|
|
       
|
Favorites
|
| |
Food |
Service |
Cost |
| Avanti Cafe |
8 |
6 |
$10 |
111 N. Lake Ave., Pasadena, CA, 91101
(626) 577-4688 |
Directions |
| |
Avanti is on my "regular" list. I typically go there three or four times per term. They've got some of the best Pizza in LA (try the traditional pizzas), are reasonably priced, and have friendly service. Their pastas are not particularly good, but go for the pizza!
( Pizza ) |
|
| |
Food |
Service |
Cost |
| Burger Continental |
7 |
6 |
$8 |
535 South Lake Avenue, Pasadena, CA 91101
(626) 792-6634 |
Directions |
| |
My opinion of Burger Continental has improved in recent months. The food is very inexpensive and generally decent. It's nothing to rave about, but an overall good value. The service is also often amusing, if not great.
( American ) |
|
| |
Food |
Service |
Cost |
| Cafe Santa Monica |
6 |
5 |
$7 |
2906 Santa Monica Blvd., Santa Monica, CA
(310) 829-7871 |
Directions |
| |
Cafe Santa Monica recently changed ownership and is no longer 24/7. It's open late (until around 2am), and the food is still passable, but now that it's not open all the time, it's not quite as high on my list of late-nite places to go. Still worth a try, nevertheless.
( American / Late Nite ) |
|
| |
Food |
Service |
Cost |
| Canters |
6 |
4 |
$12 |
419 North Fairfax, West Hollywood, CA
(323) 651-2030 |
Directions |
| |
My first experience at Canters was this past Christmas Eve. A friend and I were looking for something to do in LA, and this was the only place open. This is not surprising as Canter's is a Jewish Deli in West Hollywood. Even better, it's open 24/7, which is probably why I end up going there at least once a week. They serve all the usual deli sandwiches and an assortment of Jewish fare (decent Matzo Ball Soup, for one). I highly recommend the Pastrami Sandwich or the Canter's Fairfax. And don't think that just because it's a Jewish Deli that it's a boring place. After 10pm or so there's often a very interesting assortment of people there. This is probably among the best 24-hour restaurants in the LA area. Reservations are definitely not required.
( American / Late Nite ) |
|
| |
Food |
Service |
Cost |
| Celestino |
9 |
9 |
$20 |
141 S. Lake Ave., Pasadena, CA, 91101
(626) 795-4006 |
Directions |
| |
Celestino is everything as good as its sister restaurant, Il Pastaio (they were both founded by Italian chef Celestino Drago). The food is probably among the best Italian fare one can get in Pasadena, and the service is top notch. It's not your every-day dinner place, but it's worth the price for a nice occasion. I suggest making reservations.
( Italian ) |
|
| |
Food |
Service |
Cost |
| Chandra |
8 |
8 |
$9 |
400 S. Arroyo Pkwy., Pasadena, CA 91105
(626) 577-6599 Chandra is my new favorite Thai place, for a number of reasons. First, the food is good. The menu is also far more extensive (and interesting) than any other Thai restaurant I've been to. Dishes have cool names like "Threesome" and "Naked Killer." The service is better than other Thai places, given that they understand and speak English. One complaint was that the food wasn't spicy enough, but I'm sure they'll fire it up for you if you ask. Next time you think Thai food, try Chandra.
|
Directions |
| |
Celestino is everything as good as its sister restaurant, Il Pastaio (they were both founded by Italian chef Celestino Drago). The food is probably among the best Italian fare one can get in Pasadena, and the service is top notch. It's not your every-day dinner place, but it's worth the price for a nice occasion. I suggest making reservations.
( Asian ) |
|
| |
Food |
Service |
Cost |
| Coffee House |
7 |
5 |
$6 |
8226 Sunset Boulevard, Los Angeles, CA 90069
(323) 848-7007 |
Directions |
| |
Coffee House used to be the most incredible 24-hour restaurant I've found. Unfortunately, now it's only open really late. They have very good, huge sandwiches, great breakfasts, and awesome french fries. It's a bit trendy but a great place to hit up after the bars or clubs on Sunset. Ironically, their coffee sucks.
( American / Late Nite ) |
|
| |
Food |
Service |
Cost |
| El Cholo |
8 |
5 |
$12 |
| Multiple Locations |
Directions |
| |
El Cholo is among the better Mexican food in LA. Their burritors are awesome, as are their tamales. They are "famous" for Green Corn Tamales, which are only served at certain times of the year. Unfortunately, the service leaves something to be desired, as they often have trouble with special orders. But get a pitcher of Cadillac Margherita and you won't notice.
( Mexican ) |
|
| |
Food |
Service |
Cost |
| Elysee |
7 |
N/A |
$8 |
1099 Gayley Avenue, Los Angeles, CA 90024
(310) 208-6505 |
Directions |
| |
Elysee makes inexpensive and tasty pastries, breads, and sandwiches. Their coffee is strong yet not bitter, and even the decaf is fresh. I've eaten there many times and never had a bad experience. Recommended.
( American ) |
|
| |
Food |
Service |
Cost |
| Euro Pane |
8 |
N/A |
$4 |
950 East Colorado Boulevard, Pasadena, CA 91106
(626) 577-1828 |
Directions |
| |
Euro Pane is an absolutely fantastic bakery. It's a bit on the expensive side, but it's so good. Their croissants are some of the best I've had, and their sandwiches are a really great deal (far better than Subway, which is right nearby). Go: you won't regret it.
( American ) |
|
| |
Food |
Service |
Cost |
| Houston's |
9 |
8 |
$17 |
320 South Arroyo Parkway, Pasadena, CA 91105
(626) 577-6001 |
Directions |
| |
Houston's is one of my favorite places to go for heavy meals. They serve good steaks, great ribs, as well as chicken and fish dishes. It's very grill oriented food. I highly recommend their Baby Back Ribs; these are some of the best ribs I've ever had (and I've been to lots of rib restaurants). Also make sure to ask for the Khaula Brownie; I don't think they still list it on the menu (last I checked), but they still serve it, and it's fantastic. Warning: there is always a wait on Friday and Saturday nights.
( American ) |
|
| |
Food |
Service |
Cost |
| Il Pastaio |
9 |
7 |
$18 |
200 N. Canon Dr., Beverly Hills, CA, 90210
(310) 205-5444 |
Directions |
| |
Il Pastaio is in one of the richest and nicest parts of LA (zip code 90210), and it fits in just fine. The food is great, the decor pleasant, and the service skilled. The place is a bit on the small side, but they have a very extensive bar and some outdoor seating. Reservations suggested.
Update: Last I dined at Il Pastaio, my reservations were not honored, and my party had to wait a good 40 minutes for a table. Despite this unprofessional incident, the food is still great.
( Italian ) |
|
| |
Food |
Service |
Cost |
| La Belle Epoque |
7 |
7 |
$7 |
2128 Hillhurst Avenue, Los Angeles, CA 90027
(323) 669-7640 |
Directions |
| |
La Belle Epoque has become one of my new favorite places to eat. It's a quaint place in Los Feliz where they make fresh bread, pasteries, and all sorts of food with an Italian influence. The portions are typically large and the prices very reasonable. I highly recommend it!
( American ) |
|
| |
Food |
Service |
Cost |
| Oak Tree Inn |
7 |
6 |
$13 |
1315 Fair Oaks Ave., South Pasadena, CA
(323) 682-2882 |
Directions |
| |
Oak Tree Inn is a very good, traditional Chinese restaurant. It's not terribly authentic, but there are often many Chinese patrons eating there (a good sign) and the food is great. I recommend it over Ocean Coral. Be warned that there is often a wait on Friday and Saturday nights.
( Asian ) |
|
| |
Food |
Service |
Cost |
| Ocean Star |
8 |
6 |
$13 |
145 North Atlantic Boulevard, Monterey Park, CA 91754
(626) 308-2128 |
Directions |
| |
A sign of a good Chinese restaurant is the presence of many Chinese people eating there. If this were the only criterion, Ocean Star would be the best. First off, the place is huge; it can probably accomodate well over 2000 people, most of them Chinese! It is also often used as a banquet hall for weddings. This very authentic Chinese restaurant serves wonderful food at reasonable prices. The service leaves something to be desired (they are very distant and sometimes difficult to communicate with), and the many weddings going on sometimes make it very loud. Regardeless, the food is great, so I recommend it.
( Asian ) |
|
| |
Food |
Service |
Cost |
| Parkway Grill |
9 |
10 |
$20 |
510 South Arroyo Parkway, Pasadena, CA 91105
(626) 795-1001 |
Directions |
| |
Parkway Grill has been called by many the best restaurant in Pasadena for quite a number of years. I have to agree. I'd go so far as to say it's the best restaurant I've been to in the LA area. Great food, great service, extensive bar, beautiful decor, and nice bathrooms. It's got everything and there's nothing to complain about. The price is high, but it's worth it. Reservations are suggested.
( American ) |
|
| |
Food |
Service |
Cost |
| Rack Shack |
8 |
7 |
$11 |
58 East Colorado Boulevard, Pasadena, CA 91105
(626) 405-1994 |
Directions |
| |
The Rack Shack is another one of my favorites. I usually go there at least once or twice a term. It's very reasonably priced (especially for Old Pas), and they have great ribs and chicken. The cornbread is absolutely the best I've ever had. Additionally, it's usually not crowded, even on Friday and Saturday nights (which is a source of worry for me), so access is easier than most Old Pas eateries. I recommend it!
( American ) |
|
| |
Food |
Service |
Cost |
| Sorriso |
9 |
9 |
$12 |
46 E. Colorado Blvd., Pasadena, CA 91105
(626) 793-2233 |
Directions |
| |
Sorriso is a competitor with Mi Piace for best Italian food in Pasadena. While the food at both restaurants is about equivalent, Sorriso has better service and a slightly less trendy atmosphere. The wait staff is very friendly, knowledgeable, and attentive, and the food's great. The prices are a bit higher than Mi Piace, but overall it's worth it.
( Italian ) |
|
| |
Food |
Service |
Cost |
| Takao |
9 |
7 |
$12 |
11656 San Vicente Blvd Los Angeles CA
(310) 207-8636 |
Directions |
| |
For great Sushi, Takao is tops. This tiny, somewhat hard to find Brentwood restaurant/Sushi bar serves some of the freshest, most tender sushi in town. Cheap lunch specials also make Takao a fantastic value for lunch, while prices are somewhat higher at dinner time. For your friends who shutter at the sight of raw fish, Takao also has a large selection of cooked dishes, every bit as good as their sushi. Bottom line: great sushi, good service, fair prices, and no pretention. A must-visit for sushi lovers!
( Asian ) |
|
| |
Food |
Service |
Cost |
| Tan Cang Seafood |
8 |
5 |
$10 |
684 W. Garvey Ave., Monterey Park, CA
(626) 289-8689 |
Directions |
| |
This place is great. It's got good, authentic Chinese food at very low prices (lunch will typically run you under $8). It's located in Monterey Park, the land of 1000 Chinese Restaurants, but this one stands out: it's inexpensive and high quality. The wait staff is a bit unresponsive (because most of them don't know English), but that's forgivable for the price.
( Asian ) |
|
| |
Food |
Service |
Cost |
| Tony's Pizza |
9 |
N/A |
$10 |
2555 Huntington Drive, San Marino, CA
(626) 793-4114 |
Directions |
| |
Wow! After living in LA for 3 years, I've finally found true New York Pizza! This is as authentic as it gets. It's not the best NY Pizza (I've had better in NY), but it's pretty good and the real thing. The place even looks like a New York Pizzeria. If you haven't had NY Pizza, it's supposed to be pretty thin crust, and tends to be a bit oily. Despite the oil (or maybe thanks to it), it tastes great and is a welcome familiarity to me! I highly recommend it.
( Pizza ) |
|
| |
Food |
Service |
Cost |
| Tulipano |
8 |
8 |
$15 |
530 S. Citrus Ave., Azusa, CA, 91702
(626) 967-6670 |
Directions |
| |
Tulipano is a very high quality Italian restaurant. My one dining experience there was for a friend's birthday, and everyone seemed to like it very much. Great food, good service, appropriate prices. I highly recommend it.
( Italian ) |
|
| |
Food |
Service |
Cost |
| Vito's Pizza |
8 |
N/A |
$$10 |
814 N. Vermont Ave., Los Angeles, CA
(323) 667-2723 |
Directions |
| |
Vito's is second on my list next to Tony's for best New York Pizza in LA. They make it in the NY Style, thin crust, oily, and pretty tasty. It's not quite a good as Tony's, but if you can't make the trek to San Marino, stoy by Vito's, or order delivery! Vito's also has the hole-in-the-wall NY Pizza place down pat. Not only is it a tiny place with little tables and a TV, there are also Italian regulars hanging out and bantering with Vito. Very authentic.
( Pizza ) |
|
| |
Food |
Service |
Cost |
| Xiomara |
10 |
8 |
$25 |
69 North Raymond Avenue, Pasadena, CA 91103
(626) 796-2520 |
Directions |
| |
Xiomara is one of the jewels of Pasadena dining. It's also one one of the few (if any) restaurants with a 10 food rating on this website. The cuisine is Latin inspired, and it is simply superb. Menu recommendations: The Lamb is incredibly tender, full of flavor, and wonderfully presented in the cast-iron pot in which it is cooked. The skirt steak is done to perfection and thinly sliced, served with Xiomara's awesome mashed potatoes. The swordfish is as good as I've had anywhere, though I prefer their meat dishes. The service matches the food; they are friendly and attentive, yet not crowding or distant. If you choose to visit one fine restaurant in the Pasadena area, make it Xiomara.
( American ) |
|
| |
Food |
Service |
Cost |
| Yujean Kang's |
9 |
8 |
$16 |
67 N. Raymond Ave., Pasadena, CA 91103
(626) 585-0855 |
Directions |
| |
My biggest complaint with most Chinese restaurants is that their "spicy" dishes aren't spicy. Yujean Kang's is a wonderful exception to this rule. The Tiny Dumplings in Hot Chili Oil were fantastic, and had a very spicy dipping sauce. The Szechwan Spicy Chicken was surprisingly spicy, though a bit past my usual threshold. The other dish I tried, the Chicken with Cashew Nuts, was also quite good, with cashews roasted to perfection in a honey sauce. My only complaint with the restaurant is the tables: they are too long. I felt unusually far from my date sitting right across the table. The other tables are also a bit close, so everyone can hear what you're talking about. But the food's great; perhaps the best Chinese in SoCal. Make reservations.
( Asian ) |
|