Cancel

    Open app

    Search

    Pie Life Pizza

    4.5 (55 reviews)
    ModeratePizza, Italian
    Closed • 11:00 am - 9:00 pm

    Order Pie Life Pizza Takeout or Delivery

    Pie Life Pizza Photos

    Business Info

    PIE LIFE PIZZA ATMOSPHERE

    What's the vibe?
    Casual
    Dogs allowed
    Outdoor seating
    Good for groups

    You might also consider

    Recommended Reviews - Pie Life Pizza

    Your trust is our priority, so businesses can't pay to alter or remove their reviews. Learn more about reviews.
    Yelp app icon
    Browse more easily on the app
    Review Feed Illustration

    Reviews With Photos

    Sicilian yummy
    Alexis Y.

    Cute little pizza shop in charming downtown Monrovia. You can order fresh pizzas or purchase by the slice and they'll pop it in the oven for a couple of minutes. Indoor and outdoor seating available. We chose to sit outside since it was a beautiful day, plus a little stuffy inside (but not worth knocking a star off for the stuffiness). My group of 4 purchased a total of 4 slices of pizza, 3 chocolate chip cookies, and 1 Diet Coke and the total was $29. That's cheaper than McDonald's these days, I was very impressed. Taste: Pepperoni or Plain cheese slices 10/10 (great cheese pull) Sicilian Pepperoni 9/10 Chocolate chip cookies 10/10 (dangerously delicious! So buttery and soft) Free parking around the corner :)

    Pie Life vs Pizzanista
    Jay C.

    If this place had 200+ reviews, I'd give it 3 stars without hesitation. But we all know how hard the restaurant business is, so it gets 5 stars for now. For me, the crust is make-or-break. It defines the character of the pizza. Some places can get away with a weaker crust, like Prince St., because they have something else that stands out: the novelty of pepperoni overload and great marketing. But places like that are the exception. At Pie Life, the crust is bland. Comparing it to matzah would not be much of a stretch. The texture, however, is great. There is a decent chew and crispness when fresh, and my pizza steel was able to replicate that extremely well at home. The ingredients are also fresh. The highlight is the tomato sauce. It is light, subtly sweet, and very much suited to my palate. Unfortunately, because the crust is so generic, that lack of character carries over to the specialty pies. They end up tasting like generic mom-and-pop pizzas. The exception is the cheese slice, which I'd rate a 10/10. Here, the generic crust actually works, because the beauty of a cheese slice lies in its simplicity. The fresh ingredients allow the crust to take a back seat, while the crisp crust, melty cheese, and light tomato sauce make every bite perfect. I'm not much of a cheese pizza person, though; I only ended up with it because a DoorDash UI glitch reset my PB&J half to cheese on this order. The sad truth is that, because of the generic-tasting crust, I don't have much reason to choose Pie Life over Pizzanista--especially since both are basically the same price. Pizzanista has a sourdough crust, and its pepperoni has much more character--see the pics. I much prefer the subtle zest, freshness, and sweetness of Pie Life's sauce over Pizzanista's more savory sauce, but overall, there's no comparison. The crust alone makes the difference.

    Pizzas located In their glass case in the front
    Yasmin C.

    I came in tonight all excited to try this new pizza place in my neighborhood... what a HUGE mistake!! It was AWFUL!! We ordered 4 slices of the pepperoni pizza. The crust was dry and tasted like cardboard!! The pepperoni was greasy and tasted old! The pizza had almost no cheese... We won't return but I wish them the best of luck! Next time we will go back to our favorite pizza place and not waste our time and money on subpar food!! Gross!

    Sausage & 'Shrooms Pizza
    Jessica Y.

    New pizza spot that replaced the previous one. They have indoor and outdoor seating. You can find street parking or in one of the nearby lots. I tried the sausage and shroom. You can order whole pizza or a slice but not everything comes by the slice. It was delicious! Perfect thin crust. I will be back to try other flavors. Staff was nice. Great vibes here.

    Suki T.

    Great new pizza joint in town! I was craving a good pizza and was figuring out where to go and then I remembered this place opened up recently. I decided to give it a try and wasn't disappointed! I got a large pepperoni pizza and cheesy bread. Both were delicious! The pizza had a little bit of NY flavor to it too. I'll definitely be back!

    Warehouse slice of amazing pizza - so happy they've come to Monrovia!
    Caroll P.

    Things I love about Pie Life Pizza - everything! The pizza is delicious - my personal favs, in order of preference, are the thick crust Sicilian pepperoni & the warehouse! I love that you can order by the slice, they have a few slice combos with a drink and or salad, you can build your own pie to sample various slices, or just a full pizza pie of your choice to eat there or bring home to the fam. I can walk in here and eat lunch or dinner and walk outta there happy and content for only $5-15 or feed my family of 4 for $35...ya know, in this economy. The service is quick. They heat the slice up and it's usually ready within less than 5 mins. The ambiance is low key, casual - warehouse style. I can't say it enough how happy I am Pie Life Pizza has arrived in Monrovia & is a lovely addition to our old town collection of businesses!

    Jenny C.

    If you're craving New York-style pizza, this spot is worth checking out. We ordered the 2-slice combo with a drink for $10.50 and chose the Margherita pizza and the Sicilian pizza. The Margherita pizza was simple but incredibly delicious, with fresh flavors and a perfectly crisp crust. The Sicilian slice was thick and fluffy They offer both indoor and outdoor seating, making it a great place to enjoy your meal. The customer service was friendly and welcoming.

    Slice salad and drink special $15.  Lasagna pizza and Caesar salad
    Bee Z.

    Best pizza in Monrovia. Super friendly staff and always great pizza. Always clean and tidy dining room. Good lunch specials. $5 slices or get the lunch combo. 2 slices are enough to fill you up. Slice salad and drink special is $15. Salads are good sized so 1 slice and a salad fills you up. The beer taps were super tempting but over lunch I skipped to avoid being a day drinker. Good beer selection.

    Menu (June 2026)
    Amanda S.

    Amazing pizza either by the slice or a whole pizza. They also have a $6 kids meal that comes with salad and a drink. Plenty of seating both inside and outside plus 2 TV's. Will be back to try more pizza.

    18" Margherita Pizza
    Shirley N.

    My group & I were sooo happy we happened upon this place! The pizza crust was perfectly crispy AND chewy in the right places. Flavors were spot on. We can't wait to come back and try out the rest of the pizzas.

    2 Slices

    Good pizza. Good vibes. Cool people. Clean and fast. Happy to support this business.

    Pepperoni and Warehouse slice... sorry I was hungry haha
    Lala J.

    I stumbled upon this place on a fated accident and initially visiting their Pasadena location because I was starving and wanted something easy, so I stopped by and so happy I did because it is so good! I am not even a pizza person and I was so impressed but also sad because I live about half hour from the Pasadena location. A week later I was in Monrovia, a town closer to my home and saw they opened a location here and I was stoked! What a stroke of luck and happy coincidence they opened another location. I came in today for lunch and I am so happy. Please support! So delicious. Wish you all abundant success in your new location.

    Menu
    Landon J.

    Stoked to have Pie Life here in Monrovia near home. We frequent the Pie Life in Pasadena near work. NY Style slices are top tier. Perfectly cooked with generous toppings. Side of ranch is the perfect dip with a delicious chocolate chip cookie to finish off lunch. Pepperoni, Pepperoni Burrata, and Sausage & Peppers slices are great. Need to try the Sicilian next!

    Meaty and Warehouse slices.

    See all

    27 days ago

    Helpful 3
    Thanks 3
    Love this 4
    Oh no 0
    Photo of Sal C.
    3
    141
    483

    7 days ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    2 months ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    4 months ago

    Helpful 1
    Thanks 1
    Love this 2
    Oh no 0
    Photo of Jay C.
    315
    386
    1198

    4 months ago

    Helpful 1
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 1

    4 months ago

    Business owner information

    Photo of Pizza M.

    Pizza M.

    Helpful 1
    Thanks 1
    Love this 0
    Oh no 2

    4 months ago

    Helpful 3
    Thanks 2
    Love this 4
    Oh no 0

    2 months ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    5 months ago

    Helpful 1
    Thanks 3
    Love this 3
    Oh no 0

    2 months ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    3 months ago

    Business owner information

    Photo of Pizza M.

    Pizza M.

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0
    Photo of Bee Z.
    0
    46
    30

    21 days ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    4 months ago

    Helpful 1
    Thanks 1
    Love this 2
    Oh no 0

    4 months ago

    Business owner information

    Photo of Pizza M.

    Pizza M.

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 1
    Love this 1
    Oh no 0

    4 months ago

    Helpful 1
    Thanks 2
    Love this 2
    Oh no 0

    2 months ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    1 month ago

    Helpful 1
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0
    Photo of Lala J.
    0
    100
    31

    5 months ago

    Helpful 2
    Thanks 2
    Love this 2
    Oh no 0
    Photo of Landon J.
    341
    21
    15

    5 months ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 1
    Love this 3
    Oh no 0
    Photo of Alex N.
    0
    28
    15

    4 months ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 1
    Love this 1
    Oh no 0
    Photo of Da N.
    0
    14
    39

    5 months ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 1
    Love this 1
    Oh no 0
    Photo of Euie J.
    12
    57
    14

    3 months ago

    Helpful 1
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    5 months ago

    Helpful 2
    Thanks 1
    Love this 2
    Oh no 0

    4 months ago

    Helpful 1
    Thanks 2
    Love this 2
    Oh no 0

    4 months ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 1
    Love this 1
    Oh no 0

    2 months ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    5 months ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 2
    Love this 3
    Oh no 0

    5 months ago

    Helpful 1
    Thanks 1
    Love this 1
    Oh no 0

    2 months ago

    Business owner information

    Photo of Pizza M.

    Pizza M.

    Helpful 1
    Thanks 1
    Love this 2
    Oh no 0

    2 months ago

    Business owner information

    Photo of Pizza M.

    Pizza M.

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    5 months ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 2
    Love this 1
    Oh no 1

    5 months ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 1
    Love this 1
    Oh no 0

    5 months ago

    Helpful 1
    Thanks 1
    Love this 3
    Oh no 0

    5 months ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 1
    Love this 2
    Oh no 0
    Photo of Edgar G.
    11
    12
    14

    5 months ago

    Helpful 1
    Thanks 2
    Love this 2
    Oh no 0

    2 months ago

    Helpful 1
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    4 months ago

    Business owner information

    Photo of Pizza M.

    Pizza M.

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 1
    Love this 1
    Oh no 0
    Photo of R K.
    0
    29
    6

    3 months ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    4 months ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 1
    Love this 1
    Oh no 0

    4 months ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 1
    Love this 1
    Oh no 0

    Page 1 of 2

    Ask the Community - Pie Life Pizza

    You might also consider

    Alex Di Peppe's Italian Restaurant - Pasta Sampler with angel hair, gnocchi, pink sauce and mushrooms added. Their gnocchi is some of the best I've had!

    Alex Di Peppe's Italian Restaurant

    4.3(356 reviews)
    2.9 mi
    •$$

    This place has been in the neighborhood for such a long time and I finally got to try it with my…read morefamily. To be fair, I didn't know if the place was open or not as the windows and doors are not visible to the inside so I wasn't sure when they are really open. It is a family owned restaurant therefore I expect many changes when they need to make changes such as closing early on certain days. I was a little late to the table so I didn't get a chance to really study the menu but I really wanted to try the sautéed chicken with penne because it sounded like it would be super indulgent with butter as the sauce. I ordered a full order as they also had light orders which is half the portion at a reduced price. But I was hungry, and it also came with garlic bread or bread and butter. It did take a while for food to arrive, I think we aren't used to a long wait since usually bread would arrive first. My aunt and uncle got soup (minestrone) served first so maybe if we ordered salads we would've gotten them before the entrees too. The Alex special pizza came first as our entree and boy the crust was crispy! Lots of toppings and the cheese pull was amazing. Parts were a bit hard to chew but only after it's been sitting for a while because when it was fresh it was crispy, then soft and chewy. My sautéed chicken dish came after and it was hot! All the plates are hot so be careful! So hot my uncle burned his mouth on the stretchy cheese from the lasagna and spaghetti with meatballs. The chicken and mushrooms were so delicious, I ate all the mushrooms first and even used the pizza crust to soak the extra butter from the penne. The garlic bread and bread came really last, at least it was fresh so it was a good wait. Yes there's a lot of butter oil, but I expected it when the dish on the menu said to choose a sauce which was butter or olive oil. We didn't get dessert because we were so full! We had plenty of leftovers for another meal. They gave us boxes and a pizza box to take our food home. I really want to try again with my parents and others, the dessert menu sounds like a great selection of Italian sweets but what I really want again is the bread and butter. It was so good, the butter was salty which really makes it a star.

    Food: - pink pasta: 6/10, big portion…read more - truffle dessert: 9.5/10, not too sweet, super decadent, a chocolate lover's dream! Service: - friendly staff - quick service Ambiance: - homey and cozy - lots of seating inside

    Photos
    Alex Di Peppe's Italian Restaurant - Wall of awards and family pictures

    Wall of awards and family pictures

    Alex Di Peppe's Italian Restaurant - Caesar side salads - yum!

    Caesar side salads - yum!

    Alex Di Peppe's Italian Restaurant - Pasta Sampler with ravioli and pink sauce - if you like pink sauce you'll love theirs!

    See all

    Pasta Sampler with ravioli and pink sauce - if you like pink sauce you'll love theirs!

    Domenico’s Italian Steakhouse  - Ribeye Steak

    Domenico’s Italian Steakhouse

    3.6(855 reviews)
    0.6 mi
    •$$
    Private events
    Discounts available

    I want to tell everyone what a wonderful experience I had at Domenico's Italian steak house in…read moreMonrovia. I gave a Dinner Show for my friends from Altadena- we are all Eaton Canyon fire victims- and now that we are a year and a half out it seemed like a good time for a party. I had a fabulous soul singer Donna Kirk and Buddy McDaniel's band. Domenico's served a fabulous Italian buffet- Caesar salad, garlic bread, lasagna , chicken wings chicken piccata and fettuccine The food was hot and delicious! We were in their first floor garden room which was perfect for my group of 80 The catering manager Alondra was so accommodating and a joy to work with Vincent also could not have been anymore helpful- he truly made the night perfect! I would recommend Domenico's to anyone who is looking for a charming place with good food for their next dinner party. Five Stars Allison Bedell

    Food was great as usual, and the service was outstanding. I needed a place to hold a small meeting…read morewith a private room and this was the perfect spot. I met with Alondra to review their banquet menu and select the food and beverages. She was very accommodating to some specific needs I had. Her communication was great and the event went very well. We got many complements on the food and the ambience. I will definitely use them again.

    Photos
    Domenico’s Italian Steakhouse  - 18oz rib eye

    18oz rib eye

    Domenico’s Italian Steakhouse  - The bar is really cool and clean!

    The bar is really cool and clean!

    Domenico’s Italian Steakhouse

    See all

    Union - Tochetti

    Union

    4.1(1.9k reviews)
    8.5 mi•Downtown
    •$$$

    The staff was great here, super attentive and friendly! We ordered the-…read moreLocal Wild Mushrooms, Charred Octopus, Roasted Market Carrots, Beets, Spaghetti, Squid Ink Lumache Every dish was full of flavor! The truffle in the mushroom dish, the zesty lemon in roasted carrots (we ordered a 2nd one!) Overall, the restaurant has a nice ambiance. I highly recommend Union and I can't wait to come back!

    Really feels like Union is taking a bit of a slide. I've eaten here twice in the last few months…read more The server makes sure to prod you into ordering multiple dishes so you can share but when the dishes arrive the portions are not particularly sharing size. They also make sure to stress that dishes don't arrive together. It's mainly a pasta restaurant, why can't the kitchen push out pasta orders together? The first time we were there one of our three pasta dishes was literally ten minutes behind the other two. The most recent visit the restaurant was not full so the dishes largely came together but the pastas were sent before al dente. The soppresini wasn't al dente, it just wasn't fully cooked. The flavors of the dishes are really good but the execution is sub par. One of the folks at our table mentioned it was their birthday so without us asking they brought a scoop of ice cream with a candle which we thought was really nice of them. Then the bill came and we saw that they proceeded to put it on the bill for $6. Didn't want to make a scene but this is beyond tacky and overall I can say we won't be returning here anytime soon.

    Photos
    Union - Inside

    Inside

    Union - Spaghetti Alla Chitarra

    Spaghetti Alla Chitarra

    Union - Olive Oil Cake

    See all

    Olive Oil Cake

    Marina - Rabbit Bolognese

    Marina

    4.4(943 reviews)
    7.6 mi•Downtown
    •$$$
    Locally owned & operated
    Outdoor seating

    Came here for Dine LA 2026. They have parking on the side, but you can also find plenty of street…read moreparking in the nearby neighborhood. The interior was very clean and immaculate, and we were seated immediately once we told them of our Dine LA reservation. We were given tomato gazpacho for amuse bouche; it wasn't overly sour as expected from a tomato-based soup, and it prepared our palate for the following dishes. Then we got the prosciutto and fried calamari for appetizer; the prosciutto and figs provided a nice balance of flavors, while the calamari had a good fry to it and an excellent aioli complementing it. We then got the mushroom risotto and branzino for main course. The risotto was a bit saltier than expected, so we needed several water breaks before we could continue finishing it. The branzino was excellent with a good grill to it, however. We took our tiramisu and ricotta olive oil cake for dessert home, and they were both delicious. Our Dine LA experience was a good one here! We definitely want to give this place a try with their regular menu as well.

    Overall, the experience wasn't bad, but it could definitely be better…read more When we first arrived, nobody welcomed us; they were busy, which is very understandable. But the funny thing was, he greeted another elderly couple and a white person first. I was okay with it, but then another white couple arrived, and they greeted them too. Lol. Wow, just wow. We came first, but they seated older people first; both walked in with no reservation. How do i know? Cause i heard the conversation, and they realized it and seated me after that. The food. Not that bad; it's good, but more Italian-American style, not properly Italian. Risotto isn't bad, but damn, the garlic was so heavy and overpowering, 6/10 The sweet corn agnolotti was good, sweet and creamy, 8/10. The portion was enough, not big and not small. We also ordered the calamari and artichoke, but i forgot the picture. As an appetizer, the coating of the calamari was not crunchy, more like soggy and very salty. 4/10. San Daniele Prosciutto and Fig, 8.5/10: this was the only appetizer we chose that was close to proper Italian. Scallopine di Pollo was good, 7/10. It comes with artichoke; the portion was enough. The pomme puree saved the dish. The chicken itself was very forgettable. Olive oil cake was good, 7/10. The location itself is good--plenty of parking. The restaurant was very loud; we could hear other people's conversations. I wouldn't come back.

    Photos
    Marina
    Marina
    Marina

    See all

    The Diplomat Eatery and Tavern

    The Diplomat Eatery and Tavern

    4.3(1k reviews)
    0.1 mi
    •$$
    Locally owned & operated
    Sports on TV

    Diplomat is a Mediterranean restaurant in the Old Town Monrovia area…read more I came on a Friday lunch early lunch without a reservation and was able to get seated quickly. When I left, the tables got packed. I tried the platter for two, which came with a load of delicious rice, three proteins, roasted tomatoes and peppers. I enjoyed pairing it with their tahini and garlic sauces. The service and hospitality were amazing. Shout out to Ari, she is the best and really made my dining experience seamless. From recommendations, to check-ins, to bringing sauces for my table to try, it felt personable. The interior is perfect for families, dates, and catching up. It's casual but feels elevated. Overall, I had a great dining experience here and I'd recommend others to visit.

    We were traveling nearby and saw that The Diplomat had a 5-star rating. Having now eaten there I…read morecan confirm that it is deserved. The food is delicious and the prices are appropriate given the portion sizes. Service was prompt and professional. Parking might be a challenge, though there are public lots within a block or two. We went on a Friday night and encountered heavy traffic from the local farmer's market/fair. The best item was the Beef kabob, 5 out of 5 stars. It was perfectly cooked, a very simply salt and pepper seasoning, juicy and simply divine! We got the kids meal, which came with only 4 pieces, and I'd be interested to return for the full adult portion. Also a 5-star experience was the Fried cauliflower appetizer. It had just the right amount of crispiness, without any blackening, and the garlic/parsley/lemon juice combo worked well. The juice was sucked into all the crevices, and overall it was light. I think I could have eaten two portions myself and called it a satisfying meal. I did dip in some tzatziki, which worked great too! Lastly the Chicken shawarma was a 4-star dish. Still delicious and I'd get it again, but it was slightly salty from the marinade and added sauce. I was expecting this to be wrapped up, but it was more an open-face naan with the chicken covering the top. Rice pilaf was savory, I'd rather not know just how many calories are included, the rice was still moist even after reheating the next day.

    Photos
    The Diplomat Eatery and Tavern
    The Diplomat Eatery and Tavern
    The Diplomat Eatery and Tavern

    See all

    Pane E Vino

    Pane E Vino

    4.3(579 reviews)
    7.6 mi
    •$$

    Pane E Vino delivered one of the best Italian dining experiences I've had in a long time. From the…read moremoment I sat at the bar, the staff was attentive, welcoming, and genuinely focused on making sure I was satisfied throughout the evening. I started with an incredible appetizer featuring several varieties of fried mushrooms paired with red wine--absolutely delicious and full of flavor. For my entrée, I enjoyed the shrimp pasta with white wine sauce, which was perfectly prepared and tasted authentic and fresh. To finish the meal, I had the apple crust dessert topped with vanilla ice cream, and it was the perfect ending to an outstanding dinner. The food, service, and atmosphere were all exceptional. Honestly, for a moment I felt like I was sitting in a restaurant in Italy. I highly recommend Pane E Vino and will definitely be returning. Five stars all the way!

    Stopped by and a gentleman at a table waived/invited us in…read more Sat at a table. Older gentlemen (not sure if he is the owner/manager) came out and was very cold, curt, borderline rude telling us the kitchen was closed and to leave. How were we to know at the time they were closing the kitchen? No signs were posted outside. We only came in because his pal waived us in. An honest mistake on our part. I feel after being a regular patron we did not deserve such impudent behavior, no normal abiding patron does.

    Photos
    Pane E Vino - Beef and Pork Meatballs

    Beef and Pork Meatballs

    Pane E Vino - Beet Salad

    Beet Salad

    Pane E Vino - Italian Chorizo & Sausage

    See all

    Italian Chorizo & Sausage

    Cafe Santorini

    Cafe Santorini

    4.0(3.6k reviews)
    8.7 mi•Downtown
    •$$$
    Established in 1993
    Rooftop seating

    There is a massive pressure felt by all Los Angel-inos when we host guests from different parts of…read morethe country. Not only do we have to chaperone the visiting friends to tourist hot spots that we generally avoid in everyday life; but even the restaurants we choose as dining options need to be positioned on a perfect pedestal that impresses but is still comfortable. A very close friend of mine from Nashville visits the City of Angels once a year; and I always feel the stress to impress in regards to dining. In 2026, we decided on a more casual dinner than our usual upscale entertainments and opted for Pasadena. Of course, I turned to Yelp and that is how I discovered Café Santorini. Café Santorini has been a favorite dining option in the Old Pasadena neighborhood of Pasadena since 1993 on the intersection of West Union and De Lacey (a block from Colorado Blvd) nestled in one of the famous historic red-brick buildings with alley alcoves that makes Old Pasadena so beloved. Café Santorini encapsulates European love that is as warm as its bricks uniting the culinary richness of Italy, Greece and Morocco in semi-upscale/trendy real estate with iron railings, high ceilings, exposed brickwork, duct beams and glossy wood surfaces that is both inviting and will absolutely entice tourists and residents, alike. Whether seeking indoor dining bar-adjacent with tables or booths or the lovely outdoor second-floor patio alcove overlooking the plant-filled alleys below; Café Santorini is quite pleasant on the eyes. My Nashville-based friend and I made a reservation for an early dinner at 4pm on a Saturday and Café Santorini was already filled to the gills and bustling with activity (granted, there was a Guns n Roses concert at the nearby Rose Bowl in the evening). Opting to sit outdoors due to the loud volume in the dining room; we had a perfect ratio of casual and date-worthy. Café Santorini is seamless with its 'vibe'. To begin the evening, we opted for some cocktails with a Smoke and Citrus Paloma (grapefruit and lime juice, smoked sea salt agave syrup and soda water, alcohol free at $12 but I made it alcoholic with mezcal) for me while my friend ordered a traditional margarita on the rocks (no salt) as we gazed the menu and also decided on sharing a Grape Leaves appetizer (rice, herbs, tomato paste - $16). If you are Celiac like myself and need gluten-free options, Café Santorini is AMAZING in its GF options (also dairy free and vegan dishes) with more choices than usual competitor restaurants which that alone makes it stand out from the crowd. Our drinks arrived in classy and colorful derivations with my paloma holding a seducing orange hue akin to a setting California sun with dried rosemary and dried fruit with the margarita being perfectly yellow-ish green with a dried lime. My paloma was delicious with an ideal combination of sweet to alcohol and smoke with the margarita being refreshing and tangy. I am quite picky with grape leaves having friends from the Middle East living in the US but Café Santorini's grape leaves (5 pieces) are delicious both in texture and flavor without being too bitter which is sometimes the case. For dinner I chose the Branzino (Grilled Mediterranean sea bass, lemon Greek potatoes, dill, capers- $42) while my friend wasn't super famished and decided on Greek Salad Horiatiki (Valdivia Farms tomatoes, Persian cucumbers, Anaheim peppers, red onions, Kalamata olives, feta cheese, lemon juice - $17). One of my favorite details of Café Santorini is their capacity to present elegant dishes that are still simple and not pretentious on plateware that encompasses Greece itself with colorful mosaic prints and painted motifs. The ingredients are fresh, colorful and artfully displayed. My Branzino was faultless: grilled perfectly with charred grill marks and crispy skin (large filet) with capers and fresh dill with fingerling potatoes based under the fish soaking up the lemon juices. Delightful! The Greek Salad Horiatiki allowed the garden-fresh veggies to truly shine even with the lemon juice/oil and large piece of feta making it a perfect summer option. Service at Café Santorini is friendly and a family-like atmosphere with every staff member acknowledging you as you saunter by, answering all questions and constantly smiling. Café Santorini is an overall pleasant joy of an experience. Whether you need to impress out-of-state friends or simply seeking Mediterranean fare in Old Pasadena; Café Santorini is a musty-try for a casual meets elegance dining experience.

    Enjoyed a family birthday dinner at Cafe Santorini. The food was excellent. Everyone in our party…read morehad a breadth of the menu. We had one anomaly on one plate, and the staff and manager quickly fixed. The restaurant has plenty of seats with a visible kitchen, and a full bar. They did a great job to keep waters topped and drinks coming if we want it.

    Photos
    Cafe Santorini
    Cafe Santorini
    Cafe Santorini

    See all

    Pie Life Pizza - pizza - Updated October 2026

    Loading...
    Loading...
    Loading...