Diners' Choice: Neighborhood gem restaurants in Pasadena

OpenTable

Updated December 05, 2024

Looking for the best restaurants that are the best neighborhood gems in Pasadena? You’re in the right place. Each month, OpenTable analyzes nearly 2 million global diner reviews from the past four months. We sort the results by location and category to help you discover new favorite restaurants. It's a great partnership: you reserve, eat, and review. We listen...and deliver the results for all to benefit. Enjoy!

Altaeats

4.9

4.9 (774)

$31 to $50

American

Pasadena

About the restaurant

Tucked away on the Altadena/Pasadena border,
Chef Paul Ragan brings a feast of flavors to the dinner table.
Join us in our dining room or order the Roastie to go!

Top review

RichardVIP

Dined on Dec 7, 2024

Always a great place that has the best lamb chops in the LA area. We dine out at Ulta eats often and have never been disappointed. Dick and Mary

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Popular dish

Beef Wellington

Popular dish

Buffalo Brussels Sprouts

Shiro Restaurant

4.8

4.8 (1600)

$50 and over

Contemporary French

Pasadena

About the restaurant

Open for indoor and outdoor dining and curbside takeout. Outdoors dining is subject to the weather. We have heaters but not for all tables. Please dress warmly. If there is a chance of rain we will have to cancel.

Shiro has been named the Zagat Guide's number one restaurant and is consistently one of the highest rated establishments in the guide (#5 in 2011; #2 for service in 2013). Shiro is summed up by it's ingredients. Menu items are driven by the best available, nothing less is acceptable. For over 35 years, diners have enjoyed our French and Pacific Rim inspired menu. A tradition of fine dining with excellent, friendly service. We may supplement our menu with a special Taste of Shiro (soup or salad, meat or fish, dessert). Wed/Th. The evening's menu is posted around 3pm.

As much as we love them, we must ask that your dogs and other pets stay home. Service dogs, of course, are welcome.

Top review

Diana

Dined 1 day ago

The wonton ravioli and loup de mer were excellent, as was the service. So lucky to have this gem in South Pasadena. We celebrated a birthday and all truly enjoyed our dining experience. My son also enjoyed the grilled octopus appetizer - unique.

The Proper Restaurant

4.8

4.8 (596)

$30 and under

Contemporary American

La Canada

About the restaurant

Where our passion is simple: an approachable menu using the highest quality, best tasting ingredients in a comfortable and elegant neighborhood bar and grill. Our owners, Rick and Lisa Anderson and David and Cater Yost are committed to bringing the best customer experience to La Canada Flintridge. Whether it’s our signature Proper martini, a perfectly seasoned ribeye with Cajun butter, or crispy truffled Brussels that make the mouth water, you’ll savor the quality that our chefs and bartenders bring to every meal.

Come bring your friends and family to an unforgettable dining experience in an elegant and contemporary atmosphere designed to invite and excite.

Top review

CindyVIP

Dined 3 days ago

The restaurant was excellent. Loved the food, decor and service was great!!

Dunsmoor

4.8

4.8 (954)

$50 and over

American

Eagle Rock

About the restaurant

Brian Dunsmoor’s namesake restaurant, Dunsmoor, is the latest iteration of his ongoing exploration of American heritage cooking. It is, first and foremost, a restaurant for the community that surrounds it, and a loving expression of the relentless research that has informed his cooking for the last ten years.

We offer the full menu at tables in our dining room and at the chef's counter, as well as at our outdoor tables. Reservations are recommended but we make every effort to accommodate walk-ins when possible.

Dunsmoor's wine bar, accessible either through the restaurant or via its own door on Ave 35, does not accept reservations and serves a limited menu of our raw and larder items.

Top review

Alex

Dined 1 day ago

Great first experience. Would highly recommend the “chef’s counter” seating for date night. Will definitely be back soon.

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Green Street Restaurant

4.7

4.7 (2709)

$30 and under

Californian

Pasadena

About the restaurant

Green Street Restaurant is where Pasadenans go to enjoy breakfast, lunch or dinner and it's been a Pasadena tradition since 1979. It is centrally located just off South Lake Avenue and is within walking distance of hotels, the convention center, the Pasadena Playhouse and popular shopping areas. Green Street has an eclectic menu featuring savory salads (the ever popular and addicting Dianne Salad is ordered over 2,000 times per week), tasty meats, fresh fish and creative sandwiches served on wonderful breads. Guests enjoy a full bar and interesting wines by the glass on a beautiful patio or in the airy interior. Take-out and full catering services are also available.

Top review

Doris

Dined 1 day ago

Food is great. Service is great. Never need to wait for table. Love going here with friends.

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4.7

4.7 (59)

$31 to $50

Afternoon Tea

Montrose

About the restaurant

Welcome to Sugarbird Cafe, Montrose, CA's unique scone and tea cafe.
Nestled in a cozy, shaded outdoor courtyard, it's the perfect spot for casual tea under the Cali sun, with limited indoor seating for a more intimate vibe. Variety of scones, from classic strawberry buttermilk to unique Cali-inspired flavors like fig rosemary, all perfectly crunchy outside and moist inside. Elevate your tea experience with our handcrafted teas, delightful tea sandwiches, and house-made jams. Please note, we need 36 hours advance notice for special dietary requests for wheat-free, vegan, or kids menu, 10 & under. 18% gratuity is auto-included on the bill & parties of 6 or more will have a 20% charge.

Join our community for a taste of global afternoon tea menu at our outdoor garden.
To ensure your spot, BOOK 36 hours in advance—text 818-282-7299 to CONFIRM your reservation for same-day reservations. Don't miss out; we're featured in [LA Times]. Sip, savor, and make tea time your daily retreat!

Top review

Elsie

Dined on Dec 13, 2024

This place is perfect for an afternoon tea date with friends or a loved ones. The decorations are adorable and all the items for sale in the shop are great! The tea and the food is so delicious and just all in all a wonderful experience. Definitely will be coming back

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Experience

*Wheat Free Casual Tea - Scones + Tea Only

Experience

*Orginal Casual Tea - Scones + Tea Only

Experience

Afternoon Tea ( 6 or more) w/ tea sandwiches*

Gus's BBQ - South Pasadena

4.6

4.6 (2045)

$30 and under

Barbecue

South Pasadena

About the restaurant

Since 1946, Gus’s has been serving the good folks of South Pasadena (and beyond!) true Southern hospitality and some of the best real pit BBQ around. Housed on historic Route 66, Gus’s is a tribute to Southern life, where family, tradition and celebration are of the utmost importance. A menu filled with traditional Southern cooking and authentic, wood-smoked BBQ is complemented by an impressive range of whiskies, wines, cocktails and local craft beers. Today, Gus’s is a space for a warm welcome, a cold mint julep, and a big plate of the best flavors from the American South and Midwest. You’ll leave knowing exactly why Gus’s food has been hailed, “….so good that we found ourselves eating more than we’d imagined” by S. Irene Virbila, Los Angeles Times and was named one of the top 10 BBQ restaurants on the west coast by Sunset Magazine.

Top review

BruceVIP

Dined 2 days ago

I have eaten here for decades through several owners. It has always been good. Good food and a great location.

Mi Piace

4.5

4.5 (4062)

$31 to $50

Italian

Pasadena

About the restaurant

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'.

Top review

Carin

Dined 2 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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Buca di Beppo - Pasadena

4.4

4.4 (931)

$30 and under

Italian

Pasadena

About the restaurant

If you are looking for an Italian Restaurant in Pasadena, CA then come to Buca. Our Italian restaurant near Central Park and Castle Green, right off of Long Beach Freeway, serves authentic family style Italian food. From team celebrations to romantic dinners, we make all of our guests feel like family. Join us for all of you upcoming special occasions!

Top review

Christopher

Dined on Nov 28, 2024

Ordered the Lasagna, antipasto salad and cheesy garlic bread. The amount of food was more than enough and the quality was excellent. I'll surely return

Gaucho Grill - Pasadena

4.2

4.2 (309)

$30 and under

Steakhouse

Pasadena

About the restaurant

We host a celebration of contemporary Argentine cuisine and the tradition, values, and culture of the Gaucho lifestyle. We take pride in providing our guests with an authentic experience in a warm and inviting atmosphere, perfect for social and business lunches, entertaining dinners, and fun celebrations. Established in 2016. Gaucho Grill USA began its operation in Hollywood, CA in the early 1990's. The earliest restaurants practiced traditional Argentine cuisine and have been quite successful as a result. The newest location in Downey, CA unveils a new, contemporary approach to fine Argentine steaks, cuisine, and libations. Gaucho Grill Argentine Steakhouse in Downey has a fully-operating bar and nightlife which perfectly complements the already fervent environment within its walls.

Top review

Dave

Dined 4 days ago

great food, good service, however the room is pretty loud.

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Celebrate in Style: Free Birthday Bash at Gaucho!

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