Restaurants & Bars

Pasadena's Food Scene

Chong Ching Yao Mei

Dining

Trying new cuisines is one of the most thrilling experiences for taste buds and cultural immersion. Pasadena is home to over 650 restaurants, where upscale restaurants, ritzy steakhouses, charming cafés, modern eateries, mom-and-pops, breweries, sports bars, cocktail bars, and food trucks culminate to unearth global cultures through a celebration of food.

The late Pasadena resident and celebrated Pulitzer Prize winning food chronicler Jonathan Gold was a champion of Southern California’s diverse culinary landscape. His legacy carries on as Pasadena’s food scene sees a culinary renaissance with an exciting blend of longtime locals, immigrant families, and world-class chefs in the kitchens. With rideshares and parking abound, come and enjoy the flavors.

Explore Pasadena’s new restaurants and food trends, eat your way through the award-winning restaurants, find innovative vegan restaurants, cheer on your favorite team at lively sports bars, dive into our guide to Asian food, indulge in the sweet satisfaction of must-visit bakeries, and get into the celebratory spirit with our cocktail guide.

Browse Restaurants

Use the dropdown menu to search our directory for outdoor dining options, specific types of cuisine, and more. Already know what you want to eat? You can also type the name of your favorite restaurant into the search bar below.

Brunch/Breakfast

Madeline Garden

Madeline-Garden-6-945x596-1_c3cc3d3e99a0496ea9909ca43528d03d.jpg

Madeline Garden Dining Experience. Madeline Garden is a unique, whimsical special dining experience that is sure to create found memories lasting a lifetime....

Latin American

Maestro Restaurant

Maestro-8_c3cc3d3e99a0496ea9909ca43528d03d.jpg

Mexican Restaurant and Mezcaleria. Maestro is an upscale Mexican restaurant and Mezcaleria located in historic Old Pasadena. Maestro specializes in...

American

Magnolia House

Magnolia-House-Featured_c3cc3d3e99a0496ea9909ca43528d03d.jpg

Built over 100 years ago, Magnolia House is a hideaway for those in the know – offering unique craft cocktails and a small plate menu from around the...

American

Main Chick

main-chick-5_c3cc3d3e99a0496ea9909ca43528d03d.jpg

Main Chick Hot Chicken is a passion-inspired food concept serving the most unique Nashville style fried chicken to date. Their team has culminated the best...

Latin American

Malbec

Malbec-1_c3cc3d3e99a0496ea9909ca43528d03d.jpg

Argentina is known for its world-famous cuisine, and Malbec Argentinean Bistro brings the best authentic cuisine prepared on a genuine Argentinean grill. From...

Mama Lu's

Mama Lu's Dumpling House is a traditional Chinese family restaurant with a Taiwanese twist. Experience some of the best xiao long bao (juicy pork dumpling)...

themamamsushi-Instagram-3720-ig-17996981329699544_c3cc3d3e99a0496ea9909ca43528d03d.jpg

Mama M Sushi & Rolls offers meals of excellent quality. Their key to our success is simple: providing quality consistent food that taste great every single...

IMG_3161_c3cc3d3e99a0496ea9909ca43528d03d.jpg

Located in the Harry Potter-esque Burlington Arcade shopping area of the South Lake District, Mandarin Coffee Shop is a small, woman-owned AAPI business...

Brunch/Breakfast

Margarita's Pasadena

Margaritas_c3cc3d3e99a0496ea9909ca43528d03d.jpg

Margaritas Mexican Restaurant has been sharing authentic Mexican dishes since 1977. Guests enter a warm, inviting space and leave as family -- with plenty of...

European

Marina Pasadena

Marina-Restaurant-5_c3cc3d3e99a0496ea9909ca43528d03d.jpg

Marina presents a delicate balance of flare and elegance inspired by Italian cuisine. Head chef Dylan Stage built a menu - with Marina's pizza brick oven at...

Marstons-03-945x596_c3cc3d3e99a0496ea9909ca43528d03d.jpg

Home Comfort. Marston's Restaurant is known as a great place for breakfast and lunch. Their goal is to make you feel at home and comfortable while serving...

Matsuri Sushi

Matsuri Sushi, nestled in the heart of Pasadena, is a culinary gem that transports diners on a journey through the vibrant flavors and exquisite artistry of...