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10 Best Italian Restaurants in Pasadena
- 10 restaurants
- Pasadena, California
- Updated December 28, 2025
Pasadena's top ten Italian restaurants are Union, Mi Piace, Gale’s, Celestino, Marina, Settebello Pizzeria Napoletana, Porta Via, The Kitchen Italian Cafe and Pizzeria, Tardino Brothers, and Uovo. Pasadena’s food culture is characterized by a sophisticated blend of California's farm-to-table ethos with traditional Italian culinary arts. Many fine dining establishments in the city such as Union, focus on seasonal and locally sourced ingredients to create their menus. This approach contrasts with long-standing institutions like Mi Piace, which serves modern Northern Italian cuisine in the heart of Old Pasadena.
Pasadena’s key neighborhoods for Italian food include the vibrant and historic Old Pasadena district and the more polished South Lake Avenue. The search for the best Italian restaurant in Pasadena reveals a range of options, from intimate, chef-driven establishments and classic neighborhood trattorias to specialized concepts focusing on authentic Neapolitan pizza or fresh pasta imported from Italy. The general atmosphere of these restaurants is refined yet accessible, matching the city's character as a cultural hub in the San Gabriel Valley.
Among the city's Italian restaurants, Union stands out as the definitive overall experience, acclaimed for its rigorous farm-to-table sourcing, masterful handmade pasta, and intimate setting. For a more energetic and social fine-dining experience, Mi Piace is a premier destination with its extensive cocktail program and bustling atmosphere. The distinction of being among the top Italian restaurants in Pasadena CA for classic, regional fine dining goes to Celestino, which serves authentic Sicilian dishes. Several restaurants cater to dietary restrictions, with Uovo and Union featuring gluten-free items and The Kitchen providing vegan preparations.
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1
Mi Piace is a contemporary Italian restaurant located in Old Pasadena that has been in operation since 1989. The restaurant serves an updated menu of Northern Italian cuisine in a sophisticated, high-energy setting. The space features a large marble bar, an exhibition kitchen, and an outdoor patio.- Item Prices
- 231
- Average Item Price
- $20.74
Mi Piace Menu PricesMore about Mi Piace
Type of Restaurant:
Fine Dining
Type of Food:
Modern Northern Italian
Signature Dishes:
Ravioli di Zucca (Pumpkin Ravioli)CioppinoSpaghetti Aragosta (Lobster Spaghetti)Tiramisu
Location:
25 E Colorado Blvd, Pasadena, CA 91105
Special Feature:
The restaurant is known for its extensive bar program, offering over 450 spirits and a list of craft cocktails. A bakery case at the entrance displays a selection of house-made desserts.
What Makes It Special:
Mi Piace is recognized for its consistency and its role as a long-standing fixture in Old Pasadena's dining scene. The combination of a classic Italian menu with a modern, lively atmosphere makes it a popular destination.
What Sets It Apart:
Its dual identity as both a high-end Italian restaurant and a vibrant cocktail bar, along with its prominent location on Colorado Boulevard, distinguishes Mi Piace as a central social and dining hub.
Operating Hours:
Daily: 11:00 AM – 11:00 PM
Price:
$50 to $100 per person
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2
Celestino is a popular restaurant in Pasadena, CA, serving regional Italian and Sicilian dishes. Celestino focuses on authentic flavors from a farm-based heritage, offering signature dishes like Timballo di Funghi,...- Item Prices
- 40
- Average Item Price
- $21.72
CELESTINO PASADENA Menu PricesMore about CELESTINO PASADENA
Type of Restaurant:
Fine Dining
Type of Food:
Sicilian, Regional Italian
Signature Dishes:
Risotto with Wild Mushrooms and Black TruffleOsso BucoPappardelle with Rabbit RaguSpaghetti with Bottarga
Location:
141 S Lake Ave, Pasadena, CA 91101
Special Feature:
The restaurant features several private dining rooms and a large, secluded patio with a fireplace, making it a popular venue for events and intimate dinners.
What Makes It Special:
Celestino is celebrated for its authentic, chef-driven menu that showcases the true flavors of various Italian regions, particularly Sicily. The Drago family is well-respected in the Los Angeles culinary world.
What Sets It Apart:
The combination of a refined, traditional menu crafted by a native Italian chef and an elegant, old-world ambiance distinguishes Celestino as a destination for classic Italian fine dining.
Operating Hours:
Monday – Thursday: 11:30 AM – 2:30 PM, 4:30 PM – 9:00 PMFriday: 11:30 AM – 2:30 PM, 4:30 PM – 10:00 PMSaturday: 4:30 PM – 10:00 PMSunday: 4:30 PM – 9:00 PM
Price:
$30 to $50 per person
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3
Settebello is a pizzeria that specializes in authentic Vera Pizza Napoletana (VPN), adhering to the strict standards set by the association in Naples. The restaurant uses ingredients imported from Italy and cooks its pizzas in a wood-burning oven. The atmosphere is modern and casual.- Item Prices
- 67
- Average Item Price
- $12.14
Settebello Pizzeria Napoletana Menu PricesMore about Settebello Pizzeria Napoletana
Type of Restaurant:
Casual Dining
Type of Food:
Neapolitan Pizza
Signature Dishes:
Pizza Margherita DOCPizza SettebelloPizza CarbonaraInsalata Grande
Location:
60 N Lake Ave., Pasadena, CA 91101
Special Feature:
The restaurant is certified by the Associazione Verace Pizza Napoletana, ensuring the authenticity of its pizza-making process, from the dough to the cooking temperature.
What Makes It Special:
Settebello is recognized for its dedication to the craft of traditional Neapolitan pizza, using imported Italian flour, tomatoes, and cheese to create an authentic product.
What Sets It Apart:
Its official VPN certification and singular focus on authentic Neapolitan pizza, cooked in a hand-built oven from Naples, distinguish it from other pizzerias in the area.
Operating Hours:
Sunday – Thursday: 11:00 AM – 9:00 PMFriday – Saturday: 11:00 AM – 10:00 PM
Price:
$20 to $30 per person
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4
Sandwiches American Desserts Group Friendly BistroPorta Via is a modern Italian restaurant that also functions as a neighborhood market and deli. Located on California Boulevard, the establishment offers a menu of classic Italian dishes, sandwiches, and salads in a bright, contemporary setting. The market section sells imported Italian goods and house-made sauces.- Item Prices
- 678
- Average Item Price
- $16.29
Porta Via Menu PricesMore about Porta Via
Type of Restaurant:
Casual Dining
Type of Food:
Italian Deli, Trattoria
Signature Dishes:
The Godfather Sandwich (Prosciutto, salami, mortadella, provolone)LasagnaChicken PiccataMeatball Sub
Location:
1 W California Blvd #102, Pasadena, CA 91105
Special Feature:
The hybrid restaurant-market concept allows diners to purchase specialty Italian products, including wines, cheeses, pastas, and prepared foods, to take home.
What Makes It Special:
Porta Via is known for its high-quality deli sandwiches and its casual, versatile format that serves as both a quick lunch spot and a sit-down dinner destination.
What Sets It Apart:
The combination of a full-service restaurant with a well-stocked Italian market and deli under one roof makes Porta Via a unique and multi-functional establishment.
Operating Hours:
Monday – Saturday: 10:30 AM – 5:00 PMSunday: Closed
Price:
$10 to $20 per person
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5
The Kitchen is a casual, family-owned restaurant serving Italian-American comfort food. The menu features a wide selection of pizzas, pastas, and classic entrees in a simple, no-frills setting. The restaurant is a popular spot for takeout and delivery.- Item Prices
- 64
- Average Item Price
- $14.47
The Kitchen Italian Cafe and Pizzeria Menu PricesMore about The Kitchen Italian Cafe and Pizzeria
Type of Restaurant:
Casual Dining
Type of Food:
Italian-American, Pizza
Signature Dishes:
BBQ Chicken PizzaPenne with Pink SauceChicken ParmesanGarlic Knots
Location:
78 W Union St, Pasadena, CA 91103
Special Feature:
The restaurant offers an extensive and customizable menu, including a large variety of pizza toppings and pasta sauce options, catering to a wide range of preferences.
What Makes It Special:
The Kitchen is known for its straightforward, satisfying food and its role as a reliable choice for a quick and affordable Italian-American meal in the heart of Pasadena.
What Sets It Apart:
Its focus on being a quick-service, takeout-friendly pizzeria and cafe with a broad menu of familiar favorites distinguishes it from more formal, sit-down Italian restaurants.
Operating Hours:
Daily: 11:00 AM – 9:00 PM
Price:
$20 to $30 per person
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6
6. Gale’s
Gale's is a neighborhood Italian restaurant that has been serving Pasadena since 1998. The restaurant offers a menu of classic Italian comfort food in a relaxed and unpretentious setting. The interior is warm and inviting, designed to feel like a traditional trattoria.More about Gale’s
Type of Restaurant:
Casual Dining
Type of Food:
Traditional Italian
Signature Dishes:
Spaghetti and MeatballsChicken PiccataLasagna al FornoGale's Chopped Salad
Location:
452 S Fair Oaks Ave, Pasadena, CA 91105
Special Feature:
The restaurant features a small, charming back patio for outdoor dining. Complimentary bruschetta is served to guests upon being seated.
What Makes It Special:
Gale's is known for its dependable, homestyle cooking and its status as a beloved local institution. The focus on classic recipes and friendly service makes it a go-to spot for neighborhood residents.
What Sets It Apart:
Its straightforward, no-frills approach to classic Italian-American cuisine and its consistent reputation as a reliable neighborhood favorite set it apart from more trend-focused restaurants.
Operating Hours:
Monday – Thursday: 11:30 AM – 8:00 PMFriday – Saturday: 11:30 AM – 9:00 PMSunday: 3:00 PM – 8:00 PM
Price:
$30 to $50 per person
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7
7. Union
Union is an intimate, farm-to-table restaurant in Old Pasadena that serves Northern Italian cuisine with a California influence. The menu is ingredient-driven and changes frequently based on seasonal availability from local farms. The space is rustic and cozy, with a strong focus on the open kitchen.More about Union
Type of Restaurant:
Fine Dining
Type of Food:
Californian-Italian
Signature Dishes:
Spaghetti alla Chitarra with San Marzano tomato and basilSquid Ink Lumache with lobster and fennelPork Chop with seasonal accompanimentsBread and Giardiniera
Location:
37 E Union St, Pasadena, CA 91103
Special Feature:
The restaurant operates on a strong farm-to-table ethos, sourcing ingredients directly from local farmers' markets. The menu explicitly lists its farm partners.
What Makes It Special:
Union is acclaimed for its dedication to sustainable sourcing and its expertly crafted handmade pasta. The restaurant has received significant critical praise for its focused and flavorful cooking.
What Sets It Apart:
Its strict adherence to a seasonal, farm-driven menu and its unique blend of Northern Italian techniques with California ingredients create a distinct and highly-regarded dining experience.
Operating Hours:
Monday – Thursday: 5:00 PM – 9:00 PMFriday – Sunday: 4:00 PM – 9:00 PM
Price:
$50 to $100 per person
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8
8. Marina
Marina is a neighborhood Italian restaurant located in the Hastings Ranch area. The establishment serves traditional Italian-American dishes in a warm, family-friendly atmosphere. The decor is classic and comfortable, resembling a traditional trattoria.More about Marina
Type of Restaurant:
Casual Dining
Type of Food:
Italian-American
Signature Dishes:
Chicken MarsalaLinguine with ClamsEggplant ParmigianaPizza
Location:
841 Cordova Street, Pasadena, CA 91101
Special Feature:
The restaurant offers a popular weekday lunch special, making it a go-to spot for the local business community. A full bar provides classic cocktails and a selection of wines.
What Makes It Special:
Marina is known for its consistent quality, generous portions, and its role as a long-standing neighborhood restaurant that has served the community for decades.
What Sets It Apart:
Its location away from the busy Old Pasadena district and its reputation as a reliable, family-run establishment for classic red-sauce Italian-American fare give it a distinct identity.
Operating Hours:
Monday – Thursday: 5:00 PM – 9:30 PMFriday – Saturday: 5:00 PM – 10:00 PMSunday: 5:00 PM – 9:00 PM
Price:
$50 to $100 per person
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9
9. Tardino Brothers
Tardino Brothers is a family-owned Italian restaurant and delicatessen that brings Sicilian family recipes to Pasadena. The establishment serves a menu of traditional pastas, sandwiches, and entrees in a casual and welcoming atmosphere. The deli counter offers imported meats and cheeses.More about Tardino Brothers
Type of Restaurant:
Casual Dining
Type of Food:
Sicilian, Italian-American
Signature Dishes:
Sunday Gravy with Braciole and MeatballsSpaghetti CarbonaraThe Tardino Sandwich (Mortadella, salami, capicola, provolone)Arancini
Location:
40 North Mentor Avenue, Pasadena, CA 91106
Special Feature:
The restaurant is run by the Tardino brothers, who use recipes passed down from their Sicilian grandmother. The "Sunday Gravy" is a house specialty available daily.
What Makes It Special:
Tardino Brothers is celebrated for its authentic, homestyle Sicilian cooking and its genuine family-run hospitality, creating a personal and traditional dining experience.
What Sets It Apart:
The specific focus on Sicilian family recipes, particularly the signature Sunday Gravy, and its dual function as a restaurant and deli make it a unique and authentic destination.
Operating Hours:
Tuesday – Thursday: 11:00 AM – 8:00 PMFriday – Saturday: 11:00 AM – 9:00 PMSunday – Monday: Closed
Price:
$10 to $20 per person
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10
10. Uovo
Uovo is a pasta-focused restaurant that specializes in serving fresh pasta handmade in Bologna, Italy. The pasta is flown overnight to the restaurant to ensure authenticity. The menu is concise, centered around classic Roman and Bolognese pasta dishes, served in a modern, minimalist setting.More about Uovo
Type of Restaurant:
Casual Dining
Type of Food:
Regional Italian Pasta
Signature Dishes:
Tagliatelle al RagùCacio e PepeSpaghetti all'ArrabbiataRavioli di Ricotta e Spinaci
Location:
146 S. Lake Ave, #103, Pasadena, CA 91101
Special Feature:
The restaurant's core concept is its partnership with a pasta-making kitchen in Bologna, Italy. This allows for the use of fresh pasta made with traditional Italian eggs, flour, and techniques.
What Makes It Special:
Uovo is known for its singular dedication to the quality and authenticity of its pasta. The unique supply chain from Italy is a key element of its identity.
What Sets It Apart:
The practice of flying in fresh, handmade pasta directly from Bologna sets Uovo apart from every other Italian restaurant in the area, offering a distinct and authentic pasta experience.
Operating Hours:
Daily: 11:30 AM – 10:00 PM
Price:
$30 to $50 per person
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Frequently Asked Questions
What Makes Italian Restaurants in Pasadena Famous?
Italian restaurants in Pasadena are famous for the excellent quality of their ingredients, blending California's farm-fresh produce with authentic Italian imports. The city's dining establishments benefit from proximity to local farms, allowing chefs to create seasonal, ingredient-driven menus that distinguish the local Italian food Pasadena offers. This access to fresh produce is combined with a dedication to traditional methods, seen in restaurants that import specialty items like flour, cheese, and even fresh pasta directly from Italy. The result is a high standard of quality Italian food that ranges from rustic, farm-to-table preparations to refined regional cuisine, setting Pasadena apart as a destination for discerning diners.
What Type of Italian Restaurant is Commonly Found in Pasadena?
Pasadena contains a sophisticated mix of Italian restaurant styles, from upscale establishments helmed by respected chefs to casual, family-run neighborhood spots. The city's offerings reflect its status as a prominent dining destination in the San Gabriel Valley, with several common types of restaurants detailed below.
- Chef-Driven and Fine Dining: These restaurants focus on high-quality, seasonal ingredients and refined culinary techniques. The menus are often specific to a region of Italy or offer a modern, Californian interpretation of Italian dishes. Union and Celestino are examples of this style.
- Neighborhood Trattorias: These are classic, comfortable restaurants serving traditional Italian-American comfort food. The atmosphere is relaxed and family-friendly, making them local mainstays. Gale’s and Marina fit this description.
- Authentic Pizzerias: Establishments that specialize in a specific, authentic style of pizza, most notably Neapolitan. These restaurants adhere to strict preparation standards, from the ingredients to the wood-burning ovens. Settebello Pizzeria Napoletana is a prime example.
- Specialized and Modern Concepts: This category includes restaurants with a unique and focused concept. Uovo centers its entire menu on fresh pasta flown in from Italy, while Porta Via operates as a hybrid restaurant and Italian market.
Does Pasadena Have an Authentic Italian Restaurant?
Yes, Pasadena has authentic Italian restaurants, emphasizing regional specificity and traditional methods, including Uovo, Settebello Pizzeria Napoletana, and Celestino. Uovo demonstrates authenticity by sourcing its fresh pasta directly from a producer in Bologna, Italy, ensuring the use of traditional ingredients and techniques. Settebello is certified by the Vera Pizza Napoletana (VPN) association, which verifies its adherence to the strict, centuries-old standards for making true Neapolitan pizza. Celestino offers an authentic experience through its owner, Chef Calogero Drago, who serves dishes from his native Sicily and other Italian regions.
What are the Signature Dishes of the Best Italian Restaurants in Pasadena?
The best Italian restaurants in Pasadena are known for signature dishes like Tagliatelle al Ragù, Spaghetti alla Chitarra, Pizza Margherita DOC, and Ravioli di Zucca. A description of these notable dishes, which showcase both handcrafted quality and authentic regional flavors, is presented in the list that follows.
- Tagliatelle al Ragù: A classic dish from Bologna served at Uovo. Its authenticity is derived from the fresh tagliatelle handmade in Italy and served with a traditional, slow-cooked meat sauce.
- Spaghetti alla Chitarra: A signature pasta at Union. This dish exemplifies the restaurant's farm-to-table ethos, featuring fresh, house-made pasta with a simple yet flavorful sauce of San Marzano tomatoes, garlic, and basil.
- Pizza Margherita DOC: The quintessential Neapolitan pizza from Settebello. This dish is made according to strict VPN standards, using San Marzano tomatoes, fresh mozzarella, basil, and a specific dough preparation.
- Ravioli di Zucca: A long-standing favorite at Mi Piace. This dish of house-made pumpkin-filled ravioli in a brown butter-sage sauce represents the restaurant's modern approach to Northern Italian classics.
- Risotto with Wild Mushrooms and Black Truffle: An elegant dish from Celestino. This risotto showcases the restaurant's fine-dining approach, using high-quality ingredients to create a rich and authentic regional Italian specialty.
Does Pasadena Enjoy Italian Food?
Yes, an appreciation for Italian food exists in Pasadena, a fact evident in the longevity of its local establishments and the breadth of its Italian dining options. The enduring success of restaurants such as Mi Piace, a city staple since 1989, and Gale's, a neighborhood favorite since 1998, points to a consistent, multi-generational demand for the cuisine. Pasadena's dining landscape includes everything from casual, family-operated trattorias to acclaimed, chef-led restaurants in the Old Pasadena district, showing how integral Italian food is to the local culture.
Are There Vegan Options in Italian Restaurants in Pasadena?
Yes, Italian restaurants in Pasadena provide vegan options at establishments such as Union, Mi Piace, and The Kitchen Italian Cafe and Pizzeria. The farm-to-table focus at Union allows the kitchen to create custom, vegetable-centric vegan dishes based on seasonal availability. Mi Piace, with its extensive modern menu, can accommodate vegan requests by modifying certain pasta and salad dishes. Casual spots like The Kitchen offer vegetable-based pizzas that can be prepared without cheese, and many traditional restaurants can serve pasta with a simple marinara or aglio e olio sauce.
Does an Italian Restaurant in Pasadena Offer Gluten-Free Options?
Yes, Italian restaurants in Pasadena offer gluten-free options, including Uovo, Celestino, and Mi Piace. Uovo specializes in pasta and provides a dedicated gluten-free fusilli substitute for its classic dishes. Fine-dining establishments like Celestino and Mi Piace accommodate gluten-free diners with pasta substitutes and also feature numerous entrees that are naturally gluten-free, such as risotto, grilled fish, and steak. Many restaurants are equipped to handle dietary restrictions, ensuring safe and flavorful choices for guests with gluten sensitivities.
What is the Average Meal Price for Italian Restaurants in Pasadena?
The price for an Italian meal in Pasadena ranges from under $30 to over $120 per person. Budget-friendly meals at casual cafes like The Kitchen Italian Cafe and Pizzeria fall between $15 and $30. A meal at a mid-range neighborhood restaurant such as Gale's or a specialized spot like Uovo is priced from $30 to $60. Fine-dining establishments, including Union and Celestino, offer multi-course experiences where the cost per person begins at $70 and can surpass $120.
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