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Best Authentic Restaurants in Pasadena

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76 restaurants available nearby

A photo of Mi Piace restaurant
1. Mi Piace
4.5
Awesome(4055)
Price: Expensive
• Italian • Pasadena
Booked 69 times today
With over 30 years serving up crave worthy food, craft coktails, extensive wine lists and personalized service, we invite you to come dine on our newly renovated patio, bustling main dining rooms, sleek lounge or order our takeout. In Italian, Mi Piace means - I like it; and the Mi Piace Team will make sure you love it at this award-winning restaurant. Mi Piace is the perfect spot to enjoy an intimate dinner, lively lunch, or festive brunch. We take pride in our product and service provided and look forward to having you as our guest in what we call 'home'.
A photo of El Cholo Cafe restaurant
2. El Cholo Cafe
4.0
Excellent(955)
Price: Moderate
• Mexican • Pasadena
Booked 6 times today
El Cholo Cafe is authentic because it's been serving up classic Mexican dishes for 95 years. The menu features traditional dishes like Tostada Compuesta (1923) and Chile Colorado (1923), as well as more modern options showcasing different regions of Mexico. Plus, it's got a great selection of over 150 Tequilas and Margaritas. Reviewers often mention the authenticity of the food and the friendly, attentive service. One even noted the 'authentic-style chile rellenos made with poblano peppers'.
A photo of All India Cafe - Pasadena restaurant
3. All India Cafe - Pasadena
4.2
Awesome(54)
Price: Moderate
• Indian • Pasadena
Booked 2 times today
Located in Pasadena California, the All India Cafe features a variety of authentic dishes from all regions of India. For those who enjoy authentic Indian food, All India Cafe has taken the most popular dishes from each region and compiled them into one menu. It is the perfect experience for those who want to sample authentic food from different regions.Made with all natural ingredients and no artificial colors or preservatives, it offers only menu items that feature fresh herbs, spices and ingredients. The menu has gluten free and vegetarian options, helping ensure everyone can enjoy something special. The All India Cafe also offers the ability to order online for pickup.
A photo of Agents Only restaurant
4. Agents Only
4.4
Awesome(8)
Price: Moderate
• Mexican • Pasadena
Booked 4 times today
A new elevated Mexican cuisine has landed in Pasadena. Agents Only by Pablo Salas, a casual bar/lounge concept that offers authentic Mexican flavors along with Agave spirit cocktails to pair well with your dishes. Most popular dishes are Tuna Guacamole (fresh tuna tossed in our house-made macha sauce, fresh guacamole made to order) that serve as a perfect appetizer. As well as our mouthwatering Queso Fundido that comes with either corn or flour tortilla on the side; you can add wild mushrooms or chorizo to elevate the flavors more. Of course, don't forget to try our shrimp enchilada with creamy guajillo sauce as your main dish. These are just a few dishes to mention. We can't wait for you to try!
A photo of Celestino restaurant
5. Celestino
4.7
Exceptional(3538)
Price: Expensive
• Italian • Pasadena
Booked 39 times today
Celestino is a genuine Italian restaurant as evidenced by its fresh, homemade pastas and variety of authentic Italian dishes. Customers rave about its authentic food, with one reviewer stating 'the food here is always excellent' and another calling it 'fantastic authentic Italian cuisine'. The consistent high-quality service and food also add to its authenticity, making Celestino a true gem for Italian food lovers.
A photo of Star Leaf - Asian Cuisine restaurant
6. Star Leaf - Asian Cuisine
4.6
Exceptional(169)
Price: Expensive
• Asian • Pasadena
Booked 38 times today
As an award winning restaurant group, Star Leaf creates a fine dining experience that combines ingredients and spices that will teleport guests across the Pacific to a tropical paradise. Founded in 2011, Star Leaf Pasadena is our first US-location in the beloved Playhouse Village. Every dish is prepared with passion and respect for the traditions that shaped Asian cuisine. The culinary team selects the freshest ingredients, ensuring each bite is a celebration of flavor and culture, while instilling innovative modern touches.
A photo of Gyu-Kaku Japanese BBQ - Pasadena, CA | Old Town restaurant
7. Gyu-Kaku Japanese BBQ - Pasadena, CA | Old Town
4.4
Awesome(1648)
Price: Expensive
• Japanese • Pasadena
Booked 51 times today
Gyu-Kaku Japanese BBQ in Pasadena, CA, offers an authentic yakiniku dining experience, originating from Tokyo. Customers rave about the fresh and delicious meals, with high ratings for food, service, and ambience. It's a place where you can 'be the chef' and enjoy a variety of premium meats and other freshly prepared foods. Plus, it's the world’s #1 Japanese BBQ brand, adding to its authenticity!
A photo of Malbec - Pasadena restaurant
8. Malbec - Pasadena
4.7
Exceptional(1866)
Price: Moderate
• Argentinean • Pasadena
Booked 37 times today
Please note, that our outdoor seating is first come first serve. If you have a reservation through OpenTable, you will be seated, however, please allow a few extra minutes to ensure that we can properly sanitize your table.Argentina is world famous for its cuisine. From homemade salads, pastas and fish to an abundant selection of our signature grilled meats, Malbec Argentinean Bistro brings you the best authentic cuisine prepared on our genuine Argentinean grill.For reservations of parties larger than 6, please reach out to the restaurant directly. We will require a credit card hold to secure large party reservations.
A photo of Gale's restaurant
9. Gale's
4.6
Exceptional(3335)
Price: Moderate
• Italian • Pasadena
Booked 39 times today
Gale's Restaurant is a totally local Pasadena spot for delicious Northern Italian fare, tucked away from the tourist chains in Old Town. Couples, families and friends that seem to have just finished a day outdoors snuggle among the brick walls and small marble tables, drinking cocktails and wine from elegant Brighton goblets. Start off with Bruschetta, Burrata Salad or Gale's Simple Salad and then move on to the country-style Tuscan steak or one of the house made ravioli specials. For dessert, don't miss the Tiramisu or Gale's iconic Coconut Cake. The wine list is a favorite among the guests for it's variety and excellent value.
A photo of Sushi Roku - Pasadena restaurant
10. Sushi Roku - Pasadena
4.6
Exceptional(1212)
Price: Moderate
• Sushi • Pasadena
Booked 19 times today
Sushi Roku combines the finest, freshest fish from pristine waters around the globe with the kind of artistry that can only be provided by a mature sushi chef ensuring superlative traditional sushi, together with a splash of California innovation. Sushi Roku is a pioneer of contemporary sushi, incorporating diverse, non-traditional ingredients from Latin America (e.g. jalapeños) and Europe (e.g. olive oil) into its edible works of art. This unique culinary experience that bridges past and present is the result of an eagerness to embrace new ideas and a profound respect for tradition. Sushi Roku’s bold and diverse menu also offers an array of hot and cold specialty appetizers and an extensive selection of exotic entrées.

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See what locals rave about

From verified diners like you
From verified diners like you
  • Nancy
    Los Angeles •7 reviews
    5.0
    Dined 1 day ago
    This lovely restaurant never fails to please. I had dinner there last night with a friend from out of town. She had the rabbit on the menu, and it was delicious. Rabbit is NEVER easy to find on any menu or in the markets. So it was a real treat. I had to Branzino and it was also wonderful.
    More info
    CelestinoPrice: Expensive• Italian• Pasadena
    •
    4.7
  • David
    Los Angeles •17 reviews
    5.0
    Dined 6 days ago
    Food was excellent. Our waiter Frank did a great job of taking care of us. We were personally greeted by the owner and the manager. Very enjoyable experience!
    More info
    Mi PiacePrice: Expensive• Italian• Pasadena
    •
    4.5
  • lisa
    Chicago / Illinois •5 reviews
    5.0
    Dined on Nov 1, 2024
    We were pleasantly surprised by the quality of the food we ordered. The tortilla soup was flavorful and just the right spice level. We split shrimp fajitas and the vegetables were perfectly cooked and maintained their color.
    More info
    Agents OnlyPrice: Moderate• Mexican• Pasadena
    •
    4.4
  • Sterling
    Palm Springs / Palm Desert Cities •4 reviews
    5.0
    Dined on Sep 27, 2024
    Innovative menu items from over 100 years. Still family operated. Attentive service for a leisurely lunch. Consistently excellent. Patio can be fun and inside has simple ambience with historical pictures on the walls. I started enjoying El Cholo over 60 years ago as a USC student.
    More info
    El Cholo CafePrice: Moderate• Mexican• Pasadena
    •
    4
  • efisch
    San Diego •5 reviews
    5.0
    Dined on Jul 20, 2024
    Love this place - great food! Lovely service. Real deal.
    More info
    All India Cafe - PasadenaPrice: Moderate• Indian• Pasadena
    •
    4.2

Discover best authentic restaurants in Pasadena

Discover the vibrant and diverse dining scene in Pasadena, Los Angeles, where authenticity shines through every culinary experience. Whether you're craving Mediterranean flavors, traditional afternoon tea, sustainable plant-based dishes, exotic Japanese BBQ, or the comfort of Italian and Mexican classics, Pasadena offers an array of restaurants that emphasize genuine, high-quality cuisine. Each establishment prides itself on delivering not only delicious food but also excellent service and a welcoming ambiance, making each dining experience truly unique. Reviewers consistently praise these restaurants for maintaining high standards and offering dishes that reflect their dedication to authenticity. Embrace the rich culinary heritage and innovative spirit that define Pasadena's restaurant scene. Ideal for food enthusiasts and casual diners alike, these spots promise an authentic taste of local and international cuisine crafted with passion and precision.

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