Diners' Choice: Best Overall restaurants in Pasadena

OpenTable

Updated 05 December 2024

Looking for the best overall restaurants 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 reserve, eat, and review. We listen...and deliver the results for all to benefit. Enjoy!

Altaeats

4.9

4.9 (775)

$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

Lainnie

Dined on 21 Dec 2024

Wonderful neighbor gem! Excellent menu and marvelous service. Such a delight!

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Popular dish

Beef Wellington

Popular dish

Buffalo Brussels Sprouts

Shiro Restaurant

4.9

4.9 (1603)

$50 and over

Contemporary French

Pasadena

About the restaurant

Open for indoor and outdoor dining and curbside takeout. Outdoors dining is subject to the weather. We have heaters but not for all tables. Please dress warmly. If there is a chance of rain we will have to cancel.

Shiro has been named the Zagat Guide's number one restaurant and is consistently one of the highest rated establishments in the guide (#5 in 2011; #2 for service in 2013). Shiro is summed up by it's ingredients. Menu items are driven by the best available, nothing less is acceptable. For over 35 years, diners have enjoyed our French and Pacific Rim inspired menu. A tradition of fine dining with excellent, friendly service. We may supplement our menu with a special Taste of Shiro (soup or salad, meat or fish, dessert). Wed/Th. The evening's menu is posted around 3pm.

As much as we love them, we must ask that your dogs and other pets stay home. Service dogs, of course, are welcome.

Top review

JuneVIP

Dined 5 days ago

The truffle ravioli appetizer is fantastic (it's not on the menu but almost always a special.)

Dunsmoor

4.8

4.8 (958)

$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

Annathalia

Dined 3 days ago

It was our first time experiencing dining in this style, everyone was really friendly and the food was heavenly. It's my husband and I's first date night in a long while and I wanted to treat us. Their cornbread was so yummy and the mushroom crusted pork chops made me want to cry happy tears. Thanks so much for a great experience!

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4.8

4.8 (451)

$50 and over

Contemporary French

Pasadena

About the restaurant

Bar Chelou is a neo-bistro that is both a distillation of Chef Doug Rankin's broad gastronomic interests and a deeply personal expression of his individualistic style.

'Chelou' (French slang for ‘strange’ or ‘unexpected’) is both the name and unifying theme of the restaurant, which draws from a range of culinary traditions and service styles to create something personal, novel, and fun.

The restaurant is located within the Pasadena Playhouse complex. If you plan to visit the Playhouse after dinner, please book a 5:30p reservation to ensure ample timing for your dinner. We also offer concession cocktails before a showing and during intermission.

NEED TO KNOW
Wine corkage is $30 per 750ml bottle with no limit; we do not offer corkage for wines featured on our wine list.

Ample parking is available on surrounding streets and at several paid lots within a one-block radius.

Gift cards are available for purchase on our website.

Top review

gabriel

Dined 1 day ago

Bar Chelou never disappoints!!! My wife and I have had nothing but exceptional experiences each time we’ve gone! The food…the staff and the environment are the best. We always have great conversations with the people sitting next to us as well.

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Nick's South Lake Ave

4.8

4.8 (3147)

$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

Joe

Dined 6 days ago

Elegant. Great food and service. Wonderful atmosphere. Intimate. Lovely. It is a great place, even better than Nick's in Manhattan Beach.

Parkway Grill

4.8

4.8 (2478)

$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

eric

Dined 1 day ago

This remains the best “special occasion” restaurant on this side of LA. The ambiance , the food, and particularly the high level of service never lets one down. We came here last night to celebrate my bride of 43 years birthday. Jose, our waiter, made us feel like we were the only ones in the restaurant from the beginning, after a very nice hostess spent a few minutes after seating us discussing the challenges of a Christmas Season birthday.

Smitty's Grill

4.8

4.8 (2211)

$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

BrettVIP

Dined 2 days ago

The food was very flavorful and delicious. Everything was great. So enjoyable!

Alexander's Steakhouse - Pasadena

4.7

4.7 (2270)

$50 and over

Steakhouse

Pasadena

About the restaurant

You will enjoy the beautiful patio setup we have in Pasadena. We have instituted all health and safety precautions to ensure all of our guests and employees feel safe and can enjoy themselves. If you have any questions, please contact us and our team will take the pleasure of assisting you.

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Alexander's Steakhouse offers a fine dining interpretation of a Modern American Steakhouse with hints of global influences throughout the menu. Featuring classic cuts such as Ribeye, Bone-In New York and Filet Mignon, to sustainable seafood, our signature Hamachi Shot and a large selection of Wagyu. We also highlight dry-aged steaks and offer the finest and most luxurious products available including two tasting menus and a Extensive Wine List. A full bar featuring some of the most unique specialty cocktails is a great way to begin your evening here at Alexander's Steakhouse.

Top review

Mitchell

Dined 6 days ago

Beautiful restaurant and ambiance. Service was perhaps best we have ever experienced. This really is a steakhouse so be aware that other entrees are limited. I ordered the cod and it was very good. Another in our party ordered a steak and she said it was perfectly done. Location is very good next to the beautiful Pasadena city hall. There is ample underground parking with some validation by the restaurant. I definitely recommend this restaurant for those that want red meat.

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The Proper Restaurant

4.8

4.8 (599)

$30 and under

Contemporary American

La Canada

About the restaurant

Where our passion is simple: an approachable menu using the highest quality, best tasting ingredients in a comfortable and elegant neighborhood bar and grill. Our owners, Rick and Lisa Anderson and David and Cater Yost are committed to bringing the best customer experience to La Canada Flintridge. Whether it’s our signature Proper martini, a perfectly seasoned ribeye with Cajun butter, or crispy truffled Brussels that make the mouth water, you’ll savor the quality that our chefs and bartenders bring to every meal.

Come bring your friends and family to an unforgettable dining experience in an elegant and contemporary atmosphere designed to invite and excite.

Top review

CindyVIP

Dined on 18 Dec 2024

The restaurant was excellent. Loved the food, decor and service was great!!

Fleming's Steakhouse - Pasadena

4.7

4.7 (1437)

$50 and over

Steakhouse

Pasadena

About the restaurant

Your Pasadena Fleming's is conveniently located on the corner of Marengo and Colorado Boulevard. Fleming's in Pasadena is an outstanding choice to enjoy an exceptional Prime steak, glass of wine or handcrafted cocktail. Whether you're celebrating a special occasion, hosting a business dinner or simply wanting to enjoy a night out - we will create a safe and memorable evening in our Dining Room. If you prefer to enjoy your fine dining experience at home, you can order and pay for lunch or dinner online and then pick up curbside or select from one of our delivery partners.

Top review

Peter

Dined 5 days ago

Everything outstanding as usual - love eating here :)

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