Restaurants in South Pasadena

“Outstanding experience dining here. Our server was incredible, super knowledgeable, confident, and clearly not their first rodeo with gluten-free dining. They knew every single dish inside and out, proactively pointed out shared fryer cross-contamination details, and clearly walked us through which items were fully gluten-free outside of regular soy sauce (super helpful for anyone with different tolerance levels). Finding a spot where the front-of-house understands dietary nuances that well without making it feel like a hassle is rare. Fantastic food, top-tier service, and total peace of mind. We will definitely be back.”

“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!!!”

“Always good food. Always a good time.”

“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.”

“First impressions matter, and Griffins of Kinsale definitely delivered. 🍻

From the moment I walked in, I was hooked by the warm, inviting atmosphere and the comfortable neighborhood pub vibes. It's the kind of place that instantly makes you feel at home.

The ambiance, impeccable service, and incredibly accommodating hosts created an experience that went far beyond great food and drinks. Add in the genuine hospitality, great conversations, and welcoming fellowship, and it's easy to see why this place has become my go to spot in the South Pasadena area after just one visit.

The family behind Griffins of Kinsale is truly amazing, and their passion for creating a place where people can connect and enjoy each other's company shines through in every detail.

Looking forward to many more conversations, laughs, and memorable nights here. Cheers! 🍀🍻”

“recently visited this establishment and was very pleased with the quality and service provided. we ordered my favorite live seafood like the lobster with ginger and scallion as well as the big mouth bass - very fresh and delicious! and we also enjoyed the steamed chicken,arctic surf clam,fillet mignon,etc.,so yummy! the customer service was also excellent. Highly recommend the filet mignon with asparagus and the steamed chicken (my go to orders), as well as the arctic surf clams. Very tasty and such a pleasant atmosphere .”

“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.”

“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.”

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

“Came here on a pure whim. Was planning to just get Pollo Loco, but spotted them, immediately decided to get a chicken katsu curry, and it was sublime. Service was pretty quick, and the presentation was excellent also. However, there's not a lot of interaction with staff, they want you to browse the menu and order on your phone, they just deliver the food. And, maybe as a result, there's not a lot of atmosphere either, felt a little fast foodish. But the food itself is well worth the visit.”

“The restaurant has a beautiful interior and a pleasant atmosphere. Everything looked clean and well-kept, making it a comfortable place to sit and enjoy a meal. I really liked the space and how inviting it felt.
For the food I would give it 3 out of 5 stars. The ramen was a little too rich and greasy for my taste, which made it feel heavy. I would have enjoyed it more if the broth had been lighter. Overall, I enjoyed the atmosphere more than the food, but it’s a lovely setting for a meal.”

“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.”

“This place has the BEST spicy pork I have ever tasted!!!!”

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

“Love the food love the place always delicious 🥘”

“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!”

“The Avocado Toast is my favorite”

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

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

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

“Absolutely delicious and fresh strawberry shortcake 8 inch $76.50
I appreciate that it's not too sweet and they don't use food coloring or artificial flavors”

“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.”

“Food is great. My kids love Rice and Nori. The service is Meh, what little there is of it. You wait in line to get to the register, place your order (only one register so not much patience from staff or other patrons if you are not a regular and know how to order - lol, I'm a regular now, so I'm safe now), then you're asked for payment and a tip (normal these days, I guess). Then you go find a seat somewhere, inside or out. But the tables are usually a but dirty as there is not much in the way of staff outside the preparation area. They provide Baby Wipes for you to bus your own table (thankfully most of the patrons are considerate and don't leave big messes). Then you better have someone near the counter to listen for your order, because they don't come find you.

Anyway, only explaining why I gave 3 stars for Service and Atmosphere, but 5 stars for the food. They food is yummy, and the kids liove it. I will say that the rice balls are a bit RICE heavy, but its a solid snack, and again, tastes great, and the kiddos love it.”

“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.”

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

“Mexican food that hits. Got the Loaded Shrimp Fries $16, so good and huge portion, enough for 2-3 pp. Strawberry/pineapple drink was yummy too. Lady at the counter was super nice!”

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

“Good choice for poke bowl, portions are good sized and packed with flavor. If you eat large portions go for a large, although a medium can be two meals with rice.”

“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! 🙌🏼”

“Very reasonable prices. Good food. Love their home made ranch dressing. Love the casual atmosphere and music. Love coming here for lunch or dinner and with family or friends.”

“Every holiday I venture in BR for a customized holiday ice cream cake and, each year, they are interesting and delicious. It's now a holiday tradition. The owner of this BR is cheerful and accommodating. And of course the ice cream is amazing. Thank you!”

“Delicious coffee all around and talented / professional baristas! So glad South Pas has this gem of a coffee spot ✌️

My go-to is a hot red eye or a double shot. the espresso here is always on point and consistent. My wife and mom both love their house-made almond milk (which i agree is very delicious - i make my own almond milk at home but can never get it to taste like two kids), so an iced almond milk latte is their usual pick.

The baristas here have solid pacing and know their craft. Even when the line gets long, they take their time to get each order right and never rush the process, which shows. The espresso is consistently smooth / flavorful and never bitter, which is why i keep coming back!

two kids has a nice family friendly neighborhood vibe. you can for sure hang here for a bit, but it’s definitely more of a “grab and go” coffee shop, as seating is limited and it’s a “laptop free zone”. there’s no restroom inside.

i definitely enjoy bringing a book and reading with my espresso every once in a while, as it’s a bright space, they play good jams, and it has a nice modern aesthetic.

highly recommend this spot”

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

“I happened upon this restaurant while I was in South Pasadena and I decided to sit in the patio. My server was very kind and there was a really wonderful violinist performing outside. It was really nice!”

“I love this charming coffee shop in front of, of all things, a gym. Love the decor and atmosphere. Lots of plugs, very calm, welcoming staff, a great place to work!

I'm giving them 5 stars for food because they are changing their pastries vender (old one sucked) and bringing in new lunch options, so I'm being optimistic and giving them the benefit of the doubt. I'll update when I see what's what.”

“staff was great. super friendly!”

“BEST PIZZA IN SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA”

“Healthy and delicious smoothie bowls”

“Tried Phoenix Food Boutique for a quick meal and overall it’s a decent spot if you’re not in a rush.

The menu is straightforward and the food is fine, good for chinese food, casual bite. It’s the kind of place you go when you want something simple and familiar.

The biggest downside is the space and logistics. The restaurant itself is pretty small, and the plaza has limited parking. It can take a bit of circling around to find a spot, especially during peak hours since it’s a shared lot.

Service was okay, but the food does take a while to come out even for basic items, so it doesn’t really feel like a true “quick grab and go” situation despite the vibe.

Overall, not a bad option in Pasadena for a casual meal, just be prepared for limited parking and a bit of a wait.”

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

“Delicious coffee that hits the spot and very good baked goods. My husband and I both loved Union Bakery which we found by accident and were pleasantly surprised... We will come back for more nom noms! Thank you!”

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

“Absolutely delicious food. ❤️”

“I ❤ getting my peanut butter mood
Extra Peanut butter
No bananas
Blueberries only
Whey protein
Oat milk
Chocolate syrup
I highly recommend it”

“Amazing food!!! The chasu bowl is so good!!! The staff is so nice . You can taste the care of the workers in the food!! Parking isn’t decent. We always found parking pretty close but it’s in the same parking lot as Trader Joe’s”

“First time visiting Ono. Food was OUTSTANDING!! Chicken and beef platter and a mixed fish plate. Will be back!”

“Cheeseburger was good patty had nice cook the bun had lightly crispy edges fries were on point light crisp potato center this location is in a shopping center so it can get busy service is still quick.”

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

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

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

“This is the best location of the seven Blaze restaurants I've been too. Plenty of sitting, parking not a issue even when bizzy. I like the fact managers help when needed, not just stay in the back letting customers wait.”

“Exactly what I want with a hole in the wall Chinese, it’s so hard to find these places anymore as they’re aging out. Nostalgic atmosphere and prices. I’ve been here 4 times and been good every time”

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

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

“My husband and I have not been to the physical location but have ordered delivery about 4 times and will be ordering again. We are older and the food is reminiscent of what we enjoyed in our youth. Everything we ordered from won ton soup to steamed dumplings to barbeque pork, kung pao beef and chicken chop suey are not only delicious but bring back very happy memories. We especially appreciate the opportunity to make special requests. For example, I don't broccoli or mushrooms, but love bean sprouts and my order is always just the way I like it. The online menu is very easy to order from and delivery is efficient and on time. The portions are generous and we always have enough leftovers for lunches and more. Highly recommend.”

“This is cool spot that’s very popular with students. They offer a great variety of treats - you’ll find something you like”

“I LOVE the food at Jersey Mike's. But I am OVER being chastised by the employees. Apparently, if you don't order "Mike's Way" correctly, you are to be punished! I was asked how I wanted my sub I said "almost Mike's way" and told them what I wanted. I was then CORRECTED that I should have said: "Mikes way without spices, then add peppers". They even did this to my boyfriend once. Really!? Stop with the games! How about the CUSTOMER'S way?”

“It was a Dodgers Win promotion. I didn't know how to work my app for this special. A very nice employee helped me through it. I wished I got his name. He carried himself as a manager. He was helpful, professional and very patient. The food is always good here. I always end up here and I live in the next city over that has a Panda Express. Shout out to the young man that had to deal with my old people problems with apps. 😁”

“When I want to go to McDonalds, this is my favorite one. I have a nearby place to go which is located in the USC campus in Los Angeles. But I like this place because it is a quiet place, nice atmosphere and a great customer service. Clean and safe area.”