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Best Brunch Restaurants in Pasadena (91101)

7 hand-picked restaurants, AI-analyzed and critic-validated

Notable Picks

$$ East Pasadena
Modern European cafe specializing in hand-crafted specialty coffee and fresh seasonal breakfast since 2019. Features charcoal lattes, single-origin espressos, and house-made syrups in an earthy-chic atmosphere with weekend jazz guitarist.
Must-Try Dishes: Avocado Toast with Goat Cheese, French Toast with Mixed Berries, Lorraine Quiche
What makes it special: Tree-lined Lake & Green intersection location with all house-made syrups and sustainable practices
$$ Playhouse District
European-style coffeehouse in Mission Revival building serving exclusively heirloom organic coffee and sustainable farm-to-table cuisine. Roasts own coffee, features extensive patio, and offers spectrum from vegan to decadent pastries baked daily with French butter.
Must-Try Dishes: Eggs Salmone on Brioche, Avocado Toast, Earl Grey Tiramisu
What makes it special: Own coffee roasting operation with heirloom organic beans and made-from-scratch daily pastries
$$ South Lake
Husband-wife passion project combining neighborhood cafe warmth with wine bar sophistication. Features Caffe Luxxe coffee, 11 draft beers, and fresh Mediterranean-inspired fare with plastic-free commitment.
Must-Try Dishes: Cordova Breakfast Burrito, Spicy Chicken Sandwich, Lox Bagel
What makes it special: Family-run spot merging quality coffee with wine bar vibes and sustainable practices
$$ South Lake
Since 1979, this Pasadena institution has been serving their famous Dianne Salad and legendary zucchini bread. The airy interior and charming patio provide multiple Instagram-worthy settings for brunch photos.
Must-Try Dishes: Dianne Salad, Zucchini Bread, Monte Cristo Sandwich
What makes it special: Home of the famous Dianne Salad served 2000+ times weekly.
$$ South Lake District
100-year-old Craftsman cottage transformed into innovative craft-cocktail lounge serving market-driven small plates with Saturday-Sunday brunch. Built as family home turned hideaway featuring female DJ lineup and specialty coffee program.
Must-Try Dishes: Bourbon Burger, Mushroom Toast, Brussels Sprouts
What makes it special: Historic 1912 bungalow with unique cocktail program

Worthy Picks

$$ South Lake District
Multi-level New American restaurant featuring rooftop patio, ground-floor bar, and hormone-free ingredients with house-made preparations. No reservations except large parties, offering weekend brunch with organic greens and artisan everything.
Must-Try Dishes: Chipotle Chicken Club, Thick-Cut Pork Chop, Brussels Sprouts
What makes it special: Only rooftop bar in Pasadena with panoramic views
$ South Lake
Craft coffee specialist brewing every cup individually to order using pour-over method with 20+ custom blends from worldwide beans. No espresso drinks - only personalized drip coffee with breakfast items in Cal Tech area since 2017.
Must-Try Dishes: Mint Mojito Iced Coffee, Avocado Toast, Breakfast Burrito
What makes it special: Every coffee hand-crafted one cup at a time with pour-over method and customization