Best Italian Restaurants in South Pasadena

38 restaurants available nearby

1. Mi Piace

4.5

Price: Expensive

• Italian • Pasadena

Booked 78 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

4.6

Exceptional(3571)

Price: Expensive

• Italian • Pasadena

Booked 35 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

4.7

Exceptional(3347)

Price: Moderate

• Italian • Pasadena

Booked 32 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(1874)

Price: Moderate

• Italian • Pasadena

Booked 46 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

4.4

Awesome(932)

Price: Moderate

• Italian • Pasadena

Booked 38 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

4.6

Exceptional(125)

Price: Moderate

• Italian • Pasadena

Booked 3 times 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.

A photo of Oh La La Cafe, Bakery & Restaurant restaurant

7. Oh La La Cafe, Bakery & Restaurant

new

(0)

Price: Expensive

• Italian • Pasadena

Booked 2 times today

OH LA LA blends the charm of Southern France with a warm, inviting atmosphere. Already a local favorite for our fresh, French-inspired breakfast, pastries, and lunch offerings, we’re excited to introduce our dinner service soon.Enjoy beautifully crafted dishes, beer, and wine in a setting that transports you to the Côte d’Azur. Reserve your table today and be among the first to experience our full dining transformation.

8. Malbec Market

4.8

Exceptional(147)

Price: Moderate

• Italian • Eagle Rock

Booked 7 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

9. 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!

10. Bestia

4.7

Exceptional(8276)

Price: Expensive

• Italian • Downtown

Booked 106 times today

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

D
Dan
Los Angeles •11 reviews
5.0
Dined today
Terrific dinner at Malbec. Food and service were excellent. We were happy to sit outside and were quite comfortable outside as the noise level inside was louder than I remembered from our last visit, perhaps due to a bunch of group dinners going on and with every table taken. Good to see Malbec doing well as the food and service were excellent.
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Malbec - PasadenaPrice: Moderate• Argentinean• Pasadena
•
4.7
S
Stan
Los Angeles •3 reviews
5.0
Dined 2 days ago
We sat in the back room. It was perfect for the four of us to catch up and enjoy the delicious food. We ordered the mussels and pizzetta as shareable and our dinner from the daily specials. Kelly was attentive but not intrusive. A good experience at Gale's.
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Gale'sPrice: Moderate• Italian• Pasadena
•
4.7
C
Carin
Los Angeles •1 review
5.0
Dined 4 days ago
Food was amazing, ambiance was great, it’s a louder place, lots of people, fun environment. We went on a Wednesday night and it was packed. The service was fantastic, Santos was our server and he amazing.
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Mi PiacePrice: Expensive• Italian• Pasadena
•
4.5
N
Nancy
Los Angeles •29 reviews
5.0
Dined on Dec 10, 2024
Celestino has always been our family’s favorite. There has been a big improvement in food quality and portion sizes (sadly the panna cota has still remained small) since I last patroned about 10 months ago. I’m so happy I gave it another try today! I will definitely be returning. I was there to celebrate a friend’s birthday, which I put in my notes to the restaurant and mentioned to the hostess. No birthday candle, song or treat for her though we ordered dessert.😔
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CelestinoPrice: Expensive• Italian• Pasadena
•
4.6
C
Christ
Los Angeles •2 reviews
5.0
Dined on Nov 28, 2024
Absolutely Beautiful Birthday I Came In On Thanksgiving For Birthday I’m A Disabled Army Veteran They Sang A Birthday Song And Candles But No Birthday Cake….I Think For Birthday Celebration At Buca Di Beppo Should Give Free Birthday Cake
More info
Buca di Beppo - PasadenaPrice: Moderate• Italian• Pasadena
•
4.4

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South Pasadena

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Best Italian Restaurants in South Pasadena

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38 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. Oh La La Cafe, Bakery & Restaurant

8. Malbec Market

9. Barrio Italian Bistro

10. Bestia

See what locals rave about

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