By 
After four years of living in LA, Pasadena remains one of my favorite places to hang out. I love how the San Gabriel Mountains loom higher and higher as you drive down the 134 freeway. I love the juxtaposition of its beautiful, jaw-droppingly beautiful houses, the nature and its pedestrian-friendly streets. This, combined with the quaint Spanish Revival buildings and a Downtown area with a historic charm, make this a convenient getaway spot in LA. Every time I’m in Pasadena, it feels like I’m in Santa Barbara or an affluent city in Orange County (minus the sea). It truly feels like a resort town.
Another thing that I love is how Pasadena was a hotspot for filming locations. Bungalow-style houses from iconic movies that shaped our childhoods like Halloween (1976), Back To The Future, Father Of The Bride (1991), Beethoven (1992), Just Married (2003) were all filmed there. A quick Google search will reveal the addresses. Just the mere act of driving through the residential streets is a fascinating experience. When my mom came to visit me three years ago (wow), she said Pasadena was her favorite place during her visit to LA. She particularly loved Old Town’s stretch of Colorado Blvd with its small-town feel and walkability.
I wanted to share with you the best eating spots you will find in Pasadena. The eating experience at some of these restaurants is what can be described as an escape from the hustle and bustle of Central LA. There are far too many places to list. If you love Ramen, Pasadena is your place as there is a strong Asian influence in this area. However, based on my culinary preferences, here’s a narrowed-down list of the restaurants that are totally worth the drive to the City of Roses.
Newly added (September 2021):
This restaurant was recommended by Jamie, Co-owner of Lokels Only.
–Chim!: Thai street food in Pasadena. It’s the pad see ew and yellow curry for me.
910 Union St, Pasadena, CA 91106
Agnes Restaurant & Cheesery (NEW)
40 W Green St, Pasadena, CA 91105
“Hello! We’re Vanessa and Thomas Tilaka Kalb. We met while working at San Francisco’s award-winning restaurant Flour+Water. At Agnes, Vanessa is Head Cheese. Thomas is Executive Chef. This first restaurant is the culmination of our upbringing (Thoms in Iowa and Vanessa in Los Angeles), European style culinary training, world travels, warm midwest hospitality and an eclectic juxtaposition of old and new.” – Website
Fiore Market Café
1000 Fremont Ave, South Pasadena, CA 91030
This is the place that made me fall in love with sandwiches. I’m not a big sandwich person but there’s a reason why this place has my favorite sandwich in LA: their bread is made in-house every day. Do you know sometimes when you order an avocado toast or a sandwich and you feel like you’re biting into a brick? This will never happen here.
South Pasadena itself is a beautiful neighborhood with its towering palm trees and movie-like residential streets, which is why the outdoor seating area of this place is so charming and relaxing. Upon reading more about Fiore Market Café, I learned that the garden, which is located in the outdoor seating area, is where they source many of the ingredients that contribute to the menu. The setup of this place is so intimate and homey that I felt like I was eating in someone’s backyard! The only downside is that it can get really busy. You order at the counter and then you sit. The seating space limited, but 99 times out of 100, you will find a table since people are usually very considerate and they don’t spend much time lollygagging after their meals.
I ordered the Roast Chicken Sandwich with a side salad. The sandwich comes with basil walnut pesto, mayonnaise and burrata cheese, which felt like I was biting into a cloud. The marriage of all the ingredients mentioned and the freshness of it all was an orgasm in my mouth. To this day, that sandwich still haunts me.
Culture Club 101
1392 E Washington Blvd, Pasadena, CA 91104
Had it not been for Mandy Moore, who was photographed leaving this place, I would never have found out about this gem! Think of Culture Club 101 as the big sister of Erewhon Market. Culture Club 101 serves as a restaurant, marketplace and even as a workshop venue. You can’t get any healthier than eating at this place. Here are a few reasons why this health food store stands out in a big way from other healthy grocery stores retailers: they make their own Kombucha, Kefir cheese, coffee and their local honey is produced in Altadena. Furthermore, their chicken, eggs and meat are pasture-raised, grass-fed and GMO free. Feel free to peruse the shelves where you will find containers of house made products like almond butter, cashew cheese, bone broth, cookies, siracha sauce and other delicious baked goods!
They also have a fridge with naturally fermented veggies. I was also surprised by how warm and inviting the staff was. I recommend ordering their Rotisserie Chicken Plate, and if you want to get a memento afterwards, get their almond butter! Since Culture Club 101 has gained a loyal fan base among its customers, which are mostly locals, they have a membership program that will grant you many perks such as discounts on selected products, complimentary birthday meals and reduced prices for classes and events held there. The only downside of this place? That I don’t live closer! I can always go to Erewhon, but Culture Club 101’s personal attention and love that contributes to the business as a whole, will make you feel like you’re shopping and dining at a friend’s house. As soon as you walk in, you can feel the sense of community and the camaraderie between the staff and the customers, who are mostly regulars.
Warning: Culture 101’s almond butter is like crack! I’ve never had an almond butter of such superior taste and quality. The problem is that you’ll get addicted to it and you’ll be making long drives to Pasadena just for this. After trying out this almond butter, every other one, even the most expensive ones at Erewhon or Whole Foods, will seem subpar.
Cluck2go
1771 E Colorado Blvd, Pasadena, CA 91107
This place has the best Hainan chicken in LA. Many moons ago, I went to Savoy Kitchen in San Gabriel which supposedly has the best Hainan chicken in LA. However, the portions were too small and it was expensive. I forgot exactly how I came across this place, but I’m so happy I did. The chicken at Cluck2Go is literally cooked to perfection. It reminds me of the chicken I had in Maui, which is a pretty bold statement. The chicken cuts are juicy, tender, flavorful. The rice it comes with is also fluffy, delicious and served in generous portions. As if this wasn’t enough, they give you a complimentary cup of chicken broth!
Great Maple Pasadena
300 E Colorado Blvd, Pasadena, CA 91101
Three words: Turkey Bolognese pasta! I found this place through a Youtuber. The layout of the place is pleasing to the eye and the décor is beautiful. Great Maple is a San Diego-born restaurant chain that has an incredibly varied menu full of crowd-pleasing dishes. Think of Great Maple as the elevated version of Cheesecake Factory. While I can’t speak for the rest of the menu, the Turkey Bolognese pasta is definitely a must-try. After deliberating on whether to get the pasta or the Mac and Cheese, the waitress kindly encouraged me to go for the Turkey Bolognese pasta, and trust me, it did not disappoint.
Green Earth Vegan Cuisine
37 S Fair Oaks Ave, Pasadena, CA 91105
Quarantine takeout
What a great find! If you’re vegan or you simply enjoy trying out vegan restaurants in LA, Green Earth Cuisine is an absolute must! For the life of me, I couldn’t believe this place was only a mere feet from the CheeseCake Factory, which I’ve been frequenting since I moved to LA.
Despite not being able to get the full dine-in experience, I was surprised by the kindness of the owner! I saw their mouthwatering quinoa sushi online. When I pointed this out to him, he said that it was one of their most popular menu items. It was delicious to say the least, and the ingredients were super fresh. They were really flavorful and surprisingly filling. Green Earth Cuisine also has a very extensive non-Asian menu, which includes burgers, a delicious looking eggplant dish, veggie lasagna and smoothies! The stellar Yelp reviews and the kindness of the owner speak volumes in terms of what you can expect from this place. I will definitely go back as soon we are permitted to sit in restaurants again.
Special note: they also have a location in Toronto, Canada!
True Food Kitchen
168 W Colorado Blvd, Pasadena, CA 91105
I wrote a very lengthy review about this place in my post “A Guide To The Best Vegan Restaurants In LA”. This healthy restaurant chain features seasonal dishes with a wide selection that caters to every food preference and dietary restriction. Not only do they have a keto and paleo menu, but they also have the most iconic figure as one of their investors: Oprah! Everything at True Food Kitchen is insanely delicious and the portions will leave you satisfied, proving that healthy doesn’t have to be humdrum. They have many locations but I’ve only been to this one with my dad in one of his visits to LA. The venue is a 10/10: open-air concept with a charming outdoor outdoor patio that gets beautifully lit up at night, perfect for a night with your family members or friends. The modern atmosphere lends itself to being casual yet elegant.
The Luggage Room Pizzeria
260 S Raymond Ave, Pasadena, CA 91105
Quarantine takeout
Amazing pizza joint with tons of options for all palates and dietary restrictions. I wanted to venture out a little and since I wasn’t that hungry and didn’t want a super filling pizza, I ordered their most famous vegan pizza, the Dalai Lama. This vegan pizza is really popular and a great option if you love greens and veggies. The ingredients feature their housemade cashew cheese, vegan pesto, sun-dried tomatoes, yellow peppers, kale and brussel sprouts. I placed my order on the phone and the cashier said that this pizza was one of their specialties, hence their popularity. Their vegan cashew cheese was super creamy and the ingredients were pure freshness. The lively combination of veggies and the light gluten-free crust was a palate pleaser and perfect for vegans and non-vegans who love greens. If, on the other hand you want to amp up your pizza, The Luggage Room offers the option to customize pizzas.
I also wanted to include this photo because it looks so good.
The pizza was reasonably priced and the portion was perfect for one person.
Also check: Settebello Pizzeria (625 E Colorado Blvd, Pasadena, CA 91101). This place specializes in handmade Neapolitan-style pizzas.
UNION
37 Union St, Pasadena, CA 91103
Qurantine takeout
I went to Union in May 2020. I couldn’t dine in so I ordered takeout. The host, David, was super nice and walked me through the menu. Some pasta dishes are spicy and I’m not someone who tolerates spiciness very well, especially in my pasta. He gave me his best recommendation, which was the Torchetti, and he was kind enough to modify the pasta without the chilies.
The pasta was remarkably good! The amalgamation of the pork ragu, the rosemary, the ricotta cheese and the homemade pasta was magical. The ragu was tender and packed with flavor. I later learned that Union uses locally sourced ingredients, which really shows in the quality of the overall dish. The pasta was so good that I savored every bite as long as I could because I didn’t want to finish it! It was a solid 10/10. If you love Italian food and you want to treat yourself to a five-star meal, this is the place!
Bruce Kalman, one of the founders and ex-chef of Union, also opened up a pasta bar called Knead & Co in the famous Grand Central Market in Downtown LA.
If, on the other hand, you want a no-frills, old-school pasta or pizza for a quarter of the price, head over to Tarantino’s Pizzeria (784 E Green St, Pasadena, CA 91101). This place has been in business for over 20 years and is run by an Italian family. Cash-only!
Amara Chocolate
55 S Raymond Ave, Pasadena, CA 91105
Every place has its own distinctitive traditional food: France is famous for their croissants, Italy for their pasta and pizza. In the US, cities like New York boast the best bagels and Southern California’s taco trucks are pretty hard to beat. Madrid is famous for their chocolate and churros. Churros were first introduced in South America during the Spanish Inquisition in the 1500’s. During this time, the Spanish explorers returned to Europe with cacao, and turned this into a favorite gastronomic tradition.
Amara Chocolate is a cozy café in Pasadena that serves Venezuelan food, including their premium chocolate with churros. My favorite thing to do when I go back to Madrid for Christmas is to walk into a cafeteria and order chocolate con churros. Funny enough, their chocolate and churros is called “Madrid style churros”, and they are just like the ones you can find in Madrid. When I first tried them out, I felt like I was back in Spain. The chocolate wasn’t overly sweet and the churros were crisp and tender. You can tell that they really know their stuff!! If you are a Spanish speaker and you go there, please don’t hesitate to speak in Spanish so they can further walk you through the menu! The prices are a little bit steep, but taking into account that many of the ingredients they use in their dishes are imported from Venezuela, it seems fair.
Little Flower Cafe
1424 W Colorado Blvd, Pasadena, CA 91105
Little Flower Cafe offers beautiful desserts and delicious food that will make for a fantastic breakfast. All the desserts are made in-house!
HiroNori Craft Ramen
163 S Lake Ave, Pasadena, CA 91101
Ramen can be found everywhere in LA, but this chain-restaurant is one of LA’s top ramen spots. It was even included in the California Michelin Guide! Every time I pass by this place, there’s always a line. People say their ramen is some of the best they’ve ever had in their lives and that the wait is totally worth it! All the praising reviews for HiroNori have one one thing in common: every mouthful is packed with so much flavor it’s insane how delicious it is.
Julienne
2649 Mission St, San Marino, CA 91108
Another brunch place that I recommend is Julienne, located in San Marino, which is another strikingly beautiful residential neighborhood that borders South Pasadena. Julienne is the most charming French-themed brunch spot in LA. There are a lot of French-themed places in LA, the most famous of which is Republique in West Hollywood. I’ve been there many times. The medieval theme is impressive but the food, not so much. But this is my honest opinion. At Julienne, not only is the lovely quaint patio gorgeous, but also the food is delicious and the service is impeccable. Price-wise, it’s expensive, but you definitely get what you pay for. Julienne also has a gourmet market and gift shop attached to it, where you will be able to find a curated selection of delicious gourmet products. If you go on the weekends, be prepared to endure the lines, but don’t let this discourage you from visiting.
I highly recommend getting their outstanding chocolate chip waffles that are topped with whipped cream, fresh berries and honey vanilla syrup. For a stellar combination, pair it with their delicious hot chocolate! If you want to blow away your friends or relatives, Julienne’s enchanting atmosphere will make you feel like you’re being teleported straight into a Parisian bistro.
Coffee Shops
You can find phenomenal coffee at Copa Vida or Intelligentsia, but as good as they are, I can easily find independent coffee shops in my own neighborhood. Given the uniqueness of the places you’re about to read, below are my three favorite coffee shops to frequent whenever I’m in Pasadena.
Arts + Science
101 S Madison Ave, Pasadena, CA 91101
The further east in LA you drive, the more coffee places have a strong Asian influence. This one in particular is influenced by Japan. I remember on my first time there, I was surprised to see an itamae (sushi cook) making hand rolls! This in combination with the fact that the Matcha they use is imported straight from Japan, make this place so unequalled and distinct from any other coffee shop I’ve been to. From the original décor to the food selection (they also make bomb avocado toast), Arts + Science is unlike any other coffee shop I’ve visited in LA.
Coffee and plants
62 W Union St, Pasadena, CA 91103
Most Instagrammable café in Pasadena! Coffee and Plants is tucked off of the main drag and serves vegan lattes and other delicious plant-based pastries. Don’t be surprised if you see people dressed to the nines posing on the flower wall holding their beautiful-looking lattes! This place gets extra-points because Leona Lewis, alongside her husband, Dennis Jauch, are the owners! Coffee and Plants doesn’t offer dairy milk as an option, only oat milk or almond milk.
Café 86
36 W Colorado Blvd, Pasadena, CA 91105
This family-owned bakery with locations across Orange County, San Diego and Las Vegas, serves Filipino-inspired desserts, shakes and coffees featuring the popular Filipino’s sweet treat purple-yam, also known as Ube. Everything at Café 86 has that photogenic purple hue, which is why they became so popular on Instagram in the first place. They opened their first location in Chino Hills back in 2015.
A trip to Pasadena isn’t complete without paying a visit to Café 86 and ordering their Ube shake with Oreo cookies crumbles (without whipped cream) followed by a trip to Sephora, which is right across the street.
Other coffee shops worth checking out:
Lavender and Honey
1383 E Washington Blvd, Pasadena, CA 91104
If you want to deviate from your typical latte order, Lavender and Honey, as the title suggests, specializes in lavender flavored drinks. Don’t forget to marvel at the beautiful succulent wall!! Food wise, all of their toasts are great but my favorite is the L+H toast.
Lost Parrot Café
1929 Huntington Dr, South Pasadena, CA 91030
Pie ‘n Burger
913 E California Blvd, Pasadena, CA 91106
This burger joint is a classic in Pasadena! Their burgers and pies are truly something else. The first you will notice is the old-school, retro feel the place has. Pie ‘n Burger has been in business for over 80 years serving up mouthwatering burgers, pies and milkshakes to the Pasadena community. Many families that live in Pasadena can attest to the fact that this burger joint has been a staple in their families.
Pie ’n Burger has also been included countless times on renowned LA blogs as a premier burger destination in LA. The sodas are hand-stirred and they even have an old shake machine! The pies are mind-blowingly good and their wide array of flavors is pretty impressive: dutch apple, lemon meringue, peach and peanut butter are just a few of the favorites. Pie n’ Burger uses the same method of preparation since their conception in 1963. Their classic cheeseburger is a true rendition of the 1960’s California burgers: simple and excellent quality. Keep in mind that the burgers are very big and messy to eat! Whatever is it that you order, do not forgo the pies!! CASH ONLY.
The Original Tops
3838 E Colorado Blvd, Pasadena, CA 91107
This burger joint surpasses In-N-Out big time! Unpopular opinion: I don’t like In-N-Out. The burgers are ok but the fries aren’t exactly up my alley and every time I order their shakes, it feels like I’m sucking my straw into an ice cube. Just saying.
The Original Tops has been in business since 1952. The old-school diner theme will take you back in time. Tops is mainly famous for their pastrami burgers, avocado and bacon cheeseburgers. Because I’m so basic, I ordered a plain classic burger, the same one you can find at In-N-Out, alongside a small strawberry shake (no fries). I placed my order at the drive-thru. The lady was super nice and my total came to $8. Most people drove away after they ordered, but I parked in the lot and devoured mine. If you plan on eating your burger in your car, make sure to ask for a box, utensils and a cup of water!
The burger was phenomenal. It was big, the ingredients were fresh and the bun had a really nice texture. I don’t know if they mixed up my shake order, because they gave me a 16oz cup! Not that I’m complaining or anything. The shake was thick and tasty. The only downside to this whole experience was how messy it was to eat! The burger was juicy and dripping all over the place. Instead of simply enjoying my eating experience, I was trying not to stain my shirt and my car. Thankfully, I had a water bottle and I parked next to a trash can. They also gave me many napkins that saved the day. Other than that, the burger was a great value and the quality was supreme.
After scouring the Yelp reviews, another popular menu item greatly adored by customers are the chili-cheese fries. Despite being a fast food place, the quality is definitely superior to other fast-food chains you can find anywhere. Their menu is really extensive: veggie burgers, salads, soups, breakfast burritos, pastrami sadwiches…etc. If you’re looking for a nice burger, Tops is the place to go! No wonder it’s been a mainstay in Pasadena since the 1950’s!
Carmela Ice Cream
2495 E Washington Blvd, Pasadena, CA 91104
My first time at Carmela’s was in 2017. When I first tried their ice cream, I was at a loss for words. I didn’t know ice cream could taste so good!
Carmela’s handmade artisanal ice cream hails from Pasadena. It was founded by Jessica and Zach, and after years of selling their ice cream at the Farmer’s Markets in the late 2000’s, they opened this first brick-and-mortar location back in early 2011.
The location, tucked away in the foothills of the San Gabriel mountains with its close proximity to parks and hiking trails, adds a special charm and allure. To this day, the ice cream is still manufactured at their Pasadena creamery and they still sell their ice cream at Farmer’s Markets in Pasadena. My favorite flavor is the Salted Caramel, which is a best-seller.
They also have other creative flavors like their Guinness ice cream, a beer-flavored ice cream that was intended to be seasonal but became a favorite and turned into a permanent flavor. The flavors at Carmela’s are ultra rich and velvety. The waffle cones are also made daily in-house and they are insane.
I do think this place beats Salt & Straw by a long shot. While their flavors are good and innovative, they don’t entice me enough to make me go there on a weekly basis.
If I had to recommend a place for someone who is visiting LA, it would be Carmela’s. I understand the location is not the most convenient one but if you have a car, Carmela’s is totally worth the drive. Vegan options and sorbets are available as well.
Dots Cupcakes
Two locations (400 S Arroyo Pkwy and 21 N Fair Oaks Avenue)
If you want to satisfy your sweet tooth cravings, Dots has been serving freshly baked cupcakes in Pasadena since 2006! Although they also have their own café, I recommend paying a visit to one of their cupcake stores. They have an amazing variety of flavors, and their cupcakes are unbelievably moist and fluffy without being overly sweet. Word on the street is that they have the best cupcakes in Pasadena!
For more European-inspired places in Pasadena, check out my post “Europe In LA: Restaurants, Cafes, Hotels And Places That Will Feel Like A European Vacation”
Roma Market
918 N Lake Ave, Pasadena, CA 91104
Roma Italian Deli is the best one-stop shop for Italian goods in LA. Rosario Mazzeo, 81, who moved to LA from Italy in the 1950’s, is the owner of this beloved business which has been a mainstay in Pasadena since 1959. There, you will find imported-Italian products such as cheeses, cured meats, pastas and wines. However, the star of the show at Roma is Rosario’s famous sandwich, also known as “sandwich”, which he started making by request of a hungry customer. Upon walking into the establishment, you will see him sitting and watching you as you walk in and pick up one of his scrumptious sandwiches, which come in pink envelopes.
It was so good and reminded me of the sandwiches I used to have back in Spain growing up as a kid. The ingredients were flavorful and exceptionally soft — even the bread was not chewy! And this is coming from someone who is extremely picky with bread. It had the perfect balance between firm and soft. Unlike many sandwich and bagel joints I’ve been to in LA, where I’ve had sore gums for the next day, biting into this sandwich was super easy on my gums.
Another element that instantly brought me back to Europe was the fresh fruit outside in rectangular produce bins, and the butcher slicing the cold cured meats, something that you hardly see in the US anymore.
For more information, please read this caption from Rosario’s interview with @dylanandjeni.
Saso
37 S El Molino Ave, Pasadena, CA 91101
The Spanish Colonial architecture of the Pasadena Playhouse Courtyard could easily pass off as the “Old Town” of any city in Spain.
Founded by American chef Dominique Crisp, this seafood restaurant draws its menu inspiration from three coastal regions: the Basque Country (Spain), the Pacific Northwest (Dominique is from Oregon), and Los Angeles.
After graduating from high school, Dominique lived in Forcalquier, a small town in the South of France, where he finessed his cooking skills and he collected his French influence. “Saso” is a play on the Basque word “Itsaso” for ocean. This centric seafood restaurant mainly offers food from the Basque Country with a French-flair. It doesn’t stop there — they also have soft Spanish guitar music playing in the background!
Nicole’s Market & Café
921 Meridian Ave unit b, South Pasadena, CA 91030
“A small family-owned French market and cafe in the South Pasadena. In addition to serving a breakfast and lunch menu that will satisfy your craving for smoked salmon omelettes, croquet madames, Nicoise salad, toasted goat cheese salad, ham and cheese baguettes and other delights, Nicole’s market offers a wide selection of gourmet and unique products for all of us newly made home chefs.” –
@jessetorresca
Other places:
I wanted to include more popular restaurants that I think are great options. Some of them are Pasadena’s classics.
Magnolia House
492 S Lake Ave, Pasadena, CA 91101
I happened to drive by this place around 7 pm and it was bustling with people!
“Built over 100 years ago, it’s been a family home, a post-Prohibition liquor store and a myriad of modern businesses. The only consistency is the timelessness of the house and the stories it contains, as it’s reinvented once again into a neighborhood gathering place. Magnolia House is a hideaway for those in the know – offering specialty coffee, unique craft cocktails and a small plate menu from around the world. Come in through our gate and take a seat at Magnolia House.” – Website
El Metate Café (12 N Mentor Ave, Pasadena, CA 91106) Hole-in-the-wall Mexican restaurant.
Lucky Boy (640 S Arroyo Pkwy Pasadena, CA) I’m not a breakfast burrito kind of person. But while I was doing research, a friend of mine who was raised in La Canada (West Pasadena) says everyone goes crazy over their burritos. Pia Arrobio, creative director from the clothing brand LPA, who also grew up in Pasadena, posted Lucky Boy on her Instagram. Additionally, an article by LA Eater named Lucky Boy LA’s best breakfast burrito. The portions are really big so go on an empty stomach.
Lee’s Hoagie House (2269 E Colorado Blvd #101, Pasadena, CA 91107) No-frills sandwich joint.
Reyn (635 N Lake Ave, Pasadena, CA 91101) Classic american breakfast.
Father Nature Lavash Bistro (17 N De Lacey Ave, Pasadena, CA 91103). This no-frills, mom-and-pop restaurant has the best wraps and Mediterranean dishes in Pasadena. It’s highly recommended by locals!
Maestro Restaurant (110 Union St, Pasadena, CA 91103) Modern Mexican joint in Old Town Pasadena.
Cafe Santorini (64 W Union St, Pasadena, CA 91103) This Greek restaurant located in the heart of Old Town Pasadena is pretty well-known among Pasadena locals thanks to its mouthwatering Mediterranean dishes and outdoor terrace with string lights, creating a romantic and pleasant eating experience. Lots of birthday celebrations take place here.
B-Man’s Teriyaki & Burgers (3007 Huntington Dr. Pasadena, CA 91107). The best place for teriyaki bowls and teriyaki burgers. If you’re vegan, they also offer tofu skewers, veggie burgers and vegan bowls.
Paper Rice – Spring Rolls and Bowls (20 Union St #150, Pasadena, CA 91103). Do you love Spring Rolls? At Paper Rice you’ll be able to build your own spring rolls, as well as your own spring bowls! Other menu items include pan fried sticky rice patties, sauteed salad, and Banh Mi sandwiches, but the star of the show is their spring rolls. Everything is crafted right in front of you using only the freshest ingredients.
Porta Via Italian Foods (1 W California Blvd #312, Pasadena, CA 91105). This upscale, family-owned deli market has drool-worthy Italian sub sandwiches, trays of lasagna, salads and pot pies! If you love meatballs, you can’t go wrong with their meatball sandwich!
Dan Modern Chinese (146 S Lake Ave #105, Pasadena, CA 91101). Hidden gem. If you love Chinese food and are familiar with the famous Taiwanese restaurant franchise Din Tai Fung, you will love this place. Not only are the noodles and dumplings made from scratch, but the interior of the place also has the same open-kitchen concept as Din Tai Fung!
Perry’s Joint (2051 Lincoln Ave, Pasadena, CA 91103) Black-owned sandwich joint operating since 2004! Your palate will appreciate the freshness of the ingredients right away. The sandwiches are gourmet style and filled with goodness in every bite.
Sushi
There’s no shortage of Sushi places in Pasadena. I lost my SUGARFISH by sushi nozawa virginity at Pasadena’s location. The fish was pretty solid and it’s probably the best affordable sushi you will find from a restaurant chain. The sushi pieces are fairly priced, but as someone who is well-versed in sushi, I can’t say it was the best sushi I’ve had. Funny how many people swear by it and praise it as the best sushi place in LA (lol no). Below you will find three restaurants I think you will enjoy in Pasadena if you’re a sushi snob like me:
Sushi Kimagure (220 S Raymond Ave, Pasadena, CA 91105) – The most expensive sushi place featured on this list. If money is not an issue, go and try it!
Oba Sushi Thai-Tapas (181 E Glenarm St, Ste 106, Pasadena, CA 91105)
Osawa Shabu Shabu & Sushi (77 N Raymond Ave, Pasadena, CA 91101)
Matsuri Restaurant (1065 E Green St, Pasadena, CA 91106)
Sushi Enya (124 E Colorado Blvd, Pasadena, CA 91105)
I used to go to Sushi Enya’s Downtown location when I first moved here and I was so amazed by the quality that I brought all my relatives and friends there. It was a total success, but after venturing out to other places, I have sort of forgotten about.
What are your favorite restaurants in Pasadena?
