Best Italian Restaurants in South Pasadena

38 restaurants available nearby

1. Mi Piace

4.5

Price: Expensive

• Italian • Pasadena

Booked 23 times today

Mi Piace, nestled in the vibrant heart of Pasadena, is a gem for those seeking authentic Californian cuisine with a dash of Italian flair. Celebrating over 30 years of culinary excellence, this restaurant is renowned for its "crave-worthy" food and exceptional service. Diners consistently rave about the "outstanding" meals and the warm, attentive staff, making every visit memorable. Whether it's the fork-tender short ribs or the perfectly baked thin-crust pizza, each dish is a testament to the quality and creativity infused in their offerings. As one reviewer put it, the food is "always served like a work of art," ensuring that Mi Piace remains a beloved destination for both locals and visitors alike.

2. Gale's

4.6

Exceptional(3348)

Price: Moderate

• Italian • Pasadena

Booked 11 times today

Gale's Restaurant in Pasadena stands out as a beacon of Pizzeria excellence, delivering a delightful slice of Northern Italy to its guests. Nestled away from the bustling tourist spots, Gale's offers a cozy ambiance perfect for enjoying their culinary delights. Patrons rave about the authentic and scrumptious offerings, with one review highlighting the "Mushroom & Garlic Pizza" as a testament to their quality. The restaurant's commitment to authenticity and flavor shines through its menu, making every pizza a masterpiece of taste. With consistently great service and a charming local atmosphere, Gale's is a must-visit for anyone seeking an authentic Pizzeria experience in Pasadena.

3. Celestino

4.6

Exceptional(3577)

Price: Expensive

• Italian • Pasadena

Booked 21 times today

Celestino Ristorante in Pasadena is celebrated for its exceptional American cuisine, offering a delightful array of classic dishes with a unique twist. Diners consistently rave about the quality and authenticity, with one patron noting, "the food and service are always impeccable." The restaurant is renowned for its fresh seafood and organic meats, ensuring each dish is crafted with the finest ingredients. The ambiance and attentive service complement the dining experience, making every visit memorable. Awards and glowing reviews underline Celestino's commitment to excellence, making it a must-visit for anyone seeking the best of American dining in Pasadena.

4. Malbec - Pasadena

4.7

Exceptional(1883)

Price: Moderate

• Italian • Pasadena

Booked 26 times today

Malbec in Pasadena is a gem for those seeking exceptional Italian cuisine. This restaurant consistently delights diners with its "phenomenal food" and "fantastic service," making it a must-visit destination. The authenticity of their Italian dishes shines through, with reviews praising the "perfectly cooked" steaks and the "delicious" seafood stew, highlighting the quality and depth of their menu. One guest raved, "Everything we ate was delicious," emphasizing the consistent excellence Malbec delivers. The atmosphere is described as "great," perfect for enjoying a meal that is both "beautifully served by expert servers" and "reasonably priced." Whether it's for a special celebration or a casual dinner, Malbec in Pasadena stands out as a premier choice for authentic Italian fare in a welcoming setting.

A photo of Buca di Beppo - Pasadena restaurant

5. Buca di Beppo - Pasadena

4.3

Awesome(936)

Price: Moderate

• Italian • Pasadena

Booked 72 times today

Nestled in the heart of Pasadena near Central Park, Buca di Beppo is a beacon of authentic Italian cuisine celebrated for its family-style meals and vibrant atmosphere. Diners consistently rave about the "delicious and plentiful" food, highlighting favorites like the creamy Chicken Carbonara and the crispy Fried Calamari. The restaurant’s commitment to authenticity and quality is evident, with guests describing their experiences as "exceptional" and the dishes as "the best eggplant parm I've had." Buca di Beppo’s warm, family-oriented service adds to its charm, making every visit memorable. It's the perfect spot for any occasion, from romantic dinners to large family gatherings, where the spirit of Italian dining is alive and thriving.

A photo of The Kitchen Italian Cafe and Pizzeria restaurant

6. The Kitchen Italian Cafe and Pizzeria

4.6

Exceptional(125)

Price: Moderate

• Italian • Pasadena

Dive into the heart of Pasadena at The Kitchen Italian Cafe and Pizzeria, where the art of pizza is celebrated with authentic flair and culinary precision. Patrons rave about the diverse pizza styles available, from New York to Sicilian and Chicago-style deep-dish, each crafted to perfection. One happy customer exclaimed, "WOW!!!! This hidden gem in Pasadena is a MUST!" emphasizing the standout quality of their 14" NY pie. With over 25 years of dedication, this restaurant not only promises delightful pizzas but also an array of Italian delicacies, all prepared in-house. Whether it's for a casual brunch or a cozy dinner date, The Kitchen Italian Cafe and Pizzeria ensures a remarkable dining experience with "great food, friendly staff, and a great environment," making it a beloved spot in the community.

7. Malbec Market

4.8

Exceptional(147)

Price: Moderate

• Italian • Eagle Rock

Booked 6 times today

Malbec Market in Eagle Rock, Los Angeles, offers a delightful fusion of Argentine and Italian cuisines, creating an authentic Italian dining experience with a unique twist. Patrons rave about the Italian dishes, particularly the "Bolognese Meat Sauce," which keeps diners returning for more. The atmosphere is described as "simple but chic," perfect for any dining occasion. Reviewers consistently mention the excellent service and the quality of the Italian offerings, such as the "Noquis al Pesto," which, although noted as just okay by one, still underscores the restaurant's commitment to authentic Italian flavors. The combination of great food, wonderful service, and a cozy setting makes Malbec Market a must-visit for Italian cuisine enthusiasts in Los Angeles.

A photo of Oh La La Cafe, Bakery & Restaurant restaurant

8. Oh La La Cafe, Bakery & Restaurant

new

(0)

Price: Expensive

• Italian • Pasadena

OH LA LA blends the charm of Southern France with a warm, inviting atmosphere. Already a local favorite for our fresh, French-inspired breakfast, pastries, and lunch offerings, we’re excited to introduce our dinner service soon.Enjoy beautifully crafted dishes, beer, and wine in a setting that transports you to the Côte d’Azur. Reserve your table today and be among the first to experience our full dining transformation.

A photo of Barrio Italian Bistro restaurant

9. Barrio Italian Bistro

4.7

Exceptional(19)

Price: Moderate

• Italian • East Los Angeles

Barrio Italian Bistro is a family owned and operated restaurant focusing on Roman and Calabrian dishes. Every dish is made to order utilizing fresh seasonal ingredients. Our Chef de Cuiaine, Chef Los, is in constant contact with every ingredient that enters our doors. This is done to ensure that every dish is as close to utter deliciousness as it can get!

10. Bestia

4.7

Exceptional(8283)

Price: Expensive

• Italian • Downtown

Booked 67 times today

A multi-regional Italian restaurant in the Arts District of downtown Los Angeles.

‘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

V
Victoria
Los Angeles •8 reviews
5.0
Dined today
Large space, very crowded and bustling, but quite loud. Servers were excellent, and knowledgeable. We shared the cold beef carpaccio, and i had salmon, and husband had sole. Dessert was chocolate mousse cake, it was decadent and rich. Very reasonably priced. We had a lovely Christmas dinner.
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Malbec - PasadenaPrice: Moderate• Argentinean• Pasadena
•
4.7
S
Silvia
Las Vegas •6 reviews
5.0
Dined 1 day ago
Food delicious as usual, ambience perfect for Christmas Eve, felt like NY vibes busy lively full house with families!! Perfect way to spend Christmas Eve with the family and the service is great 👍 🎄🤩👌🥂
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Mi PiacePrice: Expensive• Italian• Pasadena
•
4.5
W
William
Las Vegas •21 reviews
5.0
Dined 1 day ago
Christmas Eve--pretty busy of course but everyone in good sprits and relaxed. Sat inside in te back room which was comfortable. Service attentive and friendly, drinks prepared well and the food was terrific. Love coming to Gale's!
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Gale'sPrice: Moderate• Italian• Pasadena
•
4.6
J
Jon
Los Angeles •3 reviews
4.0
Dined 1 day ago
Went to Bucca in Pasadena for Christmas Eve dinner. Great experience, especially for a group. We were seated quickly, our wait staff were quick and attentive and great value for the amount of food in Bucca's portion sizes. Will be a go-to for big holiday dinners.
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Buca di Beppo - PasadenaPrice: Moderate• Italian• Pasadena
•
4.3
C
ChristianVIP
Los Angeles •6 reviews
5.0
Dined 2 days ago
It’s an authentic Italian restaurant. The owner and staff has always been welcoming and friendly. The pastas are freshly made along with the specials. The fish are smoked and prepared with traditional techniques of hickory wood. Great selection of Italian wines make it complete. It’s a great family run ristorante!
More info
CelestinoPrice: Expensive• Italian• Pasadena
•
4.6

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Best Italian Restaurants in South Pasadena

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38 restaurants available nearby

1. Mi Piace

2. Gale's

3. Celestino

4. Malbec - Pasadena

5. Buca di Beppo - Pasadena

6. The Kitchen Italian Cafe and Pizzeria

7. Malbec Market

8. Oh La La Cafe, Bakery & Restaurant

9. Barrio Italian Bistro

10. Bestia

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