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Best of Pasadena

Italian food dinner spots

Made for those who refuse to settle for anything less than an authentic Italian dinner experience.

Based on 678 Opinions
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Updated May 2026
01
Ferrazzani's Pasta & Market image 1
Ferrazzani's Pasta & Market image 2
Ferrazzani's Pasta & Market image 3
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Small shop with fresh handmade pasta and exceptional sandwiches creates a welcoming atmosphere. Outdoor seating offers a cozy spot to enjoy meals. Regularly runs out of sandwiches, reflecting high demand and limited supply.

Fresh pasta is made right in front of you and available to take home. Sandwiches like the mortadella and mozzarella with pesto and tomato on baguette stand out for their rich flavors and quality ingredients.

Offers a variety of Italian dishes suitable for dinner and special occasions. Lasagna and shells serve well for large family meals, and pasta options are flavorful for take-home dinners.

People are saying

"I found the fresh pasta and sandwiches to be out of this world."

"This tuna sandwich is a perfect blend of flavors and textures."

"You have to try their mortadella sandwich with pistachio pesto."

Good to know

1

Ferrazzani's Pasta & Market offers a variety of fresh pasta and Italian specialty items.

2

Prices for fresh pasta range from $2 to $4 per serving.

3

1 pound of fresh spaghetti serves approximately 3 to 5 people.

02
Pinocchio's Pizza image 1
Italian restaurant

Italian restaurant combines elegant interior with a cozy pub and sports bar vibe, featuring booth seating around a bar and multiple TVs for games. Atmosphere shifts from warm and nostalgic for relaxed dinners to loud and festive during events in the banquet hall. Space suits both intimate dates and larger gatherings, with an outside patio adding to the setting.

In-house made pizza dough and spaghetti stand out with great flavor. The chicken Alfredo and carbonara offer rich, well-seasoned pasta options, while the tiramisu and cannoli provide sweet finishes.

Dinner offers affordable lasagnas and sodas with a relaxed vibe. Options include lunch, dinner, and a solid happy hour, suitable for casual meals or events like rehearsal dinners.

People are saying

"The pizza during Happy Hour is solid and delicious."

"The food here is beyond delicious; I loved the creamy spinach artichoke dip."

"The lasagna here is the best I ever had."

Good to know

1

Happy hour runs daily from 3 PM until closing.

2

The venue is suitable for private parties and events.

3

There is a small parking lot in the back and street parking available.

03
Holy Saints! image 1
Restaurant

Small, quaint restaurant with an open kitchen that creates a vibrant atmosphere but can get smoky. Offers seasonal, unique dishes with larger portions than typical upscale spots. Seating is limited, so reservations are recommended.

Spaghetti features an excellent lamb, beef, and pork Bolognese sauce that stands out. Burrata comes with a sauce rich in basil and olive oil, adding fresh flavors to the dish.

Dinner here offers exquisite meals with no rush when you book early. Staff manage busy service smoothly during major events like the Rose Bowl and New Year's.

People are saying

"The Waldorf salad here is amazing and flavorful."

"The Italian food, especially the bolognese, was excellent."

"The lamb sirloin steak and bolognese were spectacular dinner spots."

Good to know

1

Reservations are recommended due to limited seating.

2

The menu features seasonal dishes prepared by a Michelin-rated chef.

3

Street parking is available and can be paid via text.

04
Buca di Beppo Italian Restaurant image 1

Multiple rooms filled with old pictures, cultural statues, and red and white gingham tablecloths create a unique, lively atmosphere. Friendly energy rises with roaming photographers and birthday songs adding to the experience. The setting feels like an Italian dining room with a cozy, homey vibe.

Chicken parmigiana stands out with its rich flavor. Pastas come in generous portions and include spicy options like the chicken carbonara and classic lasagna bolognese.

Dinner here suits family gatherings and special celebrations like birthdays and anniversaries. Servers like Jack, Daniela, and Vicky provide friendly, attentive service that enhances the meal.

People are saying

"The food here is amazing, delicious, and perfection."

"The Italian food portions are huge; you'll have leftovers!"

"Our server Jasmine made our dinner spot experience special and attentive."

Good to know

1

Reservations are recommended for large parties to ensure seating.

2

Expect large portion sizes; a normal serving feeds about five people.

3

Meatball Mondays offer 50% off any meatball item, including sandwiches and pasta.

05
Celestino Ristorante & Bar image 1
Italian restaurant

Retro decor with paintings of Venice and classic Italian vibes creates a warm, cozy atmosphere. Patio seating offers a relaxed setting without loud music, suitable for meals with family or friends. The dining room features tablecloths and carpet that soften noise, enhancing a pleasant experience.

Filet mignon ravioli stands out as a unique and highly praised dish. The menu also features pumpkin tortellini, linguine with crab and lobster tail, and a fresh caprese salad, offering a solid range of Italian flavors.

Dinner features a fabulous Italian menu with bread served at the start. Waitstaff provide friendly service creating a welcoming atmosphere for groups.

People are saying

"The Italian food here is delicious and full of flavor."

"The service here is excellent and the staff are super attentive."

"The dinner here is impeccable and delicious."

Good to know

1

Free parking is available in the back, which is rare for the area.

2

Reservations are recommended during the holiday season due to high demand.

3

The restaurant offers a variety of authentic Italian dishes and chef specials.

06
OH LA LA image 1
Brunch restaurant

French-style cafe offers a spacious seating area with beautiful interior design and live jazz music on weekends. Atmosphere feels inviting and relaxing, suitable for working or date nights. Bakery features artisan pastries that compete with top Parisian standards.

Gnocchi stands out as exceptionally good, often described as the best. Other notable dishes include beef bourguignon pie, mushroom pasta, and Caprese salad. Desserts like tiramisu also taste good.

Dinner offers a fantastic French dining experience with consistently delicious meals. The spot works well for a lovely evening out or special occasions.

People are saying

"I found the food here to be delicious and unique."

"I found the dinner spots here to be spectacular and delicious."

"The Italian food here is art; the gnocchi was the best I had."

Good to know

1

Happy hour runs from 4-6 PM on weekdays.

2

Live music is hosted during dinner time on weekends.

3

Parking is difficult to find, with most spots being time-limited.

07
Malbec Argentinean Cuisine image 1
Argentinian restaurant

Outdoor seating along a quiet, tree-lined street offers a comfortable atmosphere with shade and a relaxed vibe. Indoor space feels sleek and dark, creating an upscale date-night ambiance despite some heat and noise. An extensive Argentine wine list complements the classy and elegant setting.

Skirt steaks, bone marrow, and tuna tartar sit alongside spaghetti Bolognese and pasta with short rib. The pasta dishes have a strong, delicious flavor but can be heavy on bay leaves. Kids like the bread and oil, chicken Milanesa, and noodles Alfredo.

Dinner here feels like being part of a community with every meal. The experience suits both business dinners and special occasions, delivering enjoyable and satisfying meals.

People are saying

"The steaks were flavorful and juicy."

"The service at these dinner spots is amazing and attentive."

"Their Italian Food steaks were outstanding and tasted great."

Good to know

1

Reservations are recommended, especially for weekends and special occasions.

2

All steak dishes are served ร  la carte, so sides must be ordered separately.

3

Expect higher prices for sides, which can add up quickly.

08
Agnes Restaurant & Cheesery image 1
Traditional American restaurant

Space combines modern industrial design with wood accents and an open kitchen, creating a cozy and inviting atmosphere. Indoor and outdoor seating areas include a patio with heaters, supporting a relaxed vibe. A small retail section offers cheeses, wines, and snacks, blending dining with shopping.

Cheese and meats boards come with a mix of prosciutto, crackers, mustard, jam, and dried fruits. Pasta dishes include homemade shells cooked al dente with lamb sausage in a simple tomato cream sauce and a basil-rich pesto fusilli topped with creamy stracciatella.

Extensive menu covers breakfast to dinner with many options for different occasions. The setting suits quaint dinners and group celebrations, offering a cared-for atmosphere during special meals.

People are saying

"The cheese board and tater tots are amazing date spots."

"The family-style dinner spots were delicious and satisfying."

"The potato gnocchi here is a highlight, especially with creamy Parmesan sauce."

Good to know

1

Reservations are recommended at least a week in advance due to high demand.

2

Expect a 4% automatic charge added to your bill for health insurance.

3

A 25% tip is preselected on the card machine for all bills.

09
Nikki C's Restaurant & Bar image 1
Italian restaurant

Italian restaurant with an old-school feel and dark interior offers a lively atmosphere that supports conversation without being too noisy. The place suits those who want to take their time and enjoy excellent food and cocktails in a family-style setting.

Appetizers include meatballs and bruschetta. Main dishes feature lasagna, vongole, chicken Parmigiano, and pasta like spaghetti and fettuccine Alfredo for kids.

Friday fish and chips stand out as a delicious dinner option. The atmosphere suits long conversations, making it easy to spend hours enjoying company.

People are saying

"I thought the food here was always great and tasty."

"The dinner spots here are delicious and the prices match the quality."

"The Italian food here is delicious, especially the seafood."

Good to know

1

Wine Wednesday offers half off up to $40 bottles and $20 off anything over $40.

2

Parking is available in front of the restaurant.

3

The restaurant has a limited staff, which may affect service times.

10
The Raymond 1886 - Modern American Cuisine & Craft Cocktails in Pasadena image 1

Outdoor patio with fireplaces and intimate indoor rooms create a spacious, inviting setting. Atmosphere shifts from romantic and old-world indoors to lively and sometimes noisy on the patio. Known for phenomenal craft cocktails, it draws those seeking a refined yet relaxed dining experience.

Rich, creamy burrata pairs with heirloom tomatoes that have distinct flavors balanced by herb pesto and balsamic vinegar. The Pasta Bolognese features a beef and veal ragu with a hearty texture.

Romantic ambiance sets the tone for dinner here, making it ideal for dates or special occasions. Service and food come together smoothly, creating a memorable dining experience.

People are saying

"I loved the beautifully prepared food, especially the fish, cheese, and meats."

"The Italian food here is honest and deep in flavor."

"The dinner spots here are phenomenal and bursting with flavor."

Good to know

1

Happy hour features $10 cocktails, including the popular Medicina Latina.

2

Wine Wednesdays offer special deals on select wines.

3

Valet parking is available for $8, with limited street parking options.

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