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.

Wine Bar

The Cellar

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The Cellar is an intimate wine library located in Old Pasadena, offering a diverse selection of wine to enjoy. Guests will enter through a hidden entrance that...

Bakery/Café

Cha Redefine

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Cha Redefine. Cha Redefine founded by tea and coffee enthusiasts. They create a new interpretation of traditional tea by combining traditional loose-leaf tea...

Bakery/Café

Chado Tea Room

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Traditional Tea House. Chado Tea Room Pasadena serves over 200 different teas, sandwiches, salads and pastries. There are four Chado Tea Room's throughout...

Latin American

Chamo Venezuelan

Chamo Venezuelan Cuisine was founded out of a deep love for real food, for food that is fresh, healthy, and authentic. They pride themselves on using fresh...

Champion's Curry

"Champion's Curry’s catchphrase is “Like no other; it’s the champion!” They have earned this confidence by being the originator of Kanazawa curry 50 years ago,...

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Chim means to taste in Thai. Chim! “The Tastes” of Thai Street Food is about bringing the simplicity of good eats on the street of Thailand. Every dish on the...

Chris' Korean BBQ

Chris’ Korean BBQ celebrates Korean culture through delectable cuisine. From All You Can Eat Korean BBQ to traditional Korean entrees and Soju options, they...

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Clifton's Gourmet Barbecue offers authentic Southern comfort-style meats that fall off the bone and is drenched in finger-licking, homemade BBQ sauce. Their...

Bakery/Café

Coffee and Plants

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100% aesthetic and 100% plant-based, Coffee and Plants cafe is located in Old Pasadena's One Colorado. Enjoy dairy-free lattes, coffee, teas, and more while...