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Celestino Ristorante & Bar
Master Critic Reviews (4 Lists)
Celestino Ristorante & Bar
8.6
Over 20 years of Drago Brothers excellence delivers seasonal Italian cuisine on a picturesque garden patio. The award-winning wine list and fresh seafood specialties make this a destination for special occasions and business dinners alike.
Must-Try Dishes:
Florentine T-Bone Steak, Black and White Ravioli, Branzino al Sale
Scores:
Value: 7.8
Service: 8.8
Consistency: 8.9
Food Quality: 9.2
Atmosphere: 8.5
Cultural Relevance: 9.1
What makes it special: Drago Brothers' authentic regional specialties
Who should go: Anniversary couples and business entertainers
When to visit: Weeknight for quieter patio experience
What to order: Branzino, burrata, duck ravioli with blueberries
Insider tip: Free parking lot behind restaurant off Hudson Street
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Free lot behind restaurant off Hudson Street, valet $15 on weekends, street parking limited during peak hours
Dress code: Business casual to elegant, avoid athletic wear - think date night polished
Noise level: Moderate - garden patio allows conversation, inside can get lively during peak times
Weekend wait: 60-90 min without reservation, book 2 weeks ahead for prime times
Weekday lunch: Usually seated immediately, 10-15 min during business lunch rush
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes - multiple pasta and appetizer options, chef accommodates requests
Vegan options: Limited - can modify pasta dishes, best to call ahead
Gluten-free options: Yes - gluten-free pasta available, knowledgeable staff about preparations
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Excellent choice - romantic garden patio creates intimate atmosphere without being too formal, wine list helps conversation flow, and $$$$ pricing shows effort without breaking the bank
Can I get a table without a reservation? Weeknights possible with 30-45 min wait at the bar, weekends nearly impossible for patio seating - inside tables sometimes available after 8:30pm
Is it kid-friendly? Better for ages 10+ who appreciate real food - no kids menu but kitchen will do simple pasta, atmosphere leans adult especially at dinner
Best For
Better for: Authentic regional Italian with garden ambiance that beats indoor-only competitors, superior wine program and seafood expertise compared to typical red sauce joints
Skip if: Want trendy modern Italian or need quick casual meal - this is traditional fine dining pace, not ideal for dietary restrictions beyond vegetarian
Celestino Ristorante & Bar
8.9
Part of the prestigious Drago brothers' empire, Celestino has served refined regional Italian cuisine for over 17 years with an emphasis on fresh seafood and seasonal ingredients. The restaurant features private dining rooms, garden patios, and an award-winning wine list focusing on Italian vintages.
Must-Try Dishes:
Black and White Shrimp Ravioli, Branzino al Sale, Florentine T-Bone Steak
Scores:
Value: 7.5
Service: 9
Consistency: 8.8
Food Quality: 9.3
Atmosphere: 8.4
Cultural Relevance: 8.6
What makes it special: Drago family legacy with daily flown-in burrata from Italy
Who should go: Discerning diners and special occasion celebrants
When to visit: Weekday lunches for quieter business meetings
What to order: Daily seafood specials, burrata, house-made desserts
Insider tip: No upcharge for private dining room reservations
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Valet $8, self-parking in structure behind restaurant free with validation, street parking scarce after 5pm
Dress code: Business casual to elegant - no shorts/flip-flops, most guests in nice jeans and button-downs or dresses
Noise level: Lively but conversation-friendly - main dining room energetic, private rooms quieter
Weekend wait: 60-90 min without reservation, bar seating sometimes available in 20 min
Weekday lunch: Walk-ins usually seated immediately, peak 12-1pm may wait 15 min
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes - pasta primavera, eggplant parmigiana, multiple antipasti and salads
Vegan options: Limited - can modify pasta dishes, best to call ahead for preparation
Gluten-free options: Yes - risotto options, grilled fish/meat, staff knowledgeable about modifications
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Excellent choice - sophisticated but not stuffy, garden patio perfect for romance, noise level allows conversation, and the Italian wine list provides natural conversation starters
Can I get a table without a reservation? Unlikely Friday/Saturday nights, but bar has full menu and often opens up by 8:30pm. Weeknights before 6:30pm usually possible, lunch almost always available
Is it kid-friendly? Yes for well-behaved children - they offer half portions of pastas, high chairs available, but atmosphere leans adult especially at dinner. Best for kids 8+ who appreciate good food
Best For
Better for: Authentic regional Italian with ingredients actually from Italy, professional service for business dinners, and complimentary private dining rooms that competitors charge $500+ for
Skip if: You want trendy modern Italian fusion, need late-night dining past 10pm, or prefer casual counter service - try Bestia or Jon & Vinny's instead
Celestino Ristorante & Bar
8.6
This family-owned trattoria from the Drago family brings refined regional Italian to South Lake Avenue with house-made pastas and fresh seafood. The romantic patio and attentive service make it ideal for special occasions, while the extensive wine list earned recognition from Wine Spectator.
Must-Try Dishes:
Branzino al Sale, Black and White Ravioli, Osso Buco Milanese
Scores:
Value: 8
Service: 8.7
Consistency: 8.8
Food Quality: 8.9
Atmosphere: 8.5
Cultural Relevance: 8.7
What makes it special: Award-winning wine list paired with authentic Drago family recipes.
Who should go: Couples seeking classic Italian romance
When to visit: Early evening for intimate patio dining
What to order: Branzino, ravioli, any daily special
Insider tip: Request the front patio for quieter date nights
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Valet $8-10, street parking on South Lake Ave fills up after 6pm, public garage 2 blocks away
Dress code: Smart casual to business attire, jeans acceptable but lean dressier for dinner
Noise level: Moderate - lively but intimate, patio quieter than main dining room
Weekend wait: 30-45 min without reservation, book ahead strongly recommended
Weekday lunch: No wait before 12:30pm, 15-20 min during peak lunch
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes - multiple pasta and risotto options, willing to modify dishes
Vegan options: Limited - 2-3 options, chef can adapt pasta dishes with advance notice
Gluten-free options: Yes - gluten-free pasta available, staff knowledgeable about preparations
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Perfect - romantic lighting, tables spaced for privacy, wine list provides conversation starter, patio creates memorable atmosphere without being overly formal
Can I get a table without a reservation? Possible weeknights before 6:30pm or after 9pm, bar seating usually available, weekend walk-ins rare but worth trying for cancellations
Is it kid-friendly? Better for older children (10+) who appreciate dining experiences, no kids menu but willing to do simple pasta dishes, early dinner hours more accommodating
Best For
Better for: Wine enthusiasts seeking Italian pairings, those wanting quieter conversation than trendy spots, celebrating milestones with classic elegance
Skip if: You want cutting-edge modern Italian, need extensive vegan menu, prefer casual family-style dining, or are on a tight budget
Celestino Ristorante & Bar
8.4
Vibes:
Date Night Magic
Business Lunch Power Players
Birthday & Celebration Central
Outdoor Dining Oasis
The Drago Brothers bring over 20 years of Italian tradition to South Lake Avenue with seasonal menus featuring fresh seafood flown in weekly and housemade pastas crafted daily. Three elegant private dining rooms and an award-winning wine list make this a destination for both celebratory dinners and business gatherings. Established in 2005, this Pasadena institution maintains its reputation through consistent execution and attentive service from veteran staff.
Must-Try Dishes:
Black and White Ravioli with Shrimp, Branzino al Sale, Pumpkin Tortelloni
Scores:
Value: 7.8
Service: 8.9
Consistency: 8.6
Food Quality: 8.7
Atmosphere: 8.2
Cultural Relevance: 8.8
What makes it special: Drago Brothers legacy with seasonal Italian specialties and fresh seafood
Who should go: Special occasion diners and Italian cuisine connoisseurs
When to visit: Weekday lunch for business or weekend dinner celebrations
What to order: Black and white ravioli, branzino al sale, daily specials
Insider tip: Free parking in back lot off Hudson Street
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Free parking lot behind restaurant off Hudson Street, plus street parking on South Lake Avenue (metered until 8pm)
Dress code: Business casual to dressy - collared shirts preferred, no shorts or athletic wear
Noise level: Conversational - well-spaced tables allow easy conversation even when full
Weekend wait: 60+ min without reservation Friday-Saturday after 7pm, reservations strongly recommended
Weekday lunch: Typically seated within 10-15 minutes, walk-ins usually accommodated
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes - multiple pasta, risotto, and vegetable dishes, can modify most items
Vegan options: Limited - 2-3 options available, chef can accommodate with advance notice
Gluten-free options: Yes - gluten-free pasta available, staff knowledgeable about modifications
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Excellent choice - romantic ambiance with professional service creates impressive but not stuffy atmosphere. Outdoor patio especially intimate. Price point shows effort without being pretentious.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Weekday lunch usually fine as walk-in. Dinner reservations essential Thursday-Saturday. Tuesday-Wednesday dinner walk-ins possible before 6:30pm or after 8:30pm. Bar seating available first-come basis.
Is it kid-friendly? Yes for well-behaved children - no kids menu but will prepare plain pasta or chicken. Highchairs available. Best for ages 8+ who can appreciate upscale dining. Early dinner (5-6pm) most family-appropriate.
How long should I plan for dinner? Plan 90-120 minutes for full dinner experience. Service is attentive not rushed. Business lunches typically 60-75 minutes with efficient midday pace.
Is the wine list expensive? Award-winning list with range - bottles start around $45, Italian selections $60-200+, some rare vintages higher. Strong by-the-glass program $12-18. Sommelier helpful matching budget to preference.
Best For
Better for: Choose Celestino for traditional Italian fine dining with consistent execution, private dining options, business dinners requiring professional atmosphere, and occasions where impressing guests matters. The Drago Brothers reputation and 20-year track record deliver reliability.
Skip if: Skip if you want modern/innovative Italian, casual atmosphere, value pricing, or trendy scenes. Also not ideal for large groups without private room reservation or diners seeking quick meals under 60 minutes.