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Diners' Choice: Best Ambience restaurants in Pasadena

OpenTable

Updated 05 December 2024

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

A photo of Dunsmoor restaurant

4.8

4.8 (954)

$50 and over

American

Eagle Rock

About the restaurant

Brian Dunsmoor’s namesake restaurant, Dunsmoor, is the latest iteration of his ongoing exploration of American heritage cooking. It is, first and foremost, a restaurant for the community that surrounds it, and a loving expression of the relentless research that has informed his cooking for the last ten years.

We offer the full menu at tables in our dining room and at the chef's counter, as well as at our outdoor tables. Reservations are recommended but we make every effort to accommodate walk-ins when possible.

Dunsmoor's wine bar, accessible either through the restaurant or via its own door on Ave 35, does not accept reservations and serves a limited menu of our raw and larder items.

Top review

A

Alex

Dined 1 day ago

Great first experience. Would highly recommend the “chef’s counter” seating for date night. Will definitely be back soon.

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A photo of Beef Ribeye of a restaurant

A photo of Grilled Swordfish of a restaurant

Grilled Swordfish

A photo of Baby Albacore of a restaurant

A photo of Parkway Grill restaurant

4.9

4.9 (2467)

$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 30 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

W

WazhmaVIP

Dined 4 days ago

Eddie is our favorite. The entire team at Parkway are wonderful. It’s always a good time and the ambiance at this time of the year, the holidays, is fabulous! Thank you!

A photo of The Arbour - Pasadena restaurant

The Arbour - Pasadena

4.7

4.7 (2074)

$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

J

Jerry

Dined 3 days ago

Great ambience at this location in Pasadena, CA. Food quality is great. Not over seasoned or over cooked. Mixed drinks were good also not overwhelming. Would recommend The Arbour to anyone visiting the area.

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A photo of Shrimp Penne of a restaurant

A photo of Roasted Mushroom Soup of a restaurant

Roasted Mushroom Soup

A photo of The Huntington's Rose Garden Tea Room restaurant

The Huntington's Rose Garden Tea Room

4.7

4.7 (1328)

$50 and over

Afternoon Tea

South Pasadena

About the restaurant

Rose Garden Tea Room is set within the historic Rose Garden, the Tea Room offers an elegant and memorable experience inspired by the tradition of English tea service with a distinctive California twist.

Any party with more than 6 guests MUST call to make their reservation or email tearoom@huntington.org.
Please do not divide your party into multiple reservations, as each Open Table reservation will be treated as individual and will not guarantee adjacent tables.

Please note that visiting the Rose Garden Tea Room requires purchasing admission to The Huntington. When planning to visit the Tea Room, please purchase a separate ticket to The Huntington for the same day as your Tea Room reservation. Tickets are available at huntington.org

Top review

D

Denise

Dined 5 days ago

We were there celebrating my nieces 18th birthday and our server Jo made her feel so special. She really made our visit to the yea room amazing.

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A photo of Jasmine Blueberry of a restaurant

Jasmine Blueberry

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A photo of Altaeats restaurant

4.9

4.9 (774)

$31 to $50

American

Pasadena

About the restaurant

Tucked away on the Altadena/Pasadena border,
Chef Paul Ragan brings a feast of flavors to the dinner table.
Join us in our dining room or order the Roastie to go!

Top review

S

SylviaVIP

Dined on 6 Dec 2024

I had the chef’s special-spare ribs, mash potatoes and carrots. It was DELISH! Highly recommend!!

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Beef Wellington

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Buffalo Brussels Sprouts

A photo of Nick's South Lake Ave restaurant

Nick's South Lake Ave

4.8

4.8 (3133)

$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

L

LisaVIP

Dined 5 days ago

Nick's of South Lake is always a great dining experience. Good food and good service.

A photo of The Royce Steak House restaurant

The Royce Steak House

4.7

4.7 (1306)

$50 and over

Steakhouse

Pasadena

About the restaurant

The Royce | Wood-Fired Steakhouse features the finest selection of Prime Cuts, Australian Wagyu, and grass-fed beef, expertly prepared on a wood-fired grill. The menu is accented by fresh seafood and creative, comfortable side dishes.

Top review

M

MarioVIP

Dined 1 day ago

Chill vibes. Amazing food. Excellent service. Beautiful location.

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Filet Mignon Prime

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A photo of Smitty's Grill restaurant

4.8

4.8 (2204)

$31 to $50

Comfort Food

Pasadena

About the restaurant

The Smith Brothers bring you American comfort food at its best. Our menu features iron skillet cornbread, homemade chicken pot pie, BBQ baby back ribs, and more. Smitty's has always been defined by comfort, from the cozy booths and inviting bar, to the helpful staff who welcome each of our guests home.

Top review

D

Denise

Dined 3 days ago

Warm and cozy ambience. Excellent service. Friendly waiters. Absolutely delicious food. A joy to dine there.

A photo of Agnes Restaurant & Cheesery restaurant

Agnes Restaurant & Cheesery

4.7

4.7 (177)

$31 to $50

American

Pasadena

About the restaurant

Agnes Restaurant and Cheesery is a neighborhood oasis that showcases live-fire cooking with seasonal ingredients behind an adorable cheese shop that offers unique and thoughtfully curated artisan cheeses and renowned provisions.

With our spaces for large parties, an open kitchen, darling outdoor patio, and a beautiful marketplace, Agnes offers many opportunities for celebrating a wide variety of occasions.

The holidays are a wonderful time to discover Agnes with the Cheesery offering several stunning products worth sharing with all of your friends and family. From large format cheese, meat and crudité platters, tinned fish, delicious gifts, freshly baked treats, to our decadent Sides & Pies holiday offerings. Enjoy and relax during the holidays with Agnes catering your parties and family get-togethers.

Founded by Chefs Thomas and Vanessa Tilaka Kalb, stop by while exploring the famous Gamble House, Rose Bowl, Castle Green, Huntington Library or strolling through Old Town Pasadena.

Top review

A

Al

Dined 6 days ago

Creative menu. Dishes lend to sharing. Service was excellent; thoughtful recommendations and attentive service.

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Weekend Large Party Reservation

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Weekday Large Party Reservation

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Brunch Large Party Reservation

A photo of Arroyo Chop House restaurant

Arroyo Chop House

4.7

4.7 (2453)

$50 and over

Steakhouse

Pasadena

About the restaurant

A modern take on the classic American steakhouse, Arroyo Chop House is one of only a few restaurants in Southern California that serves exclusively USDA Prime beef. This strikingly handsome restaurant, inspired by the Arts & Crafts architectural style for which Pasadena is famous, is clad in rich mahogany and the cozy booths are bathed in seductive light.

Our steaks are aged and hand cut daily and then perfectly seared in a 1,500 degree oven. Traditional steakhouse side dishes include creamed spinach, baked potatoes, asparagus spears with hollandaise sauce, and Arroyo Chop House's famous onion rings. We also offer live Maine lobster and fresh fish, Alaskan King Crab legs, fresh oysters, and shrimp. Compliment your meal with a bottle from our award-winning wine list and finish the night with one of our delicious desserts such as a Grand Marnier soufflé, warm apple pie, butterscotch pudding or chocolate pecan pie.

Top review

S

Si

Dined 4 days ago

Outstanding food and exemplary service. A wonderful night out!

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