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Diners' Choice: Best Ambience restaurants in Pasadena

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OpenTable
Updated 05 December 2024

Looking for restaurants with the best ambience in Pasadena? You’re in the right place. Each month, OpenTable analyses nearly 2 million global diner reviews from the past four months. We sort the results by location and category to help you discover new favourite restaurants. It's a great partnership: you book, eat, and review. We listen...and deliver the results for all to benefit. Enjoy!


A photo of Dunsmoor restaurant
Dunsmoor
4.8
4.8 (953)
$50 and over
American
Eagle Rock
About the restaurant
Brian Dunsmoor’s namesake restaurant, Dunsmoor, is the latest iteration of his ongoing exploration of American heritage cooking. It is, first and foremost, a restaurant for the community that surrounds it, and a loving expression of the relentless research that has informed his cooking for the last ten years.

We offer the full menu at tables in our dining room and at the chef's counter, as well as at our outdoor tables. Reservations are recommended but we make every effort to accommodate walk-ins when possible.

Dunsmoor's wine bar, accessible either through the restaurant or via its own door on Ave 35, does not accept reservations and serves a limited menu of our raw and larder items.
Top review
Alex
Dined 1 day ago
Great first experience. Would highly recommend the “chef’s counter” seating for date night. Will definitely be back soon.
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A photo of Beef Ribeye of a restaurant
Popular dish
Beef Ribeye
A photo of Grilled Swordfish of a restaurant
Popular dish
Grilled Swordfish
A photo of Baby Albacore of a restaurant
Popular dish
Baby Albacore
A photo of Parkway Grill restaurant
Parkway Grill
4.9
4.9 (2467)
$50 and over
Californian
Pasadena
About the restaurant
The Smith Brothers trend-setter in regional American cuisine, Parkway Grill continues to define dining in the city and beyond. Parkway Grill specializes in a seasonal, market-driven approach to cooking that incorporates diverse influences and classic French technique. Throughout its over 30 years, Parkway’s innovative chefs have showcased an intriguing array of dishes using locally sourced ingredients.

Demonstrating the ultimate commitment to fresh produce, Parkway Grill planted its own organic vegetable and herb garden behind the restaurant, which continues to thrive for over 25 years on a piece of prime real estate in the heart of Pasadena.
Top review
Carineh
Dined 2 days ago
Noisy restaurant Otherwise everything else was good
A photo of The Arbour - Pasadena restaurant
The Arbour - Pasadena
4.7
4.7 (2074)
$31 to $50
Californian
Pasadena
About the restaurant
The Arbour brings rustic elegant dining to the historic Pasadena neighborhood of south Lake Avenue. Paying homage to the extraordinary agricultural bounty of California, The Arbour’s menu showcases relationships with sustainable local farms and purveyors.

Top review
TamaraVIP
Dined 4 days ago
Great food, great service, beautiful ambiance! We love this place! A neighborhood gem!
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A photo of Salmon Salad of a restaurant
Popular dish
Salmon Salad
A photo of Shrimp Penne of a restaurant
Popular dish
Shrimp Penne
A photo of Roasted Mushroom Soup of a restaurant
Popular dish
Roasted Mushroom Soup
A photo of The Huntington's Rose Garden Tea Room restaurant
The Huntington's Rose Garden Tea Room
4.7
4.7 (1328)
$50 and over
Afternoon Tea
South Pasadena
About the restaurant
Rose Garden Tea Room is set within the historic Rose Garden, the Tea Room offers an elegant and memorable experience inspired by the tradition of English tea service with a distinctive California twist.

Any party with more than 6 guests MUST call to make their reservation or email tearoom@huntington.org.
Please do not divide your party into multiple reservations, as each Open Table reservation will be treated as individual and will not guarantee adjacent tables.

Please note that visiting the Rose Garden Tea Room requires purchasing admission to The Huntington. When planning to visit the Tea Room, please purchase a separate ticket to The Huntington for the same day as your Tea Room reservation. Tickets are available at huntington.org
Top review
Kristina
Dined 1 day ago
The venue is beautiful and the tea is worth the price. There were four of us and we all ordered the traditional tea rather than the, more expensive, huntington tea option. Soup or salad is an additional cost, but the white bean and panchetta soup was delicious. There are alcohol and cocktail options as well. The aperol spritz were good if you like that drink. The tea selection was simple and every each tea we ordered was delicious. The tea pots were plain white and small but they will refill your tea pot with hot water a couple times. The scones, sandwiches, and sweets were mostly delicious and unique. Our one complaint is the ham and cheese sandwich was plain and dry. It didn't wow us like the lamb sandwich. We would prefer an egg sandwich or chicken salad sandwich instead. The James beard sandwich was an underwhelming mayo sandwich as well. The service was impeccable. Isaac was a great server. Isaac and other staff were thoughtful and preemptively met our needs. They provided a free slice of chocolate cake for a birthday as well. Overall, we had a great experience. I will definitely come back!
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A photo of Jasmine Blueberry of a restaurant
Popular dish
Jasmine Blueberry
A photo of Huntington Tea of a restaurant
Popular dish
Huntington Tea
A photo of Altaeats restaurant
Altaeats
4.9
4.9 (774)
$31 to $50
American
Pasadena
About the restaurant
Tucked away on the Altadena/Pasadena border,
Chef Paul Ragan brings a feast of flavors to the dinner table.
Join us in our dining room or order the Roastie to go!

Top review
RichardVIP
Dined on 7 Dec 2024
Always a great place that has the best lamb chops in the LA area. We dine out at Ulta eats often and have never been disappointed. Dick and Mary
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A photo of Beef Wellington of a restaurant
Popular dish
Beef Wellington
A photo of Buffalo Brussels Sprouts of a restaurant
Popular dish
Buffalo Brussels Sprouts
A photo of Nick's South Lake Ave restaurant
Nick's South Lake Ave
4.8
4.8 (3133)
$30 and under
American
Pasadena
About the restaurant
Classic American comfort food, crave-able bar snacks, plus unique cocktails, an extensive wine list in an upscale yet casual environment. Our exhibition kitchen highlights the talents of our passionate culinary team.

Nick’s is dedicated to perfecting the dining experience through continuous innovation, offering the highest quality food and beverage, and executing impeccable standards of hospitality. The deeply instilled Nick’s culture is personified by its Ladies and Gentlemen – professionals who share a single focus and are inspired and committed to offering great service and creating positive memorable experiences.

Nick's Pasadena will reopen on April 12, 2021 for dinner starting at 4pm. We look forward to serving you!
Top review
JohnnyVIP
Dined today
Great host, food, service, classy atmosphere, convenient self parking
A photo of The Royce Steak House restaurant
The Royce Steak House
4.7
4.7 (1306)
$50 and over
Steakhouse
Pasadena
About the restaurant
The Royce | Wood-Fired Steakhouse features the finest selection of Prime Cuts, Australian Wagyu, and grass-fed beef, expertly prepared on a wood-fired grill. The menu is accented by fresh seafood and creative, comfortable side dishes.
Top review
MarioVIP
Dined 1 day ago
Chill vibes. Amazing food. Excellent service. Beautiful location.
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A photo of Filet Mignon Prime of a restaurant
Popular dish
Filet Mignon Prime
A photo of Ribeye Wagyu of a restaurant
Popular dish
Ribeye Wagyu
A photo of Crab Cake of a restaurant
Popular dish
Crab Cake
A photo of Smitty's Grill restaurant
Smitty's Grill
4.8
4.8 (2204)
$31 to $50
Comfort Food
Pasadena
About the restaurant
The Smith Brothers bring you American comfort food at its best. Our menu features iron skillet cornbread, homemade chicken pot pie, BBQ baby back ribs, and more. Smitty's has always been defined by comfort, from the cozy booths and inviting bar, to the helpful staff who welcome each of our guests home.
Top review
Denise
Dined 3 days ago
Warm and cozy ambience. Excellent service. Friendly waiters. Absolutely delicious food. A joy to dine there.
A photo of Agnes Restaurant & Cheesery restaurant
Agnes Restaurant & Cheesery
4.7
4.7 (177)
$31 to $50
American
Pasadena
About the restaurant
Agnes Restaurant and Cheesery is a neighborhood oasis that showcases live-fire cooking with seasonal ingredients behind an adorable cheese shop that offers unique and thoughtfully curated artisan cheeses and renowned provisions.

With our spaces for large parties, an open kitchen, darling outdoor patio, and a beautiful marketplace, Agnes offers many opportunities for celebrating a wide variety of occasions.

The holidays are a wonderful time to discover Agnes with the Cheesery offering several stunning products worth sharing with all of your friends and family. From large format cheese, meat and crudité platters, tinned fish, delicious gifts, freshly baked treats, to our decadent Sides & Pies holiday offerings. Enjoy and relax during the holidays with Agnes catering your parties and family get-togethers.

Founded by Chefs Thomas and Vanessa Tilaka Kalb, stop by while exploring the famous Gamble House, Rose Bowl, Castle Green, Huntington Library or strolling through Old Town Pasadena.
Top review
Al
Dined 6 days ago
Creative menu. Dishes lend to sharing. Service was excellent; thoughtful recommendations and attentive service.
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Experience
Weekend Large Party Reservation
A photo of Weekday Large Party Reservation of a restaurant
Experience
Weekday Large Party Reservation
A photo of Brunch Large Party Reservation of a restaurant
Experience
Brunch Large Party Reservation
A photo of Arroyo Chop House restaurant
Arroyo Chop House
4.7
4.7 (2453)
$50 and over
Steakhouse
Pasadena
About the restaurant
A modern take on the classic American steakhouse, Arroyo Chop House is one of only a few restaurants in Southern California that serves exclusively USDA Prime beef. This strikingly handsome restaurant, inspired by the Arts & Crafts architectural style for which Pasadena is famous, is clad in rich mahogany and the cozy booths are bathed in seductive light.

Our steaks are aged and hand cut daily and then perfectly seared in a 1,500 degree oven. Traditional steakhouse side dishes include creamed spinach, baked potatoes, asparagus spears with hollandaise sauce, and Arroyo Chop House's famous onion rings. We also offer live Maine lobster and fresh fish, Alaskan King Crab legs, fresh oysters, and shrimp. Compliment your meal with a bottle from our award-winning wine list and finish the night with one of our delicious desserts such as a Grand Marnier soufflé, warm apple pie, butterscotch pudding or chocolate pecan pie.
Top review
Si
Dined 4 days ago
Outstanding food and exemplary service. A wonderful night out!
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A photo of Porterhouse of a restaurant
Popular dish
Porterhouse
A photo of Ribeye of a restaurant
Popular dish
Ribeye
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