Restaurants in South Pasadena

“Incredible dishes! We started with biscuits which were warm flaky and heavenly with perfect butter. Celery was refreshing and crunchy - highly recommend as a contrast to biscuits.

We also got calamari which were perfectly crispy, I was not the biggest fan of the sauce, but my husband liked it. For main course both the rosemary chicken and the steak were amazing!

In terms of seating we got the table on the patio which had great atmosphere except for trains passing by. I think next time I would book indoor table, but we 100% want to come as all the food was incredible.”

“Had the Texas prime beef brisket sandwich. I’m from Texas and tastes like home. Definitely check this place out. Will be coming back for sure!!!”

“cool place with good food and drinks. staff was very friendly and attentive, checking on us multiple times and doing rounds of the place. nice atmosphere with interesting decor. they have live music pretty often.”

“Nice romantic atmosphere which you can actually hear others talk to you. Deep fried whole catfish is a spectacular dish! Great attentive service by staff.”

“The Canoe House has great food, a creative menu, and a fun, tropical-themed atmosphere. We enjoy having lunch or dinner here with friends and family. They also have a good-sized meeting room if you have a group.”

“The best Chinese food I had in a long long time. We have been with six, sharing different dishes - a blast. Share the soup! Highly recommended.Thanks for reading my comment. Now, if you are curious enough about my "rating scheme", here's "the moment of truth. I am a music photographer who has traveled the world with the world's greatest musical talents (Michael Jackson, AC/DC, Rolling Stones, and Rammstein, to name a few) for almost 40 years. When being asked "Where do you live" I tended to ask "in hotels". At my peak, I "shot" 250 shows a year. Will say: been there, saw and tasted it, and a lot, as I may say, and much to the dismay of my doctor who is in my back to lose a few pounds. Quite a few, as I may add, which is why my wife and I walk ten thousand steps per day, where- and whenever we can - and explore a lot of new exciting places - places you may oversee when just driving by. While I love to share my experience with others, I am sometimes shocked at how people use their "power of the word" to down-rate amazing places because of minor incidents (in my all-time favorite​ restaurant Le Petit Four on Sunset Plaza the owner was even called a racist as he refused to toast the (free) bread in his packed restaurant - they simply do not offer toasted bread, as no French​ place does, as I may add). Or I just read "Chicken piccata so over-salted I hope the dog enjoys the leftovers tomorrow, I brought home most of the dish." Did they speak to their service? How could the restaurant learn that something was wrong when patrons even have their leftovers​ boxed to take home? As a dog owner,​ I want to take the writer and shake him or her really bad and say "You give over-salted food to your dog? Anyone with a bit of brain understands this is a horrible idea...​ I hope you agree.So If I had a say on this portal, I would offer just to see the ratings of my friends. So I would see what the ratings were by like-minded people. Sadly, I have no say. I try not to compare apples with oranges. A place like this does not correspond to "The Ritz". At first,​ I assume that a restaurant is clean, they do not greet you with a gun - and they deliver whatever they promise. I do not give stars for things that are expected. In my rating scheme, three or more stars are awarded if they actually exceed my expectations. Four, if I am sure I will come back. To achieve five stars, I must be willing to take a detour of thirty minutes or more to go again. Thank you for reading this.”

“I wasn't expecting to eat the best donkatsu in my life on a random Thursday night. Service was nice and attentive. They were great with my two kids. Ambiance was simple and comforting.”

“Always good food. Always a good time.”

“The most amazing BLT with avocado that I have ever had! The desserts were to die for and the owners are very friendly and professional. A nice little restaurant that everyone should try!”

“It was a great experience We took our dear granddaughter to celebrate her birthday !!!”

“The perfect local ramen spot. Super cute, clean, elevated casual ambiance. Great lighting and music. Service was great. Family friendly, spacious, food was so good. The Brussels sprouts were delicious!!”

“Bravo Chef Bruno makes fabulous food.. Excellent service 🤩”

“I like it. Not too salty. I've had the chicken, the spicy beef, and also some kind of curry. It's all good. Only thing I would change, the macaroni, although delicious, very small portion.”

“Food is outstanding. Been a fan since the late 90's. Their Nabeyaki Udon is the best I have ever eaten. If you want it the way it is served in Japan, ask them to use a fresh, rather than hardboiled, egg. To go food can be frustrating. If they say 30 minutes, figure at least an hour.”

“Love the food love the place always delicious 🥘”

“Best sushi, ever! Style and quality is excellent!”

“the food is amazing and the service was excellent, also all of enjoyed the food”

“everything because i worked there and i made everything .. everything Is freshly made everyday .. ITS the BEST .. ill back one day”

“I’ve been going to Towhey’s for over 20 years. I love their breakfast. I love their cheeseburgers. My daughter Micaela used to be a hostess in Alhambra. It’s one of my favorite go to restaurants. I love sitting at the bar. Also when they’re busy it’s a fun place to have dinner.”

“The reviews are right, the onigiri and hand rolls are delicious. The service is super quick as well.

The seasoning is perfect and the rice is molded well, as in you can taste each grain of rice rather than places that crush the rice to death. They make it perfectly here. The nori does get soggy if you take out, but that's to be expected and unless you want a crispy bite, it's perfectly fine.

The crab handroll was amazing, by far my favorite. I would definitely go again.”

“Whenever I find myself in Pasadena, I make it a point to stop by. As I step through the front door, the aromas are welcoming, the setting comforting, and with it a slew of memories rushes back. I discovered Jones in the early 2000’s during business trips to Pasadena. Through the years it became a must have visit, even during family trips. Leading the way is Rafael. He’s calm and welcoming and his presence is felt every where. In fact, during a 2021 visit he spotted my family and me, came over to greet us, and fondly recalled my children who he hadn’t seen in close to 8 years. It’s that type of personal attention , and good product, that has kept me coming back. Enjoy!”

“Cool neighborhood coffee spot with chill vibes, a little shop that sells some cool stuff beyond just coffee brewing tools and coffee beans, and some (limited) comfortable seating inside. There is also outside seating which is especially great during nice days. The espresso I got was wonderful, and it’s always appreciated when they’re served with a shot of cold sparkling water.

Vegetarian options: I didn’t see anything that wasn’t non-vegetarian. ??”

“The Avocado Toast is my favorite”

“my best... PATTY MELT WITH FRIES OR THE RIB EYE STEAK MEAL!! GREAT SERVICE! and the boys like it too !”

“great drinks and food! nice fun and relaxing setting”

“My experience with the Pokeball was great the only thing that was missing was Ginger for my salad I didn't ask for any but I would have assumed that they would give me at least one to two small packages to go.

Service West okay did they didn't acknowledge me as soon as I got in but it looked like they were a bit busy my visit was about 15 minutes and I took my food to go.

Overall the young lady that was helping me was very kind and attentive.”

“Señor Fish in South Pasadena is a gem! The yellowtail and mahi-mahi are hands down our favorite dishes—perfectly grilled, flavorful, and always fresh. Each plate comes with your choice of sides: Mexican rice and beans or crispy French fries with a refreshing salad of cucumber and tomato slices.
Whether you're craving something hearty or light, they’ve got you covered. They have good menu options. The portions are generous, the service is friendly, and the vibe is relaxed.
We keep coming back for that unbeatable combo of quality seafood and great hospitality. Highly recommend!”

“Francis Bakery makes the BEST Chestnut cake in California!
Chestnuts come from Japan and the cake is so soft and moist.
I order my Birthday Chestnut cake from Francis every year! Every bite is a gastronomic experience🤩😍😋❣️”

“I write for a music and coffee blog called Crooners In Coffeeshops, in which I interview local musicians at local coffeeshops. My writeup reflects the positive experience that I encountered at Kaldi Coffee on our interview date. Ever wondered where they shot the coffee scenes for films like Lady Bird, Prom Night, The Ugly Truth (AKA my favorite rom-com ever in the entire world) and tv shows like Brothers & Sisters, Parenthood, and most recently Splitting Up Together? Who knew that it was right underneath our noses tucked away in beautiful Pasadena, CA! Kaldi Coffee & Tea certainly has the appeal of the go-to coffeeshop with its weathered brick walls, worn wooden seating arrangements, maintained hardwood flooring, and classic oldies tracks playing in the background. Even with its somewhat infamous reputation in the film and television realm, the food and drink options are reasonably priced. An array of classic coffee and tea options with a seasonal signatures, like the deliciously refreshing honey vanilla latte that I couldn’t help but choose, showcase that they try to cater to every type of customer that rolls in. From the minute you step through the shop’s forest green framed doors, you can just tell that generations of coffee lover have come through here. Plus there is a strong sense of community with local artwork on display, and a bulletin board with notes of local events, offers, listings, etc. tacked to them. If you’re looking for a relaxing spot to spend the day reading, playing music (on their front seating area of course), or are a movie and tv buff looking to visit a place with some history, Kaldi Coffee & Tea is the hidden gem you’ve been looking for.”

“A Visit to Kafana
This coffee shop is excellent! If you’re visiting LA by RV, car, or plane, give Kafana a visit. It's located in the perfect spot in quiet little South Pasadena, right above LA and before Pasadena. The shop is right next to a great woodland area called the Arroyo Seco Parkway, so you can take a nice nature hike.

It's also located inside a gym, so you can work, work out, and hang out all at the same time! Both the staff and the customers are very nice, and the vibe is excellent. You can hang out and get tons of work done in the nice, laid-back atmosphere. The decor is spot-on with nice brick and wood elements, and character furniture pieces make you feel right at home. You might even forget you aren't at home!

Open late until 10 p.m., you can relax and enjoy the great window views. With an assortment of workspaces and tables, you can find just the right spot to get inspired. Check it out! Highly recommended by the Urban Nomads team.”

“If you’re reading this review it’s most likely because you haven’t been here. Otherwise you already know what an incredible experience you’re in for. Our brunch was amazing, only to be outdone by Javier who was extremely, friendly, attentive and spot on with every recommendation! Can’t wait to come back and try the multitude of mouthwatering dishes we saw on the tables next to us. Hope you have the time to give yourself this tantalizing treat.”

“the freshest, tastiest meal I've had in awhile, will be a regular!”

“BEST PIZZA IN SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA”

“Great sandwiches. I especially enjoyed the atmosphere and the great service from the owner. A+ for customer service. The gentleman was exceptional. Don’t get quality service like that anymore. Would definitely recommend supporting this sandwich shop. We’ll be back! 🙌🏼”

“The ladies here are always really nice and attentive. The food is great, it's my go-to. I really love the salted Phoenix chicken with rice. The desserts and baked goods are amazing too”

“Walking into this lovely bakery brings back childhood nostalgia, filled with excitement and the warm, fresh scent of bread—something you don’t really get from big franchises. I think they make everything here, and it’s reasonably priced. Last time, I sat in the outdoor seating area on the side. It was perfect for those who love soaking up the sun, sipping coffee, and enjoying some people watching.”

“Love all the food and the drinks are great too. Just afraid it will get too busy at lunchtime and no seat for me! :)”

“This is my favorite ramen place! isn’t the traditional recipe but it’s amazing! If you like spicy try the Bold, if not the classic, the best part is the pork!”

“staff was great. super friendly!”

“Absolutely delicious food. ❤️”

“I have been enjoying Baskin-Robbins for many years since I was very young I can remember my parents take myself and my two brothers enjoying a scoop of ice cream that's bring good memories in my childhood. My wife loves Baskin-Robbins also especially so many flavors to pick and flavor of the month. Every time we go out we always go to a Baskin-Robbins.”

“For the longest time, I had been passing this spot although never went inside. I told myself I would return when craving some Americanized Chinese food.

Well, today my chance arrived. I came in to get chow mein and orange chicken for lunch. I felt like I needed veggies, so I got those.

The veggies were just boiled vegetables in oil. Nothing special. In fact, they tasted kind of bland. But they did the trick anyway, and I got full when I ate them before everything else.

Prior to actually dining here, I'd heard that the orange chicken can be too sweet. It was, although when compared with others I'd had I didn't think so. Seemed on par.

Chow mein was really light... I don't know what they put in it. I am a noodle person. Therefore, I enjoyed this. I got the feeling that the Chinese food they serve is a lot healthier and lighter than other competitors.

I'd come back when craving Americanized Chinese in the area.”

“Great location, greeted with a smile and excellent service👌”

“First time going with my daughter. I love it. Fresh bread and the food absolutely fresh I got in love this place ❤️❤️❤️❤️”

“Nice golf course especially for beginners. They 18 holes of par 3’s and driving range.”

“Cheeseburgers and fries are fabulous. Caesar salad is REALLY great! Food is always hot. Only complaint, there are some druggies that stay in the parking lot and spend a lot of time in Habits dining room. I am frightened to use the bathroom for fear of what could be lurking inside the stalls.”

“This is a great place to taking cooking classes and pick up new skills. Everyone is super friendly and you get to work with different ingredients you may not normally work with at home. I highly recommend checking out this spot if you’ve been considering taking a cooking class”

“Bought their shortbread and melting moments cookies on a whim and couldn’t believe how delicious these treats are!! Warning: seriously addictive! Hide these from your family members!”

“I have done editing and writing with tables and chairs. I have been able to charge my electronic device. The Starbucks Employees in South Pasadena on Arroyo Parkway have been kind gracious courteous exemplary..for a day off on a Saturday sharing with viewers looking into information on the Backbone Trail in the Santa Monica Mountains what better place could there be. the black and white picture is Sandstone Peak aka Mt.Allan in Circle X Ranch”

“Good service ADN good food”

“We went to Charlie’s for the first time today. Service was friendly and the owner(?) apologized for the short wait, but there was really no need. The drinks were good! I got the white chocolate mocha and it had a rich chocolate flavor with just the right amount of milk. My partner got a latte and he gave it a thumbs up. The coffee cake wasn’t great. The inside is nice and our seats were comfortable. We’ll be back!”

“easy parking at this location. mobile orders are ready in a timely manner and the staff is extra friendly!”

“Really fresh, healthy food and a very friendly staff.”

“Ordered their garlic chicken takeout. Was surprised how much food they gave along with how good it was. The rice that came with it also was really good. All of it was nice and filling. I plan on going again next time.”

“I came in today, for the first time, on Thursday, 04/10, around 3 PM. There were two patrons at the bar top and a cool, friendly bartender, Kiara, came out and took care of me. She was very warm, attentive, and easy to chat with. The place was clean, the bathroom was clean, chill vibe, the locals were friendly, and I felt welcomed. The happy hour prices are very fair and the happy hour nachos were so good! Shout out to chef Pancho! I was told he has been there for a very long time and I know why!

They are cash only (there is an ATM) although I understand you can start a tab with a matching ID. Just pay cash to make it easier for everyone involved. Clean bar top, clean bathroom, plenty of space inside, easy and plentiful parking, and it just seems like a cool place to check out, especially on the evenings and weekends. Once again, the service and food were amazing and the happy hour prices are totally legit!

I am a bar guy, I've been to plenty of bars, low end, upscale, and everything in between, and this place is on my list of places to come back to. Thanks again to Kiara (bartender) and Pancho (chef)! I'll be in again soon!”

“It’s sooo yummy! Cafe de olla and all the delish pans!”