Top 15 Affordable Restaurants in Pasadena, CA

Allison S. My mom and I had such a wonderful experience at Mercado! The food was absolutely incredible — the fish tacos and steak tacos were both so flavorful and perfectly cooked. Our waitress, Kyle, was amazing — warm, attentive, and so friendly. We even got to meet Glenn, the owner, who was just as kind and welcoming. Everyone there made us feel so comfortable — it was truly a breath of fresh air. We can’t wait to come back! Just a few pics, I wish I took more!!

Christine McCormick Such a great menu! We ordered ceviche, crab cakes, mussels, fish tacos, the seafood soup, and their fat French fries are the bomb! Everything was delicious and perfectly cooked. The beer choices are really nice, with cider options, and, even sake. We wish we tried the miso black cod, it looked good. Next time for sure since we will be back! The staff was terrific and accommodating to our big group, coming in at the last minute without a reservation! I liked the Japanese vibe. You can also sit outside in the nsck courtyard. I recommend this spot.

melina castillo I cant believe that Im only trying this restaurant for the first time now... Ive been missing out! Lets start with the polite servers who are responsive to our needs even when it got busy. Arians was great, and I wish I knew the names of the two who served us the bread and refilled our glasses! Then, theres the modern, yet still rustic ambience playing good music that is not too loud. Finally, lets get to the food. The short rib empanada: I would go back even just for this! The salad was simple yet delicious! I think theres heart of palm chopped in there, and the dressing was simple and just right! The steak! My goodness, that was PERFECTION served on a plate! The meat was tender and cooked perfectly. The marinade required no sauce on the steak. It was wonderful just as is! My husband and I will definitely be coming back!

Arbi Sookazian Absolutely awesome dining experience for our 18th anniversary outing on a busy Saturday night in Pasadena. Started off at the bar for drinks with Zack the bartender. Then transitioned to the center booth for appetizers and main courses. Sea bass and yellow tail tuna was very tasty as was the bread/butter, beet salad and steak tartare appetizer. They even gave us a free happy anniversary dessert it was delicious. Ambiance is lively, crowded, fun. We waited 45 mins for a table. Drinks were very good overall (mixed and beer). Restroom was very clean. No complaints whatsoever; we’ll be back soon, highly recommended.

Dawn Miller The best Persian food Ive had. The chef truly knows how to use the spices! Every thing was superb. The menu also has American and Italian choices. The drinks were so good and spot on in balance and flavor. The entertainment was a surprise and so beautiful. Not in your face or inappropriate but lively, fun and graceful. The music was perfect and dancing was on the dance floor and many danced at their tables, old and young alike! Hookah is available as well. We went in for a quick early dinner and drink...ended up staying for 6 hours! Did not want to leave. Service was good but felt forgotten a couple times...quickly remedied. Prices accommodate ALL budgets. This is our new #1 go to restaurant and we will be bringing family and friends as well. Parking structure is right across the street. Just go, you deserve a lovely evening.

Flor Romero Abolustely LOVED Cannonball. The staff was so friendly and welcoming. They checked up on us the right amount of times and always kept our water glasses filled despite it being a busy night. I highly recommend making a reservation ahead of time. Cocktails were perfect. FOOD: We just got a few shareables and split everything. You cant come here and NOT get the biscuits. The most perfect, flaky things in the world. The shrimp were our favorite. We got fries of course which were delicious. And the tuna tartare. Overall everything was perfect and we will definitely be coming back!

Raymond Aguilar Maestros restaurant delivered an exceptional dining experience from start to finish. We kicked off our meal with the hand-made guacamole served with crispy fried banana chips, a fun and flavorful twist on a classic appetizer. The queso fundido was rich and perfectly melted, paired beautifully with the soft, freshly made tortillas that added an authentic touch. For our main course, we enjoyed the arrachera, birria, and green chicken enchiladas — each dish bursting with flavor and clearly crafted with care. The arrachera was tender and smoky, while the birria had a deep, comforting richness. The enchiladas were bright and zesty, striking a great balance with the other plates. Every bite reflected quality ingredients and thoughtful preparation. To finish, we shared the Tres leches carrot cake, which was nothing short of spectacular — moist, spiced just right, and soaked perfectly in that signature creamy blend. The entertainment throughout the evening added a vibrant energy, and the staff was impressively attentive, making us feel truly welcomed. Maestros is a place where great food, service, and ambiance come together seamlessly.

Candid Reviews Great restaurant, service and atmosphere. On a vibrant part of town in Pasadena, CA. Would call it Old Pasadena. Within walking distance to nice restaurants, boutique stores and other popular stores and hotels. This is my 2nd time of visiting this restaurant and food taste, presentation, service and atmosphere have been consistently great. Staff are pleasant, and polite. Restrooms are nice and nicely decorated. Road side parking and valet is available, but again, it’s within walking distance of great hotels. Will definitely be back. Athena was our hostess tonight- thanks for the great service.

Jeremiah McDaniel Where do I begin, we had the up most pleasure to have Lily take our order she was absolutely very nice and helpful, outstanding customer service, beyond words I have never experienced this type of customer service thats pure genuine from the heart customer service, I absolutely and I mean ABSOLUTELY will be back for more. The food is amazingly delicious, and addictive, thank you Lily and the cooks for the profound customer service and keep cooking outstanding quality food.

moses roberts The place looks elegant but also humbly. The staff was awesome and the food was generous potions and exquisitely tasteful. Even the drink was astonishing. The fusion with raspberry and lemonade and the ment tea leaves was like nothing I tried before.

Olivia Tartaglia We were coming into town for the Rose Bowl game (Jan 1st). I made a reservation the day before for 6pm. We made it about 10 minutes early, was able to be sat immediately. While they were slammed from Rose Bowl or New Years dinners - the staff handled it amazingly! Beyond kind employees and very insightful with their knowledge of the menu. We ordered two glasses of wine, the tuna tartare, the lamb sirloin steak, the bolognese and the pudding dessert. While the Tuna tartare wasn’t our favorite (probably due to our taste palette!) everything else incredible! It’s exactly what we needed after a long day at the game and was very tasty! The service was incredibly fast, as we finished our meal within 45 minutes - but didn’t feel rushed to just get out after we finished our meals. Will definitely be coming back when we are in town.

Sophia The food it was very good. Certain desserts are not my favorite tho. The view it’s beautiful! I went there coupon times. The first time I went with my boyfriend I thought it was amazing! It was lovely spot to chat, hangout, or do some homework or just chill by yourself.

Alan YDR Delicious southern inspired food. Friendly service, great portions, well priced and delicious. They offer a seasonal menu and a great selection of desserts and cocktails/ mocktails. Indoor and outdoor seating. Make a reservation in advance as it can get busy.

Jackie Sosa Went with my boyfriend today and everything was amazing. The food was incredibly delicious, the customer service was great, and the portions were very generous. The salad bar was honestly the best I’ve ever seen so much variety, from rice and bread to fried bananas, hummus, fruit, and so many other sides. Everything we tried was delicious. We’ll definitely be coming back!

Kimberly Puente Bodegon No 69 may have been a hidden gem until now, but after our recent experience, it deserves to be on everyones radar! From the moment we approached the entrance, we could feel the warmth and welcoming ambiance that set the tone for an unforgettable evening. The dim lighting, rustic décor, and cozy atmosphere made it the perfect setting for a relaxing family dinner. I dined with a group of eight family members, and despite our large party size, we were greeted with genuine hospitality by the staff as soon as we walked in. The service was seamless from start to finish. Our waiter, Joseph, was nothing short of exceptional. His attentiveness, knowledge of the menu, and vibrant personality elevated our dining experience. He was patient in answering all of our questions about the dishes and made thoughtful recommendations that perfectly suited our tastes. Its rare to find such dedicated service these days, and Joseph really set the standard high. As for the food, we decided to sample a variety of traditional Peruvian dishes to get a true taste of what Bodegon No 69 had to offer. We ordered the Ceviche B69, Lomo Saltado, Tallarin Saltado, Anticucho, Bisteck a lo Pobre, and Chancho al Palo. Each dish was not only beautifully plated but also packed with layers of authentic flavor. The Ceviche B69, a highlight of the meal, was refreshing and expertly balanced with citrus, spice, and the perfect texture of fresh fish. The Lomo Saltado was incredibly flavorful, with tender pieces of beef stir-fried to perfection alongside onions, tomatoes, and crispy fries. The Tallarin Saltado, a noodle dish, had a delightful mix of stir-fried vegetables and savory chicken, bursting with umami flavors. The Anticucho, grilled skewers of marinated beef heart, was a bold and delightful choice--perfectly tender with just the right amount of smokiness. The Bisteck a lo Pobre, a hearty plate of steak served with fried eggs, plantains, rice, and fries, was comfort food at its finest. The Chancho al Palo, a roasted pork dish, was succulent and tender, with crispy skin that made it impossible to stop eating. What really impressed us was the attention to detail in every dish. You could taste the care that went into each plate, the freshness of the ingredients, the precision of the cooking, and the authenticity of the flavors. Every bite transported us to Peru, making it more than just a meal but an experience in itself. To say we were impressed would be an understatement. This is Peruvian cuisine done right, and we are so glad we found this place. Bodegon No 69 has now earned a permanent spot on my list of favorite restaurants, and we will undoubtedly be back to explore even more of the menu. A special shoutout to Joseph for making our night so memorable, his outstanding service truly added to the overall magic of the evening. Whether youre familiar with Peruvian food or trying it for the first time, Bodegon No 69 is an absolute must-visit. If youre lucky enough to have Joseph as your waiter, your experience will be even better. We cant wait to return for another round of amazing food!