50 Best Italian Restaurants near South Pasadena

“This is, in my opinion, perfect New York style pizza. When I was younger I worked as a pizza maker in an authentic, delicious New York style place, and continued to eat there until it was closed.I have been looking to find that same authentic taste for years, and honestly this place probably surpasses it. The dough, the sauce, the cheese / dough / sauce ratios, everything is perfect. The crisp bottom preventing the slices from being too floppy with enough to have a slight crunch on the bite but so thin it’s not a fight to eat it.While I am not an aficionado with Detroit style pizza, this is also the best version of it I have tried. Again, the bottom is crisp and gives a bit of a crunch, but the crispness is not very thick at all and the softness of the thicker pizza dough stands out.Service was also great, interior decor was nice. If I could suggest anything it would be to have fountain sodas.“

“Walked by it for years and only recently tried it. So good. Had a special of white asparagus soup which was delicious. I had their strip which was well prepared. Our server was lovely and great at directing us. Lovely little. Spot. Reservations are strongly recommended.“

“I've only ordered takeout, and that process was simple and they have always gotten my order right. I love that with their pastas you still get 3 garlic knots so you dont have to order them separately (although you might want to order more cause they are good). I have loved every dish that I ordered. The portions are generous and the staff seem to be very helpful and friendly.“

“We ordered the hippo bread, cauliflower, ravioli with clams and the hangar steak. All so delicious! The hippo bread is soft and sweet with that butter. The cauliflower is shareable and so good! The ravioli was fine and the hangar steak was slightly sweet and tender. Our waiter, Alejandro, was so attentive and answered all of our questions. He was fabulous! The kitchen is open so you can look and see which is always fun! Love the music, too! We walked past the restaurant but then I remembered it was by the pizza place so we circled back and found it. Can't wait to return!“

“It's always such a fun time at GCF! They have an awesome selection of wines and our very knowledgeable on all of them. The food is absolutely amazing and the staff is always one of a kind. Ian and his team always make it memorable experience and this is by fat the best wine bar in LA!“

“Great spot to keep in mind when in Los Angeles. Fresh pasta. Great taste.“

“We always love visiting Propaganda and this time was no different. The 4 Formaggi & Funghi is my new favorite pizza. This time we tried the boozy pandoro dessert and even 5 days later I'm still thinking of it. Can't wait to go back!“

“This place has such a beautiful ambience. When you walk in, the aesthetics definitely draws you in. It's light and airy and has a cozy feel to it. We tried their pizza and breakfast food and both were delicious. It gets a bit loud and noisy in here, but service was great and the food was really good. I would definitely return the next time we come back to LA.“

“5 rating Vegan Delicious Pizza!! Slices, full pies, caesar salad, garlic knots, all house-made ingredients. cashew-based cheese. loved it!! As of October 2022, opened for 8 mos.“

“My daughter recommended this place so we gave it a try. There was only a handful of people there… it was a Tuesday. We sat in the outdoor area. We ordered two different veggie pizzas and bread sticks (kinda pricey). There wasn’t much to choose from on the menu. The food was more like an appetizer size serving but It was delicious. I have nothing negative to say about the taste of the food or the atmosphere.However, the parking was insane. We parked directly at the curb next to the entrance of the outdoor eating area. It’s metered parking. We had to add coins every 15 minutes… it only allowed 15 minutes before it capped out ?. I’ve read others say it was an hour meter, well it wasn’t the day we visited. I set a timer on my phone (a ticket would have ruined my day).It was a nice restaurant. I experienced it once but I’m sure I won’t come again.“

“We love Eastside mkt. killer food, great service, comfortable atmosphere, great people. A rare find .“

“An outstanding evening - great food, excellent, informative & fun Server (Thanks, Maria!). Nice vibe. Cozy space. Counter is fun. AND - who would have ever imagined we'd try “Orange Wine” (don't be a chicken like me - it's actually a whole new experience) ?. Really nice.“

“best service and fast delivery food. nice place“

“Heard about this place having the best meatball sandwich (on focaccia) in LA. But we opted for a couple to go dishes since we were in the neighborhood. We purchased the cannelloni with ricotta and spinach entree and the zucchini alla parmigiana. Easy to make hot at home and very delicious. The only disappointment we had was we thought the dishes were a bit on the small side. But I guess that's the price you pay for high quality food. Two entrees cost about $35. It might be nice if a bit of bread was thrown into the take out bag as a surprise. Parking is kind of sparse and the store has a few spaces for seating outside.“

“I like this place because it has no frills. My friend and I ordered the cheese/onion pizza. My friend is from St Luis. She knows pizza. She said this was the best pizza she's had. I thought it was fabulous also. We shared a rib eye. She likes it medium. I like it rare. They cut it for us and cooked each separately. Calamari - delicious. We had tons of left overs too. The staff was friendly, accommodating and responsive, very yummy place to dine.“

“Everything here is delicious! We had the meatballs, shrimp scampi with polenta, fusilli alla vodka, and of course the tiramisu for dessert. Our server Michael was attentive and had some great recommendations. This place really lived up to the hype - I would like to return to try everything on the menu…“

“Amazing delicious food and love the ambiance. The servers were awesome!!“

“I’ve visited the WeHo location but tried the Silverlake one and was NOT disappointed.The Cacio e Pepe pizza is one of the best pizzas I’ve had in my life. (Although, I have not been to Italy)I think about that Parmesan creama often lol.But I literally drove an hour to have this pizza.The server was attentive, gave thoughtful (and delicious) recommendations, and made for a great experience.Note: Parking sucks - but where does it not in LA? I found a spot on the street but there is also metered parking as well.TL;DR - Exceptional pizza and good service. True S tier pizza.“

“Great place to experience some new flavor combos. Service was top notch, but for us the flavors were a little dull. Maybe a case of having too high of expectations going in, but the street corn pasta dish was very underwhelming. We wouldn’t have known what it was going for. Again, food was still delicious, maybe worth another shot to try the rest of the menu.“

“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.“

“Nossa Caipirinha Bar offers an authentic Brazilian experience right in the heart of Los Feliz. My partner and I recently indulged in a late-night adventure at this vibrant establishment, and we were thoroughly impressed.From the moment we entered, we were greeted by the lively beats of Brazilian music, instantly transporting us to the streets of Rio. The ambiance was warm and inviting, with warm décor adding to the immersive experience.The highlight of our visit was undoubtedly the cocktails. Each drink was meticulously crafted with quality ingredients, perfectly capturing the essence of Brazilian flavors. Whether it was the classic caipirinha or one of their signature creations, every sip was a delight for the senses.As the night progressed, the bartender recommended we try Brazilian fernet, and we're glad we did. It was a bold and flavorful choice that left a lasting impression, showcasing the bar's dedication to offering unique and authentic experiences.Overall, Nossa Caipirinha Bar exceeded our expectations, delivering not only exceptional drinks but also a memorable cultural journey. Whether you're a connoisseur of Brazilian cuisine or simply looking for a lively atmosphere to unwind, Nossa Caipirinha Bar is a must-visit destination. Obrigado for an unforgettable evening!“

“This is a retro yet super trendy neighborhood bar that offers strong craft cocktails and some Italian bar food bites. The drinks we tried were all super strong and tasty. The food is good as well but keep in mind that it's fairly small portions more meant as snacks.The atmosphere was top notch! It's pretty crowded even on weeknights, so you'll have to hover a bit to snag a stool or table at peak times. It's pretty loud and small so maybe not the best for groups.Parking: Try surrounding residential streets“

“Little Dom's has become our go-to for a post-hike brunch. Despite the number of options on their menu, I always find myself gravitating towards my two favorite items -- 1. Eggs Fungi - The oyster and shitake mushrooms are cooked to perfection with just the amount of bite without being too mushy. With two poached eggs and a creamy hollandaise over toasted sour dough, this is definitely a favorite amongst our group. If you're feeling like you need a bit more protein after your hike, go for the Hanger Steak & Eggs which is pretty much the same dish but with the mushrooms replaced by steak! 2. Ricotta Cheese & Fresh Blueberry Pancakes -- Just get it...you'll thank me later. Super fluffy and light pancakes. In our last trip here, everyone at the table got an order of pancakes for themselves. Oh yeah, they have outdoor seating so your pup is invited too! Just don't forget to get him a side of bacon ;)“

“We had an early dinner here for Mother's Day and it was amazing! Food was delicious - steaks were perfectly cooked and the morcilla sausage was to die for! Our server was great - loved all his recommendations and he was perfectly attentive. Can't wait to come back next time we're in the area!“

“This quaint little restaurant has the best ambiance. It’s truly a hidden gem in Los Feliz. The staff is kind and friendly. The chefs are fantastic. It really brings be back to Italy.“

“Amazing smoothies and bowls! Yummmmy! Cute shop with food and gift items as well!“

“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!“

“Great food and a great bartender“

“Love this place. They have variety of everything. Food is amazing. Staff members are very nice and polite. They will go above and beyond to assist and satisfy their customers. Owners are very nice to everyone.“

“Authentic Italian, great wine list, and outstanding service…“

“It's delicious. The price is also right.“

“I would give this tiny restaurant a 4.75 out of 5 to be honest.I had the fajitas with mixed meats of chicken, asada and shrimp, it was cooked perfectly. The rice was good, though I thought it was a little bland.The only thing I didn’t care for were the refried beans. They were watery and lacked flavor, but the rest of my food was great! The staff were so nice and so friendly it made up for the beans.If I were to visit again I would definitely try the cocktails, they looked delicious!It is a very small restaurant from the outside, if you’re not paying attention you could miss it. Once inside it’s a good size and beautiful space. Very clean too.“

“We arrived without a reservation and the restaurant was happy to accommodate our party at outside tables. The warmers kept us warm in the chilly March weather. Food was tasty, it arrived fast and hot. Our waiter was attentive and friendly, suggesting several dishes. Accessible, with a ramp leading inside. Small parking lot right outside in front of the restaurant.“

“Foxy’s is the best!! My best friend @coreybricker and I recently had brunch there twice within a week. The freshly seasoned omelets and extra crispy hash browns were to die for! What really sets this place apart is it’s customer service! Everyone there is kind, patient, and super friendly! We are looking forward to going back there again soon!!“

“Amazing dinner at this lovely outdoor eatery. Ambience was romantic and the heaters at every table were great for not feeling cold in the night air. We had the special “Sunday Supper for 2” which included minestrone soup and a whole grilled branzino. In addition, a bottle of red or white wine accompanied the meal that cost only $59 for 2 people. The soup was thick, slightly peppery and very delicious. The branzino was perfectly cooked, stuffed with lemon, garlic and rosemary and came to the table deboned but whole. We felt that this was a Best Buy for the quality and quantity of the food. The restaurant was not crowded and the lights were dim and the noise level was low, so we totally enjoyed our meal.“

“We recently discovered on our trip to LA. We never thought we would find better Italian food than we have in our hometown where there are generations of local Italian restaurants, but the food here beats them all ! How I wish they were closer! Everything is excellent, the food, the atmosphere and the service! Go! You won’t regret it!“

“We were seated at the counter in front of the salad prep station. It was fun getting to watch some of our food as it was made. My friend and I both ordered wine. Unfortunately the Pinot Gris we wanted was no longer available but I thoroughly enjoyed the Grenache. We ordered the ricotta and bread appetizer, Caesar salad, pork tagliatelle and soppressata and honey pizza. Everything was plated beautifully and tasted delicious. We finished with the chocolate budino tart. It was yummy but I wish we ordered something else. It didn't feel totally unique. Service was spot on and moved quickly. Would definitely go back!“

“Great food great service really loved the stuffed mushrooms“

“The music is live and the sound makes everyone feel alive and happy. The service is excellent and tentative with my glass always full. Don't get me started on the food, I enjoyed eating the steak and vegetables. So fresh and delicious. I'm glad I came across this restaurant and show . I'm going to become a regular guest here .“

“Me and my husband were looking up for sm good Italian food ,, & hopped into this small little place ,,, the food was amazing , ,,we had shrimp pasta and chicken pasta,, )the service was Grate) ,, the guy personally came up took the order & made it with in no time ,,u hav to try this place ,,Won't regret ?“

“Was craving for a good italian sub and found this hidden gem near my work! Located across from the hospital. Parking was easy; street and parking lot behind the restaurant. Inside was filled with Italian goodies. They sold alcohol, cookies, bread, pasta, cheese, etc. Towards the back of the restaurant was tables to sit down and enjoy your sandwich. Came here for the 1st time with my coworker and we tried the Classic 6' sub with 2 sides. I got the macaroni salad and broccoli salad. The sides tasted ok to me but could be better. However, the sandwich was very tasty. I love how much meat and filling it was. I ate it all! We got a piece of tiramisu and that was very very good! The prices are affordable and the portions are huge. Definitely a place to go for lunch or anytime you are carving for a good Italian sandwich! *TIP: call to place your order if you are in a time crunch. We waited for 30 minutes for our food.“

“I’m big fan of wood fire Pizza. Finally a halal spot. MashaAllah pizza is amazing. I love the crust. And the pizzas are light, so we got a couple options for me and my family.“

“Great food Great service will visit again“

“This restaurant is tucked away from the busy part of Little Tokyo. We walked in at 6:30pm on a Thursday and were seated immediately. We came here for the famous uni pasta and mentai japanese cream pasta. Both were creamy, rich, and filled with umami. The mentai japanese cream one was slightly more fishy than the uni one. Can we talk about the portion sizes? Each plate of pasta was huge! Great value for the price.All pastas come with complementary sad and bread. Save some of the bread to soak up all the pasta sauce!“

“I am not one to provide reviews but I am a pesto lover, and it is one dish that is usually made in a variety of ways that are so-so. Well I finally found a place that makes a superbly "real" pesto!!!!! The inclusion of mint was a delicious addition. A true Italian dish does not require bread, and salads are usually eaten after the main meal. The portions were perfect and filling and the broccolini and pasta were all dented. I will try the brunch next, but I highly recommend this place. Karina and Francisco were great.“

“Best Italian food I’ve ever had!“

“Lovely winery, tried the counter tasting of reds. Absolutely the best service by Brianna, she really made the experience. The wines were really nice and got a really cute tea towel (saying "stupid dishes"), so many knick knacks I'd love to decorate my home in. Would recommend“

“Excellent Pizza, Great service definitely will come back....100% recommend!!!!!“

“second time at brera. great service, good ambiance. pork shank - still yummy! they currently serve it with polenta, which i don't like, so i asked to sub it for the roasted potatoes they have on the menu (dleiocious!!). the kale this dish came with was good too. a friend got the lamb chops - good! nothing super special, but a solid lamb chop. ny steak - we didn't like it. there was a flavor to it that we thought was a bit odd, but at the same time also tasted flavorless. we added salt/pepper but still not great for us. however, potatoes + veggies were delicious tagliatelle bolognese - yummy! not the best bolognese i've ever had but very solid. good texture to the pasta, well seasoned and flavored. their bolognese has mushroom flavors to it. idk if they actually put mushroom in it but that's the flavor i got overall, a good spot for dinner! i would recommend. they have valet as well so parking is convenient. they even added a candle to the desert as they knew it was a birthday!“

“They treat you like family. The food is incredibly great.“