25 Essential South Pasadena Institutions
From neighborhood classics to high-wire tasting rooms, these are the places shaping the modern dining identity of South Pasadena.
Mamma's Brick Oven Pizza & Pasta
California
New York-style pizza, sold by the slice & in huge pies, served in a simple setting.
Gus's BBQ
California
Open since 1946, this upbeat family-friendly mainstay slow-cooks BBQ staples over pecan logs.
Shakers
California
Padded booths line the walls of this classic diner-style spot for American fare & breakfast all day.
Hi-Life Burgers
South Pasadena, California
Longstanding mom-&-pop burger shack offering old-fashioned favorites plus some Mexican dishes.
Tokoro
South Pasadena, California
Quaint eatery featuring Japanese grilled fare, sake & a sushi bar with a variety of rolls.
Cos & Pi
South Pasadena, California
Service options: Outdoor seating, No-contact delivery, Delivery, Onsite services, Takeout, Dine-in. Highlights: Fast service, Great coffee.
Blaze Pizza
South Pasadena, California
Hip counter-serve pizzeria dishing up crispy, thin-crust pies made with creative toppings & sauces.
Poke Salad Bar
South Pasadena, California
Quaint counter-serve featuring build-your-own poke bowls & burritos with organic fish & toppings.
Oak Tree Inn
South Pasadena, California
Casual restaurant offering a menu of traditional Chinese fare, including seafood specialties.
Mike & Anne's
South Pasadena, California
Bustling local standby wins fans with modern vibe, expansive outdoor patio & New American classics.
Kontentsu South Pasadena
South Pasadena, California
Laid-back ramen specialist offers a basic menu in a minimalist setting with polished-wood tables.
Canoe House
South Pasadena, California
Tropical-inspired restaurant offering casual Hawaiian eats, plus a tiki bar with island drinks.
Radhika Modern Indian
South Pasadena, California
Inventive Indian dishes served in a dining room decorated with calm colors & plush seating.
Aro Latin
South Pasadena, California
Contemporary restaurant doling out Pan-Latin fare, drinks & more in rustic, woody surroundings.
Ai Japanese Restaurant
South Pasadena, California
Regulars sit at the sushi bar for raw fish & cooked specialties, plus lunch deals & long happy hour.
Rice & Nori
South Pasadena, California
Service options: Outdoor seating, Delivery, Onsite services, Takeout, Dine-in. Popular for: Lunch, Dinner, Solo dining. Accessibility.
Bluefin Sushi and Roll
South Pasadena, California
Service options: Onsite services, Takeout, Dine-in. Highlights: Fast service. Popular for: Lunch, Dinner, Solo dining. Accessibility.
Tomato Pie Pizza Joint (South Pasadena)
South Pasadena, California
Cooks put on a dough-tossing show at this simple counter serve offering pizza, pasta, subs & salads.
Jersey Mike's Subs
South Pasadena, California
New Jersey–based counter-serve sandwich chain serving jumbo subs filled with cold cuts & toppings.
McDonald's
South Pasadena, California
Classic, long-running fast-food chain known for its burgers & fries.
Panda Express
South Pasadena, California
Fast-food chain for Chinese standards, including some health-conscious options.
Hawaiian BBQ
South Pasadena, California
Laid-back, counter-serve Hawaiian eatery serving traditional dishes from plate lunches to musubi.
The Barkley Restaurant & Bar
South Pasadena, California
Vintage neighborhood bar/eatery with dark decor & an American menu, plus live jazz & swing bands.
La Mein Natural Noodles
South Pasadena, California
Compact counter-serve option for straightforward Chinese fare like chow fun & Kung Pao beef.
Shiro
South Pasadena, California
Creative French-Japanese fare, especially sizzling catfish, draws locals to this simple stalwart.