-inflected dishes (including seafood) in modern digs that are open for breakfast, lunch and dinner (or for room service).
Hull & Oak
RestaurantsFia's Pizzeria
RestaurantsUnpretentious restaurant offering pizzas, wings & sandwiches, plus pasta & salads.
Fia's Pizzeria
RestaurantsCarrabba's - The Original On Kirby
RestaurantsChain eatery & bar serving a diverse menu of classic Italian fare in a family-friendly setting.
Carrabba's - The Original On Kirby
RestaurantsArturo Boada Cuisine
RestaurantsVibrant bistro serving Latin & Italian fare, much of which is prepared in a wood-burning oven.
Arturo Boada Cuisine
RestaurantsMo' Brunch + Brews
RestaurantsLively vegan breakfast place & coffee shop featuring a selection of vinyl records.
Mo' Brunch + Brews
RestaurantsOporto Fooding House & Wine
RestaurantsRefined, updated Portuguese cuisine & wines on tap served in a roomy, elegant dining room.
Oporto Fooding House & Wine
RestaurantsThe Sunrise House
RestaurantsUpscale eatery for brunch, breakfast, waffles and cocktails in a relaxed setting.
The Sunrise House
RestaurantsJ-Bar-M Barbecue
RestaurantsTexas-style barbecue eatery offering smoked meats, including brisket, ribs and turkey sandwiches, plus cocktails.
J-Bar-M Barbecue
RestaurantsThe Breakfast Klub
RestaurantsHotspot for diner-style American eats & stick-to-your-ribs soul food including chicken & waffles.
The Breakfast Klub
RestaurantsOuisie's Table
RestaurantsRiver Oaks institution serving Southern standards such as shrimp & grits to a loyal crowd.
Ouisie's Table
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