25 Essential Pasadena Institutions
From neighborhood classics to high-wire tasting rooms, these are the places shaping the modern dining identity of Pasadena.
Lee's Hoagie House
California
Simple sandwich-shop chain offering hoagies, Philly cheesesteaks & other hearty fare.
Buca di Beppo Italian Restaurant
California
Chain serving family-style Italian fare in a kitschy setting featuring red-&-white tablecloths.
Fleming’s Prime Steakhouse & Wine Bar
California
High-end steakhouse chain with aged prime beef & classics such as lobster tails.
Fuji & Vi's Pizza
Pasadena, California
Service options: Delivery, Onsite services, Takeout, Dine-in. Popular for: Lunch, Dinner, Solo dining. Accessibility: Wheelchair accessible entrance.
Green Street Restaurant
Pasadena, California
Local institution serving Californian-style comfort food in a casual space with patio seating.
Houston's
Pasadena, California
Service options: Outdoor seating, Onsite services, Takeout, Dine-in. Highlights: Fast service, Fireplace, Great beer selection, Great cocktails, Great coffee.
Mediterranean Grill
Pasadena, California
Service options: Outdoor seating, No-contact delivery, Delivery, Onsite services, Takeout, Dine-in. Popular for: Lunch, Dinner, Solo dining. Accessibility.
Habit Burger & Grill
Pasadena, California
Charbroiled burgers star at this fast-food chain also offering deli-type sandwiches, salads & fries.
El Metate
Pasadena, California
Tacos, burritos & other Mexican specialties in a relaxed, family-owned venue with sidewalk seating.
Blaze Pizza
Pasadena, California
Hip counter-serve pizzeria dishing up crispy, thin-crust pies made with creative toppings & sauces.
Gale's
Pasadena, California
Inviting & kid-friendly dining room serving traditional Italian pastas, salads & roasted meats.
Oba Sushi Thai Tapas
Pasadena, California
Modern Japanese eatery with a sushi bar & an extensive tapas menu including vegetarian options.
SushiStop Pasadena
Pasadena, California
Casual, compact kitchen whipping up specialty rolls, nigiri & other traditional Japanese cuisine.
Connal's
Pasadena, California
Family-owned, counter-serve throwback since 1958 making burgers along with other sandwiches & sides.
Daisy Mint
Pasadena, California
Asian-fusion spot offering mostly Thai flavors in a chandeliered living-room-like interior.
Saladang Garden
Pasadena, California
Contemporary & traditional Thai food served in a modern venue with a spacious courtyard patio.
Lucky Boy
Pasadena, California
Local counter-service institution dishing out charbroiled burgers & breakfast burritos.
Shake Shack Pasadena
Pasadena, California
Hip, counter-serve chain for gourmet takes on fast-food classics like burgers & frozen custard.
Tops
Pasadena, California
Eclectic menu of homemade fast foods, from Mexican eats to burger buns piled high with pastrami.
The Royce Wood Fired Steakhouse
Pasadena, California
Elegant high-end steakhouse in The Langham Hotel with a white loungelike setting & a garden view.
Union Restaurant
Pasadena, California
Snug gastropub serving Italian-influenced farm-to-table fare in bright, brick-walled surroundings.
Pie 'n Burger
Pasadena, California
Old-fashioned joint serving daytime fare like classic burgers, plus milkshakes & fruit pies.
Sahara Restaurant
Pasadena, California
Typical Mediterranean salads & kebabs at this casual joint with a menu rounded out by beer & wine.
Ruth's Chris Steak House
Pasadena, California
Outpost of upmarket steakhouse chain known for sizzling, butter-topped beef in an elegant setting.
Kyushu Sushi
Pasadena, California
Accessibility: Wheelchair accessible entrance, Wheelchair accessible parking lot, Wheelchair accessible seating.