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Diners' Choice: Best Food restaurants in Pasadena

OpenTable

Updated December 05, 2024

Looking for restaurants with the best overall cuisine in Pasadena? You’re in the right place. Each month, OpenTable analyzes nearly 2 million global diner reviews from the past four months. We sort the results by location and category to help you discover new favorite restaurants. It's a great partnership: you reserve, eat, and review. We listen...and deliver the results for all to benefit. Enjoy!

A photo of Altaeats restaurant

4.9

4.9 (775)

$31 to $50

American

Pasadena

About the restaurant

Tucked away on the Altadena/Pasadena border,
Chef Paul Ragan brings a feast of flavors to the dinner table.
Join us in our dining room or order the Roastie to go!

Top review

L

Lainnie

Dined 1 day ago

Wonderful neighbor gem! Excellent menu and marvelous service. Such a delight!

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A photo of Beef Wellington of a restaurant

Beef Wellington

A photo of Buffalo Brussels Sprouts of a restaurant

Buffalo Brussels Sprouts

A photo of Shiro Restaurant restaurant

Shiro Restaurant

4.8

4.8 (1600)

$50 and over

Contemporary French

Pasadena

About the restaurant

Open for indoor and outdoor dining and curbside takeout. Outdoors dining is subject to the weather. We have heaters but not for all tables. Please dress warmly. If there is a chance of rain we will have to cancel.

Shiro has been named the Zagat Guide's number one restaurant and is consistently one of the highest rated establishments in the guide (#5 in 2011; #2 for service in 2013). Shiro is summed up by it's ingredients. Menu items are driven by the best available, nothing less is acceptable. For over 35 years, diners have enjoyed our French and Pacific Rim inspired menu. A tradition of fine dining with excellent, friendly service. We may supplement our menu with a special Taste of Shiro (soup or salad, meat or fish, dessert). Wed/Th. The evening's menu is posted around 3pm.

As much as we love them, we must ask that your dogs and other pets stay home. Service dogs, of course, are welcome.

Top review

D

Diana

Dined 2 days ago

The wonton ravioli and loup de mer were excellent, as was the service. So lucky to have this gem in South Pasadena. We celebrated a birthday and all truly enjoyed our dining experience. My son also enjoyed the grilled octopus appetizer - unique.

A photo of Dunsmoor restaurant

4.8

4.8 (954)

$50 and over

American

Eagle Rock

About the restaurant

Brian Dunsmoor’s namesake restaurant, Dunsmoor, is the latest iteration of his ongoing exploration of American heritage cooking. It is, first and foremost, a restaurant for the community that surrounds it, and a loving expression of the relentless research that has informed his cooking for the last ten years.

We offer the full menu at tables in our dining room and at the chef's counter, as well as at our outdoor tables. Reservations are recommended but we make every effort to accommodate walk-ins when possible.

Dunsmoor's wine bar, accessible either through the restaurant or via its own door on Ave 35, does not accept reservations and serves a limited menu of our raw and larder items.

Top review

S

Steven

Dined 2 days ago

Our dining experience was top notch. The open fire cooking infused our dishes and every one of them was delicious. The highlight was the ribeye, cooked perfectly and was accompanied with bone marrow and sea salt to sprinkle over the meat. They also had a great playlist for a great vibe.

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A photo of Beef Ribeye of a restaurant

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Grilled Swordfish

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A photo of Nick's South Lake Ave restaurant

Nick's South Lake Ave

4.8

4.8 (3135)

$30 and under

American

Pasadena

About the restaurant

Classic American comfort food, crave-able bar snacks, plus unique cocktails, an extensive wine list in an upscale yet casual environment. Our exhibition kitchen highlights the talents of our passionate culinary team.

Nick’s is dedicated to perfecting the dining experience through continuous innovation, offering the highest quality food and beverage, and executing impeccable standards of hospitality. The deeply instilled Nick’s culture is personified by its Ladies and Gentlemen – professionals who share a single focus and are inspired and committed to offering great service and creating positive memorable experiences.

Nick's Pasadena will reopen on April 12, 2021 for dinner starting at 4pm. We look forward to serving you!

Top review

L

Lisa

Dined 2 days ago

The service has not been consistent. They used to offer hot towels at the end of dinner. Now you have to ask for it.

A photo of Bar Chelou restaurant

4.8

4.8 (447)

$50 and over

Contemporary French

Pasadena

About the restaurant

Bar Chelou is a neo-bistro that is both a distillation of Chef Doug Rankin's broad gastronomic interests and a deeply personal expression of his individualistic style.

'Chelou' (French slang for ‘strange’ or ‘unexpected’) is both the name and unifying theme of the restaurant, which draws from a range of culinary traditions and service styles to create something personal, novel, and fun.

The restaurant is located within the Pasadena Playhouse complex. If you plan to visit the Playhouse after dinner, please book a 5:30p reservation to ensure ample timing for your dinner. We also offer concession cocktails before a showing and during intermission.

NEED TO KNOW
Wine corkage is $30 per 750ml bottle with no limit; we do not offer corkage for wines featured on our wine list.

Ample parking is available on surrounding streets and at several paid lots within a one-block radius.

Gift cards are available for purchase on our website.

Top review

J

Jasmine

Dined 5 days ago

I love Bar Chelou! The shelling beans will stay with me forever!

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A photo of Ibérico Pork Chop of a restaurant

Ibérico Pork Chop

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A photo of Parkway Grill restaurant

4.9

4.9 (2468)

$50 and over

Californian

Pasadena

About the restaurant

The Smith Brothers trend-setter in regional American cuisine, Parkway Grill continues to define dining in the city and beyond. Parkway Grill specializes in a seasonal, market-driven approach to cooking that incorporates diverse influences and classic French technique. Throughout its over 30 years, Parkway’s innovative chefs have showcased an intriguing array of dishes using locally sourced ingredients.

Demonstrating the ultimate commitment to fresh produce, Parkway Grill planted its own organic vegetable and herb garden behind the restaurant, which continues to thrive for over 25 years on a piece of prime real estate in the heart of Pasadena.

Top review

C

Carineh

Dined 3 days ago

Noisy restaurant Otherwise everything else was good

A photo of Agnes Restaurant & Cheesery restaurant

Agnes Restaurant & Cheesery

4.7

4.7 (178)

$31 to $50

American

Pasadena

About the restaurant

Agnes Restaurant and Cheesery is a neighborhood oasis that showcases live-fire cooking with seasonal ingredients behind an adorable cheese shop that offers unique and thoughtfully curated artisan cheeses and renowned provisions.

With our spaces for large parties, an open kitchen, darling outdoor patio, and a beautiful marketplace, Agnes offers many opportunities for celebrating a wide variety of occasions.

The holidays are a wonderful time to discover Agnes with the Cheesery offering several stunning products worth sharing with all of your friends and family. From large format cheese, meat and crudité platters, tinned fish, delicious gifts, freshly baked treats, to our decadent Sides & Pies holiday offerings. Enjoy and relax during the holidays with Agnes catering your parties and family get-togethers.

Founded by Chefs Thomas and Vanessa Tilaka Kalb, stop by while exploring the famous Gamble House, Rose Bowl, Castle Green, Huntington Library or strolling through Old Town Pasadena.

Top review

A

Al

Dined 7 days ago

Creative menu. Dishes lend to sharing. Service was excellent; thoughtful recommendations and attentive service.

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A photo of Weekend Large Party Reservation of a restaurant

Weekend Large Party Reservation

A photo of Weekday Large Party Reservation of a restaurant

Weekday Large Party Reservation

A photo of Brunch Large Party Reservation of a restaurant

Brunch Large Party Reservation

A photo of Arroyo Chop House restaurant

Arroyo Chop House

4.7

4.7 (2453)

$50 and over

Steakhouse

Pasadena

About the restaurant

A modern take on the classic American steakhouse, Arroyo Chop House is one of only a few restaurants in Southern California that serves exclusively USDA Prime beef. This strikingly handsome restaurant, inspired by the Arts & Crafts architectural style for which Pasadena is famous, is clad in rich mahogany and the cozy booths are bathed in seductive light.

Our steaks are aged and hand cut daily and then perfectly seared in a 1,500 degree oven. Traditional steakhouse side dishes include creamed spinach, baked potatoes, asparagus spears with hollandaise sauce, and Arroyo Chop House's famous onion rings. We also offer live Maine lobster and fresh fish, Alaskan King Crab legs, fresh oysters, and shrimp. Compliment your meal with a bottle from our award-winning wine list and finish the night with one of our delicious desserts such as a Grand Marnier soufflé, warm apple pie, butterscotch pudding or chocolate pecan pie.

Top review

S

Si

Dined 5 days ago

Outstanding food and exemplary service. A wonderful night out!

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A photo of Ruth's Chris Steak House - Pasadena restaurant

Ruth's Chris Steak House - Pasadena

4.7

4.7 (4019)

$50 and over

Steakhouse

Pasadena

About the restaurant

Now Open: We look forward to serving you soon.

Ruth's Chris Steak House in Pasadena, CA serves the finest USDA Prime beef available, broiled at 1,800° and served on 500° plates, so your steak stays hot, juicy and delicious from first bite to last. Enjoy our New Orleans-inspired appetizers, USDA Prime steaks, fresh seafood, signature side dishes and homemade desserts. All this while you enjoy our warm, inviting atmosphere and Ruth’s Chris’ genuine hospitality. So whether you’re a regular or have just been wondering what all the buzz is about, Ruth's Chris is the perfect excuse to enjoy the perfect night out. Dinner is served nightly, reservations are suggested and private dining and offsite catering may be arranged.

Top review

OT

OpenTable Diner

Dined 4 days ago

Anniversary

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A photo of Ribeye of a restaurant

A photo of Tomahawk Ribeye of a restaurant

Tomahawk Ribeye

A photo of Classic Cheesecake of a restaurant

Classic Cheesecake

A photo of Alexander's Steakhouse - Pasadena restaurant

Alexander's Steakhouse - Pasadena

4.8

4.8 (2263)

$50 and over

Steakhouse

Pasadena

About the restaurant

You will enjoy the beautiful patio setup we have in Pasadena. We have instituted all health and safety precautions to ensure all of our guests and employees feel safe and can enjoy themselves. If you have any questions, please contact us and our team will take the pleasure of assisting you.

--

Alexander's Steakhouse offers a fine dining interpretation of a Modern American Steakhouse with hints of global influences throughout the menu. Featuring classic cuts such as Ribeye, Bone-In New York and Filet Mignon, to sustainable seafood, our signature Hamachi Shot and a large selection of Wagyu. We also highlight dry-aged steaks and offer the finest and most luxurious products available including two tasting menus and a Extensive Wine List. A full bar featuring some of the most unique specialty cocktails is a great way to begin your evening here at Alexander's Steakhouse.

Top review

D

David

Dined 1 day ago

Hi. Previously spend my 40th here. Which was fantastic. And when our anniversary came up. Of course we wanted to celebrate here as well. Service great from the host, server, expeditor, busser.... Perfect. So warm and you can tell people enjoy working at AS. The food unfortunately didnt hit the mark as I was expecting. We did go out on a limb with the chefs tasting but felt we should have shared the 28oz bone in and couple of sides So heres just a quick review: Hamachi shooter. Excellent. so fresh and i love the bite of the vinegar! Beet salad. Surprisingly my absolute favorite part of the meal . Great combination of flavors and textures. The cheese phenomenal. And pistachio vinaigrette bomb. The uni/salmon roe. It was okay. I normally don't eat uni so understand that but you have to experience what the chef wants us to experience right? So I went for it.. Roe was a bit too salty, uni was fresh and the best part. The 'steam egg' portion I think that's what it was, was bland. Maybe mixing the roe would've made it better overall? Least favorite part of meal. Pork kakuni. Portion was little too big. I felt it was a meal in itself. It was slightly dry despite the lovely piece of pork fat (the best part btw). The skin was not crispy enough, rubbery and hard to chew. Not a fan favorite. A5 waygu. Cooked more rare than I like. Red throughout. Wouldve like more med rare. But luckily the part of the experience. The cut was ok, had a strip of cartilage in the middle. the sear was uneven. Pumpkin cheesecake and ice cream. Second favorite part. So good. Worth coming back for the cheesecake. The cotton candy always a nice touch and the service makes up for any shortcomings. Overall. Ill skip chef tasting next time. Id dive into the waygu menu and bone in ribeye. Two sides and a beet salad. Split between you and your date. We'll be back for sure. But we'll skip the tasting and go straight at the waygu!

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A photo of Filet Mignon of a restaurant

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A photo of Chocolate Soufflé of a restaurant

Chocolate Soufflé

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