25 Best Italian Restaurants in Pasadena

“Had to stop by my favorite Italian grubbin in the heart of Old Town Pasadena all the way from Boise. This was my 3rd time and each time just keeps getting better; definitely the bigger the party, the better. We paid $225 for 4 pasta entrees, 3 appetizers, & 2 glasses of wine for a party of 6. I’ve learned to like my pastas al dente after having them here. The meatballs are banging, the wine-pairing was delightful. Our service was attentive and pleasant; the vibe is always vibrant and homey. Highly recommended.“

“Amazing food. We got the bolognese, cacio e Pepe and the carbonara. The food was so so good. Amazing flavors and the pasta was so fresh and had a perfect texture. My only complaint is the tiramisu, I felt it was a little too heavy-creamy, but I think that’s just me. Meat is good quality too! Long time waiting for it but totally worth it!“

“Our server was awesome... her recommendations were spot on! the food surpassed our expectations! exceptional...The ambiance was relaxing for a Friday night and perfect for our friend's birthday celebration. thank you for making it so special. Very happy party of 4 enjoyed dinner at Marina!“

“Malbec was recommended to me by a good friend, and it is now my favorite steakhouse. Not necessarily that they make the best steak ever (9 out of 10), no, it's because almost everything on the menu is delicious. Tons of flavor and cooked to perfection. Been there 3 times and each time was just as perfect as the last. The consistency is terrific and the environment is awesome.“

“Those of us who like pizza... have to visit and try these unique delicacies. They have 25 pizzas on the menu. We have 6, we are missing 19. The place is small. They don't sell beers but it's worth it. 2 locations passage to and San Fernando.“

“It is rare that I will say food is amazing from an Italian Restaurant, but Tardino Brothers makes the grade. Let me just say, I'm a semi-regular here and the food is AMAZING. Not just one menu item, or a special, but everything I've ever ordered here is remarkable. Tardino Brothers is my go-to place for good, delicious, homestyle Italian food.“

“The entrees were amazing, salad was mixed; house salad was great, caesar only okay. Also the coffee after the meal was good not great. The restaurant was also loud, very busy. But it was Friday evening. All said, we will definitely visit again.“

“The parking structure was easy to find. I ordered the cannolis and sfogliatelles both of which were amazing. The sfogliatelles were crispy, and the cannoli shells were crunchy. The orange in the custard/ricotta was flavorful! The cashier was very friendly and prompt with serving me!“

“Absolutely amazing experience. Got to meet John (one of the owners) but that’s not why I like this place. The food is authentic. Reminds me of my Nonn-‘s cooking. Yes I am of American Italian descent. Great to go selection. Everything looks beautiful!Minestrone soup (which can be such a tasteless soup made by so many) is totally flavorful full of beautiful vegetables!! Sandwich I had the Italian sub was on point and you’re talking to a New Yorker !Thrilled to have found this awesome deli/eatery. By the way it’s super clean. Well organized in the staff is delightful and very helpful.Dietary restrictions: They have some gluten-free options which is really nice. They actually care and they stop and they listen.Kid-friendliness: Great patio in the back for kidsWheelchair accessibility: Great spot for handicap with wheelchair needs“

“Typically love outdoor dining but we made dinner reservations a week in advance and arrived on time, and we were still placed outside in the tent even asking for an indoor seat. There were at least 4/5 tables empty that we could see that could seat our party of 5 but we were denied those seats and said we would have to wait 45min for those tables. Since we had little kids and we're celebrating a birthday, we didn't want to take too long. So we were stuck outside in the rain and cold (they had space heaters but unfortunately our table was not under one so we ate in our heavy coats/jackets) After dinner we skipped the desserts bc we were too cold and uncomfortable to stay around any longer.“

“This is one of our usual Italian places for takeout since they no longer have dine in. We had a take out order for hot chicken parmesan sandwich, added the extra cheese and veggies like onions, mushrooms and green peppers, (but they forgot to add that in; hence the -1) like they have for their hoagies. And also ordered the side quart salad with extra dressing on the side. This place is always consistent with their flavors and always fresh. This was perfect for two people to share. And we added a can of Dr. Pepper. The staff are very friendly and helpful. If you like condiments, you have to ask for it. I always ask for red pepper flakes, plates, forks, and napkins. They pack it nicely in a box always. The wait time is usually about 15-20 mins depending on the amount of orders they get. Usually, by the time I place the order and drive out, it's ready for me. They have a small parking lot in the back and side street parking on Coolidge Ave off Washington Blvd. Enjoy!!“

“I found out about this restaurant in Las Vegas! A lady suggested we visit and we did!!!Food was very tasty, waitress very accommodating to our menu needs.We were told there's entertainment on Wed nights and a reservation is recommended. We'll definitely come again due to the fine taste of the dishes we ordered.“

“Wow! Love the pizza here! As all ex New Yorkers, I too am guilty of considering myself an authority on what is good pizza, and this pizza is very good. Very good, in the thin crust NY way. These pies have what I would call, by California standards, an Exceptionally thin crust. Which we New Yorkers like. Pie Life's crusts deliver a great balance of crispness to chewiness. Strong enough to support any topping, yet soft enough to give a very satisfying chew. In addition to selling whole pies, Pie Life also sells pizza by the slice, featuring a differently topped slice of the day, each day. The day I was there the "PBJ" was featured that's Pepperoni, Bacon and Jalapeño. An excellent combination perfectly executed. I will be definitely be coming back for more. Note There is a small parking lot, which is nice. Also: there is very limited space for dining, just a few small tables that line the side of a narrow balcony. OK for one or two people who are just grabbing a slice. If you are planning on sharing a whole pie with a few people, you'll on want to take it home and "spread out" as a good friend of mine from New Orleans always says when we sit down to a meal together...“

“came here for the third time . Brought my brother this time cause I can't stop raving about the pastrami sandwich. He got the meatball sub, he was a FAN . Will be coming plenty more times . Service was nice, not too long wait. Perfection takes time . Would definitely recommend this place to friend and family“

“Amazing Service and food The concept of a fast food order but sitdown and eat quality food is extraordinary, and quite unique. The pizza I ordered, Zoe's Pepperoni, was a little burnt but by far the best tasting pizza I had ever eaten. One of our servers was super nice, and absolutely killing it at the job. The astuteness and accuracy of our requests was surpassed and exceeded by our server. Overall, Pitfire Artsian Pizza blew my expectations out of the park. I will be coming back, Hungry for more.“

“Everything about our experience was great! The atmosphere was cozy and inviting. The menu offered a nice selection of choices. We ordered the lunch special and it was delicious. Beautiful presentation, and in my opinion, we were served a lovely amount of food for a “special.” The service was very good. We do not live in the area but I would definitely make the field trip to eat here again…and bring my friends!“

“I love this Restaurant. It’s absolutely my Favorite! The food is prepared with such precise care. I love Chefs who love the craft of creating and Villa Sorriso does not disappoint. They are creative, friendly and delicious.The atmosphere is for any age group accommodating there guests with either windows seats, single table and large groups. The other side of the restaurant opens to a large bar, dance floor and live music on speciality days.This is a restaurant where you enjoy longs talks with family and sharing a meal, as the food has been prepared with flavor and passion.Come one, come all and enjoy the Villa Sorriso experience. It’s beautiful here.“

“It was a blast! We got invited to a birthday party here, the place is not too huge but also not small. I think there were 40-50 people, they first served appetizers in each table with drinks. The food was great served buffet style and when everyone were done there were still a lot of food on the table. The sound system was provided by the host's family, they just brought a small strobe light, mic and because the place is not too big a small a loud speaker made it through. The only issue I had was the restroom - there is only 1 shared male/female restroom , no problem sharing with men but you will always see a line, so be prepared to hold it until it's all clear, lol!. Parking is free across the street.“

“Our meal was exceptionally good last night. We started with the rosemary bread basket which was soft with a nice crust. My sister loved her spaghetti and meat balls. My chicken piccata was sautéed in lemon butter, wine and capers and was delicious. I substituted the spaghetti side for angel hair pasta. The veggies were a bit al dente but heated up nicely as leftovers. The portions were large so plenty leftover for another meal. Service was excellent. Very attentive and cordial. Definitely would go back.“

“This place gave me the feel of Del Rae in Pico Rivera. Love the atmosphere, service was excellent. No hovering over my table. Food was delicious. Fell in love with the cheesecake dessert! I will definitely return when I am back in the area. It has an old time feel that you have to experience.“

“This is a very charming and cozy place! Would recommend for families of 3 and more people as the portion sizes are all sharable for 3 or more people. Good prices and delicious food. Our server Carlos was amazing and very accommodating. Overall, an amazing family friendly restaurant with a lot of character and great staff!“

“Food: Very good for bar food. Wings and pizzas are phenomenal, everything else I've tried is solid. And big portions too. (4.5/5) Service: Not the greatest. It gets too slow when it's crowded, and it gets crowded here a lot. I've been here three times and it was the same every time, a little too understaffed. Bartenders were great at pouring drinks though. (3.5/5) Ambiance: If you like your sports bars loud and rowdy (and I personally do), this is a great spot especially for college or pro football. If you want space to walk through aisles and hear your own thoughts, then I would find another spot in Old Town. Tip: When I say the pizza is top-tier, I mean it. Try that if it's your first time. Also, if you're a Dodgers/Lakers/USC/UCLA fan, this is the place to watch a big game.“

“As always, Celestino doesn't disappoint. Service is friendly and attentive, and the pastas are exceptional. We celebrated a birthday with Italian Bread pudding--on the house. It was quite yummy. The Sicilian house wine is an excellent accompaniment to dishes served with a red sauce. Kudos to Celestino!“

“Henry the bartender is one of the best ! His drinks are better then any I’ve had and his presence is what makes your bar area so inviting. I’ve come out there many times and you never disappoint! You have a forever customer! Oh did I mention the food is superb and taste fresh and is perfectly portioned!“

“Pizza here was delicious. I had the thin crust but the Chicago style looked just as tasty. For chicken wings there's an option for breaded or naked which I chose, you can tell a lot of the quality of a chicken wing when you order it without the breading as there is nothing to hide. The chicken was meaty and well cooked. There's music videos playing as well as some sports.“