The 23 Best Places in Pasadena
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The best places in Pasadena, according to the experts: Forbes Travel Guide, AAA, and Michelin Guide have all weighed in, and their honors are what rank this list. Chuan Spa comes out on top.
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Parkway Grill and Union hold the next two places. AAA shows up on more of this list than any other guide, with Los Angeles Times next.
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The awards
- Forbes Travel Guide Forbes Travel Guide: Forbes Four Star
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The awards
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Rank 3. Union
Italian
Edison bulbs cast a warm amber glow over exposed brick in this Old Pasadena Italian restaurant, where all the pasta is made in house and the portions lean toward sharing whether you planned to or not. The spaghetti and meatballs arrives on a platter the size of a hubcap. The cooking is bold rather than fussy, the sourcing is local, and the Michelin Guide has given it a Bib Gourmand to prove it isn't a secret anymore.
The awards
- Michelin Guide Michelin Guide: Bib Gourmand
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Rank 4. Perle
French
The coffered wood ceiling and vintage frames make this downtown Pasadena bistro feel like someone airlifted a Parisian side street into Southern California. The chef has no interest in deconstructing the classics, which means Burgundy snails arrive glossy with herbed butter and duck à l'orange stays duck à l'orange. Order the soufflé for dessert; it takes time and it's supposed to. The Michelin Guide has it listed.
The awards
- Michelin Guide Michelin Guide: Selected Restaurant
- Los Angeles Times Los Angeles Times: #89 · The 101 best restaurants in Los Angeles
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Rank 5. Arroyo Chop House
Steakhouse
The awards
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Rank 5. Bistro 45
French
The awards
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Rank 5. Celestino
Italian
The awards
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Rank 5. Malbec - Pasadena
Argentine
The awards
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The awards
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Rank 5. Stoney Point Restaurant
Italian
The awards
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Rank 11. Agnes
American
You walk through a working cheesery to get to your table, which sets the tone for everything that follows. Agnes is a rustic American bistro in Pasadena where a live-fire hearth anchors the room and the menu leans on local produce, house-made pasta, and fried chicken with sambal hot honey. Save room for the Thai banana split, which sounds like a dare and eats like a plan.
The awards
- Michelin Guide Michelin Guide: Selected Restaurant
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The awards
- AAA AAA: Approved
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Rank 12. Marston's Restaurant
American
The awards
- AAA AAA: Approved
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Rank 12. Pie 'N Burger
American
The awards
- AAA AAA: Approved
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Rank 12. Tibet Nepal House
Pan-Asian
The awards
- AAA AAA: Approved
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Rank 16. Old Sasoon Bakery
Middle Eastern
The awards
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Rank 17. Panda Inn
Chinese
The awards
- Los Angeles Times Los Angeles Times: #101 · The 101 best restaurants in Los Angeles
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Rank 18. Bone Kettle
Vietnamese
The awards
- Los Angeles Times Los Angeles Times: Fifty Under $50
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The awards
- Los Angeles Times Los Angeles Times: Fifty Under $50
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Rank 20. Arturo's Taco Truck
Mexican
The awards
- Los Angeles Times Los Angeles Times: Lengua taco · The 101 Best Tacos in Los Angeles
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Rank 20. HomeState
Mexican
The awards
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Rank 20. King Taco
Mexican
The awards
- Los Angeles Times Los Angeles Times: Suadero taco · The 101 Best Tacos in Los Angeles
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Rank 20. Saucy Chick
Mexican
The awards
- LAist Birra de Chivo Bowl · Best Bites
- Los Angeles Times Birria queso taco · The 101 Best Tacos in Los Angeles