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New Yorkers 1st Choice
Pasadena's best

Food spots

A meal that rewards the effort of searching instead of just being another predictable chain.

Based on 505 Opinions
+502
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Updated May 2026
01
Green Street Café image 1
Green Street Café image 2
Green Street Café image 3
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Mediterranean restaurant

Small Mediterranean café offers cozy indoor space and a pleasant outdoor patio with mountain views. Atmosphere stays relaxed and welcoming, attracting those seeking fresh, flavorful dishes. Known for crispy falafel and well-cooked kebabs, it serves as a casual spot for quick, tasty meals.

Freshly made dishes fill the air with wonderful aromas that hint at the delicious food inside. Friendly staff enhance the experience with warm and welcoming service.

Offers a quiet spot with authentic Mediterranean flavors that often go unnoticed. Serves as a low-key find for those seeking genuine dishes away from the usual crowds.

People are saying

"The Mediterranean food here is delicious and comforting."

"The food here is delicious and the meat is so tender."

"I found this place to be a hidden gem for Mediterranean food lovers."

Good to know

1

They offer outdoor seating with a nice view.

2

There is plenty of free street parking on Green Street.

3

The prices for the meals are reasonable for the quality.

02
Akinori Sushi image 1
Japanese restaurant

Small, clean space with minimalist decor and warm wood accents creates a cozy, intimate atmosphere. Energy stays quiet and relaxed, welcoming for casual dining. Watching chefs work at the bar adds a unique, engaging element.

Food stands out for its freshness and delicate flavors. Subtle touches like yuzu elevate the dishes.

Cozy spot with high quality food tucked away on a busy street. Offers a quiet escape from the hustle with a welcoming vibe.

People are saying

"I found the sushi here to be incredibly fresh and delicious."

"It's a cozy, clean, and quiet little spot."

"The food here is exceptionally fresh and beautifully prepared."

Good to know

1

Parking at Akinori Sushi is easy with spaces available right out front.

2

Prices are reasonable for the quality of sushi served.

3

The lunch special does not include miso soup or salad as stated in the menu.

03
Oseyo Shabu Shabu image 1
Shabu-shabu restaurant

Individual hot pots with induction heating create a clean, cozy setting enhanced by wooden decor and floral arrangements. The atmosphere stays lively around lunchtime with a K-pop soundtrack adding energy. The space suits small groups or solo diners seeking a casual, warm meal experience.

Offers great value with generous portions and quality ingredients. Food suits date nights, small groups, or solo dining with consistently great taste.

Offers a quiet spot with unique dishes that stand out from typical options. Feels like a well-kept secret worth discovering.

People are saying

"The shabu shabu here is delicious and the meat is so tender."

"You have to try the vintage prime beef; it's so tender and melts in your mouth."

"The food here, especially the beef, is so tender and juicy."

Good to know

1

Happy Hour deals offer great value from 4-6pm on weekdays.

2

The restaurant offers a two-person feast for $80, including drinks and dessert.

3

Parking is easy and free outside the restaurant.

04
Fuji & Vi's Pizza image 1
Pizza restaurant

Small second-floor pizza spot offers authentic Detroit-style pizza with a nostalgic Detroit-themed decor and soft jazz music playing in the background. The atmosphere is casual and unassuming, with a humble, hole-in-the-wall vibe and a view overlooking the street below.

Food comes out delicious and filling while staying extremely affordable. The owner shows clear care for quality, and ordering takeout is simple through phone or delivery apps.

Tucked away on the second floor with only three small tables, this spot feels like a secret discovery. It serves some of the best pizza in the area, making it a true hidden gem.

People are saying

"This Detroit-style pizza is the best I've ever had."

"This Detroit-style pizza is a hidden gem with a thick, airy crust."

"This pizza is the best I've ever had, seriously delicious."

Good to know

1

There is a parking structure in the back.

2

The wait time is about 20 minutes during peak hours.

3

You can split a pizza with multiple options if you can't decide.

05
Sushi Karen image 1
Restaurant

Small restaurant with intimate booths separated by paper screens creates a quiet, cozy atmosphere ideal for dates. Limited seating and privacy among tables make it feel exclusive. Known for exceptionally fresh sushi with thick cuts and authentic flavors, it requires reservations due to popularity.

Sushi dinner offers more than enough food with clear instructions on how to eat it. Every dish shows care and love, making the flavors stand out and exceed expectations.

Offers a quiet spot with authentic sushi away from crowds. Feels like a local secret with consistent quality.

People are saying

"I found the sushi here to be incredible, some of the best I've ever had."

"The tempura here is lightly battered and crisp."

"The sushi here is top-notch, truly the best I've had."

Good to know

1

Reservations are required due to limited seating; call ahead to secure a spot.

2

Parking is limited in the lot, but street parking is available on Arroyo.

3

The prices are about $5 per piece of nigiri, with some items being pricier.

06
HaiCha image 1
Bubble tea store

Cozy, small space with comfortable seating and calming music creates a welcoming, family-run vibe. Free amenities like wireless chargers and Wi-Fi support study sessions and casual hangouts. The atmosphere feels like stepping into a homely spot with a peaceful, chill energy.

Fresh and beautifully presented Taiwanese dishes stand out here. The owner shows enthusiasm recommending drinks and snacks while managing the bar.

Many boba spots nearby get uncomfortably busy, but this place stands out as a hidden gem with a quieter vibe. It consistently offers a unique experience away from the usual crowds.

People are saying

"I found the tea here to be fresh, flavorful, and wonderfully smooth."

"The owner's friendly chatter really made my day with the food."

"I found this place to be a real hidden gem."

Good to know

1

HaiCha opens before 11 AM.

2

Getting to HaiCha is very easy and there is street parking right outside the shop.

3

HaiCha has restrooms for customers.

07
MAMA M SUSHI image 1
Sushi restaurant

Small interior with a cozy atmosphere and low lighting creates a relaxed vibe. Live music adds to the intimate setting, while a patio area offers outdoor seating with city views. The place attracts locals and maintains a quiet, welcoming energy.

Food arrives quickly and stays hot and fresh. Flavors stay balanced to highlight the freshness and thoughtful preparation.

Offers great value without breaking the bank and stands out as a noteworthy hidden gem worth returning to.

People are saying

"The Japanese food here, especially the sushi, is always great and fresh."

"The service here is incredible and the staff is super friendly."

"The food here is delicious and always fresh."

Good to know

1

Happy hour offers specials every day of the week.

2

Live music is available on Friday nights outside.

3

Parking options include street parking or a nearby lot costing $7 for 2 hours.

08
mandarin coffee stand image 1

Small coffee stand nestled in a charming arcade with outdoor seating and a Parisian alleyway vibe. Atmosphere feels cozy and moody, with antique decor and a library-like ambiance. Spot attracts those seeking a quiet place with unique coffee flavors and occasional pop-up baked goods.

Pastries like the pumpkin spice and devil's food chocolate donuts are fluffy and sweet, pairing well with coffee. The food and coffee have an elegant quality, matching a lineup similar to Rosebud or Highlight.

A small mandarin coffee stand offers a hidden gem experience with its unique charm. Worth seeking out for a quiet coffee break.

People are saying

"I loved the Vienna latte; it's so creamy and smooth."

"The coffee drinks here are carefully handcrafted with unique blends."

"You have to try their Vienna coffee; it's rich and velvety."

Good to know

1

Parking is metered near the coffee stand.

2

The coffee stand is cashless, accepting only card payments.

3

Expect long lines on weekends, often requiring a wait of 30-45 minutes.

09
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.

Food here features scrumptious dishes with a variety of fish, cheese, and meats. The dining experience pairs crafted drinks with excellent service in a leafy outdoor setting.

A beautiful spot with a wonderful happy hour that stands out as a hidden gem. The atmosphere invites quiet enjoyment during those times.

People are saying

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

"The outdoor seating is in a stunning historic cottage surrounded by greenery."

"It's a beautiful hidden gem with a gorgeous, lush green patio."

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.

10
The Cellar: A Wine Library image 1

Underground wine bar with speakeasy vibe and wine-lined walls creates an intimate, warm atmosphere. Velvet chairs, Chesterfield sofas, and books fill a homey lounge where live piano music plays softly. Couples and friends gather here for curated wine selections and quiet conversation away from the usual scene.

Food comes out made to perfection with great taste. The menu pairs well with a strong selection of wine.

A basement shaped like wine barrels creates a unique vibe with amazing music. This spot stands out as a true hidden gem in the area.

People are saying

"You'll find an amazing selection of wine here."

"I found a hidden gem, a cozy speakeasy sanctuary with warm wood and low lighting."

"The food here is attentive, friendly, and professional."

Good to know

1

The entrance is through an unmarked door behind a quiet staircase.

2

There is usually a queue on weekend nights, about 15-30 minutes to get in.

3

Seating is limited and they don’t take reservations, so expect to wait.

11
NOSTALGIC CAFE image 1
Coffee shop

Coffee shop with vintage-style décor and mid-century modern furniture creates a cozy, moody ambiance filled with soulful jazzy tunes. Comfortable seating and eclectic personality invite relaxation, making it a favored spot for reading or working. Atmosphere reflects a nostalgic past with antique decor and warm lighting.

Food comes out fresh, warm, and delightful every time. The flavors stay consistent and really stand out.

A little hidden gem with a nostalgic vibe tucked away from the usual spots.

People are saying

"This cafe feels so cozy and welcoming, like a vintage escape."

"The food here is fresh, warm, and delightful."

"It's a cozy little hidden gem with charming, vintage decor."

Good to know

1

Seating is very limited, especially for groups larger than two.

2

They accept all electronic payment options.

3

Finding street parking is challenging, but there are nearby parking lots.

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