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This post was originally written in May 2020! I still remember driving to Pasadena and ordering food to eat in my car. Crazy times! Many places that I included on this list have closed since, and therefore have been removed from the article. A few of them were Culture Club 101, Lincoln, Cafe 86, Arts + Science Cafe, Luggage Room Pizzeria and Green Earth Vegan Cuisine. They are missed dearly!
However, there are still quite a few places that luckily withstood that challenging and unprecedented time. I decided to keep the original introduction as it brings an element of nostalgia. I can’t believe I’m nearing my 10 years in LA!
After four years of living in LA, Pasadena remains one of my favorite neighborhoods. I love how the San Gabriel mountains loom higher and higher as you drive down the 134 freeway. I love how the diverse architectural landscape seamlessly blends with nature. The residential streets, featuring perfectly manicured lawns are beautiful and calm. The downtown area, with its quaint Spanish Revival buildings, exudes historic charm.
Speaking of Pasadena’s iconic architectural landscape, houses that were featured in classics 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. Driving through Pasadena’s lush tree-lined streets is always a fascinating experience. When my mom came to visit me three years ago, she said Pasadena was by far her favorite neighborhood – and we went to a LOT of places! She particularly loved the Old Town’s stretch of Colorado Blvd, with its small-town feel and pedestrian-friendly streets.
With this being said, here’s a list of restaurants and coffee shops that are totally worth the drive to the City of Roses.
Howlin’ Ray’s
800 S Arroyo Pkwy, Pasadena, CA 91105
In late 2022, the best fried chicken in LA, Howlin’ Ray’s, expanded into a second location in the former Adohr Milk Farms building alongside Route 66. The newly renovated space still retains its original neon sign.
Since I interviewed the owner, Johnny Ray, I finally got to visit one of my dream cities: Nashville. I can attest that his fried chicken sandwich, best known as The Sando, is the closest you’ll get to Tennessee. There is always a line but it moves pretty fast. After I waited in line for almost two hours back in January 2023, it was impossible to get grumpy when the lovely employees greeted me with the warmest of smiles. Read the full article HERE.
Agnes Restaurant & Cheesery
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 it feels 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 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 atmosphere at Fiore Market 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. The seating space is very limited, but 99 times out of 100, you will find a table. 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 shredded chicken and the burrata cheese were so fresh. To this day, I still dream about that sandwich.
Mike & Anne’s
1040 Mission St, South Pasadena, CA 91030
Brunch spots in Pasadena are idyllic: cozy outdoor patios and leafy trees that permeate throughout the space. One of them is Mike & Anne’s, a South Pasadena mainstay that focuses on using fresh ingredients for their impressive California fare menu.
I went there on a weekend and it was PACKED, with waiting times of up to 30 minutes for big parties.
I’m currently writing an article about the best pancakes in LA, and I’m happy to report that Mike & Anne’s signature lemon ricotta pancakes made it on the list! Their side of chicken sausage (not pictured) was the perfect way to end this marvellous sweet treat. Make sure to order them as well. Stay tuned! 🙂
No website, only Yelp
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 pricey. I forgot exactly how I came across Cluck2go, but I’m so happy I did. The chicken was literally cooked to perfection and reminded me of the chicken I had in Maui, which is a pretty bold statement. The chicken cuts are juicy, tender and flavorful. The rice it comes with is also fluffy and served in generous portions. As if this wasn’t enough, they give you a complimentary cup of chicken broth!
Tomato Pie Pizza Joint
1130 Mission St, South Pasadena, CA 91030
Locals attest that Tomato’s Pie is the best NY-style pizza you can find in Pasadena. They have three other locations in LA: Silver Lake, Woodland Hills and K-Town. Entrepreneur and former Victoria’s Secret model, Elsa Hosk, moved from NYC to Pasadena a few years ago. After living in NY for a few years, it seems that this is her go-to spot for pizza! Tomato’s Pie really lucked out with this picture. What better way to have someone share your business than with their 8.1 million followers?
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 food doesn’t have to be boring. 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. An open-air layout with a charming patio that gets beautifully lit up at night, perfect for a night with your family members or friends. The modern atmosphere strikes the perfect balance between casual and sophisticated.
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.
It was a hit! 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!
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!
Artisanal Goods by CAR Bakery & cafe
1009 E Colorado Blvd, Pasadena, CA 91107
Opened in 2021, not only has CAR become the best chocolate croissant in Pasadena, but also one of the best chocolate croissants in LA. The owner, Haris Car, fell in love with the art of sourcing cacao after a trip to Peru. From there, he started tinkering with all different types of butter, flour and sustainably-sourced cacao from different countries. Besides using top-notch ingredients to make a great croissant, Haris said that the dough-to-chocolate ratio plays an integral part.
“I don’t like it when I bite into a chocolate croissant and eat the chocolate part and the rest is just dough. I was doing a lot of research on different shapes to see if I could do something with three chocolate batons.” Haris shared with EaterLA
NOTE: Make sure you come REALLY early on the weekends.
Amara Chocolate
55 S Raymond Ave, Pasadena, CA 91105
Every country has a national dish. 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, while being widely known for their tapas, is also 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! The prices are a little bit steep, but taking into account that they use ingredients imported from Venezuela, it’s not so bad.
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 HiroNori is one of LA’s top ramen chains. 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 that it’s insane how delicious it is.
Julienne
2649 Mission St, San Marino, CA 91108
Another brunch place that I recommend is Julienne in San Marino, 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 Hollywood. I’ve been there many times. The medieval theme is impressive but the food, not so much. At Julienne, not only is the lovely quaint patio gorgeous, but the food is also 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
Mandarin Coffee
📍 380 S Lake Ave #111, Pasadena, CA 91101
This coffee shop is located in The Burlington Arcade, a small replica of the historic Burlington Arcade in London. Mandarin Coffee focuses on Chinese specialty coffee by mainly using beans grown in the region of Yunnan.
According to dailycoffeenews.com, some of Mandarin Coffee’s creative concoctions are “a latte flavored with osmanthus flower and cardamom bitters, or a pineapple espresso tonic with house-made pineapple jam, Chinese crystal sugar, lime juice and tonic water.”
Their high-quality coffee beans and one-of-a-kind drinks have positioned Mandarin Coffee as one of the top coffee destinations in LA. Unfortunately, if you thought this coffee shop flew under the radar, you’re wrong. Last year, Mandarin Coffee went viral on TikTok, drawing massive lines. On Yelp, some people have reported waiting in line for an hour! Additionally, there’s no indoor seating. You may be able to snag a table outside, but depending on what time you go, it’s most likely that they’ll be fully occupied.
Their three standout drinks seem to be their Vienna Latte, their Mandarin Matcha Latte, and their Gui Hua Latte.
Given the wild success of their tiny coffee shop, the owners are currently in the works of opening a second location, also in Pasadena but in a much bigger space.
Coffee and plants
62 W Union St, Pasadena, CA 91103
This is the 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.
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 beverages. 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 has been serving up mouthwatering burgers, pies and milkshakes to the Pasadena community for over 80 years. The first you will notice upon walking in is the old-school retro feel that engulfs the space.
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 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 fresh. 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 by a landslide! Unpopular opinion: I don’t like In-N-Out. The burgers are ok but the fries aren’t 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 and avocado + 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 proceeded to devour mine. If you plan on eating your burger in your car, make sure to ask for a box, utensils and a cup of water because it’ll get messy!
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. Overall, the burger was a great value and the quality was supreme.
After scouring the Yelp reviews, another popular menu item greatly beloved by customers are the chili-cheese fries. Despite being a fast food place, the quality is definitely superior to other fast-food chains. 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! It’s no wonder this place has been a mainstay in Pasadena since the 1950’s!
Carmela Ice Cream
2495 E Washington Blvd, Pasadena, CA 91104
When I tried Carmela’s ice cream for the first time in 2017, 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 their 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 now it’s 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.
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. Featuring a whopping variety of flavors, Dots cupcakes are unbelievably moist and fluffy without being overly sweet. Word on the street is that these are 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 a baby pink parchment paper.
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 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 don’t really see in most US grocery stores.
For more information, please read this caption from Rosario’s interview with @dylanandjeni.
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 inside!
“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
Mijares – (145 Palmetto Dr, Pasadena, CA 91105) The oldest restaurant in Pasadena!
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 person. But while I was doing research, a friend of mine who was raised in La Canada (West Pasadena), knew very well about Lucky Boy’s burritos, and said that they were highly praised by Pasadena residents. Pia Arrobio, creative director from the clothing brand LPA, who grew up in the area, posted a very appetizing picture of one of their burritos on 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.
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 Mediterranean joint has the best wraps! I got this exact same dish. It was so good. It’s no wonder why they’ve been in business since the mid 90s! Amazing quality and great value.
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 there.
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, not only are you able to build your own spring roll, but also your own deconstructed version! Other menu items include pan fried sticky rice patties, sauteed salad, and Banh Mi sandwiches, but the star of the show are 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! Update: Since I wrote this article, Dan Modern has expanded into three more locations in LA.
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 fresh 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. It’s funny how people swear by it and praise it as the best sushi place in LA (lol no). Below you will find three restaurants that I think you will enjoy in Pasadena if you’re a sushi snob like me:
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 to LA. 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 into other places, Sushi Enya is now on the backburner.
What are your favorite restaurants in Pasadena?
What do you think?