Pasadena is LA’s more graceful cousin: leafy avenues, grand architecture, and a culinary scene that quietly radiates expertise, diversity, and charm.
These five spots capture the city’s sunny sophistication and multicultural table.
1. Union
Union is the soul of Pasadena’s farm-to-table renaissance, a cozy Italian bistro led by Chef Bruce Kalman.
House-made pastas—pappardelle with pork ragu, squid ink lumache with seafood—arrive in a snug, brick-walled dining room always humming with conversation.
The menu is seasonal and meticulously local, sourcing produce and meats from the best California markets.
The vibe is intimate, staff passionate, and the wine list veers heavily (and expertly) Italian.
2. Osawa
For sushi lovers, Osawa is destination dining.
The husband-and-wife team offers an omakase experience with precise cuts of bluefin, yellowtail, uni, and beautifully plated small dishes.
Beyond sushi, Osawa excels at Japanese comfort—wafu hamburger steaks, tempura, and ramen.
The setting is minimalist, the service meticulous, and every meal feels like a peaceful retreat from busy LA boulevards.
3. Pie ‘n Burger
Since 1963, Pie ‘n Burger has been a cherished Pasadena classic.
The old-school counter feels like a portal to a gentler California—a place to get a tall shake, crisp crinkle fries, and a perfect griddled cheeseburger with house-made thousand island.
The bakery case brims with mile-high meringue pies and warm fruit pies. Service is fast, cheerful, and welcoming to all—from Rose Parade veterans to first-time tourists.
4. Bone Kettle
Offering a daring fusion of Southeast Asian flavors and SoCal bounty, Bone Kettle spotlights slow-simmered, aromatic broths—a must-try is the 36-hour beef bone broth served with tender short rib and fresh greens.
The menu features modern twists on classics, like crispy soft-shell crab, sambal-laced noodles, and coconut panna cotta.
The atmosphere is contemporary and lively, and the cocktails are as complex as the food.
5. The Raymond 1886
Stepping into The Raymond is like entering a secret garden: a historic Craftsman cottage with a bar consistently voted among the city’s best.
The dinner menu blends California modern with international influences—think duck confit, bone marrow toast, and farmer’s market fish.
Signature cocktails are works of art and the bar’s cozy, dim-lit ambiance makes it a favorite for dates or celebrations.
On a balmy evening, there’s no more enchanting patio in Pasadena.
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