There are an abundance of great restaurants in Pasadena, and this doesn’t even cover a quarter of them. These are simply our personal favorites. We like them all for different reasons. Most of them are in Old Pas, which means walking distance. That they are open at all means they have to be good. Pasadena has more restaurants per capita than any other city in the world according to Women’s Wear Daily, so competition is fierce. Good for us. Bad for them. Let your stomach be your guide and forget the diet for a while.
21 Choices (A)
You won’t be disappointed with any of the choices at 21 Choices, that is, if you can get in the door. But don’t worry the crowds are always friendly, and for good reason: gourmet frozen yogurt made fresh, all day long, including blends you can direct yourself, and toppings galore. • 626-356-9725
All India Cafe (B+)
Right across the street from the Schoolhouse parking lot on Fair Oaks. Naan, Saag Paneer, Korma are all great. Especially good though are the lunch specials, which give an aesthically (and intesinally) pleasing arrangement of salad, daal, chutneys and more. The food is fresh and the ambiance is quite nice any time of day. • 626-440-0309
Aux Delices (B+)
A truly French bakery cafe. Whether enjoying a Latte and one of their fresh, delicious pastries, omelettes, sandwiches, homemade soup, or my favorite, the Chicken Caesar with freshly sauteed mushrooms and peppers, your lunch or light dinner can only be topped by one of their specialty desserts. (pronounced: “Oh, delish!”) • 626-796-1630
Azeen’s Agfhani Restaurant (A)
Where else can you get true Afghani food? Not too many places, plus this is great. It is off the main drag at 110 E. Union St., so it is a little harder to find but it is worth it. Great service and great food. • 626-683-3310
Barney’s Ltd Neighborhood Grill & Pub (A)
Everybody knows Barneys. What can I say? They’ve been here longer than any other restaurant in Old Pasadena. If the food and service weren’t great (until 1 a.m. on Fridays and Saturdays by the way), they wouldn’t be here. • 626-577-2739
Bar Celona (A+)
They call themselves a “modern Tapas restaurant,” which they are. Great Spanish fast food and great service are always present and accounted for. But, if I may point out, that the first name is ‘BAR.” The BARtenders will always aim to please and they never miss. One of the best Mojitos in town. • 626-405-1000
Bird Pick Tea & Herb (A)
Relax. Enjoy warm and friendly service, an exclusively pure tea bar, an array of unique tea accessories and tranquil ambiance. Just south of Tiffany’s on DeLacey. • 626-773-4372
Bistro 45 (A++)
Not exactly Old Pasadena, more like the Playhouse District, but great chef, great service and if you are on the way to the Pasadena Playhouse (if it survives), reserve some extra time or prepare to miss the first act, because you might not want to leave. A superb dining experience. • 626-795-2478
Boba World (B+)
You’ll either swear by boba drinks (little tapioca balls suspended in your drink) or swear at them , but whether or not you like sucking the little babies through your straw, you’ll love the Asian noodles – over 100 selections including Vietnamese, Chinese, Thai and Japanese fare. What’s not to love? • 626-792-7272
Bucca de Beppo (Beppo’s Basement) (A+)
Fantastic salads, pastas and Down Home Italian cooking, but for god’s sake, don’t go here without a crowd: The portions will kill you if the wall art doesn’t. The best Italian fun food in town … to sit with the Pope takes reservations. • 626-792-7272
Cafe Bizou (A++)
Not only in the heart of Old Pasadena, but rated the #1 most popular restaurant in Los Angeles in the 2001 and 2002 Zagat Guide. Right across from the Levitt Pavilion should you be going to one of the outdoor concerts. • 626-792-9923
Chado Tea Room (B)
More teas than you can shake a bag at. A great place to have all your girl friends meet and greet over tea. Soup, salad, sandwiches, scones and cakes are also available. Afternoon Tea is served all day. • 626-431-2832
Cheesecake Factory (B+)
Call first, and even then you’ll wait in line, but with a menu the size of the Thomas Guide and a selection both diverse and vast, you are sure to leave smiling (and bloated). Not to mention cheesecake so demonically sublime it’ll have you calling Jenny Craig from under your table. • 626-584-6000
Coffee Bean & Tea Leaf (B)
Caffeine withdrawal, a common syndrome, can easily be appeased here. Cappuccinos, Espressos, Lattes, as well as all types of teas make this a place we frequent. • 626-440-9744
El Toreo Cafe (B-)
One of our guilty pleasures. Tamales, burritos, tacos, enchiladas tostadas, stuffed chiles! E vato! Me gusta. • 626-792-2727
Elements Café (A+)
“Elements” is one of Old Pasadena’s newest restaurants ironically housed in one of Old Pasadena’s oldest buildings. They combine the freshest local and home grown produce with area meats and fish, and prepare them in unexpectedly delicious ways that are always a surprise. Their address reads, 107 South Fair Oaks, but don’t go there. They’re really on Dayton, just down the street from us. • 626-440-0100
Elements Kitchen (A+)
I would be in serious trouble if I didn’t mention that my friend Onil Chibàs, Elements’ chef extraordinaire, had just opened his brand new Elements Kitchen next to the Pasadena Playhouse (moment of silence for our departed theater). Same great food, just more of it and more places to sit and eat it. • 626-440-0044
Father Nature’s Lavash Wraps (B)
Another hidden hole-in-the-wall with great wraps, tasty salads and a wonderful Salmon Salad that’s not on the menu, but worth asking for. Also ask for the spicy sauce and get those salivary glands going. If you are going to eat in, go upstairs where it’s quieter. • 626-568-9811
Green Street East (A)
Okay, so it’s not in Old Pasadena, or even on Green Street, it’s got great burgers, great salads and a well stocked bar. Mention our names to Michael Hawkins and, well, you’ll get nothing… except good food and drink. • 626-577-7170
Happy Trails (B+)
A cross between a catering company and an upscale lunch counter. Quiche, salads, sandwiches, focaccia and an enormous spreading chestnut tree to sit under. Hidden below Dayton on Fair Oaks. • 626-796-9526
Heritage Wine (A)
Although not really a place to eat, they serve food, so I declare them a restaurant. In the tradition of California Winery tasting bars, they have a spectacular selection of wonderful wines, and it’s a great place to hang out and taste to your heart’s content. While their inventory includes some of the finest wines anywhere, there are over 200 selections in the $16.00 and under category. Not to be missed. • 626-630-wine (9463)
Teri & Yaki Chicken House (formerly Himeko) (A)
New name. Same fare. How do you like your teriyaki chicken? Good? Fast? With maybe some potstickers on the side? Just south of the new Gold Line station. Yum. • 626-256-6705
Il Fornaio (B)
Just one of a chain, but a particular favorite for office meetings, Il Fornaio’s delicious Italian entrees and quaint private dining rooms make for the perfect Friday evening dinner. • 626-683-9797
Johnny Rockets (B)
In the tradition of a 1950s diner, you can pull yourself up to the counter and have an excellent burger, fries and shake for a good price with great, great, great service! (One Colorado location) Be cool, daddio, at www.johnnyrockets.com. • 626-793-6570
La Luna Negra (B)
So how many 22-square block districts can boast two Spanish tapas restaurants? Well, Old Pasadena comes to mind. La Luna Negra’s dishes are delicious and beautifully presented. There are live Flamenco shows and charming rustic atmosphere. They’re open 7 days a week, and even open for lunch. • 626-844-4331
Le Pain Quotidien (B+)
New Yorkers are thrilled to find Le Pain Quodidien in Old Pas, and we are lucky to have them. LPQ combines a traditional European bakery, selling breads and pastries at the counter, with a countryside cafe. Incredible breads and pastries and very fresh ingredients for their soups, salads and sandwiches. • 626-396-0956
Los Tacos (B)
Hard to find hole in the wall (Fair Oaks and California) Fish, carnitas, beef and chicken soft tacos. Any kind of burrito your heart desires. Great salsas. Eat-in, carry out and limited outside seating. O. Beware of the “rocket fuel” salsa. • 626-795-9291
The Melting Pot (A-)
So what if it’s a chain with over 90 locations nationwide, a fondue restaurant, and it’s right on Colorado Blvd. Take the escalator up to a unique eatery overlooking the heart of Old Pas. Plan to stay the evening with lots of choice fondue, great wine and your best friends. See www.meltingpot.com. • 626-792-1941
Mi Piace (A)
Pizza, pasta, pesto and more! For lunch or dinner, this is a great place for good Italian right on Colorado Boulevard. Not on the menu: Chicken Salad. Chicken Caesar with pasta – great! Crowded as hell, make reservations. • 626-795-3131
Saladang (A+) and Saladang Song (A+)
Almost invisible (look for the Kelly Paper sign) down on Fair Oaks. Dramatic Thai food with a lot of flavor. This is not totally flame-thrower fare but it could make you sweat! • 626-793-8123
Tea Rose Garden (A)
A small tea room surrounded by beautiful flowers. Tea sandwiches and cakes are lovely. It’s a perfect place to go for an outing, a casual luncehon or formal tea party. • 626-578-1144
Villa Sorriso Ristorante & Bar (A+)
Incredible Italian Food, everything from basic pasta to an awesome Osso Bucco, a great wine list, and a full bar featuring over 20 specialty Martinis. Yes, that’s 20 as in twenty. Outdoor and indoor dining, but call first. People know this place. www.sorrisopasadena.com. • 626-793-2233
Yujean Kang (A+)
Boasting some of the best Chinese food in Pasadena and Los Angeles, we promise that you’ll gain weight here but have a great time doing it! Consistently excellent wine selection. • 626-585-0855
There are an abundance of great restaurants in Pasadena, and this doesn’t even cover a quarter of them. These are simply our personal favorites. We like them all for different reasons. Most of them are in Old Pas, which means walking distance. That they are open at all means they have to be good. Pasadena has more restaurants per capita than any other city in the world according to Women’s Wear Daily, so competition is fierce. Good for us. Bad for them. Let your stomach be your guide and forget the diet for a while.
21 Choices (A)
You won’t be disappointed with any of the choices at 21 Choices, that is, if you can get in the door. But don’t worry the crowds are always friendly, and for good reason: gourmet frozen yogurt made fresh, all day long, including blends you can direct yourself, and toppings galore.
• 626-356-9725
All India Cafe (B+)
Right across the street from the Schoolhouse parking lot on Fair Oaks. Naan, Saag Paneer, Korma are all great. Especially good though are the lunch specials, which give an aesthically (and intesinally) pleasing arrangement of salad, daal, chutneys and more. The food is fresh and the ambiance is quite nice any time of day.
• 626-440-0309
Aux Delices (B+)
A truly French bakery cafe. Whether enjoying a Latte and one of their fresh, delicious pastries, omelettes, sandwiches, homemade soup, or my favorite, the Chicken Caesar with freshly sauteed mushrooms and peppers, your lunch or light dinner can only be topped by one of their specialty desserts. (pronounced: “Oh, delish!”)
• 626-796-1630
Azeen’s Agfhani Restaurant (A)
Where else can you get true Afghani food? Not too many places, plus this is great. It is off the main drag at 110 E. Union St., so it is a little harder to find but it is worth it. Great service and great food.
• 626-683-3310
Barney’s Ltd Neighborhood Grill & Pub (A)
Everybody knows Barneys. What can I say? They’ve been here longer than any other restaurant in Old Pasadena. If the food and service weren’t great (until 1 a.m. on Fridays and Saturdays by the way), they wouldn’t be here.
• 626-577-2739
Bar Celona (A+)
They call themselves a “modern Tapas restaurant,” which they are. Great Spanish fast food and great service are always present and accounted for. But, if I may point out, that the first name is ‘BAR.” The BARtenders will always aim to please and they never miss. One of the best Mojitos in town.
• 626-405-1000
Bird Pick Tea & Herb (A)
Relax. Enjoy warm and friendly service, an exclusively pure tea bar, an array of unique tea accessories and tranquil ambiance. Just south of Tiffany’s on DeLacey.
• 626-773-4372
Bistro 45 (A++)
Not exactly Old Pasadena, more like the Playhouse District, but great chef, great service and if you are on the way to the Pasadena Playhouse (if it survives), reserve some extra time or prepare to miss the first act, because you might not want to leave. A superb dining experience.
• 626-795-2478
Boba World (B+)
You’ll either swear by boba drinks (little tapioca balls suspended in your drink) or swear at them , but whether or not you like sucking the little babies through your straw, you’ll love the Asian noodles – over 100 selections including Vietnamese, Chinese, Thai and Japanese fare. What’s not to love?
• 626-792-7272
Bucca de Beppo (Beppo’s Basement) (A+)
Fantastic salads, pastas and Down Home Italian cooking, but for god’s sake, don’t go here without a crowd: The portions will kill you if the wall art doesn’t. The best Italian fun food in town … to sit with the Pope takes reservations.
• 626-792-7272
Cafe Bizou (A++)
Not only in the heart of Old Pasadena, but rated the #1 most popular restaurant in Los Angeles in the 2001 and 2002 Zagat Guide. Right across from the Levitt Pavilion should you be going to one of the outdoor concerts.
• 626-792-9923
Chado Tea Room (B)
More teas than you can shake a bag at. A great place to have all your girl friends meet and greet over tea. Soup, salad, sandwiches, scones and cakes are also available. Afternoon Tea is served all day.
• 626-431-2832
Cheesecake Factory (B+)
Call first, and even then you’ll wait in line, but with a menu the size of the Thomas Guide and a selection both diverse and vast, you are sure to leave smiling (and bloated). Not to mention cheesecake so demonically sublime it’ll have you calling Jenny Craig from under your table.
• 626-584-6000
Coffee Bean & Tea Leaf (B)
Caffeine withdrawal, a common syndrome, can easily be appeased here. Cappuccinos, Espressos, Lattes, as well as all types of teas make this a place we frequent.
• 626-440-9744
El Toreo Cafe (B-)
One of our guilty pleasures. Tamales, burritos, tacos, enchiladas tostadas, stuffed chiles! E vato! Me gusta.
• 626-792-2727
Elements Café (A+)
“Elements” is one of Old Pasadena’s newest restaurants ironically housed in one of Old Pasadena’s oldest buildings. They combine the freshest local and home grown produce with area meats and fish, and prepare them in unexpectedly delicious ways that are always a surprise. Their address reads, 107 South Fair Oaks, but don’t go there. They’re really on Dayton, just down the street from us.
• 626-440-0100
Elements Kitchen (A+)
I would be in serious trouble if I didn’t mention that my friend Onil Chibàs, Elements’ chef extraordinaire, had just opened his brand new Elements Kitchen next to the Pasadena Playhouse (moment of silence for our departed theater). Same great food, just more of it and more places to sit and eat it.
• 626-440-0044
Father Nature’s Lavash Wraps (B)
Another hidden hole-in-the-wall with great wraps, tasty salads and a wonderful Salmon Salad that’s not on the menu, but worth asking for. Also ask for the spicy sauce and get those salivary glands going. If you are going to eat in, go upstairs where it’s quieter.
• 626-568-9811
Green Street East (A)
Okay, so it’s not in Old Pasadena, or even on Green Street, it’s got great burgers, great salads and a well stocked bar. Mention our names to Michael Hawkins and, well, you’ll get nothing… except good food and drink.
• 626-577-7170
Happy Trails (B+)
A cross between a catering company and an upscale lunch counter. Quiche, salads, sandwiches, focaccia and an enormous spreading chestnut tree to sit under. Hidden below Dayton on Fair Oaks.
• 626-796-9526
Heritage Wine (A)
Although not really a place to eat, they serve food, so I declare them a restaurant. In the tradition of California Winery tasting bars, they have a spectacular selection of wonderful wines, and it’s a great place to hang out and taste to your heart’s content. While their inventory includes some of the finest wines anywhere, there are over 200 selections in the $16.00 and under category. Not to be missed.
• 626-630-wine (9463)
Teri & Yaki Chicken House (formerly Himeko) (A)
New name. Same fare. How do you like your teriyaki chicken? Good? Fast? With maybe some potstickers on the side? Just south of the new Gold Line station. Yum.
• 626-256-6705
Il Fornaio (B)
Just one of a chain, but a particular favorite for office meetings, Il Fornaio’s delicious Italian entrees and quaint private dining rooms make for the perfect Friday evening dinner.
• 626-683-9797
Johnny Rockets (B)
In the tradition of a 1950s diner, you can pull yourself up to the counter and have an excellent burger, fries and shake for a good price with great, great, great service! (One Colorado location) Be cool, daddio, at www.johnnyrockets.com.
• 626-793-6570
La Luna Negra (B)
So how many 22-square block districts can boast two Spanish tapas restaurants? Well, Old Pasadena comes to mind. La Luna Negra’s dishes are delicious and beautifully presented. There are live Flamenco shows and charming rustic atmosphere. They’re open 7 days a week, and even open for lunch.
• 626-844-4331
Le Pain Quotidien (B+)
New Yorkers are thrilled to find Le Pain Quodidien in Old Pas, and we are lucky to have them. LPQ combines a traditional European bakery, selling breads and pastries at the counter, with a countryside cafe. Incredible breads and pastries and very fresh ingredients for their soups, salads and sandwiches.
• 626-396-0956
Los Tacos (B)
Hard to find hole in the wall (Fair Oaks and California) Fish, carnitas, beef and chicken soft tacos. Any kind of burrito your heart desires. Great salsas. Eat-in, carry out and limited outside seating. O. Beware of the “rocket fuel” salsa.
• 626-795-9291
The Melting Pot (A-)
So what if it’s a chain with over 90 locations nationwide, a fondue restaurant, and it’s right on Colorado Blvd. Take the escalator up to a unique eatery overlooking the heart of Old Pas. Plan to stay the evening with lots of choice fondue, great wine and your best friends. See www.meltingpot.com.
• 626-792-1941
Mi Piace (A)
Pizza, pasta, pesto and more! For lunch or dinner, this is a great place for good Italian right on Colorado Boulevard. Not on the menu: Chicken Salad. Chicken Caesar with pasta – great! Crowded as hell, make reservations.
• 626-795-3131
Saladang (A+) and Saladang Song (A+)
Almost invisible (look for the Kelly Paper sign) down on Fair Oaks. Dramatic Thai food with a lot of flavor. This is not totally flame-thrower fare but it could make you sweat!
• 626-793-8123
Tea Rose Garden (A)
A small tea room surrounded by beautiful flowers. Tea sandwiches and cakes are lovely. It’s a perfect place to go for an outing, a casual luncehon or formal tea party.
• 626-578-1144
Villa Sorriso Ristorante & Bar (A+)
Incredible Italian Food, everything from basic pasta to an awesome Osso Bucco, a great wine list, and a full bar featuring over 20 specialty Martinis. Yes, that’s 20 as in twenty. Outdoor and indoor dining, but call first. People know this place. www.sorrisopasadena.com.
• 626-793-2233
Yujean Kang (A+)
Boasting some of the best Chinese food in Pasadena and Los Angeles, we promise that you’ll gain weight here but have a great time doing it! Consistently excellent wine selection.
• 626-585-0855