Diners' Choice: Innovative restaurants in Pasadena

OpenTable

Updated December 05, 2024

Looking for the best restaurants that are fit for foodies 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!

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

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.

Bar Chelou

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

Jasmine

Dined 5 days ago

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

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The Arbour - Pasadena

4.7

4.7 (2075)

$31 to $50

Californian

Pasadena

About the restaurant

The Arbour brings rustic elegant dining to the historic Pasadena neighborhood of south Lake Avenue. Paying homage to the extraordinary agricultural bounty of California, The Arbour’s menu showcases relationships with sustainable local farms and purveyors.

Top review

Jerry

Dined 4 days ago

Great ambience at this location in Pasadena, CA. Food quality is great. Not over seasoned or over cooked. Mixed drinks were good also not overwhelming. Would recommend The Arbour to anyone visiting the area.

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Roasted Mushroom Soup

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

Dined 7 days ago

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

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Experience

Weekend Large Party Reservation

Experience

Weekday Large Party Reservation

Experience

Brunch Large Party Reservation

Sugarbird Cafe

4.7

4.7 (59)

$31 to $50

Afternoon Tea

Montrose

About the restaurant

Welcome to Sugarbird Cafe, Montrose, CA's unique scone and tea cafe.
Nestled in a cozy, shaded outdoor courtyard, it's the perfect spot for casual tea under the Cali sun, with limited indoor seating for a more intimate vibe. Variety of scones, from classic strawberry buttermilk to unique Cali-inspired flavors like fig rosemary, all perfectly crunchy outside and moist inside. Elevate your tea experience with our handcrafted teas, delightful tea sandwiches, and house-made jams. Please note, we need 36 hours advance notice for special dietary requests for wheat-free, vegan, or kids menu, 10 & under. 18% gratuity is auto-included on the bill & parties of 6 or more will have a 20% charge.

Join our community for a taste of global afternoon tea menu at our outdoor garden.
To ensure your spot, BOOK 36 hours in advance—text 818-282-7299 to CONFIRM your reservation for same-day reservations. Don't miss out; we're featured in [LA Times]. Sip, savor, and make tea time your daily retreat!

Top review

Bette

Dined on Dec 14, 2024

My three great friends and I met a Sugarbird to celebrate a Christmas tea, and it couldn’t have been nicer. The outdoor seating area feels like a little room with the umbrellas and the pretty tables. We were lucky to have cool but not cold weather, and were prepared to sit outside, so being in the sun added to the feeling of enjoying a backyard tea. The scones were outstanding, particularly the blueberry lemon, and the feta chive. All the sandwiches were beautifully prepared and the sweets were fantastic as well. Our servers took such good care of us and gave us plenty time and space to enjoy each other without rushing at all. This is a yearly tradition for us and we all agreed it was one the loveliest times we’ve had together. Keep it up, Sugarbird! P.S, they have scones to go, and you can also get frozen ones to take home and bake. Certainly did that!!

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Experience

*Wheat Free Casual Tea - Scones + Tea Only

Experience

*Orginal Casual Tea - Scones + Tea Only

Experience

Afternoon Tea ( 6 or more) w/ tea sandwiches*

Star Leaf - Asian Cuisine

4.6

4.6 (186)

$31 to $50

Asian

Pasadena

About the restaurant

As an award winning restaurant group, Star Leaf creates a fine dining experience that combines ingredients and spices that will teleport guests across the Pacific to a tropical paradise. Founded in 2011, Star Leaf Pasadena is our first US-location in the beloved Playhouse Village. Every dish is prepared with passion and respect for the traditions that shaped Asian cuisine. The culinary team selects the freshest ingredients, ensuring each bite is a celebration of flavor and culture, while instilling innovative modern touches.

Top review

David

Dined 4 days ago

Our waiter Mikey was attentive, responsive, and personable. The food was delicious and the overall experience was great. I’ll definitely return here.

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Experience

Star Leaf Happy Hour

Pez Coastal Kitchen

4.5

4.5 (48)

$31 to $50

Seafood

Pasadena

About the restaurant

Executive Chef & Proprietor Bret Thompson, with a rich culinary background spanning prestigious establishments in the U.S. and abroad, brings his expertise to Pez Coastal Kitchen. Joined by his wife Lucy Thompson-Ramirez, they have left an indelible mark on the Los Angeles dining scene with their previous ventures, including the beloved Pez Cantina and LA Burrito Co. in Montebello, but at Pez Coastal Kitchen,Chef Bret’s focus shifts to innovative techniques such as curing, smoking, and specialized dry-aging of seafood which will be a distinctive feature.

The menu at Pez Coastal Kitchen reflects our culinary team's commitment to excellence, offering a tantalizing array of appetizers, chilled seafood, crudos, family-style entrees, exceptional sides, and innovative desserts. From Chilled Beets with hazelnuts to Whole Fried Fish and decadent desserts like Warm Chocolate Butterscotch Peanut Butter Cake, each dish is crafted with precision and creativity.

Top review

William J .

Dined on Dec 14, 2024

Wife’s birthday, she had a Great time! Alongside friends and family.

Gaucho Grill - Pasadena

4.2

4.2 (309)

$30 and under

Steakhouse

Pasadena

About the restaurant

We host a celebration of contemporary Argentine cuisine and the tradition, values, and culture of the Gaucho lifestyle. We take pride in providing our guests with an authentic experience in a warm and inviting atmosphere, perfect for social and business lunches, entertaining dinners, and fun celebrations. Established in 2016. Gaucho Grill USA began its operation in Hollywood, CA in the early 1990's. The earliest restaurants practiced traditional Argentine cuisine and have been quite successful as a result. The newest location in Downey, CA unveils a new, contemporary approach to fine Argentine steaks, cuisine, and libations. Gaucho Grill Argentine Steakhouse in Downey has a fully-operating bar and nightlife which perfectly complements the already fervent environment within its walls.

Top review

Dave

Dined 5 days ago

great food, good service, however the room is pretty loud.

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Celebrate in Style: Free Birthday Bash at Gaucho!

Fogo de Chão - Pasadena, CA

4.1

4.1 (956)

$30 and under

Brazilian

Pasadena

About the restaurant

Fogo de Chão is an internationally-renowned steakhouse from Brazil that allows guests to discover what's next at every turn. Founded in Southern Brazil in 1979, Fogo elevates the centuries-old culinary art of churrasco - roasting high-quality cuts of meat over an open flame - into a cultural dining experience of discovery. Please join us in our dining room, in our more casual Bar Fogo, or bring the Fogo Experience to you with Fogo To-Go or Catering. Visit our website to make a reservation or place an order.

Top review

BisiVIP

Dined 4 days ago

Alvaro and Michelle were absolutely outstanding. Such an amazing experience for my wife, team and I for our Xmas party. Will be back again, and this pair is our main reason for returning. Cheers.

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Experience

Bar Fogo Wagyu & Wine

Le Grand Pasadena

4.1

4.1 (88)

$30 and under

American

Pasadena

About the restaurant

Hey, craving something extraordinary? Le Grand Restaurant has epic dining deals packed with flavor, fun, and unforgettable moments!

Start with our 5 for $25 Tapas Deal – choose any five of our chef’s favorite tapas for just $25! Perfect for sharing with friends or savoring solo, it’s the ultimate way to explore a variety of bold, delicious flavors.

For a true indulgence, try the Unlimited Tapas Experience at $49.99 per person, where you can enjoy endless servings of our chef’s top picks. Taste as much as you like—it’s an all-you-can-eat dream!

Pair your meal with the Unlimited Cocktail Experience for $27, featuring unique creations by our expert mixologists to complement every bite.

For something hearty, don’t miss our Signature Creekstone Farms Ribeye Platter—a premium 16 oz cut with roasted potatoes, caramelized carrots, cauliflower, creamy mushroom sauce, and peppercorn-parmesan butter. It’s perfect for sharing with friends or family!

Top review

Cristhian

Dined on Dec 11, 2024

The food was absolutely mouthwatering! Every dish was a flavor explosion. The open bar was the cherry on top, offering a wide variety of drinks to complement the meal. ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

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