Best Instagram Worthy Restaurants in Pasadena
12 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
#2
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
#3
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
8.4
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
#6
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
#7
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
8.3
Modern European cafe specializing in hand-crafted specialty coffee and fresh seasonal breakfast since 2019. Features charcoal lattes, single-origin espressos, and house-made syrups in an earthy-chic atmosphere with weekend jazz guitarist.
Must-Try Dishes:
Avocado Toast with Goat Cheese, French Toast with Mixed Berries, Lorraine Quiche
What Makes it Special: Tree-lined Lake & Green intersection location with all house-made syrups and sustainable practices
#9
Urth Caffé
8.2
European-style coffeehouse in Mission Revival building serving exclusively heirloom organic coffee and sustainable farm-to-table cuisine. Roasts own coffee, features extensive patio, and offers spectrum from vegan to decadent pastries baked daily with French butter.
Must-Try Dishes:
Eggs Salmone on Brioche, Avocado Toast, Earl Grey Tiramisu
What Makes it Special: Own coffee roasting operation with heirloom organic beans and made-from-scratch daily pastries
#10
Magnolia House
8.2
Century-old craftsman bungalow transformed into trendy gastropub with craft cocktails and global small plates. The eclectic atmosphere features bizarre artwork, cozy lounges, and weekend DJ sets creating vibrant nightlife energy.
Must-Try Dishes:
Bourbon Burger, Mushroom Toast, Brussels Sprouts
What Makes it Special: Historic 1912 bungalow with unique cocktail program
Worthy Picks
#11
Tokyo Chick
7.9
Open Japanese kitchen specializing in crispy fried chicken with five housemade Japanese sauces including Signature Crispy, Ninja Teriyaki, and Tokyo Spicy. Fresh chicken wings, sandwiches, and bento boxes are cooked to order in front of guests with creative fusion flavors.
Must-Try Dishes:
Original Crispy Chicken Sandwich, Tokyo Spicy Wings Bento, Chicken Katsu Musubi
What Makes it Special: Japanese-style fried chicken with five distinct housemade sauces
#12
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