Best Casual Restaurants in South Pasadena

168 restaurants available nearby

A photo of Gus's BBQ - South Pasadena restaurant

1. Gus's BBQ - South Pasadena

4.6

Exceptional(2035)

Price: Moderate

• Barbecue • South Pasadena

Booked 26 times today

Since 1946, Gus’s has been serving the good folks of South Pasadena (and beyond!) true Southern hospitality and some of the best real pit BBQ around. Housed on historic Route 66, Gus’s is a tribute to Southern life, where family, tradition and celebration are of the utmost importance. A menu filled with traditional Southern cooking and authentic, wood-smoked BBQ is complemented by an impressive range of whiskies, wines, cocktails and local craft beers. Today, Gus’s is a space for a warm welcome, a cold mint julep, and a big plate of the best flavors from the American South and Midwest. You’ll leave knowing exactly why Gus’s food has been hailed, “….so good that we found ourselves eating more than we’d imagined” by S. Irene Virbila, Los Angeles Times and was named one of the top 10 BBQ restaurants on the west coast by Sunset Magazine.

2. Aro Latin

4.1

Excellent(21)

Price: Moderate

• South American • South Pasadena

Aro Latin is a contemporary restaurant that serves authentic Pan-Latin cuisine and curated handcrafted cocktails.

3. Radhika

4.6

Exceptional(25)

Price: Very Expensive

• Indian • South Pasadena

Booked 1 time today

Specializing in modern Indian cuisine, Radhika Restaurant offers a classy and sophisticated dining area for Pasadena locals and visitors. Radhika opened its doors to the California locals in 1995 and has been serving authentic Indian food with a modern twist ever since. The newest location in Pasadena is located on the Gold Line, nestled within historic architecture. It features its own exotic menu options, as well as a new wine lounge, which includes a full bar.Radhika's menu includes a variety of dishes that are authentic but include a more modern flair. Some of the more popular items include Punjabi tacos and vegetable tempura. The salmon kabab and lamb shank are also featured on the menu. For those who can't stay and enjoy a meal in the dining room, online ordering is also available.

4. Dunsmoor

4.9

Exceptional(934)

Price: Very Expensive

• American • Eagle Rock

Booked 62 times today

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.

A photo of The Arbour - Pasadena restaurant

5. The Arbour - Pasadena

4.7

Exceptional(2058)

Price: Expensive

• Californian • Pasadena

Booked 36 times today

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.

6. Celestino

4.7

Exceptional(3537)

Price: Expensive

• Italian • Pasadena

Booked 26 times today

Celestino Ristorante in Pasadena is no longer a well-kept secret. The Drago Brothers continue to exceed expectations with the freshest seafood, finest homemade pastas, organic meats, and variety of desserts made on-site. Some of the favorites include; Florentine style T-bone, black and white ravioli filled with shrimp, branzino al sale, flown-in burrata and vanilla custard with an assortment of fresh berries. Come in and enjoy authentic regional and seasonal specialties complemented by an award-winning wine list. We offer dynamic Private Dining rooms, a full bar, garden patios, and the friendliest staff to make any meal or special event at Celestino Ristorante most memorable. We do not up charge for Private Dining room use, or special Wine Dinners. Open Monday through Sunday for dinner seven days a week. Lunch hours are Monday to Friday.

A photo of Fogo de Chão - Pasadena, CA restaurant

7. Fogo de Chão - Pasadena, CA

4.0

Excellent(937)

Price: Moderate

• Brazilian • Pasadena

Booked 91 times today

Fogo de Chão is an internationally-renowned steakhouse from Brazil that allows guests to discover what's next at every turn. Founded in Southern Brazil in 1979, Fogo elevates the centuries-old culinary art of churrasco - roasting high-quality cuts of meat over an open flame - into a cultural dining experience of discovery. Please join us in our dining room, in our more casual Bar Fogo, or bring the Fogo Experience to you with Fogo To-Go or Catering. Visit our website to make a reservation or place an order.

8. Gale's

4.6

Exceptional(3332)

Price: Moderate

• Italian • Pasadena

Booked 20 times today

Gale's Restaurant is a totally local Pasadena spot for delicious Northern Italian fare, tucked away from the tourist chains in Old Town. Couples, families and friends that seem to have just finished a day outdoors snuggle among the brick walls and small marble tables, drinking cocktails and wine from elegant Brighton goblets. Start off with Bruschetta, Burrata Salad or Gale's Simple Salad and then move on to the country-style Tuscan steak or one of the house made ravioli specials. For dessert, don't miss the Tiramisu or Gale's iconic Coconut Cake. The wine list is a favorite among the guests for it's variety and excellent value.

9. Magnolia House

4.5

Awesome(330)

Price: Moderate

• Contemporary American • Pasadena

Booked 17 times today

Located in a 100-year-old Pasadena craftsman bungalow, Magnolia House is a hideaway for those in the know – unique cocktails and a small plate menu from around the world. Stop by for handcrafted drinks, a boutique selection of wines, and local craft beers on tap while the menu boasts market-driven selection of seasonal shareable plates.

10. Le Grand Pasadena

4.3

Awesome(60)

Price: Moderate

• American • Pasadena

Booked 38 times today

Hey, craving something extraordinary? Le Grand Restaurant has epic dining deals packed with flavor, fun, and unforgettable moments!Start with our 5 for $25 Tapas Deal – choose any five of our chef’s favorite tapas for just $25! Perfect for sharing with friends or savoring solo, it’s the ultimate way to explore a variety of bold, delicious flavors.For a true indulgence, try the Unlimited Tapas Experience at $49.99 per person, where you can enjoy endless servings of our chef’s top picks. Taste as much as you like—it’s an all-you-can-eat dream!Pair your meal with the Unlimited Cocktail Experience for $27, featuring unique creations by our expert mixologists to complement every bite.For something hearty, don’t miss our Signature Creekstone Farms Ribeye Platter—a premium 16 oz cut with roasted potatoes, caramelized carrots, cauliflower, creamy mushroom sauce, and peppercorn-parmesan butter. It’s perfect for sharing with friends or family!

See what locals rave about

From verified diners like you

G
Garrettvip
Los Angeles •2 reviews
5.0
Dined 4 days ago
I have to say, Ive been to Dunsmoor only a few times, but it feels like it just keeps getting better and better and the restaurant and food were already incredible the first time. The service is always top notch and the atmosphere is a really great vibe. I can't say enough great things about Dunsmoor.
More info
DunsmoorPrice: Very Expensive• American• Eagle Rock
•
4.9
K
Kathleenvip
Orange County •13 reviews
5.0
Dined 4 days ago
The Arbour restaurant is truly a Pasadena gem. The salad to start are not overdressed, the salads are also fresh and presented beautiful We each enjoyed the pasta dishes. The pasta is cooked to perfection and well seasoned. We had the pumpkin pie which is amazing From our server Patrick, the chef Ian, kitchen staff, all the staff this restaurant is wonderful.
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The Arbour - PasadenaPrice: Expensive• Californian• Pasadena
•
4.7
J
Jacquilyne
Los Angeles •2 reviews
5.0
Dined on 17 Nov 2024
Laura is an awesome server. The only thing better than the service is the food. Delicious. 10+ Stars.
More info
Gus's BBQ - South PasadenaPrice: Moderate• Barbecue• South Pasadena
•
4.6
J
Jhoannavip
Los Angeles •13 reviews
5.0
Dined on 29 Sept 2024
We went to Aro Latin before the UCLA game at the Rose Bowl. The tacos were so delicious, we had to order another round. Margaritas were amazing. Staff was incredibly friendly. Will definitely go back!
More info
Aro LatinPrice: Moderate• South American• South Pasadena
•
4.1
S
Steve
Los Angeles •7 reviews
4.0
Dined on 11 Aug 2024
We’ve eaten here before but this time the food wasn’t up to par. Would not go back.
More info
RadhikaPrice: Very Expensive• Indian• South Pasadena
•
4.6

Best Casual Restaurants in South Pasadena

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168 restaurants available nearby

1. Gus's BBQ - South Pasadena

2. Aro Latin

3. Radhika

4. Dunsmoor

5. The Arbour - Pasadena

6. Celestino

7. Fogo de Chão - Pasadena, CA

8. Gale's

9. Magnolia House

10. Le Grand Pasadena

See what locals rave about

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