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.

European

Uovo

Uovo

"In the elegant Pasadena Commons complex, Uovo is an upscale dining experience featuring an expansive 18-seat pasta bar that seats guests in front of the pasta...

Asian

Urban Pocha

Urban Pocha

"The first Korean Pocha (Pub) in Pasadena! Enter a modern Korean culinary experience where Korean Fried Chicken, Tteokbokki, beer, and soju come together to...

Latin American

Urbano Mexican Kitchen

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Urbano Mexican Kitchen is a family-owned restaurant led by chef and owner Jose Banuelos. Urbano uses traditional homemade recipes combined with high-quality...

American

Urth Caffe

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Organic Food and Coffee. Urth Caffé is a cafe in the Playhouse District, it occupies the ground floor of a Mission Revival building. They specialize in...

American

Veggie Grill

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Vegetables are the Rock Stars. Veggies shine brightly at the center of every plate they make for you. They see every season as an opportunity to celebrate the...

Brunch/Breakfast

Vero's

Vero's

Experience one of Southern California's signature cuisines - authentic homestyle Mexican food. Step into a small rest-stop style diner with an intimate dining...

Bakery/Café

Wanderlust Creamery

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Flavors from Around the World. Located in Old Pasadena's Indiana Colony is Wanderlust Creamery. Treat yourself to artisanal ice cream flavors inspired and...

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We Olive & Wine Bar is a tasting room for olive oil and wines that also serves a small menu with items like cheese plates, flatbreads, sandwich, salads, and...

Asian

Woon Kitchen

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Woon began as a family run pop-up born from a desire to share their mother, Mama Fong’s original Chinese comfort food. Woon offers a simple menu influenced by...