50 Best Italian Restaurants near South Pasadena

“Always good food. Always a good time.“

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

“BEST PIZZA IN SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA“

“The food was very tasty, will be back next time“

“The little plates are yummy. I love the pita bread that came with the hummus (Salatim plate). The other plates were good also. I loved the bread pudding (I think it's better than the best cake). What I like the most about Bacari, besides the beautiful ambiance, is the friendliest staff.“

“Fantastic roman style pizza. My new favorite style. Crispy on the bottom and ends, and a great flavor to the crust. Not to thick so it doesnt overload you with bread and the roman pinsa style of fermentation makes it eaiser to digest too! Great creative use of quality toppings and combinations different from many places. Excellent salads and of course nice wines that they can steer you to what may be to. your liking. Chartruitere board for 4 needed more than one type of cheese and would have benefited from one other meat besides mortadella and prosciutto. However all the ingredients were top notch. Inside is quite noisy and the outside patio is nice with it ringed by large plants so you dont see the street. Plus 3rd street here has almost no traffic. Music was a bit loud on the patio to compete with talking but not terrible. Service was very friendly but food came out on the slow side. Restaurant was packed on a saturday night at 6:15 so that may be why as the kitchen is small. But like in Rome, you shouldnt be in a rush when you eat. It's the Italian way. Not a huge menu but many items sounded really good so will need to try again. The tiramisu was great but diffferent. Served in a goblet with the cookies dusted on top it was like more of a pudding with the lady fingers. Other normal versions have more of the cake in layers than this but it was quite good. The pistachio ice cream was also really good too. But really this is one of the best pinsa style pizzas I have had, I have eaten them at many places! So if you come here you need to get the pizza!“

“Amazing Avocado roast poached egg Amazing staff manager follow up to make sure meal was perfect amazing ambiance great location natural light“

“ottimo posto ho portato degli amici ieri sera ed anche loro sono rimasti molto soddisfatti lo consiglio personale molto molto gentile disponibile e le schiacciate favolose riempite Bene e buonissime 🤩“

“Every single thing is delicious. Trying to hit the whole bingo card 🤩 Also Micheal, best server 🥇“

“This is authentic down to the sexy owner Francesco with the beautiful accent. He made the heck out of my cappuccino with a hint of house made vanilla and cinnamon. He deftly stirred and measured all the while answering my questions just so I could hear him speak.
I also got the fritatta with zucchini and other delicious veggies. O.g! Do, savory and fluffy. They have so many items on the menu from pastas to decadent desserts and they even have imported Italian sparkling water and still. If you wanna feel transported to a country and romanticize what your taste buds are experiencing, this is the place for you. There is some seating outside and you can people watch but the star of all of this is incredible food just the way his beloved Grandmother made.“

“What a discovery!!! Trattoria Daly is great! In fact it's a real "find" in Lincoln Heights-- just east of downtown but totally convenient. So nice to be in a non-corporate friendly setting in a restaurant run by great people who care about their customers and are proud of what they offer. This neighborhood gem will attract foodies and friends and harkens the beginning of a mini-restaurant row near downtown, Keck Hospital, Dodger Stadium, among other neighborhoods in various directions. The owners were for many years part of the team at Pacific Dining Car-- these guys are well acquainted with high end service and food. What they've established in the past six months, is a friendly local spot with top quality food and service-- for unbelievably reasonable prices. The bill of fare is Italian-- excellent starters, super pastas, and entree's like rib-eye steak, salmon. You can also do a simple pizza night-- or make it a special occasion. I've spent a LOT of time in Italy, and I'm picky about Italian food. This is an excellent kitchen! The general atmosphere is like a "discovery" of that little off the beaten track gem. But word must have gotten out-- when we dined there on a Sunday night, the place was hopping! The visible to the house skilled kitchen was keeping up with the crowd of happy diners. Two decades of Pacific Dining Car (which didn't survive covid) made these guys the pros they are. You shouldn't have to "sell a kidney" to eat well-- and this place is proof. They are in process and waiting for their liquor license -- but you can bring your own vino-- (or pick up something at the Smart & Final down the street.) It's great to see professionals who are really good guys stir up the right ingredients-- warmth, welcome, excellent food, and outstanding service, and ample evidence that the American dream is still alive. Can't wait to go back!“

“My Daughter & I had dinner here tonight… the food was PHENOMENAL!!! Great Friendly Service too!! What a treat to sit at the bar & watch everything looking delicious coming out of the kitchen window!!! Thank you for such a great Saturday night treat for an out of town Momma visiting her daughter!! I’ll beg her to come everytime I’m in town, and be very Jealous that she gets to come whenever she wants!!! EVERYTHING was BEYOND DELICIOUS!! Bravo!!👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻“

“Are you kidding me it’s always good“

“The set-up (ordering food), can be confusing initwllly, but the server explained and made it simple to figure it out. Iris (our server) was OUTSTANDING! Very informed and helpful with ordering suggestions and wine picks. She was also kind and fun to talk to. Each dish we ordered was delicious. The sardines in butter, arugula salad, the mini margarita pizza and the spicy branzino crudo was so fresh and the perfect amount of heat! We can't wait to come back.“

“Friendly Comfortable neighborhood spot“

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

“100% recommend. thank you“

“everything everything was perfect but there are mosquitoes and ac is not good by the window☹one of us is itchy😖the other one is sweaty 🥵 but for the food and service it worths it😛. However, it could be a more pleasant experience 🥺🙁😩“

“Stumbled on this place while I was sucked into the reel vortex in the middle of the night on my 11-year Veganversary. The next day, we drove 40+ miles into LA and had the most amazing vegan meal, from appetizers to dessert. They have a full traditional menu as well as a full vegan menu. Welcoming and energetic vibe. Outstanding fun and friendly service (ask for Aria!) Food was highest quality and INSANELY delicious. Even parking is easy in the lot next door. Can’t wait to go back. It is a pleasure to support these guys. Highly recommended.“

“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.“

“We came in to celebrate my sister’s birthday and we had a really good time. The pizza, the pasta and the salad were so good! We had to order seconds. The service was amazing, everyone was so friendly and attentive. We would definitely come again and recommend.“

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

“Amazing experience all around. This was our 2nd time visiting The Cicada and it's truly a hidden Los Angeles gem. The room is spectacular, the band and singers were incredible, and the food and service are top notch. Overall, just a unique step back in time and wonderful evening!“

“Once we were seated, I immediately noticed the incredible atmosphere of the restaurant. People were lively, chatting with each other and enjoying a good time. It was a happy sight to see.

The staff were passionate, and it genuinely seemed like they wanted to be there.

We ordered the lamb ragu, squid ink pasta, a side of broccolini, and the veal dish. Originally, we were only going to order the pasta and veal, but we found ourselves craving more food because of how delicious everything was. Not only did it taste amazing, but it also felt homemade, and the ingredients were extremely fresh.

I loved how both pastas had their own unique tomato flavors. The mashed potatoes served with the veal were incredibly creamy without being overwhelmingly buttery. The veal itself was extremely tender.

Loved the food here, 10/10. The portions were generous as well and well worth the price.“

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

“Try to stop by every time we stay in Glendale. Good food and very reasonable prices. Service is beyond excellent.“

“Great food Great service will visit again“

“Great food at good prices“

“Great Food, Great Service...“

“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.“

“All around great experience! Good food, great service, good music! If only I lived closer…“

“I love it when I find little holes in the wall. Let me tell you, this was the best thing I've ever eaten, Spaghetti Aglio Olio and Peperoncino It took all that I had not to lick the plate and then Jonathan my waiter brought me a baked cream with berries desert Panna Cotta with berries that was soo delicious and smooth. They also have a deli next door but its closed on Sundays for now. They need staff. And it's dog friendly.“

“Pizza was fantastic!!! Rivaled Chicago!“

“One of the best I’ve had “out” in a very long time.“

“Love love love this place. We’ve been coming here for 19 years and highly recommend. Great food, wine and ambiance.“

“Excellent restaurant italien authentique au cœur de LA downtown. Délicieux !!!“

“Ordered the off-menu Pomodoro pasta and it did not disappoint. The tomato and petit basil sauce was bright, fresh, and perfectly balanced. The wax beans were a standout - snappy and bright with serrano chile, toasted hazelnuts, and a tangy Frenchie vinaigrette. The garden lettuces were crisp and well dressed with radish vinaigrette, fresh dill, walnuts, and shallots. Good vibe, happy staff, great mix of flavors. The orange wine pairing tied it all together. Highly recommend Updated from previous review on 2026-03-29“

“Family-run! Father cooks while daughter is front of house — love to see it! Their focaccia is so good, and the Daviola pizza was awesome too. The dough was airy and light while the meat was super juicy. Service was excellent: they really take care of you there. They really pay attention 💕“

“Old-school charm and service, elegant dining, live jazz piano at the bar. Been coming here for years and it’s still a super treat. 👍🏼👍🏼“

“Excellent customer service and food!“

“Muy buen servicio Comida deliciosa…“

“Food and Service was great!!“

“It was delicious and my waiter was awesome.“

“Best Italian food I’ve ever had!“

“GREAT HOMESTYLE ITALIAN FOOD BEEN GOING THERE SINCE ELEMENTARY AND THE FOOD JUST KEEPS GETTING BETTER THANK U TONY FOR BEING PART OF 4 GENERATIONS OF FAMILY EATING UR FOOD“

“My daughter took her dad here for father's day. It was a great vibe, we sat outdoors, they had tv so he could watch the word cup. The food and drink orders came out in pretty quickly. I had the wings in hot honey bbq, my husband had the meatball sub which came with fries and our daughter had a 10 inch pizza, which took longer but the freshness, flavor, and quality of the meal was there.“

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

“Curbside pickup First time“

“Excellent service, great food, too bad there wasn't extra room in the parking area.😊😊“

“Bacari Glendale: It is a beautiful place we have always wanted to go to. We took two friends for a belated birthday dinner (and as the staff realized it was just that, they even rewarded us with a delicious birthday dessert :-). Great service, nice ambiance, and delicious food - we had the bread (could have been a bit more for the $4,50), then shared the Mac & Cheese topped up with the pear and brie pizza that was the best.“