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Best Authentic Restaurants in South Pasadena

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87 restaurants available nearby

A photo of Gus's BBQ - South Pasadena restaurant
1. Gus's BBQ - South Pasadena
4.7
Exceptional(2051)
Price: Moderate
• Barbecue • South Pasadena
Booked 21 times today
Since 1946, Gus’s has been serving the good folks of South Pasadena (and beyond!) true Southern hospitality and some of the best real pit BBQ around. Housed on historic Route 66, Gus’s is a tribute to Southern life, where family, tradition and celebration are of the utmost importance. A menu filled with traditional Southern cooking and authentic, wood-smoked BBQ is complemented by an impressive range of whiskies, wines, cocktails and local craft beers. Today, Gus’s is a space for a warm welcome, a cold mint julep, and a big plate of the best flavors from the American South and Midwest. You’ll leave knowing exactly why Gus’s food has been hailed, “….so good that we found ourselves eating more than we’d imagined” by S. Irene Virbila, Los Angeles Times and was named one of the top 10 BBQ restaurants on the west coast by Sunset Magazine.
A photo of Aro Latin restaurant
2. Aro Latin
4.1
Excellent(21)
Price: Moderate
• South American • South Pasadena
Booked 1 time today
Aro Latin is a contemporary restaurant that serves authentic Pan-Latin cuisine and curated handcrafted cocktails.
A photo of Radhika restaurant
3. Radhika
4.5
Awesome(25)
Price: Very Expensive
• Indian • South Pasadena
Booked 2 times today
Specializing in modern Indian cuisine, Radhika Restaurant offers a classy and sophisticated dining area for Pasadena locals and visitors. Radhika opened its doors to the California locals in 1995 and has been serving authentic Indian food with a modern twist ever since. The newest location in Pasadena is located on the Gold Line, nestled within historic architecture. It features its own exotic menu options, as well as a new wine lounge, which includes a full bar.Radhika's menu includes a variety of dishes that are authentic but include a more modern flair. Some of the more popular items include Punjabi tacos and vegetable tempura. The salmon kabab and lamb shank are also featured on the menu. For those who can't stay and enjoy a meal in the dining room, online ordering is also available.
A photo of Celestino restaurant
4. Celestino
4.6
Exceptional(3596)
Price: Expensive
• Italian • Pasadena
Booked 35 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
5. Star Leaf - Asian Cuisine
4.6
Exceptional(206)
Price: Expensive
• Asian • Pasadena
Booked 42 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 Malbec - Pasadena restaurant
6. Malbec - Pasadena
4.8
Exceptional(1892)
Price: Moderate
• Argentinean • Pasadena
Booked 19 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 Gyu-Kaku Japanese BBQ - Pasadena, CA | Old Town restaurant
7. Gyu-Kaku Japanese BBQ - Pasadena, CA | Old Town
4.5
Awesome(1663)
Price: Expensive
• Japanese • Pasadena
Booked 23 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 Mi Piace restaurant
8. Mi Piace
4.5
Awesome(4092)
Price: Expensive
• Italian • Pasadena
Booked 32 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 Gale's restaurant
9. Gale's
4.7
Exceptional(3358)
Price: Moderate
• Italian • Pasadena
Booked 32 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.
A photo of Sushi Roku - Pasadena restaurant
10. Sushi Roku - Pasadena
4.8
Exceptional(1221)
Price: Moderate
• Sushi • Pasadena
Booked 4 times today
Sushi Roku combines the finest, freshest fish from pristine waters around the globe with the kind of artistry that can only be provided by a mature sushi chef ensuring superlative traditional sushi, together with a splash of California innovation. Sushi Roku is a pioneer of contemporary sushi, incorporating diverse, non-traditional ingredients from Latin America (e.g. jalapeños) and Europe (e.g. olive oil) into its edible works of art. This unique culinary experience that bridges past and present is the result of an eagerness to embrace new ideas and a profound respect for tradition. Sushi Roku’s bold and diverse menu also offers an array of hot and cold specialty appetizers and an extensive selection of exotic entrées.
‘About the restaurant’ descriptions have been generated using an artificial intelligence model comprised of OpenTable proprietary data that has not been independently verified by OpenTable. The content is presented as-is, for informational purposes only.

See what locals rave about

From verified diners like you
From verified diners like you
  • Lupe
    Orange County •4 reviews
    5.0
    Dined 2 days ago
    It never disappoints to come here. It was easy to make the reservation. The food here is delicious and the service is great. They’re very friendly and we will always keep coming back.
    More info
    Gus's BBQ - South PasadenaPrice: Moderate• Barbecue• South Pasadena
    •
    4.7
  • Gail
    Los Angeles •8 reviews
    5.0
    Dined 3 days ago
    The food is always excellent and I have been coming here for years. Best Italian food. One cannot go wrong with any restaurant owned/run by the Drago brothers but Celestino is my favorite. Have a hard time steering myself away from my favorite appetizer, calamari steak, favorite pastas of either the spinach fettuccine with wild boar sauce or the risotto with marscapone cheese and porcini mushrooms. just can’t go wrong with anything on their menu. Panna cota is my favorite dessert. I guess everyone was in town for the rose parade and the rose bowl game as the place was packed so nosier than is the norm and I have never waited for my table before but we were in no hurry so got a drink at the bar until our table was ready. Calo Drago was working and always treats us well and last night was no exception. Everyone I have taken to this restaurant raves about the food, service and comes back to this restaurant on their own.
    More info
    CelestinoPrice: Expensive• Italian• Pasadena
    •
    4.6
  • Peter
    Seattle / Eastern Washington •1 review
    5.0
    Dined 6 days ago
    Excellent service and great guidance regarding selection. Food was outstandingly delicious and interesting too. The cocktail offerings looked creative; I wish that I had had one! The reception was warm and friendly and unrushed. Very attractive interior design and artwork/photographs. Very enjoyable time was had by all.
    More info
    Star Leaf - Asian CuisinePrice: Expensive• Asian• Pasadena
    •
    4.6
  • JhoannaVIP
    Los Angeles •13 reviews
    5.0
    Dined on Sep 29, 2024
    We went to Aro Latin before the UCLA game at the Rose Bowl. The tacos were so delicious, we had to order another round. Margaritas were amazing. Staff was incredibly friendly. Will definitely go back!
    More info
    Aro LatinPrice: Moderate• South American• South Pasadena
    •
    4.1
  • Steve
    Los Angeles •7 reviews
    4.0
    Dined on Aug 11, 2024
    We’ve eaten here before but this time the food wasn’t up to par. Would not go back.
    More info
    RadhikaPrice: Very Expensive• Indian• South Pasadena
    •
    4.5

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