The old city of Pasadena is adjoined to Los Angels in the Southern part of California, just in the mouth of the San Gabriel Mountains. The city is known as the safest dining area in the greater Los Angeles. The upscale restaurants feature the old money of the town, whereas the street food culture remains intact, like in the local markets of the town. The city is the birthplace of the famous American chef Julia Child, thus, it can be safely named as the foodies’ paradise. From the East-Asian to typical American, the food-lovers have numerous choices of various kinds of restaurants.
1. El Metate
Just can't get enough!
Posted by Audrey Wang on Tuesday, 20 November 2012
Though I would love to be selfish and keep El Metate all to ourselves, the atmosphere and the cooking here is too good...
Posted by Ángel Agustín Leon-Gorbea on Thursday, 29 September 2016
This restaurant offers an excellent burst of the Mexican-American cuisine. The cozy and family run café is entirely managed by a cheerful couple and their two sons. The mouth-watering food comes from the huge stone kitchen, which can be named as the best traditional Mexican food in the town. There are various kinds of Mexican food available here, from tacos, enchiladas, and flautas to the oversized burritos. The listed items are described in both Spanish and English, which has given it an extraordinary originality. The breakfast menu includes lots of dishes of eggs, whereas the seafood items can be tried for lunch and dinner. These whole packages come at a very moderate price, suitable for your pocket anytime.
El Metate
Address: 12 N Mentor Ave, Pasadena, California 91106
Website: El Metate
2. Pie 'n Burger
Officially introducing our double cheeseburger as the "Big Ben". Why Big Ben you ask? Our current and 2nd owner Michael...
Posted by Pie N Burger on Sunday, 2 July 2017
Posted by Pie N Burger on Monday, 12 August 2013
This old-school restaurant offers you every kind of burger. Here, you can get re-connected with grill-cooked-oven burgers. Stepping into this restaurant is like traveling to the past. Established in 1963, the restaurant has kept the old recipes and old menu the same, adding some new dishes over the time. Even the counter and cash register remain same, where you have to pay in cash, as it doesn’t recognize the plastic cards.
Pie 'n Burger
Address: 913 E California Blvd, Pasadena, California 91106
Website: Pie 'n Burger
3. Alexander's Steakhouse
It's Sunday Funday, a perfect day for steak!
Posted by Alexander's Steakhouse Pasadena on Sunday, 18 December 2016
We caught a case of #meatmonday and let us tell you there is no such thing as too much meat! Especially, when there is seared Foie Gras laying beautifully on top.
Posted by Alexander's Steakhouse Pasadena on Monday, 11 April 2016
Happy Wednesday! Nothing pairs better with a bottle of wine, than great company. So grab a couple of friends and join us for dinner.
Posted by Alexander's Steakhouse Pasadena on Wednesday, 22 June 2016
This upscale restaurant features an excellent décor and a sophisticated atmosphere. It’s a modern-age steakhouse, which brings cuisines from all over the world. The main attraction of this place is definitely its signature Angus Beef. From their own dry-aging room they produce the 28-day dry-aged steak which gives an unparalleled flavor. Along with that, you can also grab a taste of the exclusively imported wagyu beef. The menu features a great deal of American and Japanese cuisines. If you want exclusivity, you can try their Washugyu wagyu tomahawk steak, which is one of the most expensive steaks in the country.
Alexander's Steakhouse
Address: 111 North Robles Ave, Pasadena, California 91101
Website: Alexander's Steakhouse
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4. Union Restaurant
This could be you - Book your next reservation through OpenTable!
Posted by Union Restaurant Pasadena on Friday, 22 July 2016
If you weren't able to make our second Grain Dinner, here's some more of what you missed. (pics by @chefbkalman on Instagram) <3 The Grain Divide, Pizzeria Bianco, Pasadena Community Gardens, GRIST AND TOLL
Posted by Union Restaurant Pasadena on Tuesday, 28 July 2015
Posted by Union Restaurant Pasadena on Thursday, 8 October 2015
Located in the old town of Pasadena, the Union Restaurant is known for its mouth-watering pasta. The restaurant can accommodate up to 50 people, and has a modest and simplistic ambiance. The most important part of this restaurant is most definitely its food, cooked to perfection by the chef Bruce Kalman. This is one of the best Italian restaurants in town, where you can try the simple Italian dishes like pasta and vegetarian spaghetti at the most affordable rates. The menu is seasonal, which offers special dishes like tagliatelle with pork ragout and gremolata during the winter months. Overall, this restaurant is perfect for a cozy catch up with your friends.
Union Restaurant
Address: 37 E Union St, Pasadena, California 91103
Website: Union Restaurant
5. Ración
We're finally on Instagram! #4andahalfyearslater #comefollowus
Posted by Ración on Tuesday, 30 August 2016
Don't miss out on Tapas Tuesday!! Make your reservations today, we are booked until 11/27! Tuesday nights, 7-9pm, enjoy an array of tapas, $20 RSVP 626-396-3090 or info@racionrestaurant.com
Posted by Ración on Tuesday, 6 November 2012
While the weather is still warm.. try a bottle of Txakolina! (choc-o-lee) is a refreshing, naturally slightly fizzy, wine that is primarily made & consumed in the Basque region of Spain!
Posted by Ración on Tuesday, 25 September 2012
The flavor of authentic Spain can be tasted in the restaurant named Ración. The tapas of this place taste like authentic tapas of the Basque region of Spain. The rich wine list features the authentic ones from the Canary Island and Basque country.
Ración
Address: 119 W Green St, Pasadena, CA 91105, USA
Website: Ración
6. President Thai Restaurant
Posted by David Rerkphuritat on Sunday, 16 July 2017
Great Thai restaurant around
Posted by Yulyana Chandra on Thursday, 31 December 2015
Elegant and gorgeous, these two adjectives positively describe the grandeur of the very famous President Thai Restaurant. The restaurant serves typical Thai cuisine, which reflects in its food, ambiance and culture. The ornate Thai art reflects on the interior of this restaurant, designed in traditional Thai architecture. Overall, this restaurant gives you the whole Thai experience with the food, culture, and ambiance. The restaurant was established in the year 1994, and can accommodate around 150 people at a time. The signature dishes include President BBQ Beef and Garlic Prawns. Although every visitor has their own favorites!
President Thai Restaurant
Address: 498 S Rosemead Blvd, Pasadena, CA 91107, USA
Website: President Thai Restaurant
7. Lucky Boy Drive-In Restaurant
#rosebowltailgate Going to the UCLA vs Hawaii game rose bowl? Nothing's more popular than bringing Lucky Boy food! #luckyboypasadena
Posted by Lucky Boy Restaurant on Friday, 8 September 2017
Cooking up a storm!
Posted by Lucky Boy Restaurant on Monday, 21 November 2016
A typical American fast-food joint, the Lucky Boy Drive-In Restaurant serves you all you need for a typical American treat—sandwiches, burgers, burritos, hot dogs. All your ordered delicacies are served to you in a box and bag, so that you can opt for them at any time of the day, for a small bite or a full meal. From 6 am to 2 pm, it is constantly serving mouthwatering delicacies to curb your hunger.
Lucky Boy Drive-In Restaurant
Address: 640 S Arroyo Pkwy, Pasadena, California 91105
Website: Lucky Boy Drive-In Restaurant
8. The Raymond
Look enticing? This could be YOUR #ValentinesDay! Lunch & Dinner reservations are still available at The Raymond Restaurant. Call 626.441.3136 to reserve your favorite fireside table TODAY!
Posted by The Raymond Restaurant on Monday, 2 February 2015
Our patio is set and ready for #lunch! Won't you join us?
Posted by The Raymond Restaurant on Wednesday, 7 January 2015
#Sunday #Brunch at #TheRaymond1886 and hope to see you soon!
Posted by The Raymond Restaurant on Sunday, 14 August 2016
Once part of the Grand Raymond Hotel from 1920s, The Raymond is based in the Caretaker’s room of this very hotel. Unfortunately, this hotel is not open nowadays, yet the restaurant remains. The interior of the hotel still portrays the old architectures, the stone fireplace, and an intimate atmosphere. The mouthwatering American cuisine is specially made by Chef Tim Guiltinan, while the 1886 bar provides an impressive collection of cocktails and wine.
The Raymond
Address: 1250 S Fair Oaks Ave, Pasadena, California 91105
Website: The Raymond
9. Gus's BBQ
Dinner awaits.☝🏼
Posted by Gus's BBQ on Tuesday, 3 October 2017
Posted by Gus's BBQ on Wednesday, 16 August 2017
This restaurant is assumed to be the oldest BBQ of Los Angeles, although, it has gradually welcomed changes over time. In the year 1946, this legendary restaurant was opened by the brothers named Jack and Gus Tripodes. Nowadays, this restaurant is owned by another set of brothers named Chris and John Bicos. The meat and BBQ preparations of this place have slightly changed from the past, catering to the tastes of this century.
Gus's BBQ
Address: 808 Fair Oaks Ave, South Pasadena, California 91030
Website: Gus's BBQ
10. Russell's
On Tuesday morning April 5, 2016 I had breakfast at Russell's in Pasadena. Beautiful vintage neon sign. Oh yes, nice place to eat and good food!
Posted by San Diego Historic Neon on Saturday, 9 April 2016
Posted by Carlos A. Quiroa on Saturday, 25 February 2017
Posted by 陳思思 on Sunday, 4 October 2015
Another old traditional restaurant where you can get French and Italian cuisine, along with the traditional American food. This restaurant is located in the old town of Pasadena, and is one of the most popular spots to have breakfast. The breakfast menu includes the iconic French toast, Belgian waffles, gourmet omelets, whereas the selection of beers, wine and champagne can be enjoyed with lunch or dinner.
Russell's
Address: 30 N Fair Oaks Ave, Pasadena, California 91103
The City of Roses...

The city of Pasadena is known as the ‘City of Roses’, for its famous New Year’s Day Rose Parade. Along with the roses, the impressive collection of restaurants is also a reason one must visit Pasadena!
History
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