21 Best Brunch Spots in Pasadena (Updated) 2024
Pasadena is situated at the base of the Saint Gabriel mountains in California and is a fun and adventurous place for thrill seekers.
The city has California sunshine with panoramic landscapes and splendid ancient buildings that leave you in awe.
Pasadena is also lined with many incredible places to eat that make for a great way to have a fun epicurean adventure.
The many brunch spots here help you start your weekend on a fabulous note with some of the nicest options available in the city.
Therefore let’s narrow down some of our top choices on some of the best brunch restaurants in Pasadena that you should definitely not miss.
The Best Brunch Restaurants in Pasadena This Year
1. Great Maple – Pasadena
Why it’s a must visit?
The Great Maple restaurant is a modern dining establishment that focuses on serving gourmet cuisine with various staple choices too.
The restaurant provides delicious classic dishes and is one of Pasadena, CA’s best Saturday brunch restaurants.
The restaurant satiates every appetite with its delicious maple bacon donuts, beignets, and fresh scones that make for appetizing treats.
The restaurant is also known for delightful drink options like very bloody Marys and cocktails that won’t leave you thirsty by any chance.
The overall gorgeous outdoor space of the restaurant, with its beautiful interior with a full bar, makes for a fine dining experience.
Chef’s choice
Enjoy their mildly sweet and fluffy pancakes that will make for a delightful way to start your day.
Those fluffy pancakes can become tastier with various Punto things like chocolate bacon, fruity pebbles, and salted caramel.
But if you prefer to go for something savory and not sweet, then you can try their juicy, crunchy, and crispy fried chicken.
Location and Contact
- 300 E Colorado Blvd Ste. 114, Pasadena, CA 91101-2265
- Phone:- +1 626-696-3265
- Email:- info@thegreatmaple.com
2. El Cholo Cafe
Why it’s a must visit?
The El Cholo Cafe is one of the top-rated brunch restaurants that came into the culinary scene of Pasadena in the year 2000.
The restaurant is known for its authentic Mexican cuisine and has become one of the hottest brunch spots that are perfect when you crave Mexican for breakfast.
It’s also one of the must-eat places that are known for its diverse Mexican specialties that are authentically prepared through recipes that date back to the early 1920s.
The restaurant features over more than a hundred tequilas that are perfect for getting a little boozy during brunch.
Chef’s choice
Give your taste buds a treat by trying their delicious Platos Carnitas.
The carnitas are served with cheesy fried beans and nicely cooked rice that exudes a meaty aroma and bursting flavors.
Location and Contact
- 300 E Colorado Blvd, Ste 214 Suite 214, Pasadena, CA 91101-2265
- Phone:- +1 626-795-5800
- Email:- info@rmgroupllc.net
3. Green Street Restaurant
Why it’s a must visit?
The Green Street restaurant was opened in 1979 and is a local institution situated on Shoppers Lane in Pasadena, California.
It’s one of the top places for lunch around me that serves heavenly and filling dishes.
The food near me at this restaurant comes in a diverse range, from juicy burgers to salads.
If you want to feel a bit tipsy, you can head to their bar and create your own gin and tonic.
The restaurant also features a broad drink section with cocktails, wines, and beers.
Chef’s choice
Appease your appetite by going for their decadent breakfast burrito.
The breakfast burrito comes stuffed with crispy bacon and salsa and is quite heavy and filling for anyone who is famished.
One enjoys the buttery, tender, and exquisite taste with a complementary plate of juicy steak and Dianne.
Location and Contact
- 146 Shoppers Ln, Pasadena, CA 91101-2618
- Phone:- +1 626-577-7170
- Email:- info@greenstreetrestaurant.com
4. Madeline Garden Bistro & Venue
Why it’s a must visit?
The Madeline Garden Bistro & Venue is a perfect place to visit when you’re wondering where to go for lunch. That specializes in exquisite and gourmet European cuisine.
It’s a luxury restaurant that brings the flavor of Europe to Pasadena and has a charming atmosphere.
It’s an incredible location for romantic dates and was opened in 2013.
This restaurant remains a perfect place for a fun Friday brunch in Pasadena, as the serene courtyard here makes for a great way to spend your weekend.
The restaurant is decorated with gorgeous French decor displaying lovely food presentations, aromas, and flavors from Europe.
Chef’s choice
Besides the impeccable service and atmosphere here, the food is also heavenly.
Nobody can ever say anything bad about their delicious soufflé French toast.
The French toast is created from fresh brioche bread and is nicely baked with cinnamon, Granier, and apple, which makes it a decadent treat.
The toast also comes with a topping of fresh berries and soft cream that gives it a sweet, acidic, tangy, and sour taste.
Location and Contact
- 1030 E Green St Ste 102, Pasadena, CA 91106-2437
- Phone:- +1 626-795-5599
- Email:- madelinegarden@gmail.com
5. Craft by Smoke and Fire – Pasadena
Why it’s a must visit?
The Craft by Smoke and Fire restaurant is known for its exclusive specialization in Texas barbecue cuisine and is a uniquely American social eatery situated on Green Street in Pasadena.
It’s an incredible place for non-veg lovers and is an ideal destination when you are searching for where to eat lunch with smoke-filled meat.
Another incredible thing about this restaurant is that many of its steaks and meaty dishes come with a Californian spin that is made expertly.
The restaurant features lots of incredible Artisanal craft cocktails with vegetarian options as well.
The overall atmosphere of the restaurant somewhat brightens up the atmosphere and makes dining here feel incredible.
Chef’s choice
Enjoy their delicious Smash burger, which tastes divine.
The Smash burger comes with a slice of juicy and moist meat with an irresistible savory and smoky flavor.
The various extra additions of dressings add a unique flavor to the burger and make for a delightful choice.
But if you want to go for something else, then you will love their flavor-packed Nashville hot chicken burrito, which is quite filling.
Location and Contact
- 30 W Green St, Pasadena, CA 91105, United States
- Phone:- +1 626-529-5584
6. True Food Kitchen – Pasadena
Why is it a must visit?
The True Food Kitchen is a healthy alternative to a brunch restaurant in Pasadena that serves unique breakfast choices.
This restaurant is a perfect place for health-conscious people to visit and is located on Colorado Boulevard.
No matter if it is a weekday or weekend, this restaurant is perfect for visiting at any time of the day and provides low-caloric and nutritious food.
The restaurant makes use of creative culinary techniques and fresh organic ingredients to create organic dishes that are nutrient-dense and packed with flavors.
Besides that, the restaurant has an airy and bright atmosphere that has made it one of the cool places to enjoy vegan or healthy brunch in Pasadena.
Chef’s choice
The cherry farm-to-table vibe of the restaurant, with traditional dishes like greens bowl with tofu, makes it a pretty trendy restaurant.
The bowl comes with a mixture of mouthwatering sweet flavors and tons of healthy items like fresh veggies, chard onions, and grilled portobello mushrooms.
Location and Contact
- 168 W Colorado Blvd, Pasadena, CA 91105
- Phone:- +1 626-639-6818
- Email:- tfk1013@truefoodkitchen.com
7. Mi Piace
Why it’s a must visit?
The Mi Piace restaurant was started in 1989 on Colorado Boulevard in Pasadena and is known for its creative Italian delicacies.
It’s a perfect place to visit when one is craving Italian cuisine in Pasadena and is an unmatchable restaurant than any other diner.
Because of its polished atmosphere and stellar customer service, it is also one of the best birthday brunch restaurants in Pasadena.
The restaurant serves dishes with modern spins on various Italian Classics inside its inviting classy atmosphere.
Chef’s choice
Enjoy their tasty pink Panther cocktail by pairing it with their yummy osso bucco.
The dish comes with a mixture of mouthwatering items like parsley, garlic, and lemon zest that gives it a rich and decadent flavor that feels saucy with tender meat.
Location and Contact
- 25 E Colorado Blvd, Pasadena, CA 91105-1901
- Phone:- +1 626-795-3131
- Email:- judith@mipiace.com
8. The Raymond Restaurant
Why it’s a must visit?
The Raymond restaurant is one of the great luxury restaurants situated on Fair Oaks Avenue in Pasadena that serves exquisite dishes.
The restaurant has a vintage charm to it inside its upscale space and is also a 5-star restaurant that is filled with old-world charm.
It’s a perfect place for youngsters to visit because of its incredible weekend vibe.
As an all-day brunch restaurant, the menu is filled with various American highlights, including brunch favorites like Dutch Baby.
The restaurant is also one of the best family restaurants for brunch in Pasadena, which allows you the option to customize your own dishes.
Because of its customization options, kids love dining at this restaurant and experimenting with different omelet recipes.
The restaurant also has a fancy atmosphere with a pretty outdoor patio and indoor space that is decorated with chandeliers and beautiful tables.
Chef’s choice
The restaurant provides four different kinds of egg Benedict in scrumptious flavors.
One of the best egg dishes among them is the classic egg benedict which is their brunch masterpiece that should not be missed.
Every single serving of their delectable egg with an English muffin, tasty ham, and nicely poached eggs covered in rich hollandaise sauce makes it an excellent option.
Location and Contact
- 1250 S Fair Oaks Ave, Pasadena, CA 91105-3417
- Phone:- +1 626-441-3136
- Email:- info@theraymond.com
9. Celestino
Why it’s a must visit?
The Celestino restaurant is highly renowned for its charming atmosphere and is a local restaurant on Lake Avenue in Pasadena.
The restaurant is highly appreciated for its classy Italian dishes served in an elegant environment that delights every true Italian food lover.
Every single visit to this Italian restaurant will leave you with a smile because of the incredible dishes made with the freshest and finest ingredients.
This restaurant makes for a perfect Sunday brunch restaurant and is a great place to dine casually in an elegant atmosphere.
Chef’s choice
Energize yourself after shopping and sightseeing in Pasadena by relishing their mouthwatering lasagna.
The lasagna is rich in carbohydrates, cheese, and meat and is a pretty salty dish that comes with layers of decadent beef, Mariana sauce, and noodles.
Location and Contact
- 141 S Lake Ave, Pasadena, CA 91101-2673
- Phone:- +1 626-795-4006
- Email:- celestinopasadena@gmail.com
10. Sage Plant-Based Bistro & Brewery – Pasadena
Why it’s a must visit?
The Sage Plant-Based Bistro & Brewery restaurant is a comforting vegan restaurant that is situated in the hugest Valley in Pasadena.
It is a Nirvana for vegan people and health-conscious foreigners as the restaurant provides the most excellent options when it comes to vegetarian and vegan choices.
The restaurant serves various flavorsome and comforting vegan brunch main courses that are all prepared creatively with organic ingredients.
Dining here feels divine by providing various vegan spins to their comfort food varieties like burritos, tacos, and traditional American plates.
Not to mention how approachable and friendly the staff here is and pays a lot of attention to your needs.
Chef’s choice
Begin with their mouthwatering and crispy buffalo cauliflower wings that make for a wonderful starter option.
The wings come dipped in luscious sauce, and the cauliflower wings feel like buffalo wings and are not at all less than meat alternatives.
Following that, people can enjoy their protein-packed orange chicken bowl, which would make for a complete feast.
This restaurant basically covers all your vegetarian needs by providing the most excellent choices, like cauliflower flavored with orange chicken.
Location and Contact
- 41 Hugus Aly, Pasadena, CA 91103-3644
- Phone:- +1 626-564-8111
- Email:- info@sageveganbistro.com
11. The Terrace at The Langham, Pasadena
Why it’s a must visit?
The Terrace at The Langham restaurant is an upscale diner in the Langham Hotel in Pasadena.
This restaurant provides Californian-inspired delicacies made with the freshest, most sustainable, organic ingredients.
This restaurant is known for offering mouth-melting daytime delights with its fascinating breakfast buffet that covers almost everything.
Visiting this place during the weekends, like on Saturdays, makes for a fantastic dim sum branch experience.
Not to mention how its beautiful outdoor patio seating is, which gives people panoramic views of the pool and Picture Bridge.
Chef’s choice
Try their Hawaiian French toast, which is a heavenly and light dish with the goodness of mascarpone.
Hawaiian French toast is made with a massive loaf of Hawaiian bread which is custardy and has a crunchy texture that mixes well with their lovely pineapple custard.
Location and Contact
- 1401 S Oak Knoll Ave, Pasadena, CA 91106
- Phone:- +1 626-585-6218
- Email:- tllax.info@langhamhotels.com
12. Gale’s Restaurant
Why it’s a must visit?
The Gale’s is a kid-friendly and inviting restaurant situated on Fair Oaks Avenue in Pasadena.
It’s one of the best family restaurants for brunch in Pasadena that serves tempting Northern Italian cuisine with its welcoming atmosphere.
The restaurant is eye-catching and has a charming space with gorgeously designed chandeliers, artwork, flowers, and a vast patio that feels pleasant.
It’s an excellent brunch restaurant that has a friendly atmosphere with appetizing Italian cuisine serving hearty and family-friendly dishes.
Chef’s choice
One thing that you have to try here is their pasta al forno.
The pasta al forno is a divine dish that has a saucy taste and comes with delicious pasta, meatballs, and mozzarella cheese.
Location and Contact
- 452 S Fair Oaks Ave, Pasadena, CA 91105-2634
- Phone:- +1 626-432-6705
- Email:- gale@galesrestaurant.com
13. Russell’s Restaurant
Why it’s a must visit?
Russell’s restaurant is situated right in the middle of the old town of Pasadena and has been a local favorite staple food provider since 1930.
It’s a neighborhood-friendly restaurant that has become one of the most beloved brunch spots in Pasadena.
The restaurant provides people with a broad European menu serving all-day brunch with various comforting options that are available at cheap rates.
The restaurant provides various greasy and healthy dishes that are perfect for anyone who chooses to try a variety of dishes here.
Chef’s choice
If you’re in for fast food, then you can try different things here, whereas if you’re in for something healthier, then they also have tons of options available for that.
People are big fans of their delectable Belgian waffles.
The Belgian waffles are daytime goodies that provide a pleasant brisk taste with mouth-melting sweet flavors.
Another dish that we would highly recommend is their croque madame.
The croque madame dish comes with a fried egg and is a yummy sandwich made with bechamel sauce, Parmesan cheese, ham, and gruyere.
Location and Contact
- 30 N Fair Oaks Ave One Colorado, Pasadena, CA 91103-3609
- Phone:- +1 626-578-1404
- Email:- frank@russellspasadena.com
14. Lunasia Dim Sum House
Why it’s a must visit?
The Lunasia Dim Sum House restaurant is another diner situated on Colorado Boulevard in Pasadena and is a spacious restaurant that provides dim sum specialties.
It’s an elegant Chinese restaurant that uses authentic Chinese recipes to create a delicious dim sum.
Unlike any other traditional dim sum restaurant, this one provides quick service without having to search a lot.
All you have to do here is give your order and sit back and relax while your dish comes to your table.
Chef’s choice
The most divine dish that you can try here is their Peking duck which is to die for.
The duck comes with sweet, warm, and fluffy steamed buns and has juicy and tender meat, Rich duck flavors, and crispy skin.
Location and Contact
- 239 E Colorado Blvd, Pasadena, CA 91101, United States
- Phone:- +1 626-793-8822
- Email:- admin@lunasiagroup.com
15. Copa Vida
Why it’s a must visit?
The Copa Vida restaurant was inaugurated in 2013 and is a specialized coffee shop situated on Raymond Avenue in Pasadena.
The restaurant is known for its exceptional beverages and brews, with a long line of patrons who visit this place frequently.
It’s a perfect place to visit during weekdays as the beverages here provide a good kick for the rest of the day.
The restaurant has a long line of the queue and serves coffee with froth, cute latte art, with daytime snacks available.
Chef’s choice
Whatever you try here, do not miss out on their tasty croque madame.
The croque madame dish is a yummy and thick sandwich that contains a fluffy runny egg with Rich slabs of tender ham.
Location and Contact
- 70 S Raymond Ave, Pasadena, CA 91105-1935
- Phone:- +1 626-213-3952
- Email:- laynee@copa-vida.com
16. La Grande Orange Cafe
Why it’s a must visit?
The La Grande Orange Cafe is housed in a refurbished and historic train station situated on Raymond Avenue in Pasadena.
It’s a top Sunday brunch restaurant that is also kid-friendly and offers tons of delicious brunch entree options.
The restaurant serves healthy and hearty American delights with bottomless brunch mimosa that is worth every penny.
The restaurant also has spacious outdoor seating available for those who want to eat outside by soaking up the sunshine and having the most fantastic brunch.
Chef’s choice
If you have a sweet tea, then you will love trying their tangy, fluffy, and sugary lemon ricotta pancakes that are just a chef’s kiss.
Those pancakes with fabulous and tasty eggs and Benedict with homemade and flaky English muffins.
Location and Contact
- 260 S Raymond Ave, Pasadena, CA 91105
- Phone:- +1 626-356-4444
- Email:- cafegroup@lgohospitality.com
17. Nick’s Pasadena
Why it’s a must visit?
Nick’s Pasadena restaurant is situated on S. Lake Ave. in Pasadena and welcomes its guests by displaying an extensive list of exquisite fine wines.
The restaurant provides an enticing vino collection, which is why it is one of the most famous restaurants for brunch in Pasadena.
It is also a romantic and inviting space for couples to visit because of its chic ambiance and sleek interior.
The food here is also splendid, encompassing overflowing flavors with dazzling presentations, which is a visual treat.
But if you don’t like wines here, then you can always go for their cocktails that are available here as brunch sampling options.
Chef’s choice
Do not miss out on their mouthwatering buttermilk fried chicken.
The buttermilk fried chicken is a finger-licking dish that comes with boneless fried chicken breast, herbaceous gravy, mashed potatoes, and soft buttermilk biscuits.
Location and Contact
- 336 S Lake Ave, Pasadena, CA 91101-3508
- Phone:- +1 626-787-1444
- Email:- hello@nicksrestaurants.com
18. Amara Cafe & Restaurant
Why it’s a must visit?
Amara Cafe & Restaurant is a delightful branch diner that was opened in 2011 at Raymond Avenue in Pasadena.
The restaurant is known for providing scrumptious Venezuelan snacks and remains a cute brunch spot for people who like dining in aesthetic cafés.
The restaurant has gorgeous sidewalk seating and serves sweet options like handmade artisan chocolate truffles and velvety hot chocolate.
It also serves different sweets and dishes from other regions, like Latin American goodies.
Chef’s choice
Delight yourself by trying their tasty churros, which is a flavorsome dish.
The churros are crispy and crunchy on the outside and soft and tender on the inside.
The dish comes with tangy flavors and a sweet guava sauce side dish, making it a perfect Latin American snack option.
Location and Contact
- 55 S Raymond Ave, Pasadena, CA 91105-1934
- Phone:- +1 626-744-1765
- Email:- info@amarachocolate.com
19. Cos & Pi
Why it’s a must visit?
The Cos & Pi restaurant has been welcoming people since 2017 and has become a brunch paradise in South Pasadena.
The restaurant is known for offering made-to-order dishes and has a humble interior which is perfect for casual dining if you are not into extravagant fine dining.
This restaurant is perfect for coming to just enjoy generously made, delectable American dishes.
Even though the restaurant might look pretty simple, the menu varieties here will definitely impress you beyond your expectations.
It also has a quick fast service so that you don’t even have to wait for long to dine at this restaurant.
Chef’s choice
People love relishing its croissant breakfast sandwich.
The croissant breakfast sandwich comes with sweet bacon that feels salty and delicious with a layering of fresh tomatoes.
It is also perfectly flaky and moist.
Location and Contact
- 303 Pasadena Ave, South Pasadena, CA 91030-2904
- Phone:- +1 626-460-6030
- Email:- contact@cosandpi.com
20. Edwin Mills by Equator
Why it’s a must visit?
The Edwin Mills by Equator restaurant is set inside a historic building and has a hipster-like atmosphere with a Gastropub.
It’s a perfect weekend brunch restaurant in Pasadena that uses the finest ingredients to provide you with the most memorable brunch experience in the city.
The restaurant serves various classic options, including unlimited mimosas, dim sum, and other staple varieties to give you a boozy and satisfying brunch.
It also has a lounge area and a patio with ample seats available so that you can even enjoy coming here in large groups.
Not to mention how experienced and friendly their servers are in accommodating your every request and preference.
Chef’s choice
A single bite of their tasty braised short rib chilaquiles will make you hooked to this restaurant so that you will never forget dining here.
The ribs are made in a dedicated manner with succulent and flavorful meat that will nicely melt in your mouth.
The chilaquiles have a crispy taste and come with red sauce so that you are able to enjoy an overall delicious meal.
Location and Contact
- 22 Mills Pl, Pasadena, CA 91105-1910
- Phone:- +1 626-564-8656
- Email:- party@edwinmills.com
21. Plate 38
Why it’s a must visit?
The Plate 38 restaurant is a casual Gastropub that is known for its comforting food variety, like small plates, burgers, and breakfast dishes.
The restaurant also has a special cocktail menu inside its industrial space that has made it one of the cool places to eat for brunch in Pasadena.
It’s a perfect place for regular dinner and also has happy hour options so that you can enjoy traditional meals at discounted prices.
Chef’s choice
As for the food, the restaurant serves the tastiest lemon curd and pancakes, which make for a delicious breakfast meal.
It’s definitely a hidden gem for offering delicious options like smokehouse burgers and mimosas, which are one of the best here.
Also, they have excellent seafood options like a grilled fish taco, Huarache, ocean trout plate, and lighter alternatives like Caesar salad.
It is probably one of the hottest brunch destinations in Pasadena that is incredibly popular for its casual food servings.
Location and Contact
- 2361 E Colorado Blvd, Pasadena, CA 91107-4263
- Phone:- +1 626-793-7100
- Email:- info@plate38.com
Final Thoughts
Pasadena is a fabulous place in California that has become remarkably famous among the global audience.
With so many incoming tourists and sightseeing locations, it becomes essential to begin your day on an energizing note so that you don’t run out of fuel.
That’s why dining at a decent brunch spot becomes a rather important decision when it comes to replenishing and keeping up your energy.
Even though Pasadena has lots of exciting places to eat when it comes to breakfast, it is still vital that one is able to narrow down the best ones.
Therefore we have decided to make things easier for you by stating some of the best brunch restaurants in Pasadena that you can explore.
Have fun and bon appétit!
