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.

Russells sandwich blt
Outdoor Dining

Russell’s

Russell's. Step into a piece of history at Russell's, the perfect spot in Old Pasadena to enjoy the ambiance of an upscale diner featuring an array of...

American

Ruth's Chris Steak House

Ruth's Chris Steak House serves prime steak that packs in flavor with each bite. Here is where you will find an impressive dining experience that provides...

Saga Motor Hotel
Motels & Inns

Saga Motor Hotel

Route 66 Motel. Built in 1957, the Saga Motor Hotel was designed by architect Harold Zook to catch the eye of passing motorists along Route 66. The 70-room...

Sage Vegan Bistro
Outdoor Dining

Sage Vegan Bistro

Organic Food. Sage Vegan Bistro serves up organic food in the charming One Colorado which is nestled in the heart of Old Pasadena. Sage's produce comes from...

Outdoor Dining

Saladang Thai & Saladang

Saladang consists of two "twin" Thai restaurants – Saladang and Saladang Garden, both operated by same owner. The two locations are conveniently located next...

Japanese

Sato Ramen

Sato Ramen House is a Japanese restaurant in Pasadena that serves masesoba, ramen, bim bim bap, traditional Japanese rice bowl dishes, and popular appetizers.

Seed bakery
Take-Out

Seed Bakery

Artisanal Bread. Seed Bakery is a local Pasadena bakery. They start with organic grains when baking their bread and follow the old world tradition of milling,...

Settebello Salsa Verde Pizza
Take-Out

Settebello Pasadena

Neapolitan Style Pizza. Settebello is an Italian restaurant in the Playhouse Village that specializes in Neapolitan style pizza, they use fresh ingredients,...

Outdoor Dining

Smitty’s Grill

American Comfort Food in Pasadena. Considered a dining room away from home by many in Pasadena, Smitty's Grill continues to warmly welcome new and long-time...

Soh grill
Asian

SOH Grill House

Korean BBQ. SOH Grill House is a full-service Korean BBQ restaurant in Old Pasadena. The restaurant offers a new modern take on Korean BBQ. It is equipped...

Bar Celona Pasadena
Outdoor Dining

Sorriso

A menu that will tempt you with popular Italian favorites including salads, pastas, pizzas, roasted and grilled meats, including melt-in-mouth New Zealand Lamb...