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Dos Besos
Master Critic Review
Dos Besos
8.3
This intimate paella specialist delivers Valencia's coastal flavors through expertly crafted seafood-studded rice with perfect socarrat crust, served in a charming brick building with patterned tile floors. Chef Alejandro Llobet's authentic Spanish tapas and 30-minute paellas have made this the premier Spanish destination in Old Pasadena since opening in 2022.
Must-Try Dishes:
Paella del Mar, Pulpo a la Gallega, 5J Jamón Ibérico de Bellota
Scores:
Value: 7.6
Service: 8.2
Consistency: 8.4
Food Quality: 8.8
Atmosphere: 7.9
Cultural Relevance: 8.5
What makes it special: Only restaurant in Pasadena with the confidence to call itself a paella specialist
Who should go: Couples seeking intimate Spanish dining experience
When to visit: Dinner service Tuesday-Saturday for freshest paella
What to order: Seafood paella, octopus tapas, house sangria
Insider tip: Order paella with first sangria round - takes 30 minutes
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Public garage on Fair Oaks ($8 flat rate evenings), metered street parking until 8pm, valet Friday-Saturday $15
Dress code: Smart casual - nice jeans with heels or dress shoes fits perfectly, lean slightly dressy for date night
Noise level: Intimate buzz - lively but conversation-friendly, gets energetic when paellas arrive tableside
Weekend wait: 60-90 min without reservation Friday-Saturday, call-ahead list available
Weekday lunch: Not open for lunch - dinner only Tuesday-Saturday from 5pm
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes - vegetable paella plus 4-5 tapas options including patatas bravas and pimientos
Vegan options: Very limited - can modify vegetable paella without aioli, 2 tapas options
Gluten-free options: Excellent - all paellas naturally GF, marked tapas options, knowledgeable staff
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Perfect - intimate lighting, shareable tapas break the ice, 30-minute paella wait creates natural conversation flow, impressive without being stuffy
Can I get a table without a reservation? Weeknights possible with 30-45 min wait at the sangria bar, weekends need reservation 2 weeks out or try bar seating at 5pm opening
Is it kid-friendly? Better for ages 10+ who appreciate trying new foods - no kids menu, sophisticated atmosphere, though they do have high chairs available
Best For
Better for: Authentic paella with proper socarrat crust you won't find elsewhere in Pasadena, plus the theatrical tableside presentation beats any Spanish competitor
Skip if: You want quick Spanish bites - choose Ración instead, or if you need extensive vegan options try Gracias Madre