Best Italian Restaurants in South Pasadena

37 restaurants available nearby

1. Mi Piace

4.5

Price: Expensive

• Italian • Pasadena

Booked 44 times today

Mi Piace, nestled in the vibrant heart of Pasadena, is a gem for those seeking authentic Californian cuisine with a dash of Italian flair. Celebrating over 30 years of culinary excellence, this restaurant is renowned for its "crave-worthy" food and exceptional service. Diners consistently rave about the "outstanding" meals and the warm, attentive staff, making every visit memorable. Whether it's the fork-tender short ribs or the perfectly baked thin-crust pizza, each dish is a testament to the quality and creativity infused in their offerings. As one reviewer put it, the food is "always served like a work of art," ensuring that Mi Piace remains a beloved destination for both locals and visitors alike.

2. Celestino

4.7

Exceptional(3534)

Price: Expensive

• Italian • Pasadena

Booked 37 times today

Celestino Ristorante in Pasadena is celebrated for its exceptional American cuisine, offering a delightful array of classic dishes with a unique twist. Diners consistently rave about the quality and authenticity, with one patron noting, "the food and service are always impeccable." The restaurant is renowned for its fresh seafood and organic meats, ensuring each dish is crafted with the finest ingredients. The ambiance and attentive service complement the dining experience, making every visit memorable. Awards and glowing reviews underline Celestino's commitment to excellence, making it a must-visit for anyone seeking the best of American dining in Pasadena.

3. Gale's

4.6

Exceptional(3329)

Price: Moderate

• Italian • Pasadena

Booked 46 times today

Gale's Restaurant in Pasadena stands out as a beacon of Pizzeria excellence, delivering a delightful slice of Northern Italy to its guests. Nestled away from the bustling tourist spots, Gale's offers a cozy ambiance perfect for enjoying their culinary delights. Patrons rave about the authentic and scrumptious offerings, with one review highlighting the "Mushroom & Garlic Pizza" as a testament to their quality. The restaurant's commitment to authenticity and flavor shines through its menu, making every pizza a masterpiece of taste. With consistently great service and a charming local atmosphere, Gale's is a must-visit for anyone seeking an authentic Pizzeria experience in Pasadena.

4. Malbec - Pasadena

4.7

Exceptional(1864)

Price: Moderate

• Italian • Pasadena

Booked 21 times today

Malbec in Pasadena is a gem for those seeking exceptional Italian cuisine. This restaurant consistently delights diners with its "phenomenal food" and "fantastic service," making it a must-visit destination. The authenticity of their Italian dishes shines through, with reviews praising the "perfectly cooked" steaks and the "delicious" seafood stew, highlighting the quality and depth of their menu. One guest raved, "Everything we ate was delicious," emphasizing the consistent excellence Malbec delivers. The atmosphere is described as "great," perfect for enjoying a meal that is both "beautifully served by expert servers" and "reasonably priced." Whether it's for a special celebration or a casual dinner, Malbec in Pasadena stands out as a premier choice for authentic Italian fare in a welcoming setting.

A photo of Buca di Beppo - Pasadena restaurant

5. Buca di Beppo - Pasadena

4.5

Awesome(925)

Price: Moderate

• Italian • Pasadena

Booked 27 times today

Nestled in the heart of Pasadena near Central Park, Buca di Beppo is a beacon of authentic Italian cuisine celebrated for its family-style meals and vibrant atmosphere. Diners consistently rave about the "delicious and plentiful" food, highlighting favorites like the creamy Chicken Carbonara and the crispy Fried Calamari. The restaurant’s commitment to authenticity and quality is evident, with guests describing their experiences as "exceptional" and the dishes as "the best eggplant parm I've had." Buca di Beppo’s warm, family-oriented service adds to its charm, making every visit memorable. It's the perfect spot for any occasion, from romantic dinners to large family gatherings, where the spirit of Italian dining is alive and thriving.

A photo of The Kitchen Italian Cafe and Pizzeria restaurant

6. The Kitchen Italian Cafe and Pizzeria

4.4

Awesome(124)

Price: Moderate

• Italian • Pasadena

Booked 1 time today

Dive into the heart of Pasadena at The Kitchen Italian Cafe and Pizzeria, where the art of pizza is celebrated with authentic flair and culinary precision. Patrons rave about the diverse pizza styles available, from New York to Sicilian and Chicago-style deep-dish, each crafted to perfection. One happy customer exclaimed, "WOW!!!! This hidden gem in Pasadena is a MUST!" emphasizing the standout quality of their 14" NY pie. With over 25 years of dedication, this restaurant not only promises delightful pizzas but also an array of Italian delicacies, all prepared in-house. Whether it's for a casual brunch or a cozy dinner date, The Kitchen Italian Cafe and Pizzeria ensures a remarkable dining experience with "great food, friendly staff, and a great environment," making it a beloved spot in the community.

7. Malbec Market

4.8

Exceptional(146)

Price: Moderate

• Italian • Eagle Rock

Booked 4 times today

Malbec Market in Eagle Rock, Los Angeles, offers a delightful fusion of Argentine and Italian cuisines, creating an authentic Italian dining experience with a unique twist. Patrons rave about the Italian dishes, particularly the "Bolognese Meat Sauce," which keeps diners returning for more. The atmosphere is described as "simple but chic," perfect for any dining occasion. Reviewers consistently mention the excellent service and the quality of the Italian offerings, such as the "Noquis al Pesto," which, although noted as just okay by one, still underscores the restaurant's commitment to authentic Italian flavors. The combination of great food, wonderful service, and a cozy setting makes Malbec Market a must-visit for Italian cuisine enthusiasts in Los Angeles.

A photo of Barrio Italian Bistro restaurant

8. Barrio Italian Bistro

4.7

Exceptional(19)

Price: Moderate

• Italian • East Los Angeles

Barrio Italian Bistro is a family owned and operated restaurant focusing on Roman and Calabrian dishes. Every dish is made to order utilizing fresh seasonal ingredients. Our Chef de Cuiaine, Chef Los, is in constant contact with every ingredient that enters our doors. This is done to ensure that every dish is as close to utter deliciousness as it can get!

9. Bestia

4.7

Exceptional(8211)

Price: Expensive

• Italian • Downtown

Booked 149 times today

A multi-regional Italian restaurant in the Arts District of downtown Los Angeles.

10. Bacari Silverlake

4.7

Exceptional(3973)

Price: Expensive

• Italian • Silver Lake

Booked 189 times today

Bacari Silverlake in Silver Lake, Los Angeles, is a breakfast haven that promises an unforgettable dining experience. Known for its Mediterranean-inspired dishes, this Venetian-style restaurant excels in delivering a breakfast that is both unique and delicious. Guests rave about the quality and creativity of the breakfast menu, with one patron noting, "The food is excellent. We went on Saturday brunch and enjoyed the sunlight under the unique tree!” The atmosphere, described as feeling like "being in a tree house," adds to the charm of a morning meal here. Whether it's the exceptional service or the vibrant, rustic Mediterranean decor, Bacari Silverlake provides a breakfast that is not only a meal but a delightful culinary adventure. Perfect for starting your day with a touch of gourmet and warmth, it’s a must-visit spot in the heart of Los Angeles.

‘About the restaurant’ descriptions have been generated using an artificial intelligence model comprised of OpenTable proprietary data that has not been independently verified by OpenTable. The content is presented as-is, for informational purposes only.

See what locals rave about

From verified diners like you

T
Tina
Los Angeles •56 reviews
5.0
Dined 1 day ago
I have been dining @ Gale's for many years. Food & service is always excellent!!
More info
Gale'sPrice: Moderate• Italian• Pasadena
•
4.6
J
James and Karenvip
Los Angeles •59 reviews
5.0
Dined 2 days ago
It was a very lovely time. The service was good, the food was delicious, and we had a really nice time.
More info
Malbec - PasadenaPrice: Moderate• Argentinean• Pasadena
•
4.7
T
Tomvip
Los Angeles •67 reviews
5.0
Dined 2 days ago
Always a pleasure to visit Celestino! The food and the service are consistently gracious and professional.
More info
CelestinoPrice: Expensive• Italian• Pasadena
•
4.7
C
Cynthiavip
Las Vegas •10 reviews
5.0
Dined 7 days ago
Excellent service and excellent food. All entrees were amazing and the pizza was outstanding. The drinks were great and the dessert was delicious. Our server and additional staff were attentive and providing some of the best service we’ve ever experienced. We were there for lunch and the restaurant was playing great music. I highly recommend this restaurant.
More info
Mi PiacePrice: Expensive• Italian• Pasadena
•
4.5
Z
Zekevip
Los Angeles •24 reviews
5.0
Dined on Nov 10, 2024
Great new menu for smaller dining parties. Our server Vicky was fantastic.
More info
Buca di Beppo - PasadenaPrice: Moderate• Italian• Pasadena
•
4.5

Explore OpenTable

South Pasadena

Italian

Best Italian Restaurants in South Pasadena

Price

Regions

Neighborhoods

Top Rated

Dining Options

Seating Options

Award-winning

Accessibility

37 restaurants available nearby

1. Mi Piace

2. Celestino

3. Gale's

4. Malbec - Pasadena

5. Buca di Beppo - Pasadena

6. The Kitchen Italian Cafe and Pizzeria

7. Malbec Market

8. Barrio Italian Bistro

9. Bestia

10. Bacari Silverlake

See what locals rave about

Explore OpenTable