Best Group Dining Restaurants in Pasadena
17 hand-picked restaurants, critic-reviewed and ranked
Last Updated: February 2026
Our Top Pick
Osawa Shabu Shabu & Sushi
Creator of the original tuna tartare, per Chef Tachibe
Notable Picks
8.6
Since 2013, Chef Shigefumi Tachibe's family-owned restaurant has earned acclaim for both its premium shabu-shabu featuring Saga wagyu beef and its seasonal omakase. Jonathan Gold praised it as an 'izakaya-plus' with fish selections rivaling Japan's best.
Must-Try Dishes:
Premium Omakase Sushi, Saga Beef Shabu-Shabu, Shishito Tempura Stuffed Spicy Tuna
What Makes it Special: Creator of the original tuna tartare, per Chef Tachibe
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
8.4
Nashville-style hot chicken concept serving juicy, crispy fried chicken with customizable heat levels from mild to supreme. Dark meat sandwiches on Hawaiian sweet buns with comeback sauce have earned a devoted following among Old Pasadena diners.
Must-Try Dishes:
Dark Meat Sandwich, Chicken Tenders with MC Sauce, Leg & Thigh Combo
What Makes it Special: Nashville hot chicken with exceptional spice customization and notably juicy dark meat
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
#5
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 sake-forward establishment sources fish from Tokyo's famed Tsukiji Market while offering both traditional omakase sets and creative fusion rolls. The spacious interior and extensive sake selection make it ideal for pre-theater dining near the Pasadena Playhouse.
Must-Try Dishes:
Scallop Carpaccio, Monkfish Liver, Ikura Uni Salmon Donguri
What Makes it Special: Direct sourcing from Tsukiji Market in Tokyo
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
A Pasadena salad institution since 1979, built around the Dianne Salad — a Chinese chicken salad that moves over 2,000 orders a week — and the signature zucchini bread that arrives with every plate. It runs as a patio-first, group-friendly lunch spot where the menu leans heavily on composed salads with enough variety to keep regulars rotating. Weekend brunch draws crowds and noise; weekday visits land the same food with a calmer room.
Must-Try Dishes:
Dianne Salad, GSR Zucchini Bread, Cornucopia Salad
What Makes it Special: Pasadena institution since 1979, famous for the Dianne Salad — a Chinese chicken salad ordered over 2,000 times per week — and their signature zucchini bread served with every salad.
8.1
This spacious dim sum palace offers traditional Cantonese favorites with modern ordering via QR codes. While not technically late-night, their 8 PM closing makes them one of the later options for quality Chinese in Old Town, with generous portions and fast service.
Must-Try Dishes:
XL Pork & Shrimp Siu Mai, Shanghai Soup Dumplings, BBQ Pork Buns with Pineapple Crust
What Makes it Special: All-day dim sum with QR code ordering efficiency
#10
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
Worthy Picks
#11
Marina
7.9
Farm-to-table Italian meets California's seasonal bounty around a stunning wood-fire oven. The lush patio creates an oasis where rustic Italian traditions blend with local farmers market finds.
Must-Try Dishes:
Wood-Fired Pizza, 24-Month Prosciutto San Daniele, Squash Blossoms
What Makes it Special: Wood-fire oven centerpiece with farm connections
#12
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
#13
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
#14
Anayas
7.7
The newest outpost from the established Anaya family brings traditional Mexican flavors to Colorado Boulevard. Happy hour features discounted margaritas and appetizers in a festive, modern setting.
Must-Try Dishes:
Fish Tacos, Chicken Fajitas, Shrimp Ceviche Tostada
What Makes it Special: Newest location from established Mexican restaurant family
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
#16
Yard House
7.6
A 130-tap draft house with a scratch kitchen that leans global — ahi poke nachos, cajun jambalaya, plant-based wings — giving the beer-and-screens format more culinary range than most sports bars attempt. The Paseo Colorado location works best for groups who want shareable plates, validated garage parking, and a patio fallback when the main room gets loud during peak hours.
Must-Try Dishes:
Poke Nachos, Spicy Jambalaya, Chicken Nachos
What Makes it Special: Over 100 craft and import beers on tap paired with a scratch kitchen turning out globally inspired bar food like ahi poke nachos and cajun jambalaya.
7.5
Founded in 1985, this traditional Mexican-American restaurant offers old-school comfort in a family-friendly setting with private parking and catering services. The grande burritos and chile verde sauce showcase classic preparations that have satisfied local families for nearly four decades.
Must-Try Dishes:
Grande Burrito, Chile Verde Sauce, Carne Asada
What Makes it Special: Three locations serving families since 1985