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.

Alexanders Steakhouse steak

Pasadena Steakhouse. Alexander's Steakhouse showcases a fine dining interpretation of the classic American steakhouse, incorporating hints of Asian influence...

Bakery/Café

Alfred Coffee

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Since opening on iconic Melrose Place in 2013 with its trademarked tagline “But First, Coffee,” Alfred has built a passionate following with eye-catching cafe...

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All India Cafe is a low-key Indian restaurant in Old Pasadena, it is family-run and the food here is authentic. Their menu features dishes from all parts of...

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Amara Chocolate and Coffee is a Venezuelan café specializing in coffee, arepas, cachapas, and Spanish churros. They offer unique Venezuelan flavors. A full...

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Located in the Playhouse Village, is Anaya’s Restaurant. Anaya’s serves authentic flavors of Mexico in Pasadena. Guests can enjoy classic Mexican dishes in a...

American

The Arbour

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True California. The Arbour is an upscale farm to table restaurant located on South Lake Avenue. Fulfilling their lifelong dream, Chef Ian Gresik along with...

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Arroyo Chop House is a classic American steakhouse located near the mansions of Millionaire's Row. Their USDA Prime beef is aged and hand-cut daily; steaks are...

American

Bacchus' Kitchen

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Bacchus' Kitchen is a casual restaurant in Pasadena's Bungalow Heaven neighborhood. Chef Claud Beltran opened this restaurant in 2014 after the success of his...

Bar/Pub

Bar Celona

Bar Celona

Tapas Bar & Lounge. Best place in Old Pasadena for drinks, food, dancing and exceptional service. Get ready for a fun night out at Bar Celona with a live...

European

Bar Chelou

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Drawing inspiration from the eclectic, boundary-eschewing bistromie movement in Paris, Bar Chelou is Pasadena’s first neo-bistro. From Chef/Owner Douglas...

American

Barney's Beanery

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Barney's Beanery is a Route 66 Roadhouse located in Old Pasadena. Their large newspaper-style menu features 40 craft beers on draft, a full bar, over 100...