30 Photos
ZipPicks Awards
Best Outdoor Dining Italian in Pasadena
Best Date Night Italian in Pasadena
Best Pizza in Pasadena
Best Italian in Pasadena
Master Critic Review
Marina
7.9
Farm-to-table Italian meets California's seasonal bounty around a stunning wood-fire oven. The lush patio creates an oasis where rustic Italian traditions blend with local farmers market finds.
Must-Try Dishes:
Wood-Fired Pizza, 24-Month Prosciutto San Daniele, Squash Blossoms
Scores:
Value: 7.6
Service: 7.5
Consistency: 7.4
Food Quality: 8.3
Atmosphere: 8.7
Cultural Relevance: 7.8
What makes it special: Wood-fire oven centerpiece with farm connections
Who should go: Groups celebrating casual occasions
When to visit: Weekend evenings for buzzing atmosphere
What to order: Wood-fired pizza, seasonal vegetables, prosciutto platter
Insider tip: Patio has heaters for cooler evenings
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Street parking on surrounding blocks, gets tight after 6pm. Small lot behind restaurant fills quickly. Budget 10 min to find a spot on weekends.
Dress code: California casual - nice jeans and a button-down or sundress work perfectly. The patio vibe is relaxed but put-together.
Noise level: Moderate to lively - conversation flows easily at your table, gets buzzier as the night progresses
Weekend wait: 30-45 min without reservation, often fully booked by 7pm Friday-Saturday
Weekday lunch: No wait, walk-ins welcome
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes - wood-fired vegetables shine here, plus multiple pasta and pizza options
Vegan options: Limited - can modify pizzas without cheese, seasonal vegetable sides are standouts
Gluten-free options: Some options - risottos and grilled proteins available, no GF pizza crust
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Yes, especially if you snag a patio table. The ambiance is romantic without being overly formal, and the wood-fire show gives you built-in conversation starters. Just book ahead - nothing kills the mood like a 45-minute wait.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Weekday lunches yes, weekend dinners unlikely. Your best bet for walk-in success is arriving right at 5:30pm opening or trying the bar seats which are first-come, first-served.
Is it kid-friendly? Yes for early dinners (5:30-7pm). The outdoor space gives kids room to wiggle, and the wood-fired pizzas are crowd-pleasers. After 7:30pm it shifts to more of an adult vibe with groups and date nights.
Best For
Better for: The patio experience outshines other Italian spots in Central Pasadena - those twinkling lights and heat lamps create year-round outdoor dining magic. The wood-fire oven adds theater that Union or Il Fornaio can't match.
Skip if: You want authentic old-school Italian or need a quiet, intimate setting. For traditional red sauce Italian, try Domenico's. For romance without the scene, Celestino's booths are more private.
Hours
Monday5pm - 9pm
Tuesday5pm - 9pm
Wednesday5pm - 9pm
Thursday5pm - 9pm
Friday5pm - 10pm
Saturday5pm - 10pm
Sunday5pm - 9pm