Diners' Choice: Best Ambiance restaurants in Pasadena

OpenTable

Updated May 05, 2026

Looking for restaurants with the best ambiance in Pasadena? You’re in the right place. Each month, OpenTable analyzes nearly 2 million global diner reviews from the past four months. We sort the results by location and category to help you discover new favorite restaurants. It's a great partnership: you reserve, eat, and review. We listen...and deliver the results for all to benefit. Enjoy!

Parkway Grill

4.8

4.8 (2564)

$50 and over

Californian

Pasadena

About the restaurant

The Smith Brothers trend-setter in regional American cuisine, Parkway Grill continues to define dining in the city and beyond. Parkway Grill specializes in a seasonal, market-driven approach to cooking that incorporates diverse influences and classic French technique. Throughout its over 40 years, Parkway’s innovative chefs have showcased an intriguing array of dishes using locally sourced ingredients.

Demonstrating the ultimate commitment to fresh produce, Parkway Grill planted its own organic vegetable and herb garden behind the restaurant, which continues to thrive for over 25 years on a piece of prime real estate in the heart of Pasadena.

Top review

MarkGold

Dined 7 days ago

This is the place to go when you want proper service in a comfortable environment. The drinks 🍸 were superb and the menu has something for just about anyone.

The Lobby Lounge @ The Langham Hotel Pasadena

4.7

4.7 (886)

$50 and over

Afternoon Tea

Pasadena

About the restaurant

Join us for Afternoon Tea at The Langham Huntington Pasadena, Los Angeles with live entertainment Saturday and Sunday. Enjoy a seasonal menu including mouthwatering sandwiches, baked scones, scrumptious sweets and a flavorful array of tea selections. Delicious Gluten-free and Vegan menus available.

Please include the number of adults (and if they have any dietary allergies) and number of kids (and if they have any dietary allergies) in your reservation notes to enable us to best prepare for a seamless experience.

Offered Thursday-Friday 11am-3pm and Saturday-Sunday 10am-3pm with live pianist or harpist on the weekend.

Our grace period for reservations is 15 minutes.

Our Classic Tea package is $89 +tax +20% gratuity. We have a Noble Tea upgrade for $99 that includes your choice of a non-alcoholic bubbly beverage, and a Royal Tea upgrade for $109 that includes a glass of Laurent-Perrier champagne. Parking is $18 with Afternoon Tea validation.

Top review

Debbie

Dined 7 days ago

The tea room is absolutely beautiful and especially perfect for special occasions which we were celebrating. You see lots of women there celebrating upcoming nuptials. The service was excellent in every way. We ordered the classic tea as we didn’t want alcohol. The tea selection was plentiful so it was hard to pick but the server helped me pick a tea that was delicious (vanilla earl grey). The food was delicious; I’m not a fan of some of the sandwiches so they let me pick what I wanted. The desserts were plentiful. I had the server pack up my leftover desserts and was happily surprised to see 2 fresh scones in with the other desserts. I’ll be back!

The Arbour - Pasadena

4.8

4.8 (2296)

$31 to $50

Californian

Pasadena

About the restaurant

The Arbour brings rustic elegant dining to the historic Pasadena neighborhood of south Lake Avenue. Paying homage to the extraordinary agricultural bounty of California, The Arbour’s menu showcases relationships with sustainable local farms and purveyors.

Top review

Roy

Dined 3 days ago

Great place. Marvelous food and very friendly service. The price is very reasonable. Will definitely dine here again.

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Popular dish

Bucatini Spaghetti

Popular dish

Black Pepper Crusted Chicken Breast

Popular dish

Seared Yellowfin Tuna

Nick's South Lake Ave

4.8

4.8 (3700)

$30 and under

American

Pasadena

About the restaurant

Classic American comfort food, crave-able bar snacks, plus unique cocktails, an extensive wine list in an upscale yet casual environment. Our exhibition kitchen highlights the talents of our passionate culinary team.

Nick’s is dedicated to perfecting the dining experience through continuous innovation, offering the highest quality food and beverage, and executing impeccable standards of hospitality. The deeply instilled Nick’s culture is personified by its Ladies and Gentlemen – professionals who share a single focus and are inspired and committed to offering great service and creating positive memorable experiences.

Nick's Pasadena will reopen on April 12, 2021 for dinner starting at 4pm. We look forward to serving you!

Top review

gabrielGold

Dined 1 day ago

We love Nicks for a date night. Always a great vibe! The food is excellent and the service top tiered! We loved our waitress and the constant checking in on us by the staff! Nicks never disappoints!!!

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Maple Glazed Meatloaf

Pez Coastal Kitchen

4.7

4.7 (180)

$31 to $50

Seafood

Pasadena

About the restaurant

Executive Chef & Proprietor Bret Thompson, with a rich culinary background spanning prestigious establishments in the U.S. and abroad, brings his expertise to Pez Coastal Kitchen. Joined by his wife Lucy Thompson-Ramirez, they have left an indelible mark on the Los Angeles dining scene with their previous ventures, including the beloved Pez Cantina and LA Burrito Co. in Montebello, but at Pez Coastal Kitchen,Chef Bret’s focus shifts to innovative techniques such as curing, smoking, and specialized dry-aging of seafood which will be a distinctive feature.

The menu at Pez Coastal Kitchen reflects our culinary team's commitment to excellence, offering a tantalizing array of appetizers, chilled seafood, crudos, family-style entrees, exceptional sides, and innovative desserts. From Chilled Beets with hazelnuts to Whole Fried Fish and decadent desserts like Warm Chocolate Butterscotch Peanut Butter Cake, each dish is crafted with precision and creativity.

Top review

SharonGold

Dined 5 days ago

Wonderful service, amazing food and beautifully designed.

Magnolia House

4.7

4.7 (426)

$30 and under

Contemporary American

Pasadena

About the restaurant

Located in a 100-year-old Pasadena craftsman bungalow, Magnolia House is a hideaway for those in the know – unique cocktails and a small plate menu from around the world. Stop by for handcrafted drinks, a boutique selection of wines, and local craft beers on tap while the menu boasts market-driven selection of seasonal shareable plates.

Top review

Terrie

Dined 4 days ago

We have been to Magnolia House twice now. Both times the whole experience has been wonderful. The food is fresh and well prepared. Staff is friendly and knowledgeable. We can’t wait to go back!!

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Experience

Bourbon & Burgers Tuesdays

Experience

Wine Wednesdays

Shiro Restaurant

4.9

4.9 (1645)

$50 and over

Contemporary French

Pasadena

About the restaurant

Shiro has been named the Zagat Guide's number one restaurant and is consistently one of the highest rated establishments. Shiro is summed up by it's ingredients. Menu items are driven by the best available, nothing less is acceptable. For over 38 years, diners have enjoyed our French and Pacific Rim inspired menu. A tradition of fine dining with excellent, friendly service.
Specially priced " TASTE OF SHIRO" menu is available every Wednesday and Thursday.
The evening's menu is posted around 3pm each day.

As much as we love them, we must ask that your dogs and other pets stay home. Service dogs, of course, are welcome.

Top review

CindyGold

Dined 7 days ago

Simply the best dining experience anywhere in the greater area! Wonderful service, food is incredibly good, fresh, impeccably presented, timing superb, creative, delicious, and a good value as well! Don't miss it!

Sushi Roku - Pasadena

4.8

4.8 (1224)

$30 and under

Sushi

Pasadena

About the restaurant

Sushi Roku combines the finest, freshest fish from pristine waters around the globe with the kind of artistry that can only be provided by a mature sushi chef ensuring superlative traditional sushi, together with a splash of California innovation. Sushi Roku is a pioneer of contemporary sushi, incorporating diverse, non-traditional ingredients from Latin America (e.g. jalapeños) and Europe (e.g. olive oil) into its edible works of art. This unique culinary experience that bridges past and present is the result of an eagerness to embrace new ideas and a profound respect for tradition. Sushi Roku’s bold and diverse menu also offers an array of hot and cold specialty appetizers and an extensive selection of exotic entrées.

Top review

KevinGold

Dined on May 20, 2026

Everyone there is phenomenal. From Leann to Amber and Jo the GM. There are too many to mention. Food also excellent. A+++.

Fleming's Steakhouse - Pasadena

4.8

4.8 (1705)

$50 and over

Steakhouse

Pasadena

About the restaurant

Your Pasadena Fleming's is conveniently located on the corner of Marengo and Colorado Boulevard. Fleming's in Pasadena is an outstanding choice to enjoy an exceptional Prime steak, glass of wine or handcrafted cocktail. Whether you're celebrating a special occasion, hosting a business dinner or simply wanting to enjoy a night out - we will create a safe and memorable evening in our Dining Room. If you prefer to enjoy your fine dining experience at home, you can order and pay for lunch or dinner online and then pick up curbside or select from one of our delivery partners.

Top review

Keila

Dined 3 days ago

Came here to try tomahawk Tuesday special for my boyfriend’s birthday. All staff were attentive and helpful. Food was delicious. Our host, Chris was awesome. Definitely coming back.

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4.6

4.6 (117)

$30 and under

Californian

Highland Park

About the restaurant

Nestled in the heart of Glassell Park, Wife and the Somm is a charming neighborhood bistro that invites you to indulge in a world of culinary delights and exquisite wines. Step inside and be greeted by a warm and inviting ambiance, where the aroma of fresh, seasonal ingredients fills the air. The ivy-covered walls and cozy interior create a sense of intimacy, while the spacious patio and front courtyard offer a delightful al fresco dining experience.

Husband-and-wife team Chris and Christy Lucchese, passionate about food and wine, have curated a menu that showcases their love for fresh, locally sourced produce and expertly paired wines. Their ever-evolving seasonal offerings feature an array of shareable plates, from handmade pastas and charcuterie boards to roasted baby beets with whipped feta and toasted almonds. Each dish is a testament to their culinary artistry, designed to tantalize your taste buds and complement the carefully selected wines.

Top review

Sam

Dined on May 15, 2026

One of our favorite neighborhood places, warm and homey feelings paired with refined flavors and cooking, an absolute gem.

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Experience

Somm Table

Experience

Sunday Brunch at Wife and the Somm

Experience

Snacks On Us

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