Holy Saints is the kind of restaurant where you look at some of the combinations on the menu and wonder how they're going to work together; then you try it, and it all makes sense. QUICK TAKE Get: Fish of the Day, Lamb, Moroccan-style Mushrooms Skip: Duck was our one miss Know: This is a good place for adventurous eaters who like sharing dishes and trying unexpected flavor combinations. Holy Saints does a nice job of making food feel creative without crossing over into "trying too hard." There are a lot of different influences running through the menu, and several dishes had us talking about the flavors and ingredients as much as the food itself. What we tried: Moroccan-style Mushrooms - A great example of what Holy Saints does well. Earthy, savory mushrooms with contrasting textures from the nuts, thinly sliced radish, herbs and crispy elements on top. There was a lot happening on the plate, but it all worked together. Definitely one to share. Fish of the Day - One of the highlights of the meal and something I would absolutely order again. The fish came over rice in a deeply flavored sauce with peppers, herbs and fresh vegetables. Colorful, comforting and much more interesting than the standard fish-and-vegetables preparation you see at a lot of restaurants. Lamb - Another winner. Rich, hearty and well seasoned, with the sauce pulling everything together. If you're visiting for the first time and like lamb, this would be high on my list. Duck - Good flavor, but it seemed like the duck sauce could have benefited from a little more time to rest before being sliced and served. We joked that we should have brought a bag, taken it home and eaten it as leftovers instead. Sometimes duck might just need a night to think about what it did. What I liked most about Holy Saints is that the food wasn't boring. The kitchen takes familiar ingredients and puts them together in ways you probably wouldn't think of yourself, which makes it a fun restaurant for ordering several things and sharing around the table. read more

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Great cozy, American small plates spot in Pasadena. Parking around is pretty simple with structures all around and pretty easy to make a reservation for a Saturday. Dishes tried: - Sourdough bread and bbq butter, solid for a bread dish, butter is definitely unique, reminded me of Lay's BBQ chips in a good way - Grandma's Risotto w/ prosciutto, okay for me? Prosciutto was a supplement here and needs it imo for that oomph, otherwise a fine risotto dish but would pass unless it speaks to you - Barnyard Bolognese - a bit underwhelming to start, just too one-note for me, but it eventually grew on me and would get it again if I wanted a rich pasta - Duck Magret Au Poivre - easily my favorite dish here and what I would come back for and recommend for people, tender duck with the right amount of fat and a great sauce. Fries are a bit thicker than I would like, but still enjoyed it. - Seasonal apple pie - more of a danish if I had to describe it to someone, but nice texture and more importantly, not too sweet! read more

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LATE REVIEW. Finding little neighborhood gems when it comes to food has always been an exciting experience for me. Having family alongside makes the journey more special. We chose Holy Saints to announce our baby's gender with our parents and we had an amazing time during our intimate dinner here. The restaurant's ambiance was the perfect combination of homey and inviting. It is a smaller place and the number of tables are limited so I highly suggest making a reservation when dining here. During our dinner, it was a bit difficult to have a full blown conversation as the place was packed with guests when we came plus the loud background music that was playing the whole night. Service and food were nothing but amazing! Their menu is very limited. Maybe not everyone will appreciate that, but I think it is more intentional on what is being served to the table. Our highlight of the night was the Grandpa's Pan Roasted Duck Magret Au Poivre for sure. It was so tender on the inside and crispy on the outer edges! We never had a meal like that elsewhere and we will for sure be back just because of it. read more

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Holy Saints was SO good! The food was truly chef's kiss. I had the whitefish and a salad, and everything was fresh, flavorful, and absolutely melted in your mouth. The owners were there and couldn't have been friendlier - they even told us they're expanding soon! Can't wait to check out their new spot whenever that happens. Definitely give this place a try! read more

Holy Saints - New American Near Me - Pasadena, California

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A cute quaint restaurant with a seasonal, rotating menu. We came on a Saturday night with a party of four, and I definitely recommend making a reservation since the space is intimate. The lamb dish was delicious! Full of flavor and a really generous portion. The house-made bread with a bbq butter is also a standout and not to be missed. My husband and sister-in-law especially loved the duck dish, big hit! We also really enjoyed the Save room for the apple pie!! Sooo good! Service was excellent, they were all attentive and friendly. Overall, a great neighborhood gem with thoughtfully prepared food and a cozy atmosphere read more

Holy Saints - Lamb.. so good! - New American Near Me - Pasadena, California

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I don't get it, why a dish of pasta cost $39, this place is not upscale or michelin star, very basic seating, atmosphere and few tables in tight place, what makes it that a dish of pasta worth 39$, even if yo make the dish from the finest ingredients from whole Foods it should not cost that much, crazy expensive, I am not coming back for sure. Just because the owner said this is the best and most popular dish doesn't make it a fact. The owner does not justify what makes it worth 39. Avoid this place. The owner says I am funny because I am giving my honest feedback.. so you have to pay 39 dollars for pasta to be realistic? Greedy owner read more

Overpriced. Dining area is practically sat in the kitchen for you to leave smelling like grease and fish. Eggplant on a loaf of whole wheat bread for $16? I dare to write this review because I'm noticing the sarcastic aggressive owner calling people funny for calling him out on the same problem... how utterly ridiculous, nothing is funny about 39 dollar bolognese. EDIT: yet again the owner speaks like he was programmed to reject any criticism toward his business. With all due respect your family recipes don't justify your greedy prices. Stay ignorant in all your replies to real customers, telling them they're "mistaken" or that your food must be so exceptional that anyone who thinks otherwise is just "not a good fit" for your restaurant. It's telling how this will end for you and you're disabling yourself from the success you think you already have in your fantasy restaurant owner world. Keep your fragile aggressive defense to yourself... What a shame! read more

Excellent meal. Small cozy space. Excellent service and pleasant staff. It's been a while since I've finished everything off my plate and ordered dessert, but this meal warranted it. The menu was not extensive but rather succinct so we had a feeling the chef was going to do the dishes well as he seemed to have focus on seasonal items and highlighting good flavors. We completely devoured the food. The octopus carpaccio was very tender and the spicy sauce accentuated it.. we tasted soy sauce and it was slightly salty (maybe suggest low sodium soy sauce?) but still good. Both dishes had healthy portions and the peach tart was enough for three people. The sear on the lamb was excellent and it was cooked to perfection. The star of the dish might actually have been the potatoes - crispy, flavorful, with starchy goodness. The pasta was also very good - flavors melded in harmony and we thoroughly enjoyed it. We will definitely be back. read more

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We came here to explore a new restaurant. The restaurant has a cozy setting. The server greeted us promptly and brought us to our table. The menu has a good variety of selection. We ordered the mushroom appetizer which was very flavorful and unique. For entrees, we ordered the duck and the morning catch. The duck is very well prepared. The skin is crispy and the meat is tender, the sauce complimented the dish. My morning catch was just fine. The sauce was a bit too bold, tasted like a spicy bbq sauce, came in a little strong for the sea bass. The chocolate pudding was fine. Maybe we were seated closed to the door to the back, we heard this loud thumping sound from the vibration of the speakers in the back room. It killed the romantic vibe in the dining area, hope they could fix it. Overall it's a cute place if you want to try something different. read more

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The place is a bit hidden between buildings, and now that Pasadena parking structures all charge from the start of the hour, street parking is a bit hard to find too. The restaurant has an industrial feel to the space, with an open kitchen that takes up almost half of it. Unfortunately ventilation is not its strong suit, the air is quite stuffy and the smoke from the open kitchen permeated the room heavily. They tried to open the front door on a rainy day and it wasn't of much help. We ordered the duck and the bolognese. There was a bit of a wait for the duck but the server did set our expectations. Both dishes were flavorful but things were definitely on the saltier side. The duck was also a bit too rare for us and the server let us know that per restaurant guidelines they don't make modifications to their food but they did eventually warm it up a bit for us. The dish tasted much better imo as the higher temp solidified the fibers and made the meat more enjoyable. We thought that the bolognese was good but wished it had a bit more underlying sweetness to it. The 2 dishes came out to be $105. read more

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WOW! I can't believe we haven't been here before, but we were really impressed by this little gem in Pasadena! It's a cute little spot and the service, from the delightful Dani, was excellent. She was attentive, had great commentary about the dishes and wine menu, and we just really had fun chatting. The food was so delicious! We loved the 'Dad's Blistered Habanda Grilled Cakes,' which had some nice heat. Also, the Marinated Fuyu Persimmons & Burrata was a complete winner! It was beautifully presented, the burrata was super fresh and delicious and the dish was perfectly balanced. For entrees, my wife opted for the Line-Caught Yellow Fin Tuna Crudo app, which was quite good, but the ponzu was a little salty and overpowering. Still a good dish and super fresh fish! I had the Braised Bison Short Ribs and, OMG, was it good! Delicious gravy and creamed spinach, complimented with a pickled veg and sunchokes. We had a great bottle of wine from Uraguay that went well with all of our dishes. Wine list is limited, but thoughtful and fair. A few draft beers and cans, and soft drinks are available. They also do a couple of wine based 'cocktails' and sangria. Such a great place that I can't recommend enough and look forward to going back to. read more

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This gem in Pasadena hits on all cylinders. The service is knowledgeable, attentive and really accentuates the experience. They have several dishes on the menu that are a must. The bolognese, the lamb steak and the melon salad are tremendous. read more

Tracie and I had dinner at Holy Saints in Pasadena the other night, and it was truly exceptional. We ordered one of every appetizer, along with the Bolognese and the duck, and every dish was beautifully executed. The thoughtful layering of flavors, attention to detail, and quality of the ingredients were apparent in every bite. As the chef and owners of a small boutique fine dining restaurant in Mammoth Lakes, we have a deep appreciation for the care, skill, and creativity required to deliver food at this level. Chef Daniel and Stephanie, you are doing something very special. Amazing food, wonderful hospitality, and an absolutely memorable evening. We cannot wait to return! read more

Met up at Holy Saints for a belated birthday meal with friend. I made a reservation online but since it was early for dinner, there was no rush and no long wait. Friend and I split a couple of items: the barnyard spaghetti bolognese ($39), Grandma's creamy corn risotto ($34) with a $5 upcharge for prosciutto, and Underwood farms strawberries shortcake ($13). All are solid choices! I was craving risotto and Holy Saints' version definitely hit the spot. There's limited seating so I can see how it can be tough getting a table during rush time. Do the reservations if you can. I found street parking and paid via text, which allowed me to see if I needed to add more time. There's also some parking structures nearby for a nominal fee. read more

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Came here before watching Oasis, that day was full of people around the area, I'm glad we made a reservation. Formerly living in Pasadena area, I was surprised I've never been here because I don't think I explored this area that often. We were seated outside but they were able to adjust the umbrella so it blocks the sun onto my face, so it wasn't hot at all. The Japanese roasted eggplant has a unique taste but their duck is amazingggggg! I'd comeback for that one. The fries are super crispy too. Parking is not easy because it's old town Pasadena. read more

Holy Saints - Japanese Fire-Roasted Eggplant - New American Near Me - Pasadena, California

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We ordered the eggplant dish, which had a flavor very similar to Asian cuisine, slightly spicy with a touch of mala, and its texture was quite unique, almost like yogurt. We also tried their fish, which they said was freshly caught, and it was incredibly tender. The black cod came in large portions, making it both delicious and a great value. For the main highlight, we had their signature duck. The portion was so generous that two of us couldn't finish it. The duck was cooked perfectly, and the thick-cut fries on the side were super crispy. Overall, the food was outstanding and very affordable for what you get. The service was absolutely amazing. I went there to celebrate my friend's birthday, and the server took care of us the entire time like a personal attendant. The restaurant has a warm, homey décor, and the flavors are well-suited to Asian palates. Honestly, I would rank this place among the top three restaurants in Pasadena. Definitely worth revisiting and highly recommended! read more

Holy Saints - New American Near Me - Pasadena, California

Came here for a birthday and we all agree that the food was worth it. Parking: I mean, it's in Old Town Pasadena so it's either the hard to find street parking or the expensive parking lots. The restaurant is dim so it's cute for a date night! One thing I wasn't a big fan of was that the kitchen is open so you will end up smelling like food and it kind of burned my eyes a little. Now the food: For apps, the server gave us recs. APPS: Tuna Crudo: 10/10. The tuna's texture was something else, in a very good way. The sauce is mildly spicy, tangy, and savory. The garnishes on top are a must and complements the dish so well. Fave dish forsure! Waldorf Salad: 10/10. Good balance between the fruit and greens. Perfectly tossed in the dressing. Eggplant: 7.5/10. Just wasn't my fave. The sauce is smoky and lightly spicy. The char on the eggplant was too much for me. MAINS: Duck: 9.5/10. I usually love duck but this duck was slightly salty and not as tender but it had really good flavor. Bison Short Rib: 11/10. Another FAVE! The mashed potatoes were very creamy and savory. The rib itself was packed with flavor and tender. There's a salad on the plate with a tangy dressing. Lamb: 10/10. It was not gamey at all. It was perfectly cooked and tender. Easy to eat and not chewy. Potatoes were also great. Bolognese: I didn't get to taste it but it looked good There's 2 per person cake cutting fee in case you're bringing in a cake. The server we had was friendly. Overall, I'd highly recommend this place and would visit again! read more

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Ooommggg definitely check this place out! Who knew...a hidden gem... The eggplant was phenomenal. Words won't accurately describe the culinary genius with flavors extraordinaire-wow, superb! The risotto was insanely delicious. Fresh basil in it was a delicious enhancement to an already epic dish. Our server was super adaptable given our rush on time to make concert. Chill atmosphere small place with adequate seating. The food blew me away. Must make it back again! read more

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I really wish I could give five stars after reading a lot of glowing reviews! I got here on a Saturday and got seated right away. I was debating between the pan roasted duck and lamb sirloin steak and ended up getting the duck. The portion is very decent I will say! However, the duck was too chewy and not as tender as I thought it would be...I'm not sure if it's the duck itself or what because it's definitely not overcooked. I love the chocolate pudding though! Very rich and creamy and yet not overly sweet! There are about 7-8 tables and bar seating! Service was good! read more

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We got fries, tuna, and bolognese and they were so flavorful and delicious! It's a small space, but it has an amazing ambience with dim lighting. The service was fantastic. Our waitress was jovial and so excited to help us find great dishes and recommendations. read more

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This is a tiny neighborhood restaurant with a handful of tables. I was brought by a family member who was excited to try it for the first time. First thing I asked for was a coffee, and I was told there is no coffee. That was quite surprising - I don't think I've been in a restaurant that didn't serve coffee. I understand if you don't want to encumber your tiny kitchen with a big espresso/cappuccino machine, but at least have a tasty drip coffee available. The food we ordered was quite good in flavors and presentation. The melon and tomato salad had a tasty dressing on it. I also ordered the mushroom starter, and we ordered a pasta entrée and the catch of the day. My issue is that everything was spicy. I saw red pepper flakes in every dish. If you're sensitive to spicy food, this is not the place for you. Even my fish dish was spiced, albeit not as much; the mushrooms are a serious mouth burner and the melon salad was also surprisingly very spicy - even the pasta had red pepper flakes in the sauce. Being very sensitive to spicy hot food, I was only able to consume so much, boxed up the rest and left hungry. I wasn't even able to consume the leftovers because for the rest of the night I had acid reflux, heartburn and my throat was on fire- so I didn't want to go through that again. For dessert, we ordered the peach "pie", which isn't really a pie. It's a very thin layer of peaches with a massive amount of crust laid over the top. It's more like a French pastry, just FYI. So combination Italian/Mexican/French food here and be prepared for a lot of heat. If you want coffee, you'll have to pick one up elsewhere either before or after your meal. ***UPDATE: As a result of the owners response, they lost another star. In addition to my initial review, which was honest and not negative, I would also not come back to this restaurant because of the owner's bad attitude. If you look at other Yelper's reviews that are less than five stars, you'll recognize that this owner gets very defensive about anything less than stellar reviews. I said nothing negative about the hospitality. And I also admitted that I'm sensitive to spicy food. Absolutely EVERYTHING we ordered was spicy and had hot pepper flakes. I had a negative physical reaction, so perhaps you should address that on your menu items and/or let customers know prior to ordering that everything is spiced. Regardless of how sensitive anyone is, this should be revealed, that way every customer can make their own decisions on what to order or ask you to make it less spicy. You're here to serve all customers, not just the ones who give you great reviews and enjoy your food 100%. Perhaps you should follow Yelp's guidelines about responding to customer comments and not give emotional responses or blame the customer for their physical limitations. Do you also tell customers who are gluten-free to get out of your restaurant because your menu creations aren't gluten-free? Or fault them for a negative physical reaction to your food? It's just rude and insensitive. I had a very uncomfortable evening after coming to your restaurant, and I think your food would have been terrific had it not been so dang spicy! If I'm going to spend $150 on dinner for two, i'd like to have a pleasant experience and I don't think that's unreasonable. If you can't deal with ALL customers, you shouldn't own a public business. Also, coffee is not just served in diners! Mastro's serves coffee and they are a fine dining restaurant. Most restaurants do, as a matter of fact. What kind of retort is that? Take your less than five star reviews as a constructive learning experience on how to perhaps better serve everyone, and not as a personal insult. To quote a great and appropriate old adage, you catch more flies with honey than vinegar. read more

Had a great overall experience. I made a reservation and we were promptly seated. Our server was very energetic and friendly. We ordered the fries and tuna crudo for apps, both of which were very delicious. We especially liked the tuna-- no fishiness at all. We also ordered the short rib and sea bass. Short rib was fantastic- so tender. Texture of sea bass was great, taste was a bit overwhelming. I would go back to try their other dishes as they all sound delicious. read more

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Had to try out this new spot! Ambiance is cute (small place but were able to accommodate a party of 7 bc we called ahead). Drinks are beer and wine only (which was fine with us but just a heads up. For food we had the sourdough bread (it was good, but just bread) the onions, the spinach cakes (which we really likes) and the French fries (super yummy and thick cut). In general the starters were stronger than the mains. For the mains we had the duck (which i looked but a few people found not cooked enough), the bison (nothing specifically noteworthy) and the risotto (which everyone loved) and bolognese (which i was a fan of). Overall a pretty good experience. Menu is fairly small so not a ton of options, but food is solid and it's in Old Towne so there's a lot to do around it! read more

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With all of the many restaurants in Pasadena, it's easy to miss Holy Saints. Located on Holly St, Holy Saints is a very small restaurant that is run by a very sweet couple that know their food! My foodie friend that usually picks the restaurants said that he was really looking forward to trying this restaurant. Upon entering we were greeted warmly and seated towards the back of the restaurant. It ended up being a great spot and vantage point to watch how busy this restaurant gets throughout the night. We ordered the following: Radicchio & Chicory Caesar Salad (4/5) piled high and covered in shaved cheese, this dish was a superb start to the meal and the bitter greens got our appetites going. Griddled Sourdough & Barbecue Butter (4/5) who doesn't like a good bread and butter? Our table enjoyed this dish a lot for the simplicity and flavor, ' Grandpa's Pan Roasted Duck Margret Au Poivre (3.5/5) served with duck fat fries, this was the only dish that wasn't as amazing as I had hoped. It was good and the flavor decent. The duck was cooked well but the fries could've been seasoned better. Grandma's Creamy "Spring Time" Risotto (5/5) this was by far the best dish of the night. I could've eaten this dish all by itself and been perfectly happy. The spring peas and flavor were spot-on and simply delicious. This is the best risotto dish that I have ever had in my life. I just wish my Grandma made risotto like this because I'd be eating at Grandma's house all of the time! I love restaurants like Holy Saints because it serves great food with care and attention. If I lived in the area, I think I'd come here more often for more risotto and to try other dishes. I especially like how warm and familiar the entire restaurant felt. It was not pretentious and just felt comfortable. Parking is what it is in Old Town Pasadena. Public lots or metered parking. I wish Holy Saints were closer (walking distance) from me. The welcoming atmosphere and elevated home style food is much like a neighborhood bistro that you want to frequent. LOCATION: 3/5 FOOD: 4.5/5 SERVICE: 5/5 VALUE: 4/5 AMBIANCE: 5/5 CLEANLINESS: 4/5 PARKING: 3.5/5 read more

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Stumbled upon this local hidden gem in Pasadena. We came in on a Friday night at 7:30 for dinner. I was actually craving pasta in the area and briefly saw that they had a deliciously looking bolognese but upon looking at the menu closely, I realized that there was lamb in the pasta (which I do not eat) so decided to try the duck. My partner got the morning catch cod. To both of our surprises, both dishes were delicious. My only complaint is that the sauce for the Morning Catch is very overwhelming and they had told us that it was not spicy... it was a little bit and as someone that was recovering from a cold with sore throat, it definitely made it worst. The duck was really tender and cooked to perfection, the sauce was very creamy and paired perfectly with the potatoes. read more

Holy Saints - Grandpa's Pan Roasted Duck Magret - New American Near Me - Pasadena, California

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holy saints is a super cute restaurant that is in a great spot in old town! our server, dani, was amazing and so helpful! she was knowledgeable about the menu and made great recommendations. the yelllow fin tuna crudo with cilantro was AMAZING! my husband and i couldn't stop talking about it. the main dishes: fried chicken and duck were fine but didn't stand out as much as their small plates. the banana cream pie! oh my word! it's only available on fridays and it is DIVINE! my mouth is literally watering as i thinking about it. just a note: the restaurant is small so best for parties of 2-4 people read more

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Been wanting to come here... and visiting friends of ours are wine lovers so we decided to give it a try. Ordered a bottle of shiraz, 3 small plates, 3 entrees and a dessert to share family style for 4 people. Food was fanatic and portion was big enough to share. Our server was great... super spunky & engaging. We had a nice evening. Will be coming back again... for sure. read more

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@holysaintsbistro is a gem in the wall. The quality of food coming out of their cozy, small kitchen is superb. Kudos to the chefs behind the line. I had the duck breast and lamb steak, and both were spectacular. The sauce the lamb was served with gave it just the slightest edge over the duck. The only item that did not impress was the yellowfin tuna appetizer. It was smothered in seasoning that diminished any flavor of the fish and completely overpowered it. Besides that, my dinner was exquisite. read more

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We went there a few weeks ago and loved the food and the service! The owner was our waitress and she was very friendly! We ordered the beef tartare, salad, potatoes, pasta and lamb. Everything was delicious!!! We went back here a week later after a fail of another restaurant being soo rude! We will be back!!! read more

Amazing experience! The staff was so attentive and beyond nice. They spent the time to talk to us, proactively check in on us, and always pouring our water. (Our cups were never empty. Extra points there) The food was also delicious that was very large portions. Definitely get the duck and the lamb. The side potatoes with those two dishes were surprisingly my favorite parts! But also the lamb and duck were delicious haha! And the summer peach pie, it's a giant poptart of heavenly peaches and homemade whipped cream. To die for! read more

Went here on a date with my sister and was so happy. This place is TINY...so not ideal for big parties. However, they do make the space work and is so cute! We started out with a strawberry sofrita and burrata dish. This had some many herbs and spices in and and was and had a nice combo of sweet and salty. Also got a side of bread with it and dipped it in, so good! My sister got the spring risotto and was good but really rich. I got the catch of the day that was a halibut over jasmine rice that came in the smoked red sauce, so good and could have very easily shared it. I think what is most impressive about this place is the size of the kitchen. Everyone inside is pretty much eating at chefs table and really only separated by a counter that you can't sit at. Goes to show, you don't need a big kitchen to deliver old flavors like they did, well done! Will definitely be going back to try other dishes. read more

Really cute neighborhood gem on the slightly quieter side of old town Pasadena. All the food we had were really delicious- we were stuffed! We had the Duck, bolognese, spinach cakes, and sourdough. Don't miss the sourdough! The butter was delish! The bolognese was a bit too soft for my personal preference but I'm still planning on returning to try the rest of the menu. Long hair girls though.. this is one of the places where depending on where you sit in the restaurant your hair will pick up the smokey/oily smells of the restaurant read more

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Got together with friends for an overdue dinner at Holy Saints on a Saturday evening. Made a reservation for 7:15 and got seated quickly (didn't have to wait for the other couple). I ordered the bread plate and the BBQ butter was unique and really good. Friends ordered the griddle cakes and potato appetizers, both very good and decent portion sizes. For dinner my husband got the lamb (because they were out of the catch of the day which he was looking forward to), I got the pasta without prosciutto, friends got the shrimp and grits (head on shrimp hard to manage when they are covered in sauce but it was very tasty) and he got the same pasta dish as me with the prosciutto. We all agreed the food overall was better than good. The service felt strange. We were greeted with a friendly smile but once we started ordering dinner and made a joke about wanting to make a substitution (which we knew ahead they don't do) it felt like things changed. Maybe it was earlier when one of us asked if they could close the front door because it was drafty and cold (no they can't close the front door). Can't quite put a finger on it. Our reservation was at 7:15. By 8:30 the place was empty except for us. We were finishing up but weren't done. We weren't offered a dessert menu but instead they started putting up the chairs and by 8:45 they turned some of the lights off. They close at 9 but it was obvious they all wanted to get things closed up so we got our check and left. Overall, $250 for 4 people produced a tasty meal for each of us but in Pasadena where we have a LOT of choices we probably won't be back. Especially when a place states "no substitutions" and they also won't accept any requests for meat to be cooked to a certain temp. To me that seems to indicate the kitchen staff is either handcuffed, or they are unable to act on the fly if someone needs to make a change or wants their meet cooked medium well. I want to 100% enjoy my meal and experience when I go out and spend good money and Holy Saints wasn't that for me. read more

Such a nice gem! This restaurant is a lovely intimate gem in old town Pasadena. The duck was by far the star of the show, but the bolognese was also fantastic. The servers were so nice, and the cooks even lean over the bar to make sure everything is up to par. Overall this felt like a dinner at a family member's house, super welcoming with dishes that feel intentional. Wish I could gatekeep this spot but it's too good not to share! Definitely will be coming back! read more

My wife and I have been here twice and enjoyed it both times. The bread is a must try. The service has always been excellent and we're excited to go back! read more

TLDR: Incredibly unique food, cozy atmosphere, great customer service. Holy Saints was a truly phenomenal dining experience. Made reservations for my Wife's bday through resy. Ez Pz. We came on a weekday and luckily were able to park pretty easy but I think that was more birthday luck than anything. We were immediately greeted and seated upon entering. Dani was our waitress and she was awesome! Attentive, friendly, and made us feel really welcome. Ok here is what we got: 1. Tuna Crudo: This dish was absurdly delicious. And I am so happy it was the first thing we got. Just set the night off on the perfect note. The ponzu sauce was incredible. 2. Spanish Seafood Soup: Wow...this was so flavorful. I kept burning my tongue because I just wanted to eat it the moment it was served. A luscious base loaded with fish, mussles, and chorizo. Yum.com 3. Blistered Habanada Griddle Cakes: Honestly didn't know what to expect flavor wise here and we were blown away. Totally Umami. It was sweet, savory, sour, and the queso fresco and mint really rounded out the freshness. The cake was sooo soft and tender. 4. Autumn Risotto: We love a good risotto here and this was amazing. Autumn is the perfect description. The squash was sooo good, add the pecorino romano, prosciutto, and you are just here for a good time. Beyond the food the staff were all so friendly. A few of the dishes were brought out by the chefs themselves which was so cool. With plenty of choices for restaurants in Pasadena I would put this at the top of my list and will be recommending it to friends and family. 10/10 no notes. read more

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Came to visit Holy Saints while I was in the area. Went there right at opening so I was able to get seated right away. Service was excellent but prices of the sandwich were pretty high. However, I do give that the ingredient is pricey with Sea bass and beef rib. Flavor was delicious but it does get pretty messy to eat so beware! Total was about $64 for two sandwich, no sides and no drinks. read more

Holy Saints - Short Rib Sando! - New American Near Me - Pasadena, California

Lots of attitude from whoever answers the phone. You ask a question, there's this long pause, and then you get the most passive-aggressive "is there anything else I can help you with?!" using the most obnoxiously piercing upward inflection. Just pick any other restaurant in Pasadena read more

I was truly blown away by my experience here. A friend and I came for dinner on Saturday evening and had such a wonderful evening. The hostess (Dani?) was so sweet and helpful. We ordered two of their seasonal cocktails which were tasty and the tuna crisp (10/10), burrata and persimmon (10/10), barnyard spaghetti bolognese (8/10) and the duck (11/10). The pieces of tuna were nice and thick and soaked up the sauce so well which was so unique, I wanted to drink it! The burrata and persimmon dish was so unique but also familiar, like a play on burrata and melon. The pasta was a bit salty for my taste but still cooked nicely and we enjoyed it overall. My favorite was the duck - wow. Truly so well-cooked and tasty, the sauce was to die for and the fries also superb. I will be back for this dish! Portions very generous and reasonably priced. Highly recommend checking Holy Saints out. read more

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I thought I had already reviewed this place after our first visit but I guess I was wrong! We're back again! The dishes here are full of flavor with a hearty, homemade feel. We thoroughly enjoyed the crudo (!!), catch of the day and the bolognese. My husband and I said if we're ever stuck deciding where to treat to ourselves the Holy Saints will be our default go-to. Highly recommend! PS I would have taken a picture of the bolognese must my husband dug in too fast read more

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