Best Date Night Restaurants in Pasadena
17 hand-picked restaurants, critic-reviewed and ranked
Last Updated: February 2026
Our Top Pick
Ruth's Chris Steak House
500-degree plates keep steaks sizzling throughout the meal
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
8.8
Chef Dean Yasharian's Michelin-rated bistro delivers refined French classics in an intimate historic setting with mahogany tables and a coffered wood ceiling. The restaurant's mirrored menu concept pairs traditional meat and seafood dishes with innovative plant-based French cuisine, all executed with precise technique.
Must-Try Dishes:
Burgundy Escargots in Herbed Butter, Duck à l'Orange with Celery Root Purée, Grand Marnier Soufflé
What Makes it Special: Los Angeles' first French mirrored-menu with equal focus on plant-based options
#3
The Arbour
8.8
Upscale farm-to-table dining showcasing California's agricultural bounty with rustic elegance. The kitchen delivers expertly executed seasonal dishes like Mediterranean sea bass and duck, while the intimate fireplace setting creates romance.
Must-Try Dishes:
Mediterranean Sea Bass, Duck Confit, Truffle Crusted Chicken
What Makes it Special: Farm-to-table philosophy with sustainable local sourcing
#4
Kaviar
8.7
Upscale Japanese kitchen perched above Raymond Avenue serves Executive Chef John Hans Yeo's fusion masterpieces in an intimate upstairs setting. Premium ingredients including A5 wagyu and uni elevate specialty rolls, while the cozy dark ambiance creates special occasion atmosphere.
Must-Try Dishes:
Toro with Uni, A5 Wagyu Roll, Uni Pasta
What Makes it Special: Bird's-eye Raymond Avenue views paired with premium fish and creative fusion
8.6
Executive Chef Bret Thompson brings innovative sea-to-table cuisine with specialized dry-aging techniques for seafood. The restaurant features an emerald marble bar, shellfish towers reminiscent of Parisian brasseries, and a California-Mediterranean coastal atmosphere.
Must-Try Dishes:
Dry Aged Kingfish Ceviche, Whole Fried Fish of the Day, Chilled Seafood Tower for Two
What Makes it Special: Only restaurant in Pasadena specializing in dry-aged seafood techniques
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
#7
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 modern Chinese concept that elevates traditional dishes with contemporary techniques and stays open until 10 PM on weekends. The refined atmosphere and creative menu items like crispy eggplant with garlic sauce draw late-evening diners seeking sophisticated Chinese cuisine.
Must-Try Dishes:
Kung Pao Cauliflower, Szechuan Green Beans, Dan Dan Noodles
What Makes it Special: Modern interpretations of Chinese classics in a chic setting
8.4
Founded by master ramen chefs Hiro and Nori, this craft ramen specialist makes everything in-house, from hand-cut noodles to 15-hour tonkotsu broth using traditional Japanese techniques. The signature tonkotsu delivers rich umami depth without being heavy, while the shoyu features soy sauce aged over 300 years in Japanese barrels.
Must-Try Dishes:
Tonkotsu Ramen, Shoyu Ramen, Vegan Ramen
What Makes it Special: Hand-cut noodles and 15-hour tonkotsu broth by Japanese master chefs
8.4
Authentic Neapolitan pizzeria in the Playhouse District serving wood-fired pies with imported Italian ingredients and a fermented dough that cooks in 90 seconds. The casual yet refined atmosphere and dedication to traditional techniques have made it a local favorite since opening in 2014.
Must-Try Dishes:
Margherita D.O.P., Diavola with Spicy Salami, Settebello with Truffle Oil
What Makes it Special: True Neapolitan certification with imported Italian flour and San Marzano tomatoes
#11
Uovo
8.4
Fresh pasta flown overnight from Bologna creates an authentic Roman street cafe experience in The Commons courtyard. Their dedication to traditional recipes and proper technique shows in every perfectly al dente strand of handmade pasta.
Must-Try Dishes:
Carbonara, Tagliatelle with Truffle Sauce, Cacio e Pepe
What Makes it Special: Daily pasta shipments from Bologna Italy
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
#13
Bodegon No 69
8.3
Authentic Peruvian seafood specializing in wild-caught fish and traditional ceviches with three types of Peruvian ajies. The open kitchen showcases grandmother's recipes brought to life with generous portions perfect for sharing.
Must-Try Dishes:
Ceviche B69 Mix, Arroz Con Mariscos, Lomo Saltado with Seafood
What Makes it Special: Wild-caught fish selection changes daily
#14
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
What Makes it Special: Only restaurant in Pasadena with the confidence to call itself a paella specialist
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
8.2
This historic venue transforms dining into an experience with its enchanting garden patio, live music, and belly dancing performances. The fire-grilled kebabs and authentic Middle Eastern dishes are served in a romantic brick-walled garden setting with water features.
Must-Try Dishes:
Fire-Grilled Lamb Kebab, Mixed Grill Platter, Stuffed Grape Leaves
What Makes it Special: Live entertainment in historic garden setting
Worthy Picks
#17
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