If you’ve recently made a move to Pasadena, California, you might be looking for an easy way to get to know the area. Leaving behind all of your favorite spots to eat and places to hang out can put a damper on something as exciting as moving to a new location.
Take a look at this list of 14 of the highest-rated restaurants in Pasadena, California, to help you get an idea of what your new favorite places to grab a bite to eat!
1. Fogo de Chão Brazilian Steakhouse
$$$ | 626-556-9222 | WEBSITE
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A Brazilian Steakhouse is a perfect place to bring a date or plan a celebratory meal. Bring your significant other to Fogo De Chao Brazilian Steakhouse for your next date night.
If you are a fan of all-you-can-eat, visit Fogo de Chao Brazilian Steakhouse to enjoy all-you-can-eat meat. This upscale dining experience will provide the perfect spot to get a premium quality meal. Call to make a reservation today to visit Fogo de Chao Brazilian Steakhouse.
2. Houston’s
$$$ | (626) 577-6001 | WEBSITE
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Houston’s is an upscale restaurant perfect for an evening full of class. This restaurant has a dress code to follow if you wish to pay them a visit. They require attire that excludes hats, flip flops, tank tops, and team athletic attire.
The menu reflects their standards for atmosphere. For lunch or dinner, enjoy their famous French Dip Au Jus or the Ruby Red Trout. Pair your meal with a glass of wine, or order a bottle for your table. Call to make a reservation before you pay Houston’s a visit.
3. Nick’s Pasadena
$$ | (626) 787-1444 | WEBSITE
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Nick’s is the perfect place to get a variety of different dishes that are sure to satisfy the needs of every member of your family. You will find no shortage of things to choose from on this menu.
You can start off with their popular asparagus fries before you order a fresh salad or signature sandwich. They even have a number of wood-oven flatbreads to choose from. Stop at Nick’s the next time you and your family are out on the town.
4. True Food Kitchen
$$ | (626) 639-6818 | WEBSITE
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True Food Kitchen is the perfect place to grab a meal that is fresh and good for you. If finding a restaurant to eat healthy food is high on your priority list, stop in and pay True Food Kitchen a visit. They use seasonal ingredients to offer you the freshest dishes possible.
Order the seasonal salad or a grilled chicken avocado wrap. Stop in to enjoy brunch on the weekends. If the need arises, True Food Kitchen also offers catering for events. Take a look at their online menu to get a feel for what they have to offer.
5. The Arbour
$$ | (626) 396-4925 | WEBSITE
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The Arbour is a farm-to-table restaurant that focuses on using local ingredients to bring the true flavors of California to the table. The ambiance is designed to reflect a true California restaurant.
This menu has a variety of options to choose from. If you love seafood, you won’t have any trouble finding something to eat on this menu. Place an order for pick up or stop in to experience the well-designed atmosphere in The Arbour.
6. The Royce Wood-Fired Steakhouse
$$$$ | (626) 585-6410 | WEBSITE
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The Royce Wood-Fired Steakhouse offers the finest cuts of meat that are prepared over a wood-fired grill. If you are looking for a high-class restaurant to experience the finest quality of meat, The Royce Wood-Fired Steakhouse is the restaurant for you.
The menu features the most elegant dishes to impress whoever you plan to bring to dinner. Call to make a reservation so you can try the Australian Wagu or the Black Angus Filet Mignon.
7. Bistro 45
$$$ | (626) 795-2478 | WEBSITE
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Bistro 45 prides itself on having an atmosphere that blends both traditional and contemporary elements. It is a great spot to experience true Californian culture. The menu features New American cuisine that is sure to provide something for every member of your family.
Stop in and try the Seared Dive Boat Sea Scallops or the Grilled Niman Ranch Pork Chop. This restaurant is the perfect place to experience the elements of a ranch-to-restaurant establishment.
8. Parkway Grill
$$$ | (626) 795-1001 | WEBSITE
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If you need an elegant restaurant to bring a special someone to, Parkway Grill should be your first choice. This elegant restaurant will make for the perfect setting for your next date.
The menu focuses on seasonal, market-driven ingredients and the chefs work to prepare the dishes with the classic French technique. Call to make a reservation so you can enjoy the premium quality dishes with an equally high-class meal. Plan to make Parkway Grill the next place you enjoy an evening out on the town.
9. Top Restaurant
$ | (626) 792-1412 | WEBSITE
If you’re a fan of sushi, make Top Restaurant the next stop on your list of restaurants to visit in Pasadena. Order the edamame to start and follow it up with a signature sushi roll. Or, if you are not a fan of seafood, order a bento meal.
You can finish your meal with mochi ice cream. Try the plum wine or cold sake if you’re looking for a unique beverage to pair with your meal. Top Restaurant is the perfect place to enjoy Japanese cuisine.
10. Russell’s
$$ | (626) 578-1404 | WEBSITE
Are you looking for a place to enjoy brunch any day of the week? Russell’s is the perfect spot for you. Open until 2 pm every day, Russell’s prides itself on serving the best brunch around.
The family-friendly atmosphere makes it the perfect spot to start a breakfast tradition with your family. Order the Chili Cheese Mmlet or the Ultimate Breakfast Burrito when you visit Russell’s for breakfast or brunch. If you prefer a sweeter breakfast, try the Belgian Waffle or the French Toast Breakfast. Lovers of Breakfast food will love visiting Russell’s.
11. Bodegón No.69
$$ | (626) 421-6180 | WEBSITE
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If you are looking for something a little different from the classic American-style restaurants, give Bodegon No. 69 a visit. This restaurant features a menu full of Peruvian cuisine. There are a variety of dishes to choose from. Step out of your comfort zone and try something new.
You’ll find cold plate dishes, rice dishes, grilled entrees, and more. If you like to get a taste of other cultures, you should make Bodegon No. 69 a priority on your list of restaurants in Pasadena to visit.
12. Union Restaurant
$$$ | (626) 795-5841 | WEBSITE
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Union is an Italian Restaurant and wine bar that offers a Californian twist on Northern Italian cuisine. You won’t regret visiting this upscale restaurant for your next event or dinner out. Order the Local Wild Mushrooms or the Torchetti on your first visit to Union.
Make sure you order a glass of wine to pair with your Italian dish. Save room for dessert and order the Blood Orange Tart. Call to make a reservation before you pay Union Restaurant a visit.
13. Entre Nous French Bistro
$$$ | (626) 844-4500 | WEBSITE
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Entre Nous French Bistro is the perfect spot to enjoy classic French cuisine. Start your meal off with Assiette de Charcuterie for your table to share. Order the Rigatoni aux Légumes as your entre and try out the Crème Brûlée à la Vanille for dessert.
Entre Nous will have you wanting to visit time and time again with their elegant assortment of French dishes to choose from. Call to make a reservation so you can plan your next night out on the town.
14. Maestro Restaurant
$$ | (626) 787-1512 | WEBSITE
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Maestro is the perfect place to visit for a quick brunch or a sit-down meal with your family. You will find an assortment of different dishes that are sure to make every member of your family happy.
You could try the Churro French Toast or the Birria Plate. Don’t forget to try a signature cocktail to pair with your dish. Stop in any day of the week to try any of Maestro’s unique dishes.
Having an idea of what a city has to offer before you get there can be helpful. Eating out is one of the easiest ways to get to know an area’s culture when you are new to a city.
This list of 14 of the highest-rated restaurants in Pasadena, California, is sure to help you figure out where to bring your family for the best food the area has to offer.
Hayden has been a digital director for years. He has five years of experience editing and writing about food, restaurant, and recipe review content. At Birch Restaurant, he’s in charge of scouting, showing up unannounced in different restaurants, and writing a thorough food guide!
