Best Date Night Restaurants in South Pasadena

The truffle ravioli appetizer is fantastic (it's not on the menu but almost always a special.)

Le Grand in Pasadena provided an unforgettable dining experience on Christmas Eve. From the cozy atmosphere to the festive holiday spirit, everything was perfectly curated for a special night out. We started with the buffalo chicken wings, which were perfectly crispy with just the right amount of heat and tangy flavor an absolute crowd-pleaser. The espresso pork ribs stole the show with their tender texture and a unique smoky-sweet glaze that was incredibly addictive. The Elote was a delightful twist on a classic, with charred corn, creamy toppings, and just a hint of spice that made it irresistible. The pesto ravioli was rich, flavorful, and beautifully presented—an indulgent treat that rounded out the meal perfectly. The drinks were just as impressive. The hibiscus margaritas were vibrant, refreshing, and expertly balanced a wonderful festive cocktail that paired seamlessly with the bold flavors of the food. The service was exceptional, with the staff attentive and eager to make the evening memorable. Le Grand truly knows how to combine incredible food, drinks, and ambiance into a one-of-a-kind experience. If you’re looking for a place to celebrate a special occasion or simply enjoy an incredible meal, Le Grand is a must-visit. Their tapas and drinks made our Christmas Eve extraordinary, and we can’t wait to return!

We spent our third consecutive Christmas Eve at The Raymond having a wonderful Christmas Eve dinner with carolers dressed in period garb singing Christmas carols throughout the eating areas. Despite how busy the evening was, we felt relaxed, unrushed, and the ambiance the service were great, the food was excellent, and the ambiance exceptional. Love The Raymond for its charm and history. Always cozy and intimate.

We had a few snags being seated. The restaurant has a large draft area and when we asked to be moved to another two top that was empty we were told no as it was reserved. Except so was our table. The dinners were after us that took the table. We were offered a communal table seat by the manager but the host - he would not budge and honestly had an attitude all night even when we thanked him and said good night. We pushed the seating aside and dug into the menu with our waiter who was super attentive. Explained all the dishes. Made excellent recommendations and spaced everything out perfectly. He made sure we knew dishes were to be shared which we usually like to do anyway but made this made our choices even better. Let me just say start with the dates- you will be drinking the butter they are in! We added chicory with bacon vinaigrette which was a warm tasty bite of goodness. One of my favorites was the seasonal squash with farmers cheese. I can’t wait to eat the left overs! Then the main mushroom crusted pork chop. It’s literally one of the largest chops I have seen. So delicious. Get yourself some cheddar potatoes to round out your meal! We came with enough packages it looked santa had come early! The staff is supper attentive and continually acknowledged our anniversary which was so wonderful. The manager went above and beyond to assist. Everyone there seems to help each other and it creates a welcoming atmosphere that makes us want to dine again. Make sure you get a reservation as we are already looking at booking our next one.

We’ve eaten here before but this time the food wasn’t up to par. Would not go back.