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Local picks in Pasadena

Salad and pasta spots

You want a meal that balances a fresh salad with a hearty pasta, and you expect both to be handled with equal care.

Based on 628 Opinions
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Updated May 2026
01
Tarantino's Pizzeria Inc image 1
Tarantino's Pizzeria Inc image 2
Tarantino's Pizzeria Inc image 3
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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.

Pasta dishes come with complimentary bread and a small salad. The eggplant pasta stands out, and the overall pasta quality is consistently amazing.

People are saying

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

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

"The paisano pasta here is amazing."

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.

02
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 as a solid choice, paired well with the pasta salad. Pot pies and desserts also complement the pasta offerings nicely.

People are saying

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

"You have to try the pasta salad; it's 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.

03
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.

Homemade shells cook al dente and pair with a simple tomato cream sauce and tasty lamb sausage. Fusilli noodles in pesto burst with basil flavor, while Radiator pasta shines in a red sauce with just the right cheese.

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 pesto pasta was a favorite, creamy with fresh basil."

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.

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.

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

Seafood pasta stands out with rich flavors, while the lasagna bolognese offers fresh, lavish layers. Generous portions of spicy pasta and classic ravioli also satisfy pasta cravings.

People are saying

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

"The pasta portions here are huge, you can barely finish them."

"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.

05
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 a meaty Bolognese sauce made from lamb, beef, and pork. The pasta is rich and flavorful, standing out compared to other spots.

People are saying

"The Waldorf salad here is amazing and flavorful."

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

"The spaghetti bolognese here is so meaty and delicious."

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.

06
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.

Pasta dishes have a strong, delicious flavor with a noticeable use of bay leaves. Portions can be generous, so ordering an extra serving suits bigger appetites.

People are saying

"The steaks were flavorful and juicy."

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

"The pasta here is delicious and really good."

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.

07
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.

Spaghetti and meatballs stand out with rich seasoning and hearty portions. Options like shrimp and lobster ravioli and chicken fettuccine Alfredo offer tasty alternatives, while vegetarian dishes include spaghetti marinara and spinach and cheese ravioli.

People are saying

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

"The beef lasagna here is hearty and homemade."

"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.

08
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 with its rich flavor and is highly praised. Other notable dishes include vodka penne and burrata cheese ravioli, alongside classic spaghetti and mozzarella options.

People are saying

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

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

"This pasta is delicious and full of flavor."

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.

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.

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.

Dishes include lasagna, vongole, and chicken Parmigiano. Kids have options like spaghetti with meatballs and chicken fettuccine Alfredo. The super pasta stands out among the main courses.

People are saying

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

"The pasta dishes, like the kids' spaghetti and meatballs, were delicious."

"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.

10
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 tri-tip. Macaroni and cheese comes hot and tasty, while breadsticks complement the meal nicely.

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; it's a favorite."

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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Pasadena, California

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