Restaurants & Bars

Pasadena's Food Scene

Chong Ching Yao Mei

Restaurants & Dining in Pasadena

Trying new cuisines is one of the most thrilling experiences for taste buds and cultural immersion. Pasadena is home to over 650 restaurants, where upscale restaurants, ritzy steakhouses, charming cafés, modern eateries, mom-and-pops, food halls, pop-ups, breweries, sports bars, cocktail bars, and food trucks culminate to unearth global cultures through a celebration of food.

The late Pasadena resident and celebrated Pulitzer Prize winning food chronicler Jonathan Gold was a champion of Southern California’s diverse culinary landscape. His legacy carries on as Pasadena’s food scene sees a culinary renaissance with an exciting blend of longtime locals, immigrant families, and world-class chefs in the kitchens. With rideshares and parking abound, come and enjoy the flavors.

Explore Pasadena’s new restaurants and food trends, eat your way through the award-winning restaurants, find innovative vegan restaurants, cheer on your favorite team at lively sports bars, dive into our guide to Asian food, indulge in the sweet satisfaction of must-visit bakeries, and get into the celebratory spirit with our cocktail guide.

Meet the Pasadena Makers

Bone Kettle Brunch

Brunch Town Pasadena

Listen up, fellow brunch enthusiasts! Pasadena's the ultimate brunch town for foodies. You can brunch in a historic building, in a craftsman home, and in a variety of different cuisines, such as Asian, Mexican, and even Venezuelan. There's also a big selection of vegan spots, all-American diners, and cozy nooks with rustic-chic aesthetics all around town.

Pasadena's Guide to Brunch

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Motto Tea boba tiger bubble tea

Pasadena Boba Trail

Take a journey through the boba tea and bubble tea shops scattered throughout the city. . It's like a treasure hunt, but instead of gold, you're in search of the perfect boba drink. This trail takes you to some of the best and most popular boba spots in Pasadena, each offering their unique flavors and creative combinations. From traditional milk teas to fruit-infused concoctions and even experimental flavors, the Pasadena Boba Trail has something to please every boba lover's palate. You can hop from one shop to another, stopping along Pasadena's Route 66 hotspots along the way!

Pasadena Boba Trail

Browse Restaurants

Use the dropdown menu to search our directory for outdoor dining options, specific types of cuisine, and more. Already know what you want to eat? You can also type the name of your favorite restaurant into the search bar below.

Latin American

Malbec

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Argentina is known for its world famous cuisine, and Malbec Argentinean Bistro brings the best authentic cuisine prepared on a genuine Argentinean grill.From...

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Mama M Sushi & Rolls offers meals of excellent quality. Their key to our success is simple: providing quality consistent food that taste great every single...

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Located in the Harry Potter-esque Burlington Arcade shopping area of the South Lake District, Mandarin Coffee Shop is a small, woman-owned AAPI business...

Latin American

Margarita's Pasadena

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Margaritas Mexican Restaurant has been sharing authentic Mexican dishes since 1977. Guests enter a warm, inviting space and leave as family -- with plenty of...

European

Marina Pasadena

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Marina presents a delicate balance of flare and elegance inspired by Italian cuisine. Head chef Dylan Stage built a menu - with Marina's pizza brick oven at...

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Home Comfort. Marstons Restaurant is known as a great Los Angeles area breakfast and lunch restaurant. Their goal is to make you feel at home and comfortable...

Matsuri Sushi

Matsuri Sushi, nestled in the heart of Pasadena, is a culinary gem that transports diners on a journey through the vibrant flavors and exquisite artistry of...

Asian

Me + Crepe

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Hailing from Vancouver, BC, Me + Crepe brings Chinese-style crepes known as "jian bing" to Pasadena. Jian bing are one of China's breakfast staples and a...

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Koko’s Mediterranean Café, or more commonly known as Med Café by all the locals, has been a Pasadena gem for over 20 years. Founded by head chef Koko and his...

Latin American

Mercado

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Modern Mexican Cuisine. Mercado Pasadena serves casual Mexican favorites with a modern twist. Enjoy drinks at Mercado Pasadena full bar which has over 70...

European

Mi Piace

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Mi Piace is popular, offering fresh, light Italian cooking embellished with New York flavors as well as a variety of exotic cuisine. With a wide selection of...

Bakery/Café

Mignon Chocolate

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Mignon Chocolate, a 3rd generation family business, is your destination for the best handmade chocolates. Known for their chocolate orange peel strips, liquid...