Best Contemporary Italian Restaurants in Pasadena

exceptional food, terrific service, lovely ambience - great for a family or date - would highly recommend. we only had appetizers, pastas and dessert - no mains - but all was delicious. ricotta was delicious, pasta with sweetbreads a favorite.

Incredible service that really understood the menu and wine list. I celebrated a birthday and they met me in that celebration. Quality was matched with inspired food. Maltagliata pasta is next level!

The food was delicious. The service was exceptional. We had a wonderful time.

I moved to Glendale three years ago and La Bella has been on my list to try the whole time. Came here with my family on New Year’s Day, thankfully they were open. We were seated immediately and the service was great (we were probably one of four parties seated). We ordered the La Bella Salad, meatballs, and two pizzas - the Funghi Misti and Alla Salsiccia - they were all so good. I order meatballs at every Italian restaurant I go to, and this was up there. Ordered the lasagna, carbonara, and papardelle with short rib. The lasagna was perfect, carbonara was very rich, and the papardelle short rib was SO GOOD - not too fatty, lots of meat. Definitely my favorite one so far. I was so full I could not finish the carbonara. The host/owner noticed and told us they are making a fresh carbonara for us to pack and take home. Totally took us by surprise, but we were grateful. Have already recommended others to try and will definitely be back again.

Didn’t know what to expect, but I met a couple friends after work and we shared a pizza and some appetizers. The service was fabulous. Elvira was lovely and attentive. The pour of wine by the glass was generous and the noise level was quiet enough for us to have a lovely conversation between friends - we will definitely come back!! The pizza and brussels sprouts were fabulous!