Best Authentic Restaurants in Highland Park

118 restaurants available nearby

1. Celestino

4.6

Exceptional(3571)

Price: Expensive

• Italian • Pasadena

Booked 35 times today

Celestino is a genuine Italian restaurant as evidenced by its fresh, homemade pastas and variety of authentic Italian dishes. Customers rave about its authentic food, with one reviewer stating 'the food here is always excellent' and another calling it 'fantastic authentic Italian cuisine'. The consistent high-quality service and food also add to its authenticity, making Celestino a true gem for Italian food lovers.

2. Star Leaf - Asian Cuisine

4.6

Exceptional(187)

Price: Expensive

• Asian • Pasadena

Booked 39 times today

As an award winning restaurant group, Star Leaf creates a fine dining experience that combines ingredients and spices that will teleport guests across the Pacific to a tropical paradise. Founded in 2011, Star Leaf Pasadena is our first US-location in the beloved Playhouse Village. Every dish is prepared with passion and respect for the traditions that shaped Asian cuisine. The culinary team selects the freshest ingredients, ensuring each bite is a celebration of flavor and culture, while instilling innovative modern touches.

3. Momed

4.7

Exceptional(1665)

Price: Expensive

• Mediterranean • Silver Lake

Booked 20 times today

Welcome to Momed, (pronounced mo-med.) short for Modern Mediterranean, is homage to the kitchens of the eastern Mediterranean and North Africa. Since 2010, Momed has introduced Los Angeles a fresh and sophisticated interpretation of a cuisine based on the centuries-old tradition of seasonal and farm to table dining. Momed has become a sought-after destination for those looking to explore the rich and diverse flavors of the Mediterranean region. The menu reflects a fusion of authentic flavors and innovative culinary techniques, resulting in a delightful blend of old-world charm and contemporary sophistication.

A photo of Gyu-Kaku Japanese BBQ - Pasadena, CA | Old Town restaurant

4. Gyu-Kaku Japanese BBQ - Pasadena, CA | Old Town

4.4

Awesome(1656)

Price: Expensive

• Japanese • Pasadena

Booked 74 times today

Gyu-Kaku Japanese BBQ in Pasadena, CA, offers an authentic yakiniku dining experience, originating from Tokyo. Customers rave about the fresh and delicious meals, with high ratings for food, service, and ambience. It's a place where you can 'be the chef' and enjoy a variety of premium meats and other freshly prepared foods. Plus, it's the world’s #1 Japanese BBQ brand, adding to its authenticity!

5. Mi Piace

4.5

Awesome(4063)

Price: Expensive

• Italian • Pasadena

Booked 78 times today

With over 30 years serving up crave worthy food, craft coktails, extensive wine lists and personalized service, we invite you to come dine on our newly renovated patio, bustling main dining rooms, sleek lounge or order our takeout. In Italian, Mi Piace means - I like it; and the Mi Piace Team will make sure you love it at this award-winning restaurant. Mi Piace is the perfect spot to enjoy an intimate dinner, lively lunch, or festive brunch. We take pride in our product and service provided and look forward to having you as our guest in what we call 'home'.

A photo of Gus's BBQ - South Pasadena restaurant

6. Gus's BBQ - South Pasadena

4.7

Exceptional(2046)

Price: Moderate

• Barbecue • South Pasadena

Booked 48 times today

Since 1946, Gus’s has been serving the good folks of South Pasadena (and beyond!) true Southern hospitality and some of the best real pit BBQ around. Housed on historic Route 66, Gus’s is a tribute to Southern life, where family, tradition and celebration are of the utmost importance. A menu filled with traditional Southern cooking and authentic, wood-smoked BBQ is complemented by an impressive range of whiskies, wines, cocktails and local craft beers. Today, Gus’s is a space for a warm welcome, a cold mint julep, and a big plate of the best flavors from the American South and Midwest. You’ll leave knowing exactly why Gus’s food has been hailed, “….so good that we found ourselves eating more than we’d imagined” by S. Irene Virbila, Los Angeles Times and was named one of the top 10 BBQ restaurants on the west coast by Sunset Magazine.

7. Malbec - Pasadena

4.7

Exceptional(1874)

Price: Moderate

• Argentinian • Pasadena

Booked 46 times today

Please note, that our outdoor seating is first come first serve. If you have a reservation through OpenTable, you will be seated, however, please allow a few extra minutes to ensure that we can properly sanitize your table.Argentina is world famous for its cuisine. From homemade salads, pastas and fish to an abundant selection of our signature grilled meats, Malbec Argentinean Bistro brings you the best authentic cuisine prepared on our genuine Argentinean grill.For reservations of parties larger than 6, please reach out to the restaurant directly. We will require a credit card hold to secure large party reservations.

8. Gale's

4.7

Exceptional(3347)

Price: Moderate

• Italian • Pasadena

Booked 34 times today

Gale's Restaurant is a totally local Pasadena spot for delicious Northern Italian fare, tucked away from the tourist chains in Old Town. Couples, families and friends that seem to have just finished a day outdoors snuggle among the brick walls and small marble tables, drinking cocktails and wine from elegant Brighton goblets. Start off with Bruschetta, Burrata Salad or Gale's Simple Salad and then move on to the country-style Tuscan steak or one of the house made ravioli specials. For dessert, don't miss the Tiramisu or Gale's iconic Coconut Cake. The wine list is a favorite among the guests for it's variety and excellent value.

A photo of Carousel Restaurant restaurant

9. Carousel Restaurant

4.8

Exceptional(593)

Price: Moderate

• Middle Eastern • Glendale

Booked 9 times today

From of our family to yours, Carousel is the premier Los Angeles area restaurant providing guests with the complete culinary experience when it comes to enjoying traditional middle eastern and Lebanese cuisine. In the Middle Eastern culture, meza (Lebanese term for appetizer) consists of a vast array of small sized, hot and cold dishes, great for sampling and sharing. At Carousel, our menu offers a selection of kebabs to seafood to an array of vegetarian items. We offer more than 60 meza items, ranging from familiar dishes, such as hummus, falafel and tabouleh to more traditional delicacies. Everything that we serve comes from original family recipes passed down through generations. With the supervision of our Chef de Cuisine and co-owner, Mrs. Rose Tcholakian, each dish that is served is sure to bestow the quality and freshness Carousel is well known for. For those unfamiliar to Lebanese food, a helpful service staff will guide you through what is sure to be a habit-forming journey.

A photo of Sushi Roku - Pasadena restaurant

10. Sushi Roku - Pasadena

4.8

Exceptional(1217)

Price: Moderate

• Sushi • Pasadena

Booked 14 times today

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.

‘About the restaurant’ descriptions have been generated using an artificial intelligence model comprised of OpenTable proprietary data that has not been independently verified by OpenTable. The content is presented as-is, for informational purposes only.

See what locals rave about

From verified diners like you

T
Tony
Los Angeles •3 reviews
5.0
Dined today
Great AYCE discount for seniors over 60, top option let us sample all items on their menu. Service was fast and friendly. Food tasted delicious as it comes off the hot grill at the table. Many other side dishto choose from, including desserts to finish the meal. Definitely will return again!
More info
Gyu-Kaku Japanese BBQ - Pasadena, CA | Old TownPrice: Expensive• Japanese• Pasadena
•
4.4
J
Judy
Los Angeles •27 reviews
5.0
Dined 1 day ago
Second time here. Service excellent. Food is anesthetically pleasing and better to the taste buds! One of my top Thai-fusion restaurants in Pasadena. Classy, dimly lit and refreshing restaurant with beautiful outdoor patio seating as well.
More info
Star Leaf - Asian CuisinePrice: Expensive• Asian• Pasadena
•
4.6
L
Leonard R.
Los Angeles •8 reviews
5.0
Dined 1 day ago
It was a delightful evening. We were seated immediately upon our arrival and the service and the food were excellent.
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MomedPrice: Expensive• Mediterranean• Silver Lake
•
4.7
C
Carin
Los Angeles •1 review
5.0
Dined 4 days ago
Food was amazing, ambiance was great, it’s a louder place, lots of people, fun environment. We went on a Wednesday night and it was packed. The service was fantastic, Santos was our server and he amazing.
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Mi PiacePrice: Expensive• Italian• Pasadena
•
4.5
N
Nancy
Los Angeles •29 reviews
5.0
Dined on 10 Dec 2024
Celestino has always been our family’s favorite. There has been a big improvement in food quality and portion sizes (sadly the panna cota has still remained small) since I last patroned about 10 months ago. I’m so happy I gave it another try today! I will definitely be returning. I was there to celebrate a friend’s birthday, which I put in my notes to the restaurant and mentioned to the hostess. No birthday candle, song or treat for her though we ordered dessert.😔
More info
CelestinoPrice: Expensive• Italian• Pasadena
•
4.6

Best Authentic Restaurants in Highland Park

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Top Rated

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Award-winning

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118 restaurants available nearby

1. Celestino

2. Star Leaf - Asian Cuisine

3. Momed

4. Gyu-Kaku Japanese BBQ - Pasadena, CA | Old Town

5. Mi Piace

6. Gus's BBQ - South Pasadena

7. Malbec - Pasadena

8. Gale's

9. Carousel Restaurant

10. Sushi Roku - Pasadena

See what locals rave about

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