Pasadena Magazine is the bi-monthly magazine of Pasadena and its surrounding areas – the diverse, historically rich and culturally vibrant region that includes Glendale, the Eastside of Los Angeles and the San Gabriel Valley all the way to Claremont.
Issue link: http://read.uberflip.com/i/880808
Sugarfi sh By Sushi Nozawa (JAPANESE) Celebrated local sushi chain serving traditional rolls and sake in a chic, intimate space. √ L-D daily. √ 146 S. Lake Ave., Ste.108, 626.298.8386, sugarfi shsushi.com. $$$ Sushi Kimagure Ike (JAPANESE) Chef Ike San made a controversial decision when he relocated from his popular Hollywood destination. He hasn't had a hard time getting his loyal customers to follow him east. He serves the freshest, melt in your mouth sashimi in its purest form. The uni and octopus are world-class. √ L-D Tue.-Fri.; D Sat. √ 220 S. Raymond Ave., 626.535.0880. $$$ Tarantino's Pizzeria (ITALIAN) Traditional Italian pizzas. Cash only. √ D Sun.; L-D Mon.-Sat. √ 784 E. Green St., 626.796.7836, tarantinospasadena.com. $ Technique (NEW AMERICAN) Support aspiring chefs as they hone their culinary skills in this casual spot that's also a Cordon Bleu training ground. √ L-D Mon.-Fri. √ 525 E. Colorado, 626.229.1377, techniquerestaurant.com. $$$ Tender Greens (AMERICAN) The curators of this mini-chain establishment have taken the salad to a whole new level. We recommend the herb-brushed albacore or backyard marinated steak. The artisanal cheeses make for a fine finishing touch. √ L-D daily. √ 621 E. Colorado Blvd., 626.405.1511, tendergreensfood.com. $ The Counter (AMERICAN) If you're a picky eater and craving a good burger, stop by to customize a gourmet burger, built to your exact specifi cations. √ L-D daily. √ 140 Shoppers Ln., 626.440.1008, thecounterburger.com. $$ The Stand (AMERICAN) A fresh spin on American classics! The Stand offers the comfort of early century diners, featuring comfortable space, sincere hospitality and honest foods. √ L-D daily. √ 36 S El Molino Ave., 626.714.7117, thestand.com. $$ Tibet Nepal House (TIBETAN) A taste of Tibet in Old Pasadena. This restaurant offers one of the only nearby opportunities to try this unique and fl avorful cuisine. Yak is a specialty, but there's also vegetarian and vegan options aplenty. √ L-D daily. √ 36 Holly St., 626.585.0955, tibetnepalhouseca.com. $$ True Food Kitchen (AMERICAN) Relaxed, eco-chic chain serving health-conscious fare, including vegan options, plus cocktails. √ L-D daily. √ 168 W. Colorado Blvd., 626.639.6818, truefoodkitchen.com. $$ Umami Burger (AMERICAN) These gourmet burgers have high quality ingredients with am equally gourmet taste. You'll never want a fast food burger again! √ L-D daily. √ 49 E. Colorado Blvd., 626.799.8626, umamiburger.com. $$ Urban Plates (AMERICAN) Delicious real food made from scratch featuring hand-tossed salads, sandwiches, pizzettes, soups and braises. √ L-D daily. √ 269 S. Lake Ave., 626.800.4448, urbanplates.com. $$ Urth Caffe (CAFE) This Westside favorite has come to the Playhouse district. It's a beautiful location with a big fireplace, plenty of cushy seating and an outdoor area. Come here for a cup of meticulously brewed coffee, a handmade pastry or a healthy bite. √ B-L-D daily. √ 594 E. Colorado Blvd., 626.844.4644, urthcaffe.com. $$ Vertical Wine Bistro (WINE BAR) Featuring an eclectic list of over 400 wines, 70 of which are available by the glass, this sophisticated bar is the perfect place to relax and socialize. √ D Tue.-Sun. √ 70 N. Raymond Ave., 626.795.3999, verticalwinebistro.com. $$$ Yahaira's Cafe (MEXICAN) A bustling little lunch spot that features authentic Mexican fare in the heart of the Playhouse District. √ B-L Mon.; B-L-D Tue.-Sun. √ 698 E. Colorado Blvd., 626.844.3254, yahairascafe.com. $ Yard House (GASTROPUB) A vast beer selection complements the comfort food menu and 24 fl at screen televisions that draw sports fans from all over. √ L-D daily. √ 300 E. Colorado Blvd., 626.577.9273, yardhouse.com. $ San Gabriel ∑ Clearman's Galley (GASTROPUB) Equal parts sports bar, 1950s kitsch and family-style cafeteria, it's an ideal spot to watch the game off the beaten path. Try the red cabbage salad and cheese bread. √ L-D Mon.-Sun. √ 7215 N. Rosemead Blvd., 626.286.3075, clearmansrestaurants.com. $ Golden Deli (VIETNAMESE) Long waits and impossible parking doesn't deter anyone from packing this place in. It's indisputably one of the most popular places for pho around. √ B-L-D Thurs.-Mon. √ 815 W. Las Tunas Dr., 626.308.0803, goldendelirestaurant.com. $ Half & Half Tea House (TEA HOUSE) This teahouse is a hub for socializing as much as boba. It serves up all fl avors of milk tea for novices and afi cionados alike. √ L-D daily. √ 120 N. San Gabriel Blvd., 626.309.9387; 626.872.0200. $ Mon Land Hot Pot City (CHINESE) A big pot of perfectly seasoned broth is placed in the middle of the table. Pick your choice of toppings and throw 'em in. Favorites are the barbecue lamb leg and barbecue shrimp stick. √ B-L-D daily. √ 251 W. Bencamp St., 626.289.4889. $$ Nature Pagoda (CHINESE) This place has been specializing in foods with medicinal properties since 1997. √ L-D daily. √ 312 W. Valley Blvd., 626.570.8333. $$ Newport Seafood (CHINESE) Expect long waits and expect it to be worth it. Their specialty, lobster fresh from the tank battered and dipped in salt and pepper, is a must-try splurge. √ L-D daily. √ 518 W. Las Tunas Dr., 626.289.5998, newportseafood.com. $$ Shanghai No.1 Seafood Village (CHINESE) Traditional Shanghaiese specialties served in a glamorous dining room with cushioned red walls and sparkling chandeliers. √ L-D daily. √ 250 Valley Blvd., 626.282.1777. $$ San Marino ∑ Colonial Kitchen Restaurant (BRITISH) A traditional British breakfast and lunch favorite. The sandwiches and omelettes are scrumptious. √ B-L-D daily. √ 1110 Huntington Dr., 626.289.2449. $$ Julienne Fine Foods and Celebrations (AMERICAN) This charming restaurant includes a gourmet market selling prepared meals and boutique wines. √ B-L Mon.-Sat. √ 2649 Mission St., 626.441.2290, juliennetogo.com. $ Rose Garden Tea Room (TEA HOUSE) High tea at The Huntington is the perfect way to start or end an afternoon tour of the library and gardens. Reservations required. √ B-L Sun.; L Mon., Wed.-Sat. √ 1151 Oxford Rd., 626.683.8131, huntington.org. $$ San Marino Seafood (SEAFOOD) A restaurant and market that boasts some of the freshest seafood around. √ L-D daily. √ 2150 Huntington Dr., 626.943.8862, sanmarinoseafood.com. $$ Yoshida (JAPANESE) This is arguably one of the best sushi restaurants in L.A. If you're a roll or sashimi connoisseur, you're practically required to give it a try. √ D Sun.; L-D Mon.-Sat. √ 2026 Huntington Dr., 626.281.9292. $$$ Sierra Madre ∑ Lucky Baldwins Delirium Cafe (GASTROPUB) The pub grub here is tasty, but the real allure is the drink menu. With 46 beers on tap, you're sure to fi nd something to toast to. √ B-L-D daily. √ 21 Kersting Ct., 626.355.1140, luckybaldwins.com. $$ The Only Place in Town (AMERICAN) A fantastic brunch spot with original renditions of old favorites such as blueberry stuffed French toast. √ B-L Sun.; B-L-D Mon.-Sat. √ 110 E. Sierra Madre Blvd., 626.355.3502, theonlyplaceintown.com. $$ Wistaria Restaurant and Bar (AMERICAN) Exceptional meat dishes and artisanal cocktails make this an ideal choice for date night. √ L-D Tue.-Fri.; B-L-D Sat.-Sun. √ 44 N. Baldwin Ave., 626.355.3155, wistariarestaurant.com. $$ Zugo's Cafe (ITALIAN) Fresh, seasonal Italian cuisine with Roman roots characterizes this intimate Sierra Madre gem. √ L-D Tue.-Fri.; B-L-D Sat.-Sun. √ 74 W. Sierra Madre Blvd., 626.836.5700, zugoscafe.com. $$ Silver Lake ∑ Cafe Stella (FRENCH) A lively nook tucked into the heart of Sunset Junction. You can easily spend three hours wining and dining with friends here. The garlicy, buttery and creamy French food is indulgent. The mixologists next door make a superb cocktail. √ D Mon.; B-L-D Tue.-Sun. √ 3932 W. Sunset Blvd., 323.666.0265, cafestella.com. $$$ The Cheese Store of Silver Lake (CHEESE) This has become the go to cheese shop for Eastside foodies. The shelves contain a meticulously curated display of artisanal products and wines, cheeses sourced from around the globe and cured meats. √ L daily. √ 3926 W. Sunset Blvd., 323.644.7511, cheesestoresl.com. $$$ Cliff's Edge (NEW AMERICAN) This Sunset Junction gem is a Moroccan-inspired bungalow hidden beneath a canopy of trees. The dishes boast bold fl avors like a beef tartar with bone marrow aioli and barbecue octopus with fresh peach and mustard seeds. The carefully crafted and constantly evolving cocktail specials are some of the best in L.A. √ D Mon.-Sat.; B Sat.-Sun. √ 3626 W. Sunset Blvd., 323.666.6116, cliffsedgecafe.com. $$ Gingergrass (VIETNAMESE) Delicious Vietnamese food in a casual setting. We recommend the crispy fried calamari, special tofu, clay pot curry vegetables with shrimp and wok-tossed noodles with beef. Bring a few friends along to enjoy a family-style meal. √ L-D daily. √ 2396 Glendale Blvd., 323.644.1600, gingergrass.com. $$ Lamill Coffee (COFFEE) Intelligentsia's rival. This fancy coffee shop pours water at just the right temperature over your choice of grounds, letting the brew slowly drip one drop at a time into your cup. √ B-L-D daily. √ 1636 Silver Lake Blvd., 323.663.4441, lamillcoffee.com. $$ L&E Oyster Bar (OYSTER BAR) If you're turned off by the consistency and fl avor of oysters, this restaurant might change your mind. The daily dozen is a variety of half shells so fresh and subtle you'll hardly know you're eating seafood. √ D nightly. √ 1637 Silver Lake Blvd., 323.660.2255, leoysterbar.com. $$$ Malo (MEXICAN) Chef Robert Luna ties a pretty bow around the savory Mexican dishes born in East L.A.'s best hole in the walls. Dishes like carnitas marinated in orange juice and coke and cactus sautéed in white wine are accompanied by creative tequila and mezcal libations. √ D nightly. √ 4326 W. Sunset Blvd., 323.664.1011, malorestaurant.com. $$ Pho Cafe (VIETNAMESE) This Silver Lake secret gives some of the best noodle shops in Garden Grove a run for their cash-only. The vegetarian pho chay combines fl avorful vegetable broth with plump, juicy pieces of fried tofu and shitake mushrooms. √ L-D daily. √ 2841 W. Sunset Blvd., 213.413.0888. $ Speranza (ITALIAN) An Italian restaurant that's always coming up in conversation on the Eastside. It's great for a romantic evening, a family dinner or a night out with friends. The whole king crab legs with lemon are a satisfying splurge. √ D nightly. √ 2547 Hyperion Ave., 323.644.1918. $$ Sqirl (NEW AMERICAN) Visit the brick-and-mortar cafe of this acclaimed preserve company for a wholesome breakfast. The brioche toast paired with sweet and savory toppings like freshly milled nut spread or fried egg and prosciutto make for a luxurious start to the day. √ B-L daily. √ 720 N. Virgil Ave. Ste. 4, 323.284.8147, squrilla.com. $$ South Pasadena ∑ 1886 Bar at The Raymond (BAR) Situated in a speakeasy style locale, their handcrafted cocktails are made in house, including sryup! Now, that's craft! √ D Tues.-Sun. √ 1250 S. Fair Oaks Ave., 626.441.3136, theraymond.com. $$$ Bistro de la Gare Restaurant & Wine Bar (FRENCH) An authentic French menu and thorough wine list puts this tasty eatery at the top of the restaurant scene in Pasadena. Reservations highly recommended. √ D Wed.-Fri.; B-D Sat.-Sun. √ 921 Meridian Ave., 626.799.8828, bistrodelagare.com. $$$ Briganti (ITALIAN) Comfortable seating and a wide selection of dinner specials make for a delightful experience at this local favorite. √ L-D Mon.-Fri.; D Sat.-Sun. √ 1423 Mission St., 626.441.4663, brigantisouthpas.com. $$ Crossings (AMERICAN) Crossings offers a classic American dinner menu seven nights a week, a variety of cocktails, craft beers and wine. Try the Colorado Lamb Chops for a mouthwatering meal that will leave you wanting more. √ D nightly; B Sun. √ 1010 Mission St., 626.799.7001, crossings-restaurant.com. $$$ Fair Oaks Pharmacy and Soda Fountain (AMERICAN) This 1915 landmark whips up hand-dipped malts, egg creams and burgers. √ L-D daily. √ 1526 Mission St., 626.799.1414, fairoakspharmacy.net. $ Fiore Market Cafe (CALIFORNIAN) A neighborhood favorite offering fresh and locally grown food. This retreat is a good choice if you're looking to catch up with a friend over a leisurely meal. √ L-D Mon.- Sat. √ 1000 Fremont Ave., 626.441.2280, fioremarketcafe.com. $$ Gus's BBQ (BBQ) Features Southern classics like Memphis-style baby back ribs and beer braised Texas brisket. Happy hour is Mon.- Fri. from 3 p.m.-6 p.m. √ L-D Mon.-Fri.; B-L-D Sat.-Sun. √ 808 Fair Oaks Ave., 626.799.3251, gussbbq.com. $$ 164 SEPTEMBER 2017 D I N I N G G U I D E DIRECTORY the