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New Yorkers 1st Choice
Best of Pasadena

Italian salad spots

You want a fresh salad to start your meal, but you aren't willing to compromise on the quality of the Italian food that follows.

Based on 653 Opinions
+650
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Updated May 2026
01
Porta Via Italian Foods image 1
Porta Via Italian Foods image 2
Porta Via Italian Foods image 3
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Italian restaurant

Italian deli and marketplace combines sandwich shop with imported pantry goods in a clean, organized space. Shaded outdoor patio with heaters offers a pleasant lunch setting despite occasional flies. Lunch rush brings a busy, lively vibe with quality ingredients and a variety of prepared foods.

Potato salad stands out with fresh, flavorful ingredients. Crab salad and faro salad also deliver consistent, delicious taste alongside fresh sandwiches.

Casual Italian deli serves tasty sandwiches with fresh mozzarella and offers handmade pastas and lasagna. Shelves hold a large selection of Italian pantry items like dried pasta, sauces, olive oil, and imported goods.

People are saying

"The sandwiches here are great, especially with fresh mozzarella."

"The outdoor seating patio is nice and shaded."

"The Italian sandwiches here are really solid and delicious."

Good to know

1

Parking is easy and accessible.

2

It gets busy during the lunch rush, so ordering online ahead of time is recommended.

3

Diners might expect to pay $20 to $30 with a drink if they eat in.

02
Pietro's image 1
Italian restaurant

Italian restaurant offers old school vibes with a stale cafeteria smell. Menu features authentic Italian cuisine including hand-sliced vegetable pizzas with thin, soft crusts and well-balanced toppings. Prices remain unbeatable, especially for sandwiches and large pizzas.

Freshly cut, crunchy Caesar salad pairs well with pizza and wings. The Antipasto Salad offers a delicious alternative to balance heavier dishes.

Pasta dishes stand out with garlic clam sauce and fettuccine Alfredo featuring bite-sized chicken and sausages. Pizza, calzone, wings, and antipasto salad add variety alongside sandwiches.

People are saying

"I thought the pizza here was the best I've ever had."

"The Antipasto Salad was delicious."

"The Italian food, like the hoagie, was tasty and filling."

Good to know

1

The price of $6 for the sandwich is unbeatable.

2

Expect fresh ingredients as the chef hand slices vegetables.

3

Ask for extra sauce because it's highly praised.

03
Tarantino's Pizzeria Inc image 1
Pizza restaurant

Small, retro pizza restaurant with cozy, family-owned vibe and old-school charm. Atmosphere feels like eating in someone's basement, busy and upbeat with warm, photo-covered walls. Only accepts cash payments, adding to its authentic, no-frills character.

Salads come with pasta plates and often include complimentary bread. The Pepe salad stands out as a favorite, and the Caesar salad pairs well with pizza and pasta meals.

Pizzas, pastas, and soups stand out with solid flavors. Pasta plates come with complimentary bread and a small salad. Vegan parmesan and eggplant pasta add variety to the menu.

People are saying

"The food here is fresh, simple, and flavorful."

"Their Italian food, especially the pizza, has a balanced and hearty flavor."

"You have to try their salads; they're so fresh and tasty."

Good to know

1

This place is CASH only, so come prepared.

2

Parking may be tough; allow extra time to find a spot.

3

The meal cost only $13.23 before tip, which is cheap for Pasadena.

04
Neighbors & Friends Cafe image 1

Cozy cafe with a community-centered vibe and warm, welcoming atmosphere. Features include a communal table, cheese bar, and a micro market with local artisanal foods. Space feels like a friend's home, fostering connection and support.

Salads here include a deviled egg salad croissant that stands out for its flavor. The chicken salad and chips offer a satisfying combo, and the pasta salad is a solid choice as well.

Lasagna stands out alongside pot pies and desserts that catch attention. Sandwiches and a pasta salad add variety to the Italian offerings.

People are saying

"This local spot has amazing food and delicious, handcrafted drinks."

"You have to try the lasagna; it's really, really good."

"This place is an incredible addition, supporting local businesses and the community."

Good to know

1

The cafe is cashless, so bring a card for payments.

2

Most menu items are Halal or have Halal options available.

3

The cafe offers a fridge stocked with free food for those in need.

05
Mountain Mike's Pizza image 1
Pizza restaurant

Pizza restaurant offers a family-friendly atmosphere with video games and big TVs creating a fun, welcoming vibe. The space is clean and comfortable, featuring generous pizza toppings and a well-stocked salad bar. Lunch buffet provides an affordable option during weekdays.

Fresh ingredients fill the salad bar with a wide variety of options. It comes as part of an affordable buffet deal including unlimited pizza and sides.

Potato wedges come with a cold marinara sauce that pairs well. Cheese and marinara stand out as best elements. Wings, churros, mozzarella sticks, and fries are not deep fried.

People are saying

"The pizza here has great quality ingredients."

"The lunch buffet includes a sensational salad bar deal."

"I broke my diet for this amazing Italian food."

Good to know

1

The buffet deal offers unlimited pizza, sides, salad bar, and a drink for $14.99 from 11am to 2pm, Monday to Friday.

2

Expect a 25-30 minute wait time during peak hours.

3

The restaurant is clean and well-maintained.

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.

Fried chicken salad stands out with a healthy side salad that refreshes the meal. The Caprese salad ranks as a memorable highlight, while the wafer and fruit salad adds a sweet touch.

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.

People are saying

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

"I loved the wafer and fruit salad; it was 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
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.

Salads come with fresh ingredients and fantastic dressings. Options like the apple salad and antipasto salad stand out for their delicious flavors.

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.

People are saying

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

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

"I loved the apple salad and the margarita pizza."

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.

08
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.

Large antipasto salad stands out with fresh ingredients and generous portions. Meals like eggplant parmigiana and family specials come with a side salad and garlic bread, adding variety and value.

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.

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 was the best I ever had, served super hot."

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.

09
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.

Specialty fries come with an incredible side salad. The Waldorf salad stands out as a favorite. Macaroni salad here is surprisingly memorable.

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.

People are saying

"The Waldorf salad here is amazing and flavorful."

"The duck dish here is excellent; I will be dreaming about it."

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

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.

10
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.

Side salads come with a thick, creamy dressing that has a strong Western flavor and a high viscosity of salad oil. They taste rich rather than refreshing.

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.

People are saying

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

"The salad's crisp greens, sweet dates, and almonds were so good."

"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.

11
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.

Salads feature fresh ingredients like avocado, cucumber, beets, and pears. Options include light, balanced choices and hearty salads with skirt steak or lamb chops.

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.

People are saying

"The steaks were flavorful and juicy."

"The service here is warm, friendly, and professional."

"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.

12
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.

Salads arrive quickly, often as shared appetizers. Options include a burata salad, caprese salad, and Caesar salad, all paired well with meals like pumpkin tortellini and lasagna.

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.

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 patio seating here is wonderful."

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.

13
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.

Salads come without dressings or olive oil included. Options like the Caesar salad with grilled chicken and Antipasto salad are available but require adding your own dressing.

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

People are saying

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

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

"I found the Caesar salad with grilled chicken delicious."

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.

14
Stonefire Grill image 1
American restaurant

Buffet-style setup with huge covered patio and free parking creates a spacious dining environment. Atmosphere feels casual and welcoming inside, while outdoor seating can be loud with metal chairs scraping. Music adds a pleasant background to the experience.

Variety includes South of the Border Salad and Cartwheel Salad, both flavorful and popular. Staff suggest upgrading salad size, enhancing the experience.

Pesto pasta stands out as a favorite, paired well with breadsticks and tri-tip. Pasta dishes come in large portions and the mashed potatoes serve as a notable side.

People are saying

"The food here is delicious and never disappoints."

"The salad was amazing and very tasteful."

"You have to try the pesto pasta and breadsticks with Italian food here."

Good to know

1

Reservations are recommended for large groups, especially for patio events.

2

Catering services can accommodate events for up to 75 people.

3

The patio is sometimes closed for private events, so check availability.

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