21 Best Pasadena Restaurants in 2025

Explore the best Pasadena restaurants in this vibrant city located just outside of Los Angeles. Pasadena cuisine is on the rise with many award-winning chefs and locally owned eateries calling the city home. Adventure through the heart of the city known as Old Town Pasadena, famous for its dining district and art deco architecture. 

Discover upscale Asian cuisine, vegan sushi, American-style brunch and so much more. The best Pasadena food awaits to upgrade your next date night or dinner out. Whether you are looking for a budget-friendly restaurant or an upscale dining experience there is something for everyone in Pasadena.

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• The 21 Best Restaurants in Pasadena, CA
• Try Cooking Pasadena Foods

The 21 Best Restaurants in Pasadena, CA

1. Colette

Discover upscale Cantonese cuisine at Colette. This locally owned Pasadena restaurant offers an eclectic mix of Asian-inspired dishes. Lauded as one of the best restaurants in Pasadena, this luxurious joint offers an unforgettable dining experience. 

The Vibe

Colette is refined, yet welcoming with a stunning outdoor seating area complete with lush greenery and heaters. The patio is pet friendly and service is top-notch.

What to Order

Dig into the wagyu fried rice with Miyazaki wagyu. Don’t forget to check out this Pasadena restaurant's intriguing drink menu featuring a wide selection of imported sake. 

Colette | 975 N. Michillinda Ave., Pasadena, CA 91107 | $$$

2. Bar Chelou

An eccentric restaurant in Pasadena known for its creative menu and alluring interiors is Bar Chelou. This is an exciting dinner destination for an unforgettable night out, one where exceptional food meets a free-spirited, creative atmosphere. With its unique fusion menu, Bar Chelou serves some of the best Pasadena food.

The Vibe

This restaurant in Pasadena has a dark and sexy atmosphere, perfect for a steamy date or anniversary celebration. Be sure to book reservations in advance to secure your table.

What to Order

Try the hearty Iberico pork chop seasoned with furikake and served with cabbage and fennel pollen. The menu changes frequently so check out the latest menu on the website before your visit.

Bar Chelou | 37 S. El Molino Ave., Pasadena, CA 91011 | $$$

3. Osawa 

Established in 2013, Osawa has been serving fresh Japanese cuisine for over a decade. This Pasadena restaurant is known for its locally sourced sushi and traditional shabu shabu. Enjoy lunch, dinner and daily specials when you dine at Osawa

The Vibe

Tasteful Asian-inspired décor featuring natural wood accents and Japanese-style paintings make Osawa a welcoming restaurant in Pasadena. Reservations are welcome for large parties at busy times. 

What to Order

Start with some sea salt edamame and then indulge in a decadent bento box. 

Osawa | 77 N. Raymond Ave., Pasadena, CA 91103 | $$

4. Union Restaurant 

Located in the historical old-town neighborhood of Pasadena, Union Restaurant is popular for serving authentic Italian cuisine. This Pasadena restaurant blends Californian sensibilities with old-school Italian tradition resulting in a delicious experience. 

The Vibe

This lively neighborhood wine bar and restaurant is classically decorated with an intimate and friendly atmosphere making it a warm and cozy restaurant to bring a date on a cool winter evening.

What to Order

Order the hand-made wild ramp agnolotti with lemon ricotta, wild chanterelles, ramp and a dusting of Parmigiano. 

Union Restaurant | 37 E. Union St., Pasadena, CA 91103 | $$$

5. Perry’s Joint 

Bite into the best sandwich in town at Perry’s Joint. This Pasadena restaurant and deli is known for its hearty sandwiches piled high with gourmet deli meats, select cheeses and fresh vegetables. 

The Vibe

Perry’s Joint is a well-kept neighborhood secret that is beloved by locals and sandwich fiends for its uniquely Pasadena cuisine. This eatery is only open for lunch so don’t miss out on a once-in-a-lifetime sandwich.

What to Order

Get your hands on the hefty Perry Pounder with hot roast beef, onion, American cheese, pickles, lettuce, tomato, mayo, mustard and ketchup.

Perry’s Joint | Multiple Locations | $$

6. Saucy Chick Goat Mafia

Experience the dynamic flavors of Indian and Mexican cuisine like never before at Saucy Chick Goat Mafia. This Pasadena restaurant combines Indian and Mexican cooking for a creative fusion eatery. Featured in LA Eater, this Pasadena restaurant is one you don’t want to miss. 

The Vibe

The vibrant colors and eclectic décor give Saucy Chick Goat Mafia a creative and welcoming atmosphere. This casual Pasadena restaurant is great for grabbing lunch or enjoying a quick and easy dinner. 

What to Order

Try the flavor explosion Pibil Chick burrito. This handheld treat is stuffed with hand-pulled pibil rotisserie, beans, cumin-scented rice, lime-pickled onions and garlicky GC sauce. 

Saucy Chick Goat Mafia | 203 S. Rosemead Blvd., Pasadena, CA 91107 | $$

7. Super Burger 

Cut to the chase and get a burger at Super Burger. This no-frills Pasadena restaurant excels in making old-fashioned burgers. This family-run joint keeps it simple and offers great quality burgers at reasonable prices.

The Vibe

Super Burger is a casual walk-up style eatery with a retro, California feel.

What to Order

Try a traditional cheeseburger or the popular teriyaki beef burger. Ask for fries and onion rings!

Super Burger | 458 N. Altadena Drive, Pasadena, CA 91107 | $$

8. Top Restaurant 

Discover Indonesian and Hawaiian fusion at Top Restaurant. Located in a strip mall this unassuming Pasadena restaurant has been serving some of the city's best Indonesian food for over 35 years. The low prices and outstanding quality have kept local patrons coming back for years. 

The Vibe

Top Restaurant is a casual eatery with counter-service and quick, friendly service. No reservations are needed. 

What to Order

Order the house specialty Hawaiian barbeque oxtail soup or the pork and kimchi Korean pancake. 

Top Restaurant | 1842 E. Colorado Blvd., Pasadena, CA 91107 | $$

9. Real Food Daily 

Experience premier vegan fare at Real Food Daily. This Pasadena restaurant has a completely vegan kitchen and has been serving creative plant-based cuisine since 1993. Known for its nutritious take on New American cuisine, Real Food Daily strives to make sustainably sourced vegan fare accessible to everyone no matter their budget. 

The Vibe

This warm and welcoming gem offers brunch, lunch and dinner in a modern, casual dining environment. 

What to Order

Try the hearty lasagna featuring ricotta, spinach, cremini mushrooms, marinara and basil oil. Explore the wide selection of vegan milkshakes available for dessert. 

Real Food Daily | Multiple Locations | $$

10. Namaste Spiceland

Dive into delectable cuisine at Namaste Spiceland. This international grocery store doubles as an Indian restaurant with a plethora of flavorful vegetarian and vegan options available. Knock out your grocery shopping and grab lunch at this fun restaurant in Pasadena. Don’t forget to check out the eggless bakery for a sweet treat. 

The Vibe

Namaste Spiceland is a very casual counter-service eatery serving hot and ready authentic Indian cuisine. 

What to Order

Try one of the combination special plates featuring a wide variety of vegetable dishes, fresh dosa, samosas and basmati rice. Make sure to sip on the mango lassi as a refreshing after-dinner beverage.

Namaste Spiceland | 28621 Marguerite Parkway, Mission Viejo, CA 92692 | $

11. Naughty Vegan 

Roll into plant-based sushi at Naughty Vegan. This Asian-inspired Pasadena restaurant combines creative house-rolls with completely vegan cooking techniques. This unique establishment uses only non-GMO ingredients that are sustainably sourced.

The Vibe

Naughty Vegan is fun and trendy with a vibrant and inviting atmosphere.

What to Order

Order the Sumo sushi burrito packed with vegan fried shrimp, avocado, imitation crab meat, red bell pepper, carrot shreds and Violife cream cheese all deep fried in tempura batter and served with a side of vegan mayo and Naughty glaze. 

Naughty Vegan | 20 E. Union St., Ste. 170, Pasadena, CA 91103 | $$

12. Sage Regenerative Kitchen  

Tap into the healing properties of good food at Sage Regenerative Kitchen. This Pasadena restaurant offers New American vegan cuisine and has been featured in Bon Appetit and the Los Angeles Times. This eatery serves primarily vegan fare but does offer other options for diners who aren’t plant-based.

The Vibe

This casual and fun eatery has a modern vibe with friendly service. Enjoy lunch, dinner and weekend brunch at Sage Regenerative Kitchen.

What to Order

Order the jalapeño eggplant flatbread pizza with fresh tomato sauce and creamy vegan cashew Alfredo.

Sage Regenerative Kitchen | Multiple Locations | $$

13. Lucky Boy

Dig into savory breakfast burritos at Lucky Boy Burgers. This local Pasadena restaurant serves breakfast burritos all day as well as juicy burgers, tacos and hotdogs. Known to locals as the king of the breakfast burrito Lucky Boy is a family-owned gem you don’t want to miss. 

The Vibe

This casual burger counter has fast service and a clean modern interior. 

What to Order

Order the famous breakfast burrito or the Mexican-inspired carne asada quesadillas.

Lucky Boy | Multiple Locations | $$

14. Me + Crepe 

Shake up your next brunch outing with a visit to Me + Crepe. Indulge in savory Chinese crêpes or traditional congee as Me + Crepe puts a Chinese spin on the classic French crêpe

The Vibe

This relaxed Pasadena restaurant has intriguing Chinese-inspired décor and quick service. 

What to Order

Start your morning strong with a Peking duck crêpe and a white rabbit milk tea. 

Me + Crepe | 89 E. Green St., Pasadena, CA 91105 | $$

15. Agnes Restaurant and Cheesery

Indulge in the best cheese board in town with brunch at Agnes Restaurant and Cheesery. This Pasadena restaurant is bringing togetherness and community to the table with its nostalgic menu. Enjoy classic brunch on Friday, Saturday and Sunday. This modern American restaurant also makes its own gourmet cheese that is available for purchase. 

The Vibe

Agnes Restaurant and Cheesery has a warm welcoming environment with vintage-inspired décor. 

What to Order

Order the popular sticky toffee pancakes served with medjool dates, toffee caramel and whipped cream. Of course, you can’t go to a cheesery and not order a cheeseboard. Start your meal with the half-and-half board packed with fresh cheeses and cured meats.

Agnes Restaurant and Cheesery | 40 W. Green St., Pasadena, CA 91105 | $$$

16. Marston’s 

Dig into a classic American brunch at Marston’s. This family-owned diner specializes in heartwarming comfort food made from the highest quality ingredients.

The Vibe

This charming Pasadena restaurant offers a familial charm with welcoming attentive service and a casual atmosphere.

What to Order

Order The Works, a house specialty featuring corn French toast rolled with fresh berries, whipped cream and candied pecans.

Marston’s | 151 E. Walnut St., Pasadena, CA 91103 | $$

17. President Thai Cuisine

Step into the elegant Thai House and enjoy authentic Thai food at President Thai Cuisine. This Pasadena restaurant is a proud winner of the Thai Select Award of Excellence commemorating, its passion for gourmet Thai cuisine. 

The Vibe

Located in a stunning architectural Thai House this Pasadena restaurant celebrates Thai-inspired décor with an upscale white linen interior and friendly service.

What to Order

Try the President's Crab, the house specialty featuring a crispy soft-shelled crab fried and served with house sauce. 

President Thai Cuisine  | 498 S. Rosemead Blvd., Pasadena, CA 91107 | $$

18. Roma Market 

Explore a true Sicilian sandwich shop at Roma Market. This Pasadena restaurant is a legendary sandwich shop in the area and it is a necessary stop for anyone who enjoys a classic Italian sub. Stock up on deli staples imported from Italy and grab a handmade sub sandwich for lunch.

The Vibe

This no-frills Italian deli is a community gem known for its authentic sandwiches and gourmet selection of meats, cheeses and bread.

What to Order

Order a delicious handheld meal known to locals simply as The Sandwich. This flavorful masterpiece features generous servings of sliced capicola, mortadella, salami and provolone with a drizzle of olive oil sandwiched between two thick slices of crusty Sicilian bread.

Roma Market | 918 N. Lake Ave., Pasadena, CA 91104 | $

19. The Old Sasoon Bakery 

Explore traditional Armenian and Georgian dishes at The Old Sasoon Bakery located in historic Old Town Pasadena. This Pasadena restaurant won over the hearts of locals and travelers alike with its fresh flavors and traditional dishes. 

The Vibe

The Old Sasoon Bakery has the welcoming, casual environment of your friendly neighborhood bakery. 

What to Order

Try the rich and filling Georgian cheese bread or the Manaiesh Zahtar wrap. 

The Old Sasoon Bakery | 1132 N. Allen Ave., Pasadena, CA 91104 | $

20. Pasadena Fish Market 

Get your hands on the best fish in the city at Pasadena Fish Market. This locally owned Pasadena restaurant offers homestyle fried fish and classic Jamaican fare. This eatery doubles as a marketplace where you can purchase fresh fish and seafood for home preparation.

The Vibe

Explore laid-back homestyle cooking at this inviting Pasadena restaurant. This establishment is casual and great for a hearty lunch.

What to Order

Order the popular crispy catfish strips — deep-fried to perfection and served with French fries and coleslaw.

Pasadena Fish Market | 181 E. Orange Grove Blvd., Pasadena, CA 91103 | $$

21. Granville 

Another upscale eatery is Granville, serving gourmet cuisine made using only seasonal, organic, sustainably sourced ingredients. The diverse menu explores many different types of cuisine and celebrates culinary diversity. This Pasadena restaurant serves lunch, weekend brunch and dinner.

The Vibe

The stylish interior is welcoming and warm with beautiful outdoor areas and stunning indoor dining spaces full of natural light and clean, modern décor.

What to Order

Enjoy the sashimi-grade, ahi filet entrée featuring a sesame-crusted ahi filet with soba noodles, bright ponzu sauce and spicy wasabi aioli. 

Granville | Multiple Locations  | $

Try Cooking Pasadena Foods

While going out to eat in Pasadena restaurants can be a great experience, it's also fun to learn to make gourmet cuisine at home. Explore cooking classes in Pasadena and discover your inner chef. Learn new tips and tricks in the kitchen from a five-star professional chef in a hands-on environment. Explore a wide variety of classes including patisserie making, pasta making and so much more, allowing you to bring the heat to your next gathering and show off all your new-found cooking skills to an envious group of friends.

Pasadena is a vibrant city full of exciting restaurants to enjoy. From traditional Thai cuisine restaurants to innovative French fusion bistros, there is the perfect meal for every occasion in Pasadena. Whether you're in town to enjoy some retail therapy in the city center's shopping and dining district, appreciate its Victorian and art deco architecture, soaking up some culture in the Norton Simon Museum or watching a game at The Rose Bowl stadium, this list of Pasadena restaurants is sure to help ensure your activities are properly fuelled, whether you're stopping for breakfast, lunch or dinner.

For even more ways to explore Pasadena and beyond, check out other experiences happening on Cozymeal.