Pasadena: Chock Full of Dining Options

Pasadena has more than 500 restaurants on tap, so picky eaters can't complain of not finding something that floats their boat.

For those craving something exotic, fusion restaurants like Maison Akira offer fine French cuisine with a Japanese flair. A past winner of Bravo’s “Top Chef,” Michael Voltaggio, is serving his high-voltage American cuisine in The Dining Room of The Langham, Huntington Hotel & Spa , the only Michelin star-rated hotel restaurant in Southern California. One of Pasadena’s most upscale restaurants, 561 is the playing ground for one of the renowned California School of Culinary Arts.

Combining an eclectic and sophisticated atmosphere featuring live music, flamenco dancing and late-night DJs, Bar Celona is a taste of Spain, while Villa Sorriso Ristorante & Bar serves over 20 specialty martinis. In the 22 blocks of Old Pasadena , which showcases hundreds of buildings dating back to the late 1800s, Eden Garden Bar & Grill boasts a full calendar of entertainment and culinary masterpieces. For wine lovers, try an inspired menu complementing an extensive wine cellar at Vertical Wine Bistro .