Comfort Food Restaurants near Pasadena, CA

“I’ve been 3 times in the past 3 weeks. Service and food is fantastic! Highly recommend Smitty’s Grill.“

“Great food, relaxing environment“

“LATE REVIEW.

Finding little neighborhood gems when it comes to food has always been an exciting experience for me. Having family alongside makes the journey more special. We chose Holy Saints to announce our baby's gender with our parents and we had an amazing time during our intimate dinner here.

The restaurant's ambiance was the perfect combination of homey and inviting. It is a smaller place and the number of tables are limited so I highly suggest making a reservation when dining here. During our dinner, it was a bit difficult to have a full blown conversation as the place was packed with guests when we came plus the loud background music that was playing the whole night.

Service and food were nothing but amazing! Their menu is very limited. Maybe not everyone will appreciate that, but I think it is more intentional on what is being served to the table. Our highlight of the night was the Grandpa's Pan Roasted Duck Magret Au Poivre for sure. It was so tender on the inside and crispy on the outer edges! We never had a meal like that elsewhere and we will for sure be back just because of it.“

“I absolutely love the flavor of this chicken. Great customizable heat. I've ordered both the mild and the medium and both are delicious. Tiny little hole in the wall so I always get the order to go. My only issue is the chicken portion seems to keep getting a tad smaller with each visit. Probably more a sign of the times than an actual complaint.“

“WELCOME TO our platform . � *FOR* *FREEPlAY* � GAME VAULT � GAME ROOM � JUWA � ROYAL CASINO � ULTRAPANDA � VEGAS SWEEPS *� *FOR* *DEPOSIT* � FiRE kRIN � ORION STAR“

“We visited this place when we were in old town Pasadena walking our dog on December 25th and they are open. I admire restaurants giving time to serve hot food when some restaurants choose to close this holiday. We went in together with our dog on a stroller they are open to service animals. Ambience was great not too loud and restaurant layout gives you a chance to go through each table without hitting another chair. I ordered the Japanese Miso, my wife ordered the Lamb Soup and my son ordered the Taiwanese Hot Soup. The food came in with a heating box where in they would light it up and keep the soup piping hot. It’s just like the Shabu-Shabu style on the side I ordered Vermicelli and my wife and son ordered white rice. Food was overflowing from the bowl what a great treat! All three soups we ordered had their own different tastes. This is the one of the Boiling Point restaurants that is fully staffed no need to wait on a server to get your order. Comparing this to the one we last visited this one will give you more food we had to bring home half of it as we were already full and there is still a lot left! We will come back here again for sure“

“I had breakfast and my friend had lunch. I ordered a la carte a pancake, egg and bacon. The egg was not cooked the way I liked it (even after I was specific with my order) and by the time I was bought another I was over it. The bacon was made properly so it was good along with the pancake however, the syrup had a strange taste. Overall, I was displeased as my food was cold and we all know breakfast food is better nice and hot. My friend had the BLT and that was actually very good (I did taste it) so I recommend the it. Though he was nice, I could tell my server was overwhelmed as it was hard to get his attention when needed. Though it was decent, there are things that need to be improved. Also, this place isn't very big so make a reservation as walking in could possibly have you waiting a long time for a table or put you at the bar.“

“Good food big portions. Fast service.“

“Their delicious and exquisite spread was catered to an event, and we could not be more pleased! The oxtail patty and goat roti wraps were superb. The patties/empanadas have their fillings stamped on them, which is a cute and smart idea! (We had seafood, chicken, and oxtail) Their cucumber salad was fresh and flavorful. Unfortunately, I got so full that I didn't get the chance to try everything else. My vegetarian friend said their roti was really good!

To top it all off, this is a black and queer owned business. Be careful if you go because everything was so good that I wanted to slap my mama. See what amazing things our community can do when we support each other?!“

“This hidden gem is wonderful. She runs the back of the house, he runs the front. Food is incredible, it’s just a great little patio setting. We were able to bring our dog in and she laid in the sun, the owner brought her over a bowl of water and a doggy treat. We came on a Friday and it was very quiet and relaxing, the owner said the weekends are a bit crazy. You just don’t see this kind of place very often, must go!“

“Every part of the experience is stellar. Get there early for an outdoor seat. You can taste that the food is prepared with a lot of care - grilled meat, freshly charred veg, perfect rice, bright garlic sauce. It needs no adornment! The owner is a sweetheart as well. His son runs a very efficient operation from the front.“

“Nick (community ambassador/server) and Brandon (GM) are what makes us consistently come back to this location. Their level of service, attentiveness and care is next level. They always elevate our experience, and you can tell they truly love what they do. We’re grateful for them and love our dining experiences! Highly recommend coming to this location.“

“Pretty good option, I was so glad they have tons of vegan options! This is a great place
to eat if you are vegan but have a meat eating friend they have something for everyone. I just got a bahn mi but hope to come back for more. It tasted way better than the pic I took. Service was a little slow but supposedly they make everything from scratch.“

“We have been meaning to try Hail Mary for awhile now and finally ordered online for pickup. The food was ready fast. It was delicious and packaged well for the ride home. The gentleman that greeted us made sure the order was complete prior to me leaving. We’ll be back!“

“I ordered through online and I'm glad I did. It's nice to see the coupon online that motivated me to do it and then deliver driver was great. His name was Juan. Yes the good good They didn't forget anything exactly what I ordered and definitely check this place out.“

“I was in LA a couple of weeks ago on business and found this spot the day before leaving and that's my biggest regret. Wish we'd found it the first day we we're there I'd have been eating there everyday. The food and atmosphere are excellent and a live DJ playing music we all grew up on (can you dig it ✊?). The purple (grape) kool-aid was a blast from the past fo so.“

“After spending a month in Taiwan, traveling around this amazing country to explore the culinary traditions and culture, I’ve missed so many of the specific tastes, textures and dishes. Golden Leaf brought me back to these missed tastes — the oyster pancake, noodle dishes, fried chicken nuggets were all standouts in their authenticity and tastiness.“

“I love this place! I used to live nearby and i stumbled in right at opening time my first day. they have a wait if you're going at popular times. Small strip mall parking.

wow, i became a loyal fan of the cheonggukjang, which i never had before. The owner is kind, and it feels like we're being taken care of like I'm at their home.

i am not korean, and especially at that early time 10 years ago I was often the only non-korean... but when they saw me eating cheonggukjang not bbq, i got some nods of approval 🤣 One korean man came up to my table after i ate once and asked me how i know this soup because it's controversial with even koreans.

But i loveeee fermented foods. and honestly, anytime i was sick this soup made me better in a day. I miss living so close to it, i have to make special trips to go now.

I tell all lovers of korean food to go here!“

“Located in a vibrant neighborhood, Oyster Dive Bar offers a delightful dining experience with a unique twist on seafood classics. The crispy Cajun fries with cheese are a standout appetizer, perfectly seasoned and crunchy, making them an irresistible starter. The lobster pasta features fresh lobster, expertly prepared and bursting with flavor, showcasing the restaurant's commitment to quality ingredients. The ambiance is cozy and inviting, ideal for both casual outings and intimate dinners. The service is attentive and friendly, adding to the overall enjoyable atmosphere. Prices are reasonable given the quality and portion sizes. However, it's worth noting that the restroom could use more attention; cleanliness was a bit lacking during my visit. Despite this minor drawback, the delicious food and pleasant surroundings make Oyster Dive Bar a recommended choice for seafood enthusiasts looking to enjoy a satisfying meal in a relaxed setting. Overall, Oyster Dive Bar earns four stars for its tasty dishes, friendly service, and comfortable ambiance. With a few improvements in cleanliness, it could easily become a five-star dining destination.“

“The bolo bao ice cream sandwich was the bomb! I had it with ube ice cream. The garlic fries - lots of fresh garlic with a side of bomb lemon aoili and house sauce! The best! Passionfruit green tea was perfect for the hot weather! So cute inside too! It's a smaller space and a one man show. Everything is made fresh so please be patient - it's worth the wait! Great service! It's a hidden gem to the right of BofA in the plaza. — at CrispyandFluffed.“

“Oh yes. My wife and I have passed this place many times when visiting the adjacent Flower market in DTLA - and it was always busy. After we had all our flowery-needs yesterday I asked my wife to Yelp "best breakfast in DTLA" and it popped up - the Poppy & Rose - and we were standing in front of it. I must say two things: I did not find the ambiance too appealing and they you could hear through the open door it was extremely loud. Still, we gave it a try - and I can tell you: it was delicious. Our server - one you would describe as the typical California surfer boy - was extremely charming - so despite the so-so ambiance (the vibe of this place was great though) and the noise we will definitely go again. Would we make a 30+ min detour just to eat here (mandatory in my rating scheme to achieve five out five): again, oh yes!“

“Wish i was living very close to this amazing place … as soon as I stepped in , i knew it will be more then great. It smelled like home food, not like a restaurant , i got lamb pancakes, oh god it was soooo good, juicy , flavorful, i even almost cried when realized only one left out of 4… only one bad thing about it, i want it MOOORREEE!!! :)“

“We were hungry and after checking out the food court decided to find another restaurant, and this is just outside of the mall.
The chefs are cooking the Udon noodles in huge Pots and their style is the subway way 🥪 but noodle style.
We got the traditional beef and beef curry 🍜 with Gyoza.
The Udon was tender and chewy and the broth was not too light but had enough richness to it tastes so good. The curry was good and not too spicy, with the meat just hit the spot.
Plenty of seating inside plus outside seating as well.
Ran very efficiently cause during busy lunch Rush the customers went in n out so plenty seats available.“

“Solid Korean spot near LACMA – great value and no misses

We were heading to LACMA and needed to grab a bite beforehand. Found this place with solid reviews, only about 15 minutes away, so we gave it a shot.

Walked in and it's cozy and welcoming – lots of Korean folks just relaxing with their soups. Always a good sign, right?

The menu is surprisingly affordable – seollongtang starts at just $13.67. We ordered a bunch and nothing disappointed.

- Kimchi and pickled radish – perfectly tangy and refreshing.
- Barley tea – genuinely the best I've ever had.
- Raw marinated shrimp ($8.21)– four pieces for that price? Incredible deal.
- Braised short ribs – highly recommended by other reviewers for a reason. Several big pieces, super flavorful, and even the tofu and radish underneath soaked up all that rich sauce.
- Beef rib soup – big ribs in there, no skimping. The glass noodles and radish were also delicious.
- Assorted seollongtong (#1) – tripe was clean with zero gamey taste, and the glass noodles absorbed the broth beautifully.

Everything hit the spot. If you're museum-hopping or just craving comforting Korean food that won't break the bank, this place is a great stop.“

“very good comfort food that you can really dig into<3“

“Chicken and beef pies I have loved most of my life. Still great !!!!!“

“I saw a Groupon for Lobos Truck the other day and I had to buy it. It was $13 for 2 entrees and 2 drinks! What a steal! They stop by in front of my work building every now and then so it was pretty convenient for me to check them out.The Chinook: 1/3 lb. American-Kobe beef burger with garlic aioli, cheddar, lettuce, and tomato on a fresh Brioche bun. The burger was nothing special - just average. It was cooked medium rare as requested and it was well seasoned.OG Wachos: With everything. What are Wachos you ask? Waffle Fries + Nacho Toppings = Wachos. Came with Avocado, Cheese, Onions, and much more. It was amazing. The waffle fries were crisp and flavorful and it went well with all the toppings. I wish there was some heat to it though!“

“(Translated by Google) Great service! The food is very well prepared / Great Service! Food is very well cooked and the tamales are delicious.(Original)Buen Servicio! La comida esta muy bien preparada./ Great Service! Food is very well cooked and the tamales are delicious.“

“Hangang Korean Restaurant is a newer Korean spot in the SGV that focuses on classic comfort dishes in a warm and comfortable setting. The restaurant is tucked into a small plaza, so it is easy to miss while driving by.

The menu focuses on familiar Korean dishes, and the standout for me was the galbijjim. The short ribs were incredibly tender and cooked to the point where the meat easily came away, with a rich savory flavor. The sauce had a good balance without overpowering the natural flavor of the meat. The bibimbap was also a good dish, pretty standard that compares well to other places that also serve the dish.

The soups and lighter dishes also make the menu feel well rounded. The seafood pancake is another good addition, with a satisfying texture and enough flavor to stand on its own. The banchan were a nice part of the meal as well. The side dishes came out fresh and added variety throughout the meal, making the table feel more complete.

Service was friendly and attentive throughout the visit. The staff were helpful and made the experience feel comfortable, whether you were ordering a full spread or just stopping by for a specific dish. There is also plenty of parking compared to some other Korean food areas, which makes the visit more convenient.

Overall, Hangang is a solid addition to the SGV Korean food scene. The combination of comforting dishes, generous portions, quality meats, and a relaxed atmosphere makes it a place I would return to.“

“is very good in the best restaurant it made me feel like I was at my own kitchen“

“We sat in the bar area on tables located there. It was a nice comfortable booth. Lots to choose from on the menu. I ordered the meatloaf with mashed potatoes and stream carrots. The mash potatoes were delicious and so was the meat loaf. It was a nice hearty portion. The carrots were also well cooked and flavorful. They weren't overcooked.

My cousin had the fish and chips. Came with 3 nice size pieces of fish and great sauce. Great portion of french fries that were nice and crispy.

The service was great and the food was excellent. We will be coming back to try breakfast next time. Would give it 4 1/2 stars...“

“I recently visited Lu’s Garden, and it was such a comforting experience. The congee is good, flavorful, and tastes just like homemade—perfect for a light yet satisfying meal. They offer a great variety of options, and everything feels fresh and well-prepared.“

“Came here with fam for lunch on a weekend. It can be so packed at this place bc it va be very busy! This is very lowkey casual ambiance so no need to dress up.

Food is served within 10-15 minutes of ordering. Drinks can be added on for $2.50 when ordering meals and if you want to make it large they’ll tack on extra 88 cents. The drinks do take a while to come out especially the teas bc they’re freshly made behind the counter. Also, they seem to be so busy that it’s hard to flag down servers unless they’re brining food or drinks.

The food is quite alright here and as expected for a HK / Canto style palate.

Note they have 2 menus — one that is bigger and more extensive, and a simpler one (photos are of the simpler menu). Prices are fair for the size of the dishes (they’re not huge like other places but also most are under $15 a dish).

We ordered the following and all was tasty:
- sweet and sour pork ribs
- egg over friend rice and gravy (the kids loved it)
- seafood tofu clay pot
- beef w mushrooms stir fry
- yellow chicken

Restrooms: they’ve got 2 separate ones. Decently clean, thankfully.

Parking is FREE but quite difficult here in the plaza bc the lot is shared with so many other eateries in that McDonald’s plaza. So either you wait for a spot to open or take your car down the block and walk a little.“

“FIRST TIME LA PUENTE LOCATION DELICIOUS FRIENDLY HELPFUL WE DEFINITELY WILL BE BACK THANK YOU!!!!“

“Perfect portion for one person. The free tea was a nice touch too!“

“The Best Taiwanese Hotpot place in Socal.“

“Lots of people say this is their favorite Taiwanese personal hot pot spot. So let’s see if they’re pretty good eh or ew. I got their honey milk tea, steamed veggies and spicy lamb appetizers, and new bak kuh teh pot to try. I brought my friend and she got their milk tea and iconic beef pot said it was really good. My honey milk tea was perfectly sweet and milky with plenty of jiggly pudding. The steamed veggies were soft and had a light pork flave. The spicy lamb was a bit spicy, cuminy, not too gamey but was a bit tough. The bak kuh teh had sweet savory garlicy flaves and was loaded with so many yummy things from their super tender flavorful yummy pork ribs, juicy frozen tofu, shiitake and seafood mushrooms, leafy napa cabbage, garlic, bouncy meatballs, imitation crab, corn, radish, tofu skin and vermicelli. It even came with a side of rice which I upgraded to their comforting umami beef tomato rice. Service here is on point And right now from June to July 12th, if you use my promo code ACMOO you can get a free appetizer! So definitely go check them out cuz this place no cap is pretty good!

Beef pot $19.35
Bak kuh teh pot $19.99
Beef tomato rice upgrade $1.45
Lamb appetizer $7.01
Steamed veggie appetizer $4.63
Milk tea $5.95
Honey milk tea $6.25 +$0.65 pudding“