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Marina
Master Critic Reviews (4 Lists)
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
Scores:
Value: 7.6
Service: 7.5
Consistency: 7.4
Food Quality: 8.3
Atmosphere: 8.7
Cultural Relevance: 7.8
What makes it special: Wood-fire oven centerpiece with farm connections
Who should go: Groups celebrating casual occasions
When to visit: Weekend evenings for buzzing atmosphere
What to order: Wood-fired pizza, seasonal vegetables, prosciutto platter
Insider tip: Patio has heaters for cooler evenings
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Street parking on surrounding blocks, gets tight after 6pm. Small lot behind restaurant fills quickly. Budget 10 min to find a spot on weekends.
Dress code: California casual - nice jeans and a button-down or sundress work perfectly. The patio vibe is relaxed but put-together.
Noise level: Moderate to lively - conversation flows easily at your table, gets buzzier as the night progresses
Weekend wait: 30-45 min without reservation, often fully booked by 7pm Friday-Saturday
Weekday lunch: No wait, walk-ins welcome
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes - wood-fired vegetables shine here, plus multiple pasta and pizza options
Vegan options: Limited - can modify pizzas without cheese, seasonal vegetable sides are standouts
Gluten-free options: Some options - risottos and grilled proteins available, no GF pizza crust
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Yes, especially if you snag a patio table. The ambiance is romantic without being overly formal, and the wood-fire show gives you built-in conversation starters. Just book ahead - nothing kills the mood like a 45-minute wait.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Weekday lunches yes, weekend dinners unlikely. Your best bet for walk-in success is arriving right at 5:30pm opening or trying the bar seats which are first-come, first-served.
Is it kid-friendly? Yes for early dinners (5:30-7pm). The outdoor space gives kids room to wiggle, and the wood-fired pizzas are crowd-pleasers. After 7:30pm it shifts to more of an adult vibe with groups and date nights.
Best For
Better for: The patio experience outshines other Italian spots in Central Pasadena - those twinkling lights and heat lamps create year-round outdoor dining magic. The wood-fire oven adds theater that Union or Il Fornaio can't match.
Skip if: You want authentic old-school Italian or need a quiet, intimate setting. For traditional red sauce Italian, try Domenico's. For romance without the scene, Celestino's booths are more private.
Marina
8.3
Opened in 2022, this farm-to-table Italian spot features a stunning wood-fire oven and California-sourced ingredients prepared with traditional Italian techniques. The lush interior and thoughtful wine program create an elevated neighborhood gathering place perfect for memorable evenings.
Must-Try Dishes:
Wood-Fired Margherita Pizza, 24-Month Prosciutto San Daniele, House-Made Ricotta with Blistered Bread
Scores:
Value: 7.8
Service: 8.1
Consistency: 8
Food Quality: 8.6
Atmosphere: 8.8
Cultural Relevance: 7.5
What makes it special: Wood-fire oven creates authentic Italian flavors with local ingredients.
Who should go: Design-conscious diners seeking modern Italian
When to visit: Happy hour Monday-Sunday for best value
What to order: Wood-fired pizza, prosciutto, seasonal pasta
Insider tip: Monday all-day happy hour offers exceptional deals
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Street parking challenging after 5pm, nearby public lot on Green St ($8 flat rate evenings)
Dress code: California casual chic - nice jeans with elevated top works, many dress up for date night
Noise level: Lively but intimate - wood surfaces create energy without overwhelming conversation
Weekend wait: 60-90 min without reservation, bar seating sometimes available sooner
Weekday lunch: Usually immediate seating, 10-15 min during peak lunch rush
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes - multiple pasta options, salads, and vegetarian pizzas clearly marked
Vegan options: Limited - can modify salads and request cheese-free pizza with seasonal vegetables
Gluten-free options: Yes - gluten-free pasta available, staff knowledgeable about modifications
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Excellent choice - lighting is romantic without being too dim, noise level allows conversation, and sharing wood-fired pizzas creates natural connection. Bar seating available if you want a more casual vibe.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Weeknights before 7pm usually possible with 20-30 min wait. Weekends require reservations or arrive at 5pm opening. Bar and communal table are first-come options with shorter waits.
Is it kid-friendly? Better for older kids (8+) who appreciate real food. No kids menu but pizzas are shareable. Early dinner (5-6:30pm) more family-friendly, gets date-focused after 7pm.
Best For
Better for: Superior wood-fired pizzas and cocktail program compared to other Pasadena Italian spots. Wine list more thoughtful than Union or Mi Piace.
Skip if: Want traditional red-sauce Italian comfort food - try Roma Market instead. Need large group dining - Maestro has better private spaces.
Marina
8.6
Farm-to-table Italian dining built around a wood-fired brick oven imported from Naples. Chef Dylan Stage crafts seasonal pizzas using two-day fermented dough, local Bianca DiNapoli tomatoes, and ingredients from California's top farms, creating rustic dishes with bright California sensibility.
Must-Try Dishes:
Margherita Pizza, Calabrian Salami Pizza, Blistered Bread & Ricotta
Scores:
Value: 7.8
Service: 8.7
Consistency: 8.5
Food Quality: 9
Atmosphere: 8.9
Cultural Relevance: 8.7
What makes it special: Wood-fired Neapolitan pizza meets California farm-to-table philosophy in an elegant setting
Who should go: Date nights, special occasions, food enthusiasts
When to visit: Dinner reservations, Monday all-day happy hour
What to order: Margherita with burrata, Calabrian salami pie, carbonara pasta
Insider tip: Monday happy hour runs all day with $15 margherita pizzas
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Street parking challenging evenings/weekends. Public lots within 2 blocks on Green St ($2-3/hr). Valet not available - arrive 10-15 min early to find spots
Dress code: Smart casual to elevated - date night crowd leans dressy. Dark jeans with nice top works, but you'll see blazers and dresses. Skip athleisure
Noise level: Moderate buzz - romantic conversation possible but not library-quiet. Wood-fired oven creates ambient energy without overwhelming tables
Weekend wait: 60-90 min without reservation Friday/Saturday after 7pm. Reservations book 2-3 weeks out for prime slots
Weekday lunch: No lunch service - dinner only. Tuesday-Thursday walk-ins possible before 6:30pm with 20-30 min bar wait
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Excellent - 6-8 seasonal veggie pizzas plus pasta options. Mushroom pizza and roasted vegetable plates rival the meat offerings
Vegan options: Limited but elevated - 2-3 pizzas can be made without cheese, marinara bases available. Staff knowledgeable about modifications but not extensive vegan menu
Gluten-free options: Not available - Neapolitan dough is the foundation here. No GF crust option due to authentic preparation method and cross-contamination in wood-fired oven
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Yes, ideal - sophisticated without stuffy, conversation-friendly noise level, shareable pizzas create natural interaction. Dim lighting and date-night energy without being overly romantic. $80-100 per couple with wine feels appropriate for impressive but not show-offy first date
Can I get a table without a reservation? Weekends: nearly impossible prime time. Weekdays: arrive by 5:45pm or try bar seating after 9pm. Monday happy hour is your best walk-in bet. Otherwise book 2+ weeks ahead for weekend dinner or use Resy alerts for cancellations
Is it kid-friendly? Better for 10+ years old. No kids menu but margherita pizza works for younger palates. Evening vibe skews date night/adult - earlier 5-6pm seating more family-appropriate. High chairs available but you'll be minority with small children among the couples crowd
Best For
Better for: Authentic Neapolitan technique with California ingredients - this is THE date night pizza in Pasadena. Choose Marina when you want elevated ambiance, impeccable ingredient sourcing, and pizza that feels special occasion worthy. Monday happy hour offers luxury at accessible price point
Skip if: You want casual/quick pizza - this is a 1.5-2 hour experience. Skip if you need gluten-free, have young kids under 8, or prefer New York style. For cheaper/faster Old Pasadena pizza, try The Luggage Room. For louder/livelier scene, go to Pie Life or Union
Marina
8.2
Founded in 2022 by hospitality veterans Nader Kaiser and Gustavo Landgrebe with Chef Dylan Stage at the helm, Marina centers its California-Italian menu around a wood-fired brick oven. Farm-to-table sourcing from local California producers brings seasonal freshness to rustic Italian foundations. The lush dining room with visible pizza oven creates an inviting neighborhood gathering spot.
Must-Try Dishes:
Italian Sausage Pizza, Shrimp alla Vodka, Truffle Cavatelli
Scores:
Value: 8.4
Service: 8.1
Consistency: 7.8
Food Quality: 8.5
Atmosphere: 8.3
Cultural Relevance: 7.6
What makes it special: Wood-fired California-Italian cuisine from award-winning hospitality team
Who should go: Local food enthusiasts seeking seasonal farm-to-table dining
When to visit: Dinner Tuesday through Saturday when oven running full
What to order: Wood-fired pizzas, housemade pasta, seasonal vegetables
Insider tip: Established 2022 - newer addition to Pasadena dining scene
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Street parking on Green Street and Raymond Avenue, metered until 8pm weekdays. Small public lot on Raymond ($2/hr). Valet not available.
Dress code: Casual elevated - dark jeans and nice top work, but you'll see everything from sundresses to button-downs
Noise level: Lively but conversational - wood-fired oven creates energy without overwhelming dining room acoustics
Weekend wait: 30-45 minutes without reservation Friday/Saturday after 7pm, book ahead recommended
Weekday lunch: Walk-ins usually seated within 10-15 minutes Tuesday-Friday
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Strong options - wood-fired seasonal vegetables, multiple pasta dishes, margherita pizza with burrata
Vegan options: Accommodating - can modify pizzas and pastas, dedicated seasonal vegetable plates available
Gluten-free options: Limited - no GF pizza crust, but some naturally GF dishes like grilled proteins and vegetable plates
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Excellent choice - dim lighting, visible pizza oven creates natural conversation starter, noise level lets you actually talk, and $$ pricing feels special without intimidating
Can I get a table without a reservation? Possible Tuesday-Thursday before 7pm or after 9pm. Weekends book solid 6-9pm window. Bar seating available for walk-ins with full menu access.
Is it kid-friendly? Yes for well-behaved kids 8+ who enjoy watching pizza-making. No kids menu but pizzas are crowd-pleasers. Earlier dinner slots (5:30-6:30pm) more family-appropriate than late-night crowd.
Best For
Better for: California-forward Italian that feels modern not traditional, outdoor patio dining, watching culinary theater with visible wood-fired oven, and supporting newer local hospitality talent
Skip if: You want old-school red-sauce Italian, need extensive gluten-free options, prefer quiet white-tablecloth fine dining, or want classic Pasadena establishment (this opened 2022)