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Best Authentic Restaurants in Pasadena

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77 restaurants available nearby

A photo of Mi Piace restaurant
1. Mi Piace
4.5
Awesome(4047)
Price: Expensive
• Italian • Pasadena
Booked 61 times today
With over 30 years serving up crave worthy food, craft coktails, extensive wine lists and personalized service, we invite you to come dine on our newly renovated patio, bustling main dining rooms, sleek lounge or order our takeout. In Italian, Mi Piace means - I like it; and the Mi Piace Team will make sure you love it at this award-winning restaurant. Mi Piace is the perfect spot to enjoy an intimate dinner, lively lunch, or festive brunch. We take pride in our product and service provided and look forward to having you as our guest in what we call 'home'.
A photo of El Cholo Cafe restaurant
2. El Cholo Cafe
4.1
Excellent(953)
Price: Moderate
• Mexican • Pasadena
Booked 10 times today
El Cholo Cafe is authentic because it's been serving up classic Mexican dishes for 95 years. The menu features traditional dishes like Tostada Compuesta (1923) and Chile Colorado (1923), as well as more modern options showcasing different regions of Mexico. Plus, it's got a great selection of over 150 Tequilas and Margaritas. Reviewers often mention the authenticity of the food and the friendly, attentive service. One even noted the 'authentic-style chile rellenos made with poblano peppers'.
A photo of All India Cafe - Pasadena restaurant
3. All India Cafe - Pasadena
4.2
Awesome(54)
Price: Moderate
• Indian • Pasadena
Booked 2 times today
Located in Pasadena California, the All India Cafe features a variety of authentic dishes from all regions of India. For those who enjoy authentic Indian food, All India Cafe has taken the most popular dishes from each region and compiled them into one menu. It is the perfect experience for those who want to sample authentic food from different regions.Made with all natural ingredients and no artificial colors or preservatives, it offers only menu items that feature fresh herbs, spices and ingredients. The menu has gluten free and vegetarian options, helping ensure everyone can enjoy something special. The All India Cafe also offers the ability to order online for pickup.
A photo of Agents Only restaurant
4. Agents Only
4.4
Awesome(8)
Price: Moderate
• Mexican • Pasadena
Booked 1 time today
A new elevated Mexican cuisine has landed in Pasadena. Agents Only by Pablo Salas, a casual bar/lounge concept that offers authentic Mexican flavors along with Agave spirit cocktails to pair well with your dishes. Most popular dishes are Tuna Guacamole (fresh tuna tossed in our house-made macha sauce, fresh guacamole made to order) that serve as a perfect appetizer. As well as our mouthwatering Queso Fundido that comes with either corn or flour tortilla on the side; you can add wild mushrooms or chorizo to elevate the flavors more. Of course, don't forget to try our shrimp enchilada with creamy guajillo sauce as your main dish. These are just a few dishes to mention. We can't wait for you to try!
A photo of Eden Garden Bar and Grill restaurant
5. Eden Garden Bar and Grill
4.4
Awesome(112)
Price: Moderate
• Mediterranean • Pasadena
Booked 1 time today
Located in the heart of Pasadena, Eden Garden Bar and Grill offers contemporary Mediterranean cuisine in a wonderful atmosphere.
A photo of Celestino restaurant
6. Celestino
4.7
Exceptional(3534)
Price: Expensive
• Italian • Pasadena
Booked 40 times today
Celestino is a genuine Italian restaurant as evidenced by its fresh, homemade pastas and variety of authentic Italian dishes. Customers rave about its authentic food, with one reviewer stating 'the food here is always excellent' and another calling it 'fantastic authentic Italian cuisine'. The consistent high-quality service and food also add to its authenticity, making Celestino a true gem for Italian food lovers.
A photo of Star Leaf - Asian Cuisine restaurant
7. Star Leaf - Asian Cuisine
4.5
Awesome(163)
Price: Expensive
• Asian • Pasadena
Booked 48 times today
As an award winning restaurant group, Star Leaf creates a fine dining experience that combines ingredients and spices that will teleport guests across the Pacific to a tropical paradise. Founded in 2011, Star Leaf Pasadena is our first US-location in the beloved Playhouse Village. Every dish is prepared with passion and respect for the traditions that shaped Asian cuisine. The culinary team selects the freshest ingredients, ensuring each bite is a celebration of flavor and culture, while instilling innovative modern touches.
A photo of Gyu-Kaku Japanese BBQ - Pasadena, CA | Old Town restaurant
8. Gyu-Kaku Japanese BBQ - Pasadena, CA | Old Town
4.4
Awesome(1645)
Price: Expensive
• Japanese • Pasadena
Booked 56 times today
Gyu-Kaku Japanese BBQ in Pasadena, CA, offers an authentic yakiniku dining experience, originating from Tokyo. Customers rave about the fresh and delicious meals, with high ratings for food, service, and ambience. It's a place where you can 'be the chef' and enjoy a variety of premium meats and other freshly prepared foods. Plus, it's the world’s #1 Japanese BBQ brand, adding to its authenticity!
A photo of Malbec - Pasadena restaurant
9. Malbec - Pasadena
4.7
Exceptional(1864)
Price: Moderate
• Argentinean • Pasadena
Booked 28 times today
Please note, that our outdoor seating is first come first serve. If you have a reservation through OpenTable, you will be seated, however, please allow a few extra minutes to ensure that we can properly sanitize your table.Argentina is world famous for its cuisine. From homemade salads, pastas and fish to an abundant selection of our signature grilled meats, Malbec Argentinean Bistro brings you the best authentic cuisine prepared on our genuine Argentinean grill.For reservations of parties larger than 6, please reach out to the restaurant directly. We will require a credit card hold to secure large party reservations.
A photo of Gale's restaurant
10. Gale's
4.6
Exceptional(3329)
Price: Moderate
• Italian • Pasadena
Booked 54 times today
Gale's Restaurant is a totally local Pasadena spot for delicious Northern Italian fare, tucked away from the tourist chains in Old Town. Couples, families and friends that seem to have just finished a day outdoors snuggle among the brick walls and small marble tables, drinking cocktails and wine from elegant Brighton goblets. Start off with Bruschetta, Burrata Salad or Gale's Simple Salad and then move on to the country-style Tuscan steak or one of the house made ravioli specials. For dessert, don't miss the Tiramisu or Gale's iconic Coconut Cake. The wine list is a favorite among the guests for it's variety and excellent value.

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See what locals rave about

From verified diners like you
From verified diners like you
  • Cynthiavip
    Las Vegas •10 reviews
    5.0
    Dined 7 days ago
    Excellent service and excellent food. All entrees were amazing and the pizza was outstanding. The drinks were great and the dessert was delicious. Our server and additional staff were attentive and providing some of the best service we’ve ever experienced. We were there for lunch and the restaurant was playing great music. I highly recommend this restaurant.
    More info
    Mi PiacePrice: Expensive• Italian• Pasadena
    •
    4.5
  • lisa
    Chicago / Illinois •5 reviews
    5.0
    Dined on Nov 1, 2024
    We were pleasantly surprised by the quality of the food we ordered. The tortilla soup was flavorful and just the right spice level. We split shrimp fajitas and the vegetables were perfectly cooked and maintained their color.
    More info
    Agents OnlyPrice: Moderate• Mexican• Pasadena
    •
    4.4
  • John
    Baja California •24 reviews
    5.0
    Dined on Oct 18, 2024
    Watch out the servings are large and tasteful! Each course was exquisitely presented
    More info
    Eden Garden Bar and GrillPrice: Moderate• Mediterranean• Pasadena
    •
    4.4
  • Sterling
    Palm Springs / Palm Desert Cities •4 reviews
    5.0
    Dined on Sep 27, 2024
    Innovative menu items from over 100 years. Still family operated. Attentive service for a leisurely lunch. Consistently excellent. Patio can be fun and inside has simple ambience with historical pictures on the walls. I started enjoying El Cholo over 60 years ago as a USC student.
    More info
    El Cholo CafePrice: Moderate• Mexican• Pasadena
    •
    4.1
  • efisch
    San Diego •5 reviews
    5.0
    Dined on Jul 20, 2024
    Love this place - great food! Lovely service. Real deal.
    More info
    All India Cafe - PasadenaPrice: Moderate• Indian• Pasadena
    •
    4.2

Discover best authentic restaurants in Pasadena

Discover the vibrant and diverse dining scene in Pasadena, Los Angeles, where authenticity shines through every culinary experience. Whether you're craving Mediterranean flavors, traditional afternoon tea, sustainable plant-based dishes, exotic Japanese BBQ, or the comfort of Italian and Mexican classics, Pasadena offers an array of restaurants that emphasize genuine, high-quality cuisine. Each establishment prides itself on delivering not only delicious food but also excellent service and a welcoming ambiance, making each dining experience truly unique. Reviewers consistently praise these restaurants for maintaining high standards and offering dishes that reflect their dedication to authenticity. Embrace the rich culinary heritage and innovative spirit that define Pasadena's restaurant scene. Ideal for food enthusiasts and casual diners alike, these spots promise an authentic taste of local and international cuisine crafted with passion and precision.

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