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    Mi Piace

    3.8 (5.3k reviews)
    Open 11:00 am - 10:30 pm

    Order Mi Piace Takeout or Delivery

    Mi Piace Photos

    Business Info

    MI PIACE ATMOSPHERE

    What's the vibe?
    Moderate noise
    Trendy
    Good for groups
    Good for kids

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    Recommended Reviews - Mi Piace

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    Reviews With Photos

    Tina Y.

    Omg... this is hands down the BEST tiramisu ever Every single dish we ordered was incredible. Absolutely loved the pescatore and the 22-day aged bone-in ribeye--just perfection. Still my favorite restaurant after 20 years

    Darian E.

    Mi Piace "I like it" is a an established Italian restaurant on Colorado in Old Pasadena offering a wide variety of Italian dishes - some strong, some lacking - at an elevated price. My extended family (8 total) and I came for a celebration on a Saturday around 11:30. The restaurant was fairly empty at first but by the time we left at 1:30 it was mostly full. We were greeted by a friendly hostess and waitress who and shown to our table. The restaurant is classic but not overstated, with desserts on display. We started with two orders of the focaccia with olive oil and balsamic ($8). While I contend bread should be gratis at a place of this caliber, it was tasty, very well seasoned and salted, with butter, cheese, and spices baked in to the top. Following was the Bruschetta ($20) which was large with six pieces (see photo). The tomatoes, avocado, and oil were fresh but the bread was somewhat lacking and could have benefited from a longer toast. The Calamari Fritti ($20) was also good although a little more fried than I would have liked. The dipping sauce added a fair bit of acidity and a little kick though to balance things out. Following we ordered a number of items the table shared. The Mamma Mia pizza ($29) was in my opinion the strongest entry of the day with a thin crust without flop, pepperoni, prosciutto, artichokes, and just enough spice. The Classica pizza ($23) was also quite good with a variety of tangy cheeses on top. Both were quite large and I will be enjoying them the rest of the weekend. The lunch only Pollo Panino with fries ($19) was quite underwhelming with a mixture of ingredients that did not go well together and was set with insufficient spread separating them from the dry bread. The Fettuccini Alfredo ($32) with shrimp (+$8) was also quite disappointing, lacking in much flavor for the sauce. The shrimp was cooked well, however. The Lasagna Bolognese ($35) was fairly good, with thin noodles between beef and cheese and was probably the lightest and most intricate lasagna I've had in some time. The Spaghetti Polp Polpette ($36) was also great with two large, delectable meatballs bursting with flavor. Overall, the Mamma Mia Pizza, Lasagna Bolonese, and Spaghetti Polp Polpette were the strongest entires and worth getting. The others were not impressive. Our server was friendly and accommodating, caring for us even when we brought in our own cake, charging only a modest serving fee ($1/guest). Value, as stated above, I feel is somewhat overpriced, with virtually all entries about $5-10 more expensive than expected for a similar restaurant if the same quality. Overall, if you're a more value-oriented customer or order one of the weaker entries above, I suspect "no, grazie" is an appropriate reaction to this well established restaurant. If you are looking for classic Italian in Old Pasadena and have a discerning eye for the menu and reviews, however, "Mi Piace" is something you'll certainly be saying. Food: 4/5 Ambiance: 4/5 Service: 4.5/5 Value: 3/5

    Broccolini
    Alicia C.

    My family came here for dinner over the weekend to celebrate my mother in law's birthday and it turned out to be a lovely evening. We arrived a bit earlier than our reservation time but were able to wait at the bar and order truffle fries as a snack which was a nice starter. When we were seated for dinner our waitress was very sweet and explained each off menu special and gave us a couple recommendations. The food was excellent. We started with the bruschetta and Caesar salad, both fresh and flavors as expected. My husband also got the espresso martini which he thoroughly enjoyed. All the main courses came out together. We got the ribeye special cooked medium rare and it was perfectly cooked as requested and big enough to share. The chicken parmesan was hearty, the piccata de pollo was bright with the light lemony sauce, and the spaghetti carbonara was rich and creamy. The broccoli was very savory but a bit too spicy for my taste. During our meal, the owner stopped by to warmly greet us which was a nice personal gesture. We ended with sharing a few desserts. The chocolate soup which was sweet and rich, the creme brûlée cheesecake, and complimentary strawberry cheesecake for the bday girl. All were delicious!

    Tiramisu
    Lisbeth G.

    We took our picky teenagers here for dinner, and it turned out to be one of the best family meals we've had in a long time. The food menu is great with so many great options that even the most selective eaters can find something they love, plenty of classic Italian pastas, pizzas, and family favorites that kept everyone happy without any complaints. The service was truly amazing, attentive and friendly from start to finish. The cocktails and mocktails looked (and tasted) delicious. Everything felt fresh and high-quality, with ingredients. The vibe and atmosphere were incredible, cozy yet lively, with that perfect Old Town Pasadena energy. Whoever's in charge of the playlist deserves a raise, the music was spot-on, setting such a relaxed mood that we genuinely didn't want to leave. It just felt so good being there! Highly recommend Mi Piace for families, date nights, or just a night when you want excellent Italian food. We'll definitely be back soon!

    Sharon E.

    Went to Mi Piace with friends after a fun day exploring Pasadena. We had reservations and were seated right away, which was a great start especially since one of our friends had recommended the spot. Drinks were ordered quickly and arrived in a reasonable time. We started with two appetizers: the Brussels sprouts and the fresh baked focaccia (with and without cheese to accommodate dietary needs). Both came out fairly quickly and were a nice start to the meal. Unfortunately, things went downhill after we placed our dinner orders. It took over an hour and a half to receive our meals, and that was only after we brought it to the manager's attention. Once we spoke up, the food arrived about 15 minutes later but by then we were already two hours into our reservation. It honestly felt like our order may have been misplaced, especially since nearby tables who were seated after us received their meals much sooner. When the food did arrive, it was warm and flavorful. I ordered the Vongole Veraci (clams and linguini), which had good flavor and a generous portion of clams. After dinner, the owner came by to apologize and offered dessert or drinks, but we were ready to leave at that point. He did make an effort to make things right by providing a discount on our bill, which we appreciated. The ambiance is nice overall, though it can get a bit loud with the music and crowd. Service, however, definitely needs improvement based on this experience. Overall, I'm giving it 3 stars. I'd be willing to try it again for the food, but hoping for a much smoother experience next time.

    New foodie adventures! Hee
    Kay O.

    Goodness after going to New York and eating Italian food over there and coming back to the West Coast, our "Italian food "basically sucks! And yet my boyfriend found this particular place down in LA!! Well, old Pasadena to be exact! Goodness, goodness, goodness! I'm not too sure who's Nonna gave up all their family recipes, but I'm sure glad she did!! This was my first time ever attending this restaurant and my boyfriend comes here monthly!! He loves the salad that's basically like a taco salad and these pumpkin ravioli, decadent pieces! I ended up getting the smoked salmon pasta, and we got two appetizers, the calamari which were made perfectly light and crisp with an amazing dipping sauce, as well as the brussels sprouts that were spicy and ziti yet fresh!! Since we don't eat pork, we ordered them without the pancetta. My boyfriend said he never saw the server that we had before so he figured she was new. I think there was a bit of a language barrier because I ordered a bottle of New Zealand Sauvignon Blanc, she came with two glasses of wine instead. Simple misunderstanding, but when my boyfriends business partner asked if we could keep the two glasses of wine and just get the other two, since that would be four glasses of wine, I guess she got confused with his request and just came back with a new bottle of a Napa Chardonnay. She was about to open the bottle when I stopped her by waving my hand. Honestly, I don't like Chardonnay. It's too sweet or something. A Sauvignon Blanc has a crisp flavor-fruity that pairs perfectly for me with fish. She stopped and looked at the bottle and then went back to her Manager as she needed help. I'm guessing, finding the correct bottle. The ambience was fairy lively, minus the dinner crowd, perhaps, since we were sitting on the bar side, but in a lower booth, which I rather being in since that side of the restaurant was cooler in temperature. The main dining area to the left of us seemed a little stuffy when we came in side for dinner at 8:30 PM. Maybe because it was 80° earlier in the day? Nevertheless, I would love to come back here again and try more dishes, and I'm sorry I cannot give five stars because our server seemed to get a bit confused and brought out our dishes of food in a different order from which we ordered them. Lol I'm not too sure how that happened when my boyfriend and I ordered our appetizers along with our main courses then about 20 minutes later, his business associate showed up and ordered another appetizer and yet he got his food before we ever got our appetizer?! Very interesting, but nevertheless, I think the young lady was new.

    Lumache Salmone Vodka
    A T.

    We have been coming here for years. Incredible ambiance and a true Pasadena institution! The food is always consistent and we keep coming back because it feels like home! The drinks are also excellent with some of the best service!

    Lilian W.

    Mi Piace is an authentic Italian restaurant in Old Town Pasadena. There's a nearby parking structure (most costly) or street parking (cheaper) that's available. I came here for Valentine's Day dinner and it was packed! You must make a reservation in advance to secure a spot. The table I was seated at was located by the bar, so I had a wonderful view. For food, I tried a few dishes. The Insalanta Mi Piace salad was solid - loved the heirloom carrots and tomatoes. The pastas were also stand-ours; the lumache salmone vodka pasta is great if you love smoked salmon, and the carbonara was the best they I've ever had. I also tried the cheese pizza - portion was generous and crust was perfect. Lastly, for dessert, I had the new hot cheese cake which was a solid recommendation from the staff. Service was fantastic. Even though the were busy, the staff was attentive and made sure we had a good time. It was top notch restaurant hospitality. Lastly, price wasn't too bad. For the large portion sizes, great taste, and high quality service, I thought the experience was rather affordable for what it's worth. Overall, I had a great meal and would've love to come back.

    Lissa L.

    I wanted to do their dine LA menu to try them out. I thought we got off on the wrong foot when their hostess directed us to a table in the corner. I didn't want to sit there because I knew the sun would hit me in the back (it was 86F there today) but it was fine for an hour. When it started to be too much we were already thankfully done eating. I don't understand why we couldn't be seated somewhere more comfortable, like in the middle of the restaurant where they directed their other customers. Were we squished into that tiny corner because we said we wanted to do the dine LA menu? Our server Al was kind to us. He was attentive and kept filling our water glasses. The other waitstaff members were warm and accommodating as well. They always asked if we needed anything. My husband ordered the burrata and chicken whereas I ordered the tuna tartare and the petite filet mignon. Suffice it to say that he left the restaurant on a full stomach while I did not. I put my hand next to the tuna tartare for scale - it was a tiny piece that was smaller than half my palm. Such a shame given how yummy it was. I sensed bits of preserved lemon in there. The steak was fine too, cooked perfectly. They weren't kidding when they said it was a petite filet. That I expected. However, I've been making potato pave for a while now and what that is, is layers of mandolined potato baked for 90 minutes, compacted overnight and then deep fried. The potato pave I was given was basically a mashed potato that was cubed, frozen and then deep fried. That's not potato pave. The menu said for dessert, they offered "cannoli." In Italian, to indicate a singular piece, they call it "cannolo" so I was a little surprised when I was handed a plate of just one 3-inch long cannolo. It was light, crispy and the ricotta inside was flavorful and creamy. I may have been misled but I loved this dessert. As an Italian place, they should have caught this. All in all, it seems that Mi Piace offers delicious food on their à la carte menu. I strongly suggest doing that to sample their other offerings. It's a beautiful restaurant with top notch service and amazing food that may be small in portion but packs a punch.

    Sarlyn P.

    Decent Vibe, but Everything Else was Just Average. I really wanted to be more impressed by Mi Piace, but my experience was the definition of a 3-star visit. While the restaurant has a nice energy and is located in a great part of Old Pasadena, nothing about the meal itself really stood out. We tried several dishes, including the pasta, and found them to be strictly "okay." There was no "wow" factor or depth of flavor that made the price point feel justified. It's also worth noting that unlike many Italian spots, there was no complimentary bread service, which was a bit disappointing. Atmosphere: 4/5 - Good energy and a nice spot for people-watching. Service: 3/5 - Standard service, nothing particularly memorable. Food: 3/5 - The pasta and other dishes were fine, but ultimately forgettable and lacked a punchy, authentic flavor. If you're looking for a place to grab a drink in a lively setting, this works. But if you're looking for a standout Italian meal that leaves an impression, you might want to keep looking.

    Limone truffle pasta
    Valeria S.

    Mi Piace is a historic and most nostalgic restaurant one must try in their lifetime or if visiting the heart of old town Pasadena! They provide exceptional service from the moment you walk in, to the dining experience, and when you walk out the doors. The food is spectacular and it takes you on a trip to Italia! We recommend trying the lobster, limone truffle pasta, and NY steak. This place is epic and 100% recommend!

    kayla r.

    Such a great Italian restaurant. The food was delicious, and the bartender truly stood out, super friendly and made great drinks. Overall, a really enjoyable experience with great service.

    Mexican mule
    Gabriela C.

    This place is absolutely a vibe weekend nights. It's one of my favorite place to go on any girls night or romantic outing with electric music. Throughout the week is an elegant relaxed atmosphere. I can't wait to go again.

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    Mi Piace Reviews in Other Languages

    Ask the Community - Mi Piace

    How's the parking?

    There is a large parking garage behind Mi Piace. Directly behind are handicapped spots.

    Can they offer gluten-free options?

    Yes, they do!

    Is the patio seating dog friendly?

    Yes, Patio is dog friendly.

    Do you take reservations, I checked the website and the link to the reservation seemed to be broken?

    Yes Call their telephone number which is 626-795-3131

    Do you ask for vaccination cards and if so do they have outdoor for people that don't have it?

    No they don't

    What is standard seating ? Is it inside the restaurant or the sidewalk in front of restaurant? Is outdoor seating in the patio?

    Under guidelines when last there it was outside. As Davina mentions both sidewalk and under a tent. I like the under the tent space better personally, more separate from the foot traffic.

    Can this place's outside dining area accommodate a party of 6 for lunch?

    yes

    What is the corkage fee?

    It's $18 per bottle and magnum will be double the price.

    What time is the DJ on Fri and Sat night?

    Hi Victoria, The DJ is at 10:00p.m. on Friday and Saturday. Welcome!

    Do they serve gluten free pasta ? Also do they have scallops

    Hello. Yes to both questions.

    Don’t See Your Question? Ask Away!

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    Ladies and Gentlemen - Snacks for drinking

    Ladies and Gentlemen

    (245 reviews)

    $$$$

    If you come here expect to spend quite a bit more than you would at a standard cocktail bar, and be…read moreprepared to spend at least a couple hours. We made a later reservation and would have stayed longer but didn't know just how much of an experience it would be. Vibes here are dark and moody, and it would be a great place for a unique date, just maybe not the first one. We got the beef tartare and spicy tuna crispy rice to munch on. The spicy tuna crispy rice was worth it, the beef tartare not so much. Also decided to do the drink omakase because they make the single drink prices so expensive it still feels more worth it to do the omakase so you end up getting that instead. You tell the server what you do and don't like or are looking for in your drinks and the bartenders will make them for you. Some might be already on the menu, some may not. If there is something you really don't like and you tell the servers, they will be kind enough to replace it for you with something you do. Overall they did a good job with making mine but didn't quite hit it for my friend. The omakase is at least 3 drinks, so be prepared to have transportation after, you may be a little drunk Overall would come back or bring other people here just for the unique experience, but it is pricier than just grabbing a cocktail at a normal bar.

    Ladies and Gentlemen was a sultry speakeasy experience for themed cocktails and light bites in a…read morebasement. It wasn't difficult to spot, as there was a sign at the Indiana Colony Market. Just look for the Wanderlust and go towards the back of the building! We were then greeted by the doorman who had a series of questions. After that you are led to the bathroom, which then leads you to the space. Their cocktail names are catchy, due to the names being irreversible binomials. For example, we ordered the Beauty and The Beast cocktail (delicious and pretty drink btw!) and Friends and Neighbors cocktail. Other ones include Day and Night, Born and Raised, and Rise and Shine. They even have an omakase experience if you really wanted to try the bartender picks. For a bite, we ordered a steak tartare. It was a light-handed portion, enough for a small bite between two people if you just want something to eat in between sips. It was decent, however, not filling and I would get food elsewhere. This is a great speakeasy in the heart of Old Town Pasadena, I'd recommend it if you're looking for tasty and innovative drinks! I loved all our drinks, and the service was excellent from beginning to end.

    GRANVILLE - Bar Del Mar rooftop bar with amazing views

    GRANVILLE

    (2.6k reviews)

    $$

    Came in on a Friday evening and sat at a high-top by the bar. We started with the pita and hummus,…read moreand the bread and butter with a side of sea salt. Honestly, I could've skipped the hummus, but the bread and butter was excellent perfectly toasted, soft butter, with a side of sea salt. For entrées, we ordered the vodka pasta and the spicy pasta. The vodka pasta is a must-order super flavorful and definitely the standout. The spicy pasta had a slight Cajun kick, which was good, but I personally preferred the vodka. For drinks, the pineapple margarita was really good. We ended with dessert: the Devil's Advocate flourless chocolate cake with vanilla ice cream and a strawberry shortcake both were delicious and a great way to finish the meal. Overall, it was a great experience. The entire staff was extremely friendly even the busser and food runner checked in to make sure we had everything we needed. Despite the restaurant being busy and fully packed, the service never slipped. Will definitely be back.

    Had such a great time at Granville! It was my first time visiting I came for dinner and sat at the…read morebar. My friend and I were really well taken care of; the bartenders were super friendly, took our order promptly, and checked in on us throughout the night. I ordered the pork chop, which was incredibly flavorful and delicious. The mashed potatoes were nice and creamy, and the spinach had an amazing lemon and garlic flavor so good. The ambiance is also really nice, with low lighting that makes it perfect for any occasion, plus TVs if you want to catch a game.

    Magnolia House

    Magnolia House

    (1.6k reviews)

    $$

    I've heard some good things about this place and from other fellow yelpers friends, it must be…read moreworth it. Had a dinner reservation with some girlfriends celebrating two of their birthdays. The restaurant itself isn't too big but it does a pack a nice punch. Cute patio out front that takes some of the sidewalks and streets. Plenty of heat lamps which helped with the chilly nights. We got seated at one of the tables on the patios which was nice. Didn't really utilize inside area except for the restroom which it's quite cute in there. The rooms were pretty well decorated and executed. Nice bar area too. Like mentioned, we got seated on the patio and the heat lamps were great. Down to the menus, it's quite limited on dishes. Seemed like there were more shared plates versus the entrees. Drinks, it was fairly decent with their cocktails and wine. Service at the beginning was great. The staff were amazing and very friendly. We didn't order right away as we were still waiting for the last one to show. But did start off with some drinks. It didn't take that long for the first round which was nice. Food wise, the shared plate was a mixture of everything. Some of the olives, which is exactly what it is. The Belgian fries, nice thick cut fries with shredded pecorino cheese and a nice aioli sauce. We ended up getting a second order of it. The albacore tuna crudo was a hit which was really tasty. Chili ginger relish, mint and shallot, can't go wrong with that. Lastly the meatballs, tasty and very great for sharing. Entrees, the pan seared sea bass which I loved. Portion is pretty tiny which also seemed like they were a shared plate. Almost tapas styled. Nice chimichurri sauce and a side salad. The chicken Milanese also with a side salad of arugula. Simple dish but quite tasty. One of the salads that was somewhat hyped up by the waitress but it was just a salad. Decent but nothing major to rave about...lol... also the confit oyster mushrooms was major hit. Something that simple but quite tasty. And lastly the pan con tomate, rustic sourdough with tomatoes and burrata. Tasty as well. Overall the meal was good. From there, the second round of drinks did take a long time to arrive and with then plates that we shared, trying to get someone to clear the plates was another thing. Took a long for someone to clear the table before more items came. Even when the entrees came, all the empty starter plates were still there. And if someone did clear the plates, some was still left on the table. Finishing off the night, we did have the dessert which we tried all three. As it was two of our girlfriends birthday, they brought out a little bubbly for us to celebrate with the dessert. That was quite sweet and nice. Honestly opinion with the dessert, they were just ok. Nothing major to rave about. We tried all three on the menu and they were just ok. Overall, the food was great. Service was nice and the staffs were all very friendly. It did take a while for plates to get cleared from the table and second round did take a while, but it was manageable. It was a sweet gesture with the bubbly with the dessert which was greatly appreciated. The place is nice and great for catching up. Menu is limited and portions are quite small. You would have to get a good amount for sharing. Entrees, depending on what you order is small as well. But we enjoyed ourself.

    Service: 5 stars, our server Kiana was outstanding. I troubled her for a glass of ice, she…read morebrought me a glass of ice and filled it with water for me and said I filled it with water for you! She read my mind and knew without me saying. They serve lukewarm water and the a/c was on but was not on ..if u catch my drift. The front hostess was also phenomenal, I had reservation for outdoor seating but since she saw that the sun was like glaring, she asked if I wanted to change to inside. Very obliging and accommodating. Food: 5 stars, surprisingly good, right amount for us. I was full but I can see where other reviewers say portions are small. It's small if u're a heavy eater. But the quality is definitely there. Ambiance: trendy, high energy, casual vibes where u can lounge and have a beer while munching on fries...or u can choose to be poshy and have a glass of wine with a salad and Chilean sea bass. It's flexible to accommodate both as there are different sections. Parking: street metered 1 hour parking. 3 stars, not their fault but 1 hour is simply not enough. It can get super busy and the server can be pulled left and right, so cut them some slack during super busy hours. Will definitely be back. Highly recommended .

    The 1894 - Gets super busy - Friday evening around 530pm

    The 1894

    (72 reviews)

    $$

    If you love books, wine, and that cozy intellectual vibe, 1894 is an absolute must-visit in…read morePasadena. This bar is tucked inside Vroman's Bookstore (already one of the most charming and iconic bookstores in the area) so the entire experience feels like stepping into a warm, literary universe. You can browse for a new book, take in the bookstore's atmosphere, and then walk straight into the bar. Honestly, it's the perfect outing. What makes 1894 truly special is how intentionally it celebrates literature. Everything in the bar pays homage to the bookstore. The drink menu is full of clever, book-inspired names. You'll find cocktails like Pride and PearJudice Pride, Fifty Shades of Earl Grey, and other fun literary twists. Every drink feels like a little wink to readers, writers, and book lovers, and it adds such a unique charm to the experience. The vibe is super quaint and warm, dim lighting, and a creative atmosphere that makes you want to stay for hours. The wine is on the pricier side ($19-$21 per glass), but the quality delivers. Customer service was excellent. One of the bartenders spent time chatting with us. He pointed out a chalk artwork behind the bar a dramatic portrait he drew himself featuring expressive, literary-style faces, like Edgar Allan Poe, Gabriel Garcia Marquez, etc. It fits perfectly with the creative, bookish aesthetic of the bar. If you're into books, wine, and unique experiences, 1894 is a spot you absolutely can't miss. Perfect for a date, a solo unwind-with-a-book moment, or a fun night with friends who appreciate a good story and a great drink.

    Cute little place inside Vroman's to get a glass of wine and read! I saw that they have live jazz…read moremusic on Thursdays sometimes so I hope to check that out. Good ambiance!

    Mi Piace - italian - Updated May 2026

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