Best Outdoor Dining Restaurants in Pasadena
22 hand-picked restaurants, critic-reviewed and ranked
Last Updated: February 2026
Our Top Pick
Perle Restaurant
Los Angeles' first French mirrored-menu with equal focus on plant-based options
Notable Picks
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
#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
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
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
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
#6
MAMA M SUSHI
8.2
Family-run neighborhood spot serving fresh sushi rolls and traditional Japanese fare with care. Known for creative specialty rolls like the Playboy and Porkchop, plus crispy rice tuna that keeps regulars coming back weekly.
Must-Try Dishes:
Playboy Roll, Porkchop Roll, Crispy Rice Tuna
What Makes it Special: Decade-plus presence with warm hospitality and creative fusion rolls
#7
Fishwives
8.2
New England-style seafood bar earning Michelin Bib Gourmand recognition for dock-to-table freshness within 24 hours. The unpretentious space focuses on quality over ambiance with stellar lobster rolls and an extensive raw bar selection.
Must-Try Dishes:
Portland Maine Lobster Roll, Maryland Blue Crab Cakes, Oyster Selection
What Makes it Special: Michelin Bib Gourmand recipient since 2017
#8
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
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
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
#11
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
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
Husband-wife passion project combining neighborhood cafe warmth with wine bar sophistication. Features Caffe Luxxe coffee, 11 draft beers, and fresh Mediterranean-inspired fare with plastic-free commitment.
Must-Try Dishes:
Cordova Breakfast Burrito, Spicy Chicken Sandwich, Lox Bagel
What Makes it Special: Family-run spot merging quality coffee with wine bar vibes and sustainable practices
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
8
Chef Jose Acevedo brings Wolfgang Puck training to elevated Mexican fare, with a mole that skews sweet and tableside guacamole that regulars swear by. The happy hour crowd packs the patio for carnitas nachos and margaritas at reasonable prices—skip it at dinner if you're watching the bill. Works well for groups who want a polished Lake Avenue spot with strong drink service and manageable noise.
Must-Try Dishes:
Guacamole, Chef Jose's Flan, Enchiladas de Pollo en Mole Oaxaqueño
What Makes it Special: Chef Jose Acevedo's signature carnitas recipe passed down through generations, with hand-made tortillas and hand-squeezed cocktail juices
#16
HomeState
8
Austin-transplant Tex-Mex built on house-made flour tortillas that won KCRW's Best Tortilla in Southern California tournament and 12-hour slow-smoked brisket—the breakfast tacos and loaded queso are the core draw. The counter-service format and colorful patio with string lights keep it family-friendly and low-key, though weekend brunch gets loud and the small parking lot fills fast. Taco prices run higher than street-level spots for portions that don't always match, but the tortilla quality and brisket technique justify the trade-off for most regulars.
Must-Try Dishes:
Breakfast Tacos, Brisket Tacos, Frito Pie
What Makes it Special: Austin-style Texas comfort food built around flour tortillas made from scratch and slow-smoked brisket, transplanted to Pasadena
Worthy Picks
#17
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
#18
Yahaira's Cafe
7.8
A family-owned Nuevo Latino cafe that builds its identity around Latin-inspired breakfast plates—huevos preparations, stuffed burritos, and sweet French toast—served on a spacious Colorado Blvd patio with live weekend music. The draw is the unhurried weekend brunch pace where the patio seating and rotating musicians set a relaxed tone that fits the neighborhood crowd. Expect a casual, counter-to-table rhythm with portions built for sharing and lingering.
Must-Try Dishes:
Breakfast Burrito, Mexican Omelette, Huevos Yucatan
What Makes it Special: Family-owned Nuevo Latino cafe serving Latin-inspired breakfasts on a spacious Colorado Blvd patio with live weekend music
7.8
A high-volume Pasadena taco truck that has built its reputation on straightforward street tacos executed consistently enough to sustain a loyal late-night crowd. The window-serve setup and back-lot parking work best for quick pickups or standing around with asada fries after hours. Budget-friendly pricing and a focused menu make it a reliable default for regulars who know what they want.
Must-Try Dishes:
Fish Tacos, Al Pastor, Asada Fries
What Makes it Special: Longtime Pasadena taco truck serving high-volume street tacos with a loyal late-night following
#20
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
#21
Philz Coffee
7.7
A single-cup coffee operation where baristas build each drink to your sweetness and cream specs — no batch pots, no shortcuts. The Mint Mojito and cold brews draw a steady rotation of remote workers and coffee-specific regulars who treat the calm, low-volume room as a second office. Pasadena's free Lake Ave lots keep the visit frictionless, though expect to circle at lunch.
Must-Try Dishes:
Mint Mojito Iced Coffee, Mocha, Cold Brew
What Makes it Special: Every cup is hand-crafted to order by baristas who dial in sweetness and cream to your exact preference — no batch brewing, no self-serve carafes.
7.5
A SoCal Mediterranean chain that hangs its hat on open-flame charbroiling—every protein marinated in-house and cooked to order with antibiotic-free chicken and Cedar River Farms beef. The fast-casual format works well for families wanting scratch-made kabobs and sides without a long sit-down commitment. Reviews run polarized at this Paseo location, so stick to the core kabob plates where the grill technique delivers the most reliable results.
Must-Try Dishes:
Charbroiled Chicken Kabob Entrée, Hummus, Beef Koobideh Kabob Entrée
What Makes it Special: Every protein is marinated in-house and charbroiled over an open flame to order, using only antibiotic-free chicken and Cedar River Farms beef.