28 Delicious Places to Eat in Pasadena, California – From a Local

Looking for delicious places to eat in Pasadena, California?

As foodies, my husband and I were happy to make Pasadena our home over 8 years ago. One of the many reasons we fell in love with this city is the incredible variety of dining options available.

Whether you’re in the mood to have coffee at a cozy cafe, try a different cuisine, eat at an upscale, restaurant, hit up a food truck, or hole-in-the-wall spots… Pasadena has it all – and more!

For us, dining out is more than just a meal – it’s an adventure. We relish the opportunity to sample new flavors, experience different cuisines, and connect with the local community. And in Pasadena, there’s no shortage of opportunities to do just that.

New places to eat in Pasadena are opening all the time! We try our best to try them all. Which sometimes is quite a fun feat.

Of course, we have our own preferences when it comes to food. We both love carbs, eat meat, and rarely say no to dessert, but hubby is not a fan of fish (while I love it!). Despite our differences, we’re both open to trying new things and expanding our palates.

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In this guide, we share some delicious places to eat in Pasadena. You can find a mix of hole-in-the-wall spots, quick takeout spots, food trucks, casual sit-down dining, and some upscale restaurants that have won us over the years.

The following restaurants are some of our top picks for dining in Pasadena. We’ve listed them in no particular order, and we’re not endorsing them because of their popularity or any fancy accolades they may have received. We love to eat at these places and think you’ll enjoy, too. No need for Tripadvisor or Yelp.

As locals, we genuinely love to eat at these Pasadena establishments and share them with others.

Other related reads to check out before you leave:

The Pa’l Pana Arepa, empanadas and Spanish- style churros at Amara’s.

Amara Café is our beloved spot in Old Pasadena. They serve delicious Venezuelan dishes, mouthwatering empanadas, authentic Spanish-style churros, and exceptional coffee and hot chocolate. We recommend getting here early or hitting that sweet spot between breakfast and lunch since the café mainly caters to the breakfast and brunch crowd. It’s our go-to for a quick when looking for a hearty breakfast or lunch without a huge fuss.

If you’re in the mood for a fabulous latte or a satisfying snack like churros or an empanada before strolling around Old Pasadena, this place has you covered

Our personal favorites? The Pa’l Pana arepa and the churros.

2. The Arbour

  • 527 S Lake Ave #120, Pasadena
  • Google Map It
  • Reservations recommended | Great for date night

Cherry old fashion and bucatini alla vodka at the Arbour.


On Lake Ave, The Arbour is our top pick for chic, farm-to-table dining. Its straightforward menu streamlines decision-making. This Pasadena gem ticks all the boxes for date night; its intimate setting sets the perfect stage for an unforgettable evening. The food hits the mark. We were impressed by the bucatini alla vodka, a dish we’re usually quite particular about. And those crafted cocktails? That is absolutely on point, especially the cherry old-fashioned. Not to mention, their full bar is a thing of beauty.

Foodie Favorites: Try the bucatini alla vodka and finish with the apple strudel.

3. Oseyo Shabu Shabu

  • 2879 E Colorado Blvd, Pasadena
  • Google Map It
  • Casual and easy walk-in

Garlic edamame will start, followed by the Prime Choice Ribeye and Miso Shabu Shabu.


This local Japanese hot pot spot is a winter favorite, especially when the weather turns cold and dreary. Their savory broth quickly banishes the cold. We are here a lot.

Shabu-shabu or hot pot involves a bubbling pot of broth served with vegetables, noodles, and thinly sliced meats or fish. At Oseyo, their miso broth reigns supreme, and you can choose your preferred level of spiciness. Their menu features various cuts of meat and seafood options, accompanied by rice, vegetables, and dipping sauces.

Watch for their special dinner for two, complete with drinks and dessert.

Foodie Favorites: Garlic edamame to start, and the ‘choice ribeye’ or ‘vintage prime ribeye’ for a melt-in-your-mouth experience.

4. Dots Cafe

Coconut chocolate cupcake and iced coffee at Dot’s Cafe.

Dots Cafe is a neighborhood favorite, instantly lifting your mood with its cheerful ambiance and delightful menu offerings. From a diverse coffee selection to irresistible baked goods and scrumptious meals, it’s a go-to spot for indulgence and convenience. Their cupcakes, in particular, are a weakness we can’t resist.

For those evenings when cooking feels like a chore, Dots has you covered with their weekly new and weekend menus for family meals. Simply pre-order and pick up for a hassle-free dining experience.

Plus, if you’re specifically craving cupcakes, they have a second location, Dot’s Cupcakes, in Old Town Pasadena.

Foodie Favorite: Without a doubt, their cupcakes steal the show every time, but we also love their breakfast sandwich.

5. Russell’s

  • 30 N Fair Oaks Ave, Pasadena
  • Google Map It
  • Great breakfast and brunch

Russell’s scramble and Belgium waffle.

Russell’s is Old Pasadena’s quintessential breakfast and brunch spot. It is reminiscent of a beloved diner where every dish is delicious, the staff greets you with a smile, and the service is great. Despite being casual, the interior surprises with elegant chandeliers and paintings of famous artwork. It’s usually pretty busy, especially on the weekends, and the wait can take some time, but it’s worth it.

Foodie Favorites: You won’t go wrong with ordering their omelets, the Croque Madame, Belgium waffles, and pancakes. I love that you can swap toast out for a pancake or waffle for a small charge.

6. Pie ‘n Burger

  • 913 E California Blvd, Pasadena
  • Google Map It
  • Super casual | Mostly counter seating | Cash Only

Thin pancakes, the Big Ben (double cheeseburger), and a boysenberry pie slice at Pie ‘n Burger.

Looking for the best hamburger in Pasadena, CA? While In-N-Out is a must-try for fast food lovers if you’re after a classic, delicious burger, Pie ‘n Burger is the spot to visit. This neighborhood favorite that’s been around since 1963 offers old-school luncheonette charm and mouthwatering burgers straight from the grill, complete with a classic menu board on the wall.

But that’s not all—Pie ‘n Burger has the most fabulous pies, shakes, and cakes in town. It’s a regular haunt for us, whether we’re craving burgers or picking up some pie slices to enjoy at home. Come Thanksgiving, we always pre-order their legendary apple pie, and during the holidays, expect lines around the corner for pick-ups. A slice of their pie is a must-try, even if you’re not in the mood for a burger.

Foodie Favorites: Our go-to order includes a cheeseburger with whole grilled onion, well-done fries with a side of ranch, and for dessert, the boysenberry pie with homemade whipped cream steals the show. And don’t forget their thin pancakes for breakfast.

7. Roma Italian Market

As told by this LA Times article, it all started when he was asked to make a sandwich that wasn’t on the menu. After begrudgingly making this sandwich for the customer the next day, he had new customers asking for this sandwich.

Roma Italian Market, a Pasadena staple for over 70 years, serves one of the city’s finest Italian sandwiches—a testament to its enduring legacy. According to an LA Times article, the sandwich’s journey began when the owner reluctantly fulfilled a custom order, only to find it became a daily demand. The market now sells over 600 sandwiches daily.

For us, Roma Italian Market is a quick and satisfying go-to, always centered around their famous sandwich. Its flavors transport us to the bustling streets of Italy, reminiscent of quick bites grabbed on the go. The bread, reminiscent of NYC Italian loaves, boasts a crispy, flaky crust and a soft, chewy interior—a perfect match for the tender, thinly sliced Italian cold cuts.

Expect a line at the deli, but it moves swiftly, and the payoff is worth it.

Foodie Favorites: The sandwich. They are pre-made and ready to go at the counter. Made fresh throughout the day.

Roma Italian Market | 918 N Lake Ave, Pasadena | Google Map It

8. Entre Nous

Escargot, Entrecôte Au Poivre, and Moules Marinières at Entre Nous.

After just one dinner, Entre Nous quickly became one of my favorite spots in Pasadena, and it remains a top choice for us. Tucked away on West Green Street, this French bistro might go unnoticed if you stick to the main thoroughfares. From the moment we stepped inside, we were charmed by the French host, the delightful atmosphere, and the vintage French movie posters adorning the walls.

The French cuisine here is amazing, from the brie en croûte to the escargot, mussels, ribeye steak, and desserts. Each dish feels like a taste of France, even if just for a fleeting moment.

Foodie Favorites: It’s tough to pick just one! For a daring appetizer, try the escargot. If you’re a fan of indulgent cheese, the brie en croûte is a must-try. The mussels are excellent, and meat-lovers won’t be disappointed with the ribeye steak or filet mignon paired with pomme frites.

9. Tomato Pie Pizza Joint

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Tomato Pie Pizza Joint in South Pasadena has the best NY-style pizza around. We say this as New Yorkers living in LA.

They prepare hand-tossed thin-crust pizza cooked directly in their brick oven—no screen! This makes the thin crust slightly crisp, and you taste char from the oven. And we always order it well done.

Everything about their pizza, from their sauce, cheese, and crust, makes it a superb pie. You won’t be disappointed.

Plenty of this seating inside and outside this restaurant. And their outside restaurant has a great colorful mural.

Foodie Favorite: Large authentic New York-style pizza, well done, and garlic knots.

Tomato Pie Pizza Joint | 1130 Mission St, South Pasadena | Google Map It

Don’t Miss: Best Pizza in Pasadena, California

10. Magnolia House

Magnolia House is an open-air and cozy craftsman turned into a cocktail bar on Lake Ave. Not only does this establishment have fabulous drinks, but its menu of small plates is more than that.

For the longest time, we thought it was simply a bar. I enjoyed a well-prepared Old Fashioned cocktail, but I needed food.

One day, I saw them advertise their Tuesday special, Old Fashioned, and a burger for $20, and out of curiosity decided to check their menu. They serve weekend brunch and weekly dinners.

We now frequently eat at Magnolia House, which has quickly become one of our favorites. Even though hubby doesn’t drink, he loves the food here and doesn’t mind the trendy, relaxed cocktail hour vibes it has. We love it.

Foodie Favorites: The fried chicken sandwich and the burgers are seriously good.

Magnolia House | 492 S Lake Ave, Pasadena | Google Map It

11. New York Chicken & Gyro

New York Chicken & Gyro is one of Pasadena’s newest additions on Green Street, serving up some delicious gyros that left us pleasantly surprised and wanting more.

Being originally from the East Coast, we were initially wary it would taste nothing close to gyros in New York, but they hit it out of the park. The meats are tender and flavorful. They aren’t shy about the quantity of meat, so you get what you pay for.

You can expect them to sauce it up with their tzatziki, which is made from sour cream and not Greek yogurt. A twist we weren’t sure about, but you don’t know until you taste it. It works! We asked for extra tzatziki even though there was enough on the gyros.

You also can’t forget their in-house hot sauce that adds another flavor.

Foodie Favorites: The combination of chicken and lamb gyro was our favorite. At every bite, you had the tenderness and delicious fattiness from the lamb mixed with the chicken, which was so well seasoned and full of flavor that I would eat it on its own.

Get a side of falafels. They are tasty and have a nice crispiness on the outside.

This is one of those delicious places to eat in Pasadena that we will visit frequently.

NY Chicken & Gyro | 961 E Green St, Pasadena | Google Map It

12. Ramen Tatsunoya

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Koku with extra chashu

Ramen Tatsunoya is the best ramen in Old Pasadena. Once you have their rich and delicious broth, you’ll understand why there is almost always a line, even on a hot summer day.

It’s a bowl of comfort. The broth is luscious; the moment it hits your stomach, it gives you all the feelings. The chashu is so tender that it melts in your mouth.

We love the simplicity of the menu. You have three broth choices, a choice of toppings, and additional side dishes. If you love spicy, kick it up a notch with some of their chili sauce.

An added touch: We appreciated the basket they gave me to hold my purse.

Food Favorites: The Koku (rich broth). We’ll add extra chashu and a whole egg. Get the dumplings; they are an explosion of flavor.

Ramen Tatsunoya | 16 N Fair Oaks Ave, Pasadena | Google Map It

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13. Union Restaurant

Union is quite possibly one of the best Italian restaurants in Pasadena. Their pasta is made from scratch, and just one bite transports me back to Italy. Italy is one of my favorite countries, especially Northern Italy. I crave the food from there all the time.

They have a fabulous seasonal menu of homemade pasta, appetizers, and main dishes to feed your soul.

Their menu changes as they use high-quality and local ingredients in season. It is as close to authentic Italian cuisine as your tastebuds will experience in Pasadena.

We mostly come here for special occasions. It is a little pricey once you add up all the courses and the wine. However, we always leave impressed with our bellies full, reminiscing about our many dinners in Florence, Italy. I always look forward to the next time we can dine here.

FYI: The menu on their website may not be fully updated.

Foodie Favorites: The menu changes every season. You can never go wrong with any of their pasta dishes. Try the Torchetti pasta; we ordered seconds of the Torchetti. For dessert, the Olive Oil Cake tastes like home.

Reservations recommended.

Union | 37 Union St, Pasadena | Google Map It

14. Janejira Thai Restaurant

Janeijira Thai Restaurant on Colorado Blvd has become one of our favorite Thai restaurants in Pasadena.

The menu here is not as big as other Thai restaurants we’ve been to in the area, but that is only a plus in our book. It means they primarily focus on serving you the best dishes you are familiar with, Pad Thai, curries, and stir-fries.

The food here is delicious, the portions are shareable, and the prices remain fair. The staff is friendly, and the service is always excellent.

The restaurant itself is clean, casual, and modern. We love their flowered wall.

Foodie Favorites: The garlic short ribs, pad Thai, and Eggplant stir fry.

Janejira Thai | 754 E Colorado Blvd, Pasadena | Google Map It

15. Gus’s BBQ

Located in South Pasadena, Gus’s BBQ has been our favorite for years. We frequent Gus’s and like to take our friends and family here for dinner.

Gus’s has the best fried chicken in Pasadena. Their BBQ pork nachos come in second as one of the best next-best things you can order there. The deviled eggs and cornbread appetizers are fantastic. So is their house salad, as we love the toasty, buttery cornbread croutons it comes with. Their brisket is tender and delicious. If you order ribs, order the St. Louis spare ribs.

Oh, feeling like brunch? This is another breakfast and brunch spot. Order the cinnamon bun skillet for the table. The fried chicken and waffles are only available on the weekends.

My favorite is their eggs benedict, but instead of the English muffin, I’ll swap it out for their homemade biscuit.

Don’t miss their cocktails. The sangria goes down smoothly. A little too smooth, if you know what I mean.

Do you love malt shakes? They serve them here, and are made with local favorite Fosselman’s ice cream.

Foodie Favorites: Too many to choose from. If it’s your first time, order the cornbread skillet, fried chicken, or BBQ Pork nachos.

Gus’s BBQ | 808 Fair Oaks Ave, South Pasadena | Google Map It

16. Twoheys Restaurant

Ever wonder where you can have the best sundae? Now you don’t have to anymore. Twoheys has the best sundae around. They use a soda fountain to make these special sundaes and desserts.

I say this legitimately as I never was one to be excited about ordering ice cream at a restaurant until I tried a Twohey’s sundae.

Twohey’s is a diner that has existed since 1943. It was originally located in the neighboring city of Alhambra but moved to a new location in South Pasadena this past year.

Oh boy, we are happy. We used to go to Alhambra, and now they are much closer. It’s sort of dangerous.

The new location has a fresh new look and patio area. It’s modern, light, and airy. We love what they did with the new spot. Besides the spankin’ new decor, the best part is that the food is the same. Everything is still as delicious as I remember it.

They serve breakfast, lunch, and dinner. You can’t go wrong at any time of day.

If you like pancakes, order the Old Fashion Pancakes instead of the buttermilk pancakes. You will not regret it.

Foodie Favorites: If you’re there for breakfast, the old fashion pancakes are so good. For dessert, their famous sundae. They have a full bar, and their Old Fashioned cocktail is spot-on. Check out Fried Chicken Mondays and all-you-can-eat ribs on Friday.

Twoheys Restaurant | 424 Fair Oaks Ave, South Pasadena | Google Map It

17. Foothill Restaurant

Foothill restaurant is located on Foothill Blvd, and it is a fantastic spot to enjoy beautifully crafted cocktails, a beautiful charcuterie board, happy hour, or dinner. Also, their weekend boozy brunch is not to be missed.

The restaurant has inside seating and patio seating.

They have converted their parking lot into a beautiful patio. A patio that does not make you feel like you’re sitting in a parking lot. Beautiful lighting, fake grass, heated lamps for the wintertime, and the San Gabriel mountains in the background add to the charm.

On the weekends, they have a fantastic Boozy Brunch. Their buttermilk pancakes are delicious. If you want a little spice, try their spicy chilaquiles with poached eggs and hollandaise sauce.

Since it is a sister restaurant of Twohey’s, you can also get their famous sundae for dessert here.

Foodie Favorites: Portabello fries, the charcuterie board, and the prime rib dip sandwich. Don’t forget to get one of their fabulous cocktails.

Foothill Restaurant | 2835 E Foothill Blvd, Pasadena | Google Map It

18. La Grande Orange Cafe

Sitting right at the Gold Line, what once was Del Mar Station is now La Grande Orange Cafe and Luggage Room Pizzeria. The inside of the restaurant is beautifully designed with art deco charm and comfortable booths. If you like, you can also sit outside on their charming patio.

So many great memories at La Grande Orange Cafe. It’s one of our favorite spots to bring family and friends to. Breakfast, brunch, or dinner, everyone will enjoy it. Highly recommend ordering a pitcher of white sangria for the table, no matter the time of day.

Their food is all made from scratch, including their famous English muffins. The staff is so nice. The manager once overhead my pregnant (at the time) sister-in-law “oohed and ahh’ed” over the English muffins on the way out, and he gave her a pack for free.

Foodie Favorites: Everything on the menu is delicious! A few tips: don’t miss the deviled eggs and their taco plates. Their soft tacos are made in-house, and they are divine. If you decide on a burger, ask the waiter to swap the traditional bun for an English muffin.

La Grand Orange Cafe | 260 S Raymond Ave, Pasadena | Google Map It

19. Agnes Restaurant and Cheesery

On Green Street, you’ll also find Agnes Restaurant and Cheesery, one of Old Pasadena’s newest restaurant locations and cheeseries. You must add it to your list of delicious places to eat in Pasadena.

When you’re at a cheesery, you start with a cheeseboard. They are great to share and to enjoy with one of their many wines and cocktails. With every charcuterie, you’ll get a small list of cheeses served so you know what it is, which is a nice touch if you’d like to buy something from their cheesery.

If you’re a pasta lover, Agnes plates of pasta are homemade in-house in a pasta room in the back, which turns into a dining area at night.

The homemade radiator pasta with red sauce is almost always available on their menu, and it doesn’t disappoint. It was the first pasta plate we dined on during our first visit.

Most recently, we had spaghetti and clams with fava beans, which was outstanding. We also had gnocchi, their potato dumpling dish, a twist on a loaded baked potato – so rich but comforting.

Every bite here is delectable, and your stomach will sing your praises. Ours sure did.

Tip: Make dinner reservations to sit on their cozy and romantic patio. However, the restaurant is beautiful inside and out.

Foodie Favorites: Try their infamous s’more cocoa taco for dessert.

Agnes | 40 W Green St, Pasadena | Google Map It

20. La Caravana

Do you love Salvadorian food? La Caravana on North Lake Avenue is a family-owned restaurant serving Pasadena’s best pupusas and Salvadorian cuisine.

Anytime I eat here, it’s like a treat for my Hispanic heart and tummy.

Their pupusas are always made to utter perfection, savory, and with the right amount of stuffing. Get them with pork, cheese, jalapeno cheese, and other stuffings. They are handmade to order. The curtido (slaw) served with them has a nice hint of spice.

Foodie Favorites: The Plato Tipico Loco is my favorite dish on the menu because it has a little of everything. It’s also a great introduction to the delicious food they serve. You can always order additional pupusas if you don’t think one is enough.

La Caravana | 1306 N Lake Ave, Pasadena | Google Map It

21. Rodney’s Ribs

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Add food trucks to places to eat in Pasadena, specifically Rodney’s Ribs, for some of Pasadena’s best BBQ pork ribs. Add one of their delicious sides, like the potato salad and baked beans, and you have a delicious picnic waiting to happen.

The ribs here are tender and juicy; you can taste the smokiness. The added BBQ sauce kicks it up a notch.

Try one of their sides. I’m picky about potato salad, but it was so good that I ate it all.

Rodney’s Ribs is open from 11 am to 8 pm on Wednesday to Sunday.

Food Favorites: The Ribs!

Rodney’s Ribs | 902 N Lake Ave, Pasadena (CVS Parking Lot) | Google Map It

22. Dan Modern Chinese

Ever have a craving for soup dumplings? We found Dan Modern Chinese during a serious craving. Din Tai Fung was just a little too far for delivery. Dan Modern Chinese came up in our Door Dash with excellent ratings, and we just had to try it.

How are their soup dumplings? It’s an explosion of savory comfort in your mouth. Since then, we’ve been to Dan Modern Chinese in The Commons on Lake Ave to enjoy their dumplings and other savory dishes like the short rib dan mein noodles.

Foodie Favorites: Start with some scallion pancakes. Xiao long bao’s (soup dumplings) are a must. The short rib dan mein (noodles).

Dan Modern Chinese | 146 S Lake Ave #105, Pasadena | Google Map It

23. El Jarocho Tacos

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Craving tacos?

El Jarocho Tacos is a family-run taco stand set up every night on Historic Route 66, Colorado Blvd, across from the Guitar Center. The taco stand is manned by a husband and wife team. They are preparing delicious tacos, quesadillas, tortas, and Aguas Frescas.

We can’t get enough of their street tacos and other specialties like the vampiros and chorizados. They are prepared upon ordering. Sometimes there is a line, but it is worth the wait.

You’ll eat fantastic authentic Mexican food from locals without paying through the nose.

This is a taco stand. No seating is available, but you can eat in your car or take it home.

Foodie Favorites: Carne asada tacos and the vampiros with everything on it.

El Jarocho | 2435 E Colorado Blvd, Pasadena | Google Map It

24. Malbec

If you’re looking for a delicious Argentinian restaurant in Pasadena, that is Malbec.

This restaurant serves Argentinian classics like grilled steaks, chimichurri, empanadas, argentenian provolone and chorizos. All wonderfully prepared that your tastebuds will thank you for it.

We first went to Malbec for Christmas one year and loved the vibe of the staff and patrons celebrating the holiday. We’ve been back several times for the empanadas and skirt steak.

Malbec also has a great selection of South American wines to choose from.

Food Favorites: Empanadas and provoleta. Skirt steak with chimichurri. For dessert, Argentinean custard bread pudding.

Malbec | 1001 E Green St, Pasadena | Google Map It | Menu

25. Los Anayas

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mango margarita

Anaya’s is a Mexican restaurant in the Playhouse District that serves beautiful indoor and outdoor dining. The interior has beautiful murals that will quickly catch your eye.

Their margaritas are some of the best in town!

If you plan on going on a weekend night, definitely make reservations.

Foodie Favorites: Love the mango margarita.

Anaya’s Restaurant | 630 E Colorado Blvd, Pasadena | Google Map It

26. Howlin’ Rays

sand fried chicken sandwich and fries from howlin rays in pasadenaPin
The Sando chicken and fries from Howlin’ Rays in Pasadena.

When we first heard of Howlin’ Rays coming to Pasadena, we wondered if they’d live up to the hype. Would their Nashville Hot fried chicken sandwiches be as good as everyone says they are?

YES. 

Howlin’ Rays is also Somebody Feed Phil’s, Phil Rosenthal’s, favorite fried chicken sandwich. 

In Phil, we trust. Why did we question it in the first place?

The Sando at Howlin’ Rays in Pasadena lived up to all the great things we’ve heard. It’s crispy, but juicy. Tender. It’s packed full of flavor, and you choose your spice level. 

I went with the mild, but you can get it without heat. And guess what? The chicken is still outstanding, even if it’s not spicy. Hubby was in his full glory eating one of his favorite foods, and he could have it without it being spicy.

But let’s talk about the shake fries… they are off the hook! The seasoning on them alone is addicting, but what’s even more addicting is dipping them into their special sauce. You must get some comeback sauce, for sure!

If you’re not in the mood for a sandwich, you can get a whole bird at Howlin’ Rays. Don’t forget the sides. We hear the macaroni salad is delicious.

Fun Fact: When renovating Howlin’ Rays Arroyo Parkway, they found the most remarkable vintage dairy sign under the awning. Due to its historical significance to Pasadena, the sign was kept, but you can see the HR of the sign lit up.

Howlin’ Rays | 800 S Arroyo Pkwy, Pasadena | Google Map It

27. Top Restaurant

The top restaurant (not to be confused with Tops Burgers) is located on Colorado Blvd in an unassuming shopping strip. We found this spot out of curiosity and wondered why it was always so packed. They serve some of Pasadena’s best Hawaiian and Indonesian food.

You’ll find Hawaiian BBQ short ribs, spam musubi, oxtail soup, authentic loco moco, chicken katsu, Indonesian fried rice, and much more. Honestly, it’s all amazing. Most meat plates are served with white rice and their yummy mac salad.

As of today, it is still take-out only. It is probably the best way to try Top’s as it’s small and a no-frills place.

You won’t regret ordering from here. The portions are generous and delicious.

Food Favorites: The short ribs and chicken katsu are our favorites.

Top Restaurant | 1842 E Colorado Blvd, Pasadena | Google Map It

28. Marston’s

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fantastic french toast from Marston’s Pasadena is fantastic

When we crave French toast, we think of Marston’s and their Fantastic French Toast – the name on the menu. What makes it fantastic is that it’s dipped in a vanilla batter and then rolled in cornflakes. It is delicious.

Foodie Favorites: Order Fantastic French Toast and share it with your significant other or the table. You can’t go wrong with any of their egg dishes.

Marston’s | 151 E Walnut St, Pasadena | Google Map It

Other places to eat in Pasadena that should be on your radar:

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Kathy Ava

Meet Kathy Ava, a food, travel, and cruise writer based in Los Angeles/Pasadena, and the owner and main writer of Tasty Itinerary. With over 20 years of experience planning trips and logistics at her full-time job and for herself, she's become a pro at crafting unforgettable tasty itineraries. She's always on the hunt for delicious, fun travel destinations and cruise itineraries. She firmly believes that life is short and we must make the most of it, so always say yes to dessert.

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2 Comments

  1. I had a very light lunch, so reading this just reminded me of that and has my mouth watering :’) I hope to visit Pasadena thoroughly one day, so I’m def gonna have to refer to this when I do!