Best Business Lunch Restaurants in Pasadena
18 hand-picked restaurants, critic-reviewed and ranked
Last Updated: February 2026
Our Top Pick
Alexander's Steakhouse
Largest selection of imported Wagyu in California
Essential Picks
9.2
Celebrating 20 years of Wagyu mastery, this sophisticated steakhouse blends American traditions with Japanese precision, offering the nation's most extensive selection of authentic Wagyu beef. The Bull & Barrel Bar provides an intimate setting for business discussions over rare whiskeys and handcrafted cocktails.
Must-Try Dishes:
A5 Wagyu Ribeye, Hamachi Shot, Uni Toast
What Makes it Special: Largest selection of imported Wagyu in California
Notable Picks
8.8
This upscale chain steakhouse sizzles USDA Prime beef at 1800 degrees and serves it on 500-degree plates for an unforgettable business lunch experience. The Friday lunch service and three-course specials offer exceptional value for power meetings in an elegant setting with attentive service.
Must-Try Dishes:
Filet Mignon, Lobster Tail, Creamed Spinach
What Makes it Special: 500-degree plates keep steaks sizzling throughout the meal
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
What Makes it Special: Drago Brothers' authentic regional specialties
#4
Sushi Roku
8.4
Contemporary sushi pioneer blending traditional Japanese technique with California innovation and global ingredients. Tucked in a charming Old Town courtyard, the recently renovated space delivers fusion rolls alongside classic preparations in an upscale-casual setting.
Must-Try Dishes:
White Lotus Roll, Katana Roll, Toro with Truffle
What Makes it Special: Pioneering fusion approach incorporating Latin and European ingredients into sushi
8.4
Upscale-casual American bistro delivering refined comfort classics with exhibition kitchen flair. The warm butter cake achieves legendary status while Chilean sea bass and prime steaks showcase culinary expertise.
Must-Try Dishes:
Warm Butter Cake, Chilean Sea Bass, Prime Rib Dip
What Makes it Special: Exhibition kitchen and impeccable hospitality standards
8.3
Since 2005, this farm-to-table chain creates unexpected culinary adventures with sandwiches and salads using Scarborough Farms greens and fearless flavor combinations. The Pasadena location features craft beer, wine on tap, and outdoor patio seating with validated parking behind the restaurant.
Must-Try Dishes:
Not So Fried Chicken Sandwich, Peruvian Steak Sandwich, Avocado & Quinoa Superfood Ensalada
What Makes it Special: Unexpected ingredient combinations with farm-sourced produce and craft beverages
8.2
This Playhouse District favorite charms with Yucatan specialties like cochinita pibil alongside classic Mexican fare, all served in a cozy brick courtyard perfect for pre-theater dining. The covered patio and rotating gallery-quality art create an inviting atmosphere for leisurely family meals.
Must-Try Dishes:
Cochinita Pibil, Spinach Shrimp Enchiladas, Yucatan Tamales
What Makes it Special: Yucatan and Mayan specialties rarely found elsewhere
#8
Urbane Cafe
8.1
Founded in 2003, owner Tom Holt built this cafe around a hearth oven that bakes focaccia dough fresh constantly throughout the day. The scratch kitchen creates gourmet sandwiches and farm-fresh salads with refined local ingredients in a warm yet vibrant counter-service atmosphere.
Must-Try Dishes:
UC Chicken Banh Mi, Chimichurri Steak Sandwich, Cilantro Chicken Salad
What Makes it Special: Scratch-made focaccia baked fresh all day in open-hearth ovens
Located in a historic bank building, this Brazilian churrascaria offers continuous tableside service of fire-roasted meats and an extensive Market Table perfect for business lunches. The Bar Fogo area features all-day happy hour ideal for informal meetings over Brazilian-inspired cocktails.
Must-Try Dishes:
Picanha, Filet Mignon, Lamb Chops
What Makes it Special: Continuous tableside meat service with dry-aged lockers
8.1
Vibes:
Family Friendly Favorites
Outdoor Dining Oasis
Business Lunch Power Players
Hidden Gems Heaven
This women-owned Mediterranean restaurant in Playhouse Village specializes in authentic Lebanese kebabs and mezze with a focus on sustainability. Fresh ingredients and careful spicing distinguish the lula kebab and charcoal-grilled meats, while generous portions and friendly service create a welcoming neighborhood atmosphere.
Must-Try Dishes:
Lula Kebab Plate, Chicken Kabob, Beet Salad
What Makes it Special: Women-owned with commitment to compostable containers and plant-based options
#11
Urban Plates
8
Chef-driven fast-casual restaurant serving scratch-made plates, sandwiches, and salads with sustainably sourced ingredients including grass-fed steak and cage-free chicken. The cafeteria-style service model features real plates and server delivery to tables despite counter ordering.
Must-Try Dishes:
Grilled Steak Sandwich, Turkey Avocado Club, Chimichurri Steak Plate
What Makes it Special: Sustainable scratch-made plates with grass-fed and cage-free proteins
#12
Smitty's Grill
8
Since 2002, this beloved neighborhood spot serves elevated American comfort fare with Wine Spectator-awarded selections. Iron skillet cornbread and homemade chicken pot pie embody the cozy booth atmosphere locals cherish.
Must-Try Dishes:
Chicken Pot Pie, BBQ Baby Back Ribs, Iron Skillet Cornbread
What Makes it Special: Wine Spectator Award winner with 20+ year legacy
Worthy Picks
#13
Five Guys
7.9
This East Coast chain delivers customizable burgers with fresh-ground beef and hand-cut fries served in brown bags overflowing with extras. While closing at 10 PM limits true late-night appeal, the made-to-order approach and extensive topping bar create satisfying pre-party fuel.
Must-Try Dishes:
Bacon Cheeseburger, Little Bacon Burger, Cajun Fries
What Makes it Special: Unlimited toppings and overflowing fry portions
#14
Tokyo Wako
7.8
Established in 1988, this teppanyaki specialist offers tableside theater alongside a full sushi bar featuring innovative rolls and traditional nigiri. The elevated location provides views over El Paseo while skilled chefs perform the signature 'volcano' fried rice show.
Must-Try Dishes:
Filet Mignon Teppanyaki, Beef Sashimi with Yuzu, Pocky Ball
What Makes it Special: Teppanyaki tables with chef performances and El Paseo views
#15
CAVA
7.8
Fast-casual Mediterranean chain offering customizable grain bowls and pitas with quality ingredients and modern sensibility. Build-your-own format features fresh roasted vegetables, house-made dips, and protein options with over 50 million possible combinations.
Must-Try Dishes:
Harissa Avocado Bowl, Chicken Shawarma Pita, Crazy Feta
What Makes it Special: Chipotle-style customization with Mediterranean flavors and premium ingredients
#16
Chronic Tacos
7.8
Fast-casual Mexican chain offering customizable tacos, burritos, and bowls with fresh ingredients. Known for their generous portions and build-your-own approach that appeals to diverse dietary preferences.
Must-Try Dishes:
Pollo Asado Tacos, California Burrito, Nachos Supreme
What Makes it Special: Customizable tacos with fresh toppings bar
7.6
Pioneering California-style pizza chain that's been serving innovative toppings like BBQ chicken pizza since 1985. This Old Town location offers a full bar and patio seating perfect for people-watching on Los Robles.
Must-Try Dishes:
Original BBQ Chicken Pizza, Thai Chicken Pizza, Margherita with Burrata
What Makes it Special: Inventor of the BBQ chicken pizza phenomenon
#18
Star Leaf
7.5
Upscale Southeast Asian fusion in Playhouse Village combines Thai classics with modern presentation. While part of an international chain, the kitchen delivers competent versions of pad thai and curry dishes in an elegant setting perfect for pre-theater dining.
Must-Try Dishes:
Spicy Thai Som Tum Salad, Royal Crown Fried Rice, 12-Hour Braised Short Rib
What Makes it Special: Elevated Thai dining with craft cocktails and valet parking