Absolutely adored the his family owned institution. We enjoyed fresh pasta and amazing pizza love coming back every time. Primavera pizza is so fresh and unique definitely recommend! Fabulous martinis and wine list and amazing coffee rum cocktail (I'm not a rum drinker but I loved it more than espresso martini) and great dessert wine. Everyone there makes you feel like you're at home, so attentive and sweet, as well as the lovely the decor and setup. It's upscale yet comfortable. 10/10 definitely check it out! read more

Robert that was one fine dining experience. The filet mignon steak was cooked perfectly and the appetizers were incredibly delicious. The wine you chose was exquisite. Your restaurant is a real find. I also tried the Grouper and Ribeye and both were excellent. Thank you once again for the great food, wine and fine dining. Sincerely, Ron LaVine read more

Food Service Ambiance all perfection! This place should have Michelin star. My second time here, Clams, Duck; Just divine. Service is great and Love the vibe inside. (Seems like locals go there a lot) Yall should try! read more

Caitlyn greeted us and made us feel welcome right off the bat! Charming restaurant with a great vibe. Food was excellent. Service was incredible and so was the ambiance. read more

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Took hubs here to celebrate his birthday and everything was fantastic! Parking was easy in the lot behind the restaurant, and the atmosphere of Bistro 45 is simply warm, bright and cozy. We got a quiet table in the corner and enjoyed the lovely dining experience thoroughly. Our waiter was charming and attentive. We ordered the Beet Salad, the Ravioli du Chef, the mussels and clams, and ribeye, which came with potatoes and carrots. We loved the beet salad! The presentation was so beautiful and the beets were perfectly balanced with the goat cheese. The mussels and clams came with a creamy garlic sauce with a bit of tangy brightness. Absolutely delicious! We enjoyed dipping the crusty bread in the sauce-if it came in a cup, I would drink it! The ribeye, although a tad salty, was tender and melted in our mouths. We ordered the Chocolate Soup which came with a scoop of ice cream for dessert and it was rich, decadent and the perfect way to end the meal. They decorated the plate so fancy and special too! read more

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Last night I took my cousin to Bistro 45 for her birthday and it was pure magic. We had a paint & sip at 7 pm, so we came in for an early 5 pm dinner. It was quiet when we arrived and completely packed by the time we left, always a good sign. The space has that classic bistro charm, black and white checkered floors and warm energy. The owner is fully present and involved, kind, and genuinely passionate. He checked in on us and shared details about sourcing and partnerships, from local purveyors to prime ingredients like Wisconsin beef. I love those details, so it made the night even more special. We had the short rib with polenta and natural jus, rich and tender, and the 11 ounce Niman Ranch pork chop with shaved Brussels sprouts, parsnip puree, apple, pear, and mustard seed. The pork chop was incredible, perfectly balanced and generous enough for leftovers the next day. We also shared a salad with a memorable vinaigrette and a beautifully fried goat cheese round that was crisp outside and creamy inside. Everything paired beautifully with a Syrah blend that felt like it could go with anything. For dessert, the Fuji apple tart tatin with creme fraiche ice cream and caramel sauce stole the show. The apples were perfectly sweet and tart, and the ice cream was cool, creamy heaven. We were truly loved on all night. Thoughtful service, intentional sourcing, fantastic food. Worth every penny. Bistro 45 may be my new favorite spot for birthdays and big celebrations. read more

Bistro 45 - Just two ladies eating their best life! - New American Near Me - Pasadena, California

Great service, Waiter was very polite and attentive to our needs. Food was served hot and was very presentable. My husband and I enjoyed the starters and both our meals. The main dining room was a little loud, however we were able to still speak to one another. One of a very classic and respectable restaurants. read more

WOW, we came back to Bistro 45 after a long delay. We had a wonderful meal. First shout-out to Robert the owner for greeting us and getting the meal started. The restaurant is quaint and personable. We each had the wonderful red leaf salad, dressed perfectly. My husband had the pea risotto and I had the chicken. Each dish was flavorful and seasoned well. We shared the lemon dessert. From the start each course was perfectly done. Can't wait to go back. Our server Will was great and knowledgeable regarding questions we had about the menu. read more

Our first time dining at Bistro 45 and we will definitely be back. Will was so kind and went through everything we asked for on the menu. The food was delicious and we had the best ever soufflé to end the night. Such a great place with great service. Didn't feel rushed and got to enjoy it all. read more

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I've been to Bistro 45 many times with family and friends over the last decade and it's always an amazing experience but last night I went there for an event for the first time and really saw how this place shines! Review long overdue. This restaurant has that intimate small town feel where you're properly greeted and treated like family throughout. Everyone we encountered was lovely but it was beyond good service- there was an extra layer of warmth and care that was genuine and not stuffy. The ambience is elevated but cozy and intimate. You might feel like you're in Europe, NYC, or someone's patio in their beautiful home depending on where you're sitting. Last night there were multiple events and normal dining parties going on but it still blended seamlessly and despite how busy they were they service never faltered. And now for the food. The food has always been solid and intentional here. Quality ingredients that feel hand chosen, great cocktails, and fabulous wine. However last night really blew me away. The duck was phenomenal. I inhaled it despite trying to savor every bite. The sauce was so good and the vegetables it came with were cooked to perfection. The salad was fresh and tasty. I wish I had partaken in more of the passed appetizers but I was busy mingling but the tuna I had that was apparently flown in that morning was so fresh. I fell in love with the champagne their served and I can't decide whether I liked my dirty martini (which was perfectly made), or the white, or the red wine they paired with the meals. The chocolate soup was the most wonderful ending and I tried a bite of my friend's butterscotch which was yummy too. What a lovely evening in multiple ways. I'd strongly consider hosting an event here in the future. Thank you so much! read more

Bistro 45 - New American Near Me - Pasadena, California

Excellent presentation and flavor. Ingredients tasted like they came straight from the local farmers market. The soup was so sweet. Pork tenderloin was lean and tender too Love the service here. Really feel pampered here read more

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Came here for a birthday celebration & we had a wonderful experience! They had beautiful, elegant decor with indoor & outdoor seating, with a private parking lot or street parking. The staff were friendly & attentive, they always refilled our water & bread. The food was fantastic! We enjoyed the Hanger Steak, Rib-eye, Chicken, & the Fuji apple tart. All the meats were tender & flavorful & the birthday dessert was delicious ! I would definitely return to try more items on the menu. Make sure you make reservations ahead of time because there's limited seating, especially if you have a big party. read more

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We are recurring customers coming here for a special date night. We love the casual but posh ambience the moment we walked in. The bar at the entrance always look so cozy. I love the decor and lighting of the restaurant. It definitely sets the mood for the evening. We arrived early but were seated right away. Funny that we weee seated almost at the same table we did last time. . The server came and shared with us the special of the evening. To share, we had the tiger prawn, no difference than a mini lobster. It tastes really good and the owner said it's from Nigeria. For entree, I had the boullonaise, a salmon seafood spicy broth and my boyfriend had the scallops. I enjoyed every bit of my entree and the soup was flavorful and they are generous with the seafood. My boyfriend's scallops were yummy too. For dessert, since we couldn't make a decision, we ordered by the upside down pineapple cake with coconut gelato and the chocolate terrine with berry sorbet. Both were delightful. What a wonderful date night! We both will return and pamper ourselves with a spectacular dinner experience. read more

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Very nice restaurant with a beautiful dining area, delicious menu, and great cocktails. Great place for a romantic night out!

Small and cute restaurant with good service and excellent food. All the different dishes my friends and I ordered were amazing

Dinner Saturday at Bistro 45 which has been around 35 years and the owner Robert Simon was working like it was opening week. The food was fantastic, service attentive and fun, and Robert made these first-timers feel like we've been good customers for decades. A reminder of what a great restaurant can be beyond pursuit of Michelin stars and corporate formulas. Thanks to team! read more

Came here as part of a group birthday dinner and had reservation at 6pm on a Saturday. We were seated promptly, it wasn't too busy but picked up shortly after. There was parking in the back but spots are a little limited. The interior was nice, I wouldn't call it very modern but a little old school but bright which I actually like. I'm not a huge fan of super dim lighting where I can barely see anything. They started us off with fresh bread and butter which was absolutely delicious. You could tell it was freshly baked and I could eaten an entire loaf. We shared appetizers of the octopus and beet salad. I loved the beet salad with the fried artichokes and the dressing was great. The octopus was decent but pretty skimpy portion wise for the price. I got the hangar steak which was cooked perfectly. I got to try a piece of the duck which was extremely tender and some of the bouillabaisse which was delicious too esp with their bread dipped in. I knocked off a star cuz our main waitress was not the friendliest and also some confusion about the birthday dessert. When we mentioned it was our birthdays when we were looking at dessert menu she said they would just pick something if we didn't choose. We ended up going with the Meyer Lemon Trio which was not my favorite of the night. I thought the lemon curd was way too tart but the soufflé was good. They did charge for that which I thought they would provide something complimentary esp given the price point of everything. Not that I expect free things but when they called about what the special occasion was it made it sound like that was the expectation. Overall the experience was good, most of the food was great. It's def more of a special occasion type of place given the prices for the average person. read more

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A hidden gem I didn't know about until it was recommended to me. Max was our server, who was so good at explaining everything and letting us be. We thoroughly enjoyed everything we ordered. I loved the interior of the restaurant; it had an old-school charm that I love to see still exist. I got the hanger steak, which was perfectly charred. The star of the show was the butterscotch dessert, one of the best desserts I have ever had in my life. I'll be back! read more

Bistro 45 - New American Near Me - Pasadena, California

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Great service and delicious food within a unique, building on a small street in Pasadena. My husband had their vegan pizza primavera while I had their pan roasted salmon. Both were done very well, along with their chipotle brussels spouts and little gems salad. Hopefully they will be able to add a vegan pasta dish to their menu like a veggie aglio e olio (my husband is not a big fan of risotto) so we can come back more often. read more

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Had a meal here on our last night in town. It is next door to our hotel. It is a cozy place with a small bar to the left as you enter and a few tables in the bar area. The dining area is just inside a small doorway we were seated at a nice table for two. There are 10 tables so it is an intimate space. Servers were simpatico, efficient and very friendly. A few walk in's were turned away good we had a reservation. It was 6pm on a Sunday. I got the cod which was caught today. The fish was wonderful and the couscous was extremely tasty and very buttery. My wife and I shared the home made ravioli as a starter. We each had a glass of Viognier. Value was excellent. Highly recommend visit. Mark & Nancy. read more

This is a restaurant that is in a class by itself. The owner, Robert, and his staff do a tremendous job ensuring your experience is memorable. From the service to the food, this establishment is what makes Pasadena a wonderful place to live and visit. read more

Hats off to this landmark restaurant. The details that this family restaurant offers is amazing . They offer the best quality and it reflected in their price. I learned that they give so much back to the local community and the recent fire victims and cancer support group in the area. Carry-on Bistro 45 I'm impressed and will be a new regular read more

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My husband and I have been coming to Bistro 45 for many years. The food is always outstanding, the ambiance is lovely & the service has always been perfect. Tonight, Robert, the owner took such special care of us that I felt compelled to leave this review. It is a beautiful restaurant with an owner who strives to give his customers the finest dining experience possible. I recommend it highly! read more

A group of us came to Bistro 45 for dinner to celebrate my sister's birthday. We had a reservation and were seated right away once everyone arrived. Our table was under a skylight, so the lighting was perfect for the early evening. With our server's help, we picked a bottle of wine and a selection of cheeses to share. We then shared a few appetizers and sides: cast iron Monterey calamari, bluefin tuna tartare, sauteed foraged organic mushroom, and organic brussels sprouts. I had the seared Hudson Valley Magret duck breast for my entree. The duck was flavorful, and the corn, puree, and blackberry gastrique were the perfect accompaniments. I also took a bite of the seared dive boat sea scallops and the grilled Niman Ranch pork chop. The scallops tasted so fresh, and the pork was tender. For dessert, I had the organic berry trifle, which was a refreshing way to end the meal. The front of the restaurant has a little garden area where you can sit and wait for your party or table. There is an indoor dining room and a patio. The food is sustainably or locally sourced, and there is an extensive wine list. The staff is knowledgeable, helpful, and friendly. Parking is easy as there is a small lot in the back. The combination of a charming space, a delicious menu, and top-notch service makes for a lovely dining experience at Bistro 45. read more

Bistro 45 - Seared Hudson Valley Magret Duck Breast - New American Near Me - Pasadena, California

What a gem! This darling restaurant evokes the glamour of early Los Angeles. We sat inside on a weekday and there were less than a dozen other patrons, which made the experience quiet and intimate. Our food was really delicious! The desserts all sounded amazing-and so we got them all!! But they really disappointed and I don't recommend. Our server was attentive, knowledgeable and personable. I'll be back! read more

Went here for my birthday and the service was amazing. Everyone was super welcoming and friendly, and the food was delicious! Will definitely come back when I'm in the area. Ambiance was very romantic and calm. The positive energy from the staffs made this place extremely more enjoyable. read more

Bistro 45 - Omaha Hanger Steak (bottom) and Ribeye (top) - New American Near Me - Pasadena, California

Food was excellent. Highly recommend the hanger steak. We loved our waiter. He was really fun. Really charming place. Look forward to coming back. We even saw a few celebrities dining near us. read more

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The service was fantastic here and the food was amazing. We got the rack of lamb, carrots, beet salad, and bolognese. We didn't like the bolognese that much as it was too light and bright for what we wanted. The lamb was incredible and we loved the wine and drink selection as well. read more

Bistro 45 - Composed Heirloom Beet Salad - New American Near Me - Pasadena, California

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One of the Best meals I've had in Pasadena in years!!! I don't know why this place has not been on my radar before. First time visit.- everything was excellent! Incredible creamy asparagus soup, the bread was to die for! The hanger steak was tender, delicious and beautifully presented with mashed potatoes and broccolini. The beet salad was also perfect! And we finished with the butterscotch Pot au crème. Convenient parking in the rear, a lovely outdoor covered patio and a small charming bar area. I will be back!! read more

Came here for mother's day dinner. The food was very solid and our server was incredibly sweet! It was a bit hectic The ambiance was very calm but there was some free entertainment when the owner called a mom and grandmother at the table next to us "impatient" on mother's day. That was interesting... read more

Bistro 45 - New American Near Me - Pasadena, California

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One of the my favorite fine dining establishments in the area. Robert, Deborah, and the staff were very accommodating when I hosted my birthday dinner here. I was sure to reserve one of the private rooms and I was able to get 16 of my close friends for a special dinner. In my case, I was able to create a specialty multi-course menu and my guests were able to select their choices from it. I must admit, I took a chance on hosting my dinner here and I don't regret my decision. The staff, the service, the ambiance, and the food was SPECTACULAR. If you are hoping to hold something special with your loved ones, please hold it at Bistro 45. It's rare to find an establishment that really puts a lot of care into what they do. read more

Bistro 45 - New American Near Me - Pasadena, California

I've been going to Bistro for a year or two now and it's become one of my favorite restaurants. The food is delicious, quality and always consistent. The menu changes just enough to keep things fresh but not so much you won't find some version of the staple you love. The host, waiters, and owner are warm and make you feel like family. Should out to Robert, Max, Laura and William. Thanks for making us feel like we're number 1 on your call sheet. Can't wait to dine with ya'll again soon. read more

Bistro 45 - King Salmón entree - New American Near Me - Pasadena, California

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Service was excellent, food was delicious Would recommend this restaurant for a special occasion the care by the staff was excellent. read more

First time at Bistro 45. Great time, food and service were on point. We will return!

It has been more than 2 years since my return visit to Bistro 45. Immediately after that visit we put the restaurant our weekly date night rotation. Since then we have been back dozens of times and tried everything on the menu. Bistro 45 instantly became and still remains one of our favorite restaurants in the expansive LA metro area. Why has this venerable French bistro made it onto our favorites list... simple: consistently good food, excellent service, and of course Robert's incredible personality which permeates every aspect of this establishment. I often recommend Bistro 45 to younger colleagues and clients who live in the area. Sadly the frequent response to my recommendation is that Bistro 45 seems like the kind of restaurant their parents would go to, but it's just not trendy or cutting edge enough for them. My response to such comments is to complement them on their parents' excellent taste, and tell them that I'm sorry that they prefer flash over substance but with age hopefully comes wisdom. Yes, if you are in your 20s or 30s Bistro 45 is exactly the type of restaurant your parents would enjoy, but honestly there is no reason everyone shouldn't be able to enjoy and appreciate Bistro 45. Is it trendy, flashy or cutting edge... NO. What Bistro 45 is for me is a wonderfully enjoyable and consistent experience that always leaves me satisfied we came and happy we supported a local owned business that puts customers first. There is a reason Bistro 45 has been around the number of years it has... find out for yourself. read more

I was invited to a dinner at Bistro 45 by my financial advisor and the food and service were amazing! The decor is gorgeous. Location is convenient to Lake Metro stop! I opted for red wine, pea risotto and the chocolate dessert. This is a lovely welcoming family owned restaurant where you feel at home at and in good hands. I love love love that they have a garden and serve things they grow. Also I love the way they work together as a family to make sure each guest has a memorable evening! Will be back soon for date night! read more

Our entire experience, from the moment we were seated until we walked out the door, was absolutely incredible. The freshly baked bread was addictive! We actually had to ask the staff to stop bringing it because we couldn't help ourselves. There were four of us, and every single dinner was described as "AMAZING" by each diner. I consider myself a self-proclaimed "Salmon Snob," having grown up in Seattle and worked my way through school in a salmon specialty restaurant. That Washington King Salmon was cooked to perfection and reminded me of freshly caught Alaskan King! The service from Caitlin was A++--she was absolutely delightful. The service manager also checked in multiple times to ensure we were having a good time. I would recommend anyone to dine here. I will certainly be back for more. Thank you to all of the wonderful staff read more

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My family kindly took me out to celebrate my birthday, and there were seven of us. The restaurant is on the smaller side, so noise tends to carry, but we were simply enjoying ourselves -- laughing, talking, and having a normal celebratory dinner. Shortly after we ordered, the general manager came to our table and asked us to lower our noise level because the table next to us had complained that we were too loud. While we may have gotten a bit louder when we laughed (as most groups do during a birthday celebration), we were not being rude or disruptive. What made the situation especially uncomfortable was that the table who complained appeared to be an older white group, while we are a group of Latinos and Asians. Being singled out felt unfair and honestly offensive. It was disappointing that management chose to appease another table rather than recognize that we were also respectful, paying customers. The interaction changed the entire tone of our dinner and made us feel like we had to police our laughter and conversations. To her credit, the GM later apologized and acknowledged that she shouldn't have asked us to quiet down since we weren't doing anything disrespectful. I appreciated the apology, but unfortunately the moment had already dampened the celebration. On a positive note, the food was great. We ordered several appetizers (the fries were especially good), and the steak, lamb chops, and cod were all delicious. The rest of the staff was also really friendly and professional. Sadly, despite the good food, the overall experience means we won't be returning. read more

Always great to excellent execution and French classics with a touch of flare. Their wine night events are also a lot of fun.

I've been here a few times and every single time it's just impeccable. From the service, to decor, to drinks, and food I mean even the parking lot everything is just perfect. I love Bistro 45 I'm a big foodie and have a father who runs a family business supplying restaurants and markets so I know that most business's take the shortcut and just buy frozen, premade, cheap and ready to heat and serve . However Not here, Robert and his Wife take so much care and heart into every detail from the dairy they source to the farms they buy their meat from, to the wines and even to the level of service their staff is serving . Every little detail is impecable, perfect and not to mention extremely clean. I can rave for days about how much I love it here. You are not getting any basic Sysco or restaurant supplier quality when you come here expect the best of the best . Truly better than some of the restaurants I've visited in Europe. They have a perfect aesthetic and their chefs are top notch. You know a place is serious if they have a seasonal menu, and actually knows where their food is coming from to let you know exactly what you're eating . Worth every single penny and calorie . Thank you William for always taking care of us and Thank you dearly Robert for taking the time to share with us, your business fulfills my soul I look forward to coming for many more years xo! Ps seasonal egg nog is killer! I've never had anything more delicious! (And ethically sourced which is super important to me) read more

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