Best ever restaurant with an amazing owner. He is kind and the food is delicious. Literally never had a bad meal. The steak and pizza are particularly delicious and I have a discerning palate. Please come and come often ! read more

Service was excellent, wonderful ambiance, food was superb! Great choice for celebrating our parent's 60th anniversary!!

Always great food and service. Beautiful quintessential Pasadena restaurant. The Scallops are amazing!

Every time we have eaten there we have been delighted with the food, which is always delicious and beautifully presented, the service and entire staff and cozy ambience and romantic setting! read more

Really nice dinner to celebrate a birthday. We enjoyed all of the food and it sounds like the ingredients are all top notch based on how it was described to us! I think the restaurant got quite packed when we dined here so it was hard to flag down our waitress for a while but other than that service was great and I'd recommend coming here! read more

See all

Amazing!! We brought our friends from Australia here so they could see what a beautiful and extraordinarily delicious restaurant could be in Southern California! They were not disappointed with cocktails, food, menu, and mostly service!! Everything was on point read more

If I could give ZERO stars I would. TLDR: I'm assuming it was Robert S the owner that answered the phone and will comment back to this being very defensive (because let's face it - no host would care that much about cancelling a reservation unless you're the owner). He is rude & has major attitude. You can also see that in the other 1 star reviews on this place. No, we did not get to try the food as we didn't have a chance to - this is purely about customer service. Who wants to support someone who is rude? My brother-in-law (BIL) called to let the restaurant know that my family is very sick (very contagious virus, brother has pneumonia because of it). My BIL did not even have the chance to let him know that 5 out of the party of 10 were still planning to go (different households) because the host who answered the call CUTS HIM OFF and immediately gives attitude. All my brother-in-law said was "I have a reservation for 10 and unfortunately my in-laws are sick..." and got cut off before he can say that the party number would just change to 5. My BIL was so caught off guard by the rudeness of the host that he ended up cancelling the entire reservation. Let that be a lesson learned for the owner/host. Instead of losing 5 customers (due to sickness), you lost 10 because of your rudeness! My sister then called because she was upset about their attitude to her husband. She said "I don't appreciate the attitude that was given..." and then the host CUTS HER OFF AGAIN. And she said sarcastically "do you want them to come and spread the sickness they have that causes pneumonia?" He did not care. All he cares about is losing the reservation instead of the HEALTH AND SAFETY OF THE REST OF HIS CUSTOMERS. Getting sick is never anyone's fault. He is acting like we got sick on purpose. Yes, I acknowledge that it sucks for a business owner to get cancellations, but getting mad at people for being sick and not being able to come is ridiculous. It's expected & part of the business. I see around 35-40 clients weekly (who all live in the Pasadena area) & form close relationships with them. I let them all know last week that I was going to celebrate Mother's Day here and would let them know how it is. I'm so embarrassed that I even brought up this restaurant to them because I wouldn't want to send them to such a rude place. This week I will be letting them know not to waste their hard-earned money on a place that has such rude people. Your rudeness will not only lose 10 people today but 35-40 others! read more

Came here for work, there was street parking everywhere so we didn't have to park far and it was free after 6pm. Based on the reviews, we came dressed in dresses and heels but most of our coworkers came straight from work in scrubs but I'm not sure how it is if you sit in the restaurant We sat outside, it was nice and partially covered but it wasn't too loud from the street or too cold from the breeze. The starter was the chicken pizza, really good, nicely toasted and not overpowering with sauce. One pizza is enough for one person or to share as an appetizer. The house salad was over powered with blue cheese, I couldn't eat it, and the lettuce wasn't cut so it was hard to eat, for me. I tasted my friends cold tomato soup which was pretty good and refreshing. The Hanger steak was cooked perfectly, 2 piece of asparagus and the mashed was whipped. Overall great plate. My dessert which was the Berry Trifle was everyone's favorite, so light and refreshing. Next best was the Chocolate Terrine which was like a chocolate moose, not over powering but just right. The butterscotch was too sweet for me, wouldn't order that again. Overall great experience. At first I felt like the staff was a bit rude. The bartender was super sweet but everyone else seemed a bit rushed or stressed out? I just felt tension but I would give this place a 2nd chance and try something else as well. read more

See all

I would absolutely be back. However one caveat. Skip the risotto. It was more soupy and scalding hot making me suspect the process. Waitstaff, Hostess, and others wereabsolutely fantastic. read more

My wife Jennie R. provided a recent review. Unfortunately it appears you dismissed what actually happened that night. We are respectful adults who are aware of the appropriate noise level. There was no shouting, no clamor, only intermittent laughing that may have come off "loud" to others. I wish there was a camera with audio to provide evidence of what I am speaking. It's disheartening that your manager may have told you a different story, even though we respectfully expressed our feelings towards her about the situation, and her telling us that we were not in the wrong. She stood their crying and apologized, but somehow we are still the ones being blamed. It makes me doubt if the apology was sincere if you as the owner has dismissed the situation. Our "noise" matched the level of the restaurant and its occupants. Please reach out to the servers/staff who were attending to us that night, and then please make your assessment. We even asked the manager and staff that if there is anyone else in the restaurant (including staff) that felt we were "loud" then we would have acknowledged it. However, it was only one table, and no one else. I ask you sincerely to please reinvestigate the situation. We respect your business and the quality food and service, but in that situation your manager was not cultural aware of the situation. You brought up the comped corkage fee and dessert, but do you really think we wanted that? Nothing replaces respect and dignity. In the end, I pray that you understand where we are coming from. God bless read more

After dining in Pasadena for decades one thing is clear: there is no finer dining experience than Bistro 45. I just hosted a 20-person celebration in the beautiful private dining room. Every detail was exquisitely attended to. The food and service were flawless. The personal attention was warm and friendly. From start to finish it was absolutely perfect. The place is consistently perfect. read more

Better late than never to post my review on another wonderful evening at my favorite Bistro 45. Robert, Mehdi and team were in rare form, as usual, helping to celebrate 25 years of wedded bliss with my babe. This place is beautiful and the perfect setting for this beautiful night out. Started with beautiful cocktails by candlelight (love my house Manhattan), then some light appys (house made ravioli, Spanish Mackerel, Burrata allá Panna with Prosciutto ..so delish!), then on to our mains (Babe loves the Hanger Steak, I took Robert's rec of the Monterrey Cod with Saffron Aioli...Holy Smokes, so good!) The ingredients are always super fresh and seasonal and presentation is always first class. Robert treated us to some beautiful wine to match our fabulous entrees. Too kind. We always feel like family here, so special. Topped the evening off with coffee, Apple Tart Tatin and babe's fav Meyer Trio with a beautifully inscribed Anniversary message. Plus, a special Orange Moscato, WOW! This place rocks! Thank you, Robert, Mehdi and all the team at Bistro 45. Until our next glorious occasion. A must try if you've never been. read more

See all

Excellent food. We had the scallops and the rib eye special. The dessert was the best ever. The server was very attentive. The place was clean and charming. We'll be back. So fun. read more

Really enjoy this restaurant. Been a handful of times and it doesn't disappoint. Great service and staff.

Had the pleasure of hosting my son's rehearsal dinner here with Robert and his team. The first time I went the owner showed such care and attention to every detail which was impressive. His team is caring and professional and works tirelessly to attend to every request given. The exterior and interior immediately get your attention and you know the atmosphere will be perfect. Again, every detail considered. Such a relaxing and beautiful environment, a perfect location to welcome our guests. The food, which usually is the most important but at Bistro 45 it goes well beyond simply feeding people. The ingredients are absolutely the best and most fresh options, a focal point in their model. Fresh ingredients combined with care to create the most amazing dishes. I would make a recommendation but that would be hard. The bar has a wide variety of choices and the wine list highlights amazing options and is well planned. I couldn't find a single thing to point out as a negative. The owner Robert takes an old school approach with a modern twist on culinary arts, which makes this a new favourite destination. Thanks Robert and your team for making such an important night, more than we could ever ask for! We appreciate you! read more

Bistro 45 - Outdoor veranda with a Paris evening feel! - New American Near Me - Pasadena, California

See all

Delicious food and wine! The service was great and the atmosphere was friendly and relaxing.

What a terrific experience. We were greeted like old friends and shown to a beautiful table. Service and dinner were amazing. Can't wait to go back. read more

I was really surprised by this find. The food from appetizer to entree was excellent. The wine pairing was phenomenal. The owner came to the table to tell us about the wine selection. Very blown away by the food here. This place is a hidden gem. read more

An absolute neighborhood gem that is less about hype and razzle-dazzle and all about serving Michelin-level California/French cuisine. The atmosphere is elegant yet unpretentious, the service staff is knowledgeable without being stuffy, and the owner Robert can often be seen floating around the dining room, chatting it up with regulars and newcomers alike. It feels like your wealthy uncle's living room, but the uncle who was always really cool and poured you a scotch when your dad wasn't looking. The prices are commensurate with the quality of food, and so I'd say this is a fantastic spot for a date night or business dinner. The unassuming exterior is easy to miss if driving by - which is part of the charm - making Bistro 45 one of those spots where "if you know, you know." read more

We chose this place to celebrate our 39th wedding anniversary. We would definitely go back! The drinks, the food, the atmosphere and the staff all contributed to a beautiful evening! And... funny enough( or good planning on the hostess part?)We were sat at a table right next to another couple also celebrating their 39th wedding anniversary! We met a lovely couple and enjoyed sharing our evening with them. We shared the steak, which was perfect because we each wanted dessert(we had a hard time deciding between3!) Thanks to our waiter for helping me make the right choices that night! The restaurant is easy to miss because Uber was given incorrect driving directions, but we eventually found it. Can't wait to go again! read more

See all

Robert and Deborah know how a restaurant should look, feel and taste. Their personal involvement and restaurant-savviness, combined with a marvelous staff, add up to a wonderful dining experience. With many of the dishes made from scratch, with locally sourced foods, with creative seasoning combinations and with amazingly diverse menu selections, you can't go wrong. Our party of 6 started with the iron skillet seared calamari (not fried, and with an amazing pomodoro sauce), with the halibut ravioli (de-lish). We ordered an amazing Chilean Viognier-Chardonnay blend that amazed even the most finicky Chardonnay crowd (and only $60 a bottle). The martinis were perfect (they were out of blue cheese olives, but we survived). The gamut of entrees included hanger steak (perfectly crisp outside char!), homemade pasta, ribeye steak (amazing and melted in the mouth), duck (lean, crisp, non-fatty and non-greasy), and King Salmon (served slightly pink on the inside with an amazing sauce). Everyone raved. Desserts followed and I can vouch for the chocolate soup (don't ask, just order), butterscotch cup, apple tart tartine, and of course delicious mango sorbet. All were amazing. Finishing touches of port wine and espresso martinis as we recovered from the feast....thank goodness it was a beautiful night and we could walk off some of that goodness! Epic restaurant. Epic service. Just go. Go and wonder why you haven't been here before, but know that you will be back and your future dining experiences will be the better for it. read more

Bistro 45 - Great group dinner at Bistro 45 - New American Near Me - Pasadena, California

Fantastic food, attentive service, all inside a comfortable home/speakeasy vibe with art deco touches.

I am sitting here at the end of my meal and could NOT wait to review this place! We came here for our 37th anniversary dinner. We told them it was our anniversary and before we came here they called us to see which anniversary etc. Robert, the owner greeted us with Happy Anniversary, the waiter couldn't have been nicer or have had a more wonderful sense of humor. The food could NOT have been better and the manager, Laura came to our table to greet us! It made a little party of two a real celebration! I cannot recommend this place higher. We are finishing our wonderful meal with a little dessert gift and are so appreciative of such a wonderful time here!!! read more

Everything fabulous Food delicious and gorgeous presentation Service impeccable and polite and helpful read more

Spacious restaurant with own parking lot in the rear with enclosed patio dining and interior dining. Friendly service and impeccable food! Everything we ordered were delicious. We loved the mussels and clams appetizer so much we ordered another at the end of our entrees. Recommend the calamari appetizer as well; nice to have a tasty calamari dish that's not deep fried. The ravioli special was flavorful. For entrees, we had steak, duck confit pasta, and pork chop. All were cooked to perfection. The complimentary bread is also nice and soft on the inside with a crisp crust. Dessert's chocolate soup is not like a soufflé but more of a stuffed brownie cake that comes out piping hot. The apple tartine has some goat cheese so be aware if you're not into that. Overall, a wonderful meal on a Sunday evening. Highly recommended you try this gem even if you've had it in the past, it's now glowing! read more

See all

My now wife and I hosted our rehearsal dinner here. Both the owners and the entire wait staff were amazing. They made everything so easy! Our guests loved the food and were still talking about it on the day of the wedding. read more

Amazing food and drinks! Was not disappointed. Great service. Very attentive staff. Will definitely be back. read more

Best meal I've had in a long time . No wonder it was busy on a Thursday night. Service impeccable and warm. read more

Food, Service, Ambience.... This place has it all and a parking lot in back to add!! Always a fabulous meal here, start to finish. The food is fresh, everything I've ever had has been excellent. Tip- don't eat too much of the amazing bread because you need to leave room for the pineapple upside down cake!! read more

A wonderful restaurant with amazing food and charming and lovely staff. The head chef James consistently serves up delicious meals and the owner. Robert has created a simply delightful dining experience. read more

Bistro 45 is a top notch restaurant. Fine food, wine and cocktails. Ingredients are carefully sourced, much from California. The owners and staff work as a team...workers are recognized, so turnover is low. Simple class and style environment, nothing brash. You can have a conversation over your delicious meals. read more

11/14/21. Overall a very good meal however I hesitate to give 5 stars due to some pricing issues. We stopped in for dinner Sunday night and were sat very quickly. I requested a corner table and was happy to see I got my request. It was a bit odd though that after a few minutes of being seated, probably about 4 minutes, another couple was seated directly next to us even though there were tables all around empty even the one next to them and they were very shy so it made for some awkwardness; I would sparse out the seating to avoid this and tables leaving/arriving the same time. At least directly next to each other and that's not even factoring in Covid. Our server Alan was very polite and did a great job so that made up for it a bit. I started off with the Burrata and Prosciutto and it was great in flavor but literally there was 1 piece of prosciutto (also isn't this an Italian dish?) and a good amount of Burrata. We thought maybe a piece fell as it was less meat than I have got ordering the same dish at many other restaurants and it was $19.45. Way overpriced for one piece of prosciutto. I opted for the Bouillabaisse entree which was very yummy; it had a great flavor but also not a ton of seafood. I'm used to more ingredients as I order this dish often so this was a smaller bouillabaisse for $37. Again a bit overpriced. We also ordered mussels and fries for the table and that was $29. Way too much for an appetizer it would be better to give less shellfish and charge less or offer two portions sizes like Petit Trois. Also iced tea is $6... In short it's overpriced but the food quality is great. The portion size and pricing needs to be evaluated as I drove up from LA specifically for this dinner and there are just tons of other options out there so I won't return until pricing balances out although aside from that it was a nice meal. read more

Bistro 45 - Provencale Bouillabaisse - New American Near Me - Pasadena, California

See all

My girlfriend and I celebrated our third Valentine's dinner here last week. This place is our go to Pasadena restaurant, and it never disappoints. We both enjoyed the striped bass as our entree, and it was prepared perfectly. Robert and his staff are always so welcoming, even on a crowded night like this. We never wanted the night to end. Thanks again. Rick and Linda read more

This place was the perfect choice. I got a reservation easily at the time I wanted after looking over their menu making sure my boyfriend would like it. We walked into a modern bistro with an open patio and full bar, it was full but not over packed. The hostess was kind and gave us a quieter option when prompted in the back of the dinning room. Our server William was fantastic and service was very attentive throughout. He made great recommendations for our food and even gave us a great recommendation on a speakeasy close by that we loved. The quality of food here is outstanding, with everything cooked to our liking, both of our steaks were melt in your mouth perfect. Try the chocolate soup, and ask for recommendations on switches for your regular liquor choices. My boyfriend hates LA but said he would happily come back here again, this meal completely changed his mood for the night. read more

Bistro 45 - Outside the restaurant street view - New American Near Me - Pasadena, California

See all

Great service here, everyone was so nice. A nice quiet, relaxing atmosphere. The pork chop and duck were both delicious, not overly seasoned but still very tasty. You might have to order two or more dishes if you're a big eater however. Thought the ice cream for the apple tart would be vanilla but it was surprisingly also tart! :) read more

See all

A classic bistro vibe with a great art deco bar. In an era of small shared plates, Bistro 45 still serves hearty, delicious, and filling dishes. Above all else is the service. Haven't been here without striking up a conversation with their servers, manager, or owners (shoutout to Rob and Debrah). Through and through a Pasadena gem that deserves more recognition. read more

Better than some Michelin star restaurants! I love the atmosphere in the place. The staff were very friendly. Management went above and beyond to make sure my wife and I were happy. I ordered a ribeye and it was well cooked. The acid from the red wine sauce complemented the steak well. The fingerling potatoes had a wonderful texture. Their scallops are huge and tasted extremely fresh. The halibut cheeks appetizer was a rare treat. And I am so glad I was given the opportunity to try the dish. The fish was fried perfectly, it was nice and crispy without being too oily. And the saffron aioli added a beautiful new dimension to the appetizer. The trifle dessert was layer and layers of deliciousness. I especially loved the sponge cake. It was well baked and it soaked up a lot of flavors from the other layers. The wine soaked berries were a nice touch. And the sweetness of mango sorbet was just right. I am glad I came back. They are even better than I remembered. I definitely want to come back to try more of the menu. Thank y'all so much! read more

Bistro 45 - New American Near Me - Pasadena, California

An incredible gem hidden away in the heart of Pasadena. The food is stellar and the service amazing. The vibe is incredible for a special evening. I had the Brussels and Boullibaise which were amazing and she had the soup and duck. We topped it off with the chocolate soup with some incredible wine. Definitely worth the visit and this restaurant is now one of our special places! read more

We were a party of 10, when lots can go wrong. Absolutely nothing did. Service friendly and spot on. Food perfectly prepared and tasted delicious. Extremely careful about the various food allergies at the table. Highly recommend!! read more

A great Pasadena spot for many years. Exceptional food and service. The owner is in the dining room floor every night, providing great food and wine. read more