Justin, our server, really went above and beyond to help celebrate a birthday dinner. Would definitely recommend.

COVID-19: Social distancing is not enforced at this establishment. Some of the staff wears a mask. All customers are not expected to wear a mask. It's optional now. The staff also wears gloves when handling food. There are some hand sanitizers available for customers to use. This place is available for take outs and has some indoor & outdoor seating available with limited capacity. They are not sanitizing in between customers. I mention these things in my reviews for the sake of protecting immunocompromised people like the elderly and people sick with cancer and other illnesses. COVID-19 Vaccination Proof: This establishment currently does not require proof of vaccination. While I was eating my food in this establishment several months ago, I asked if they had any special offers and they were offering some at the moment. They currently do have happy hour. They also do not allow pets in their establishment UNLESS it's a service animal. Parking: The parking lot for this establishment is located behind the restaurant at a local medical building parking lot. It's $1 each 9 minutes with a max of $13. Or you can try to find street parking and walk on over. Food: I ordered a Lychee Martini, Saigon Summer, Mamasan's Shrimp Cake Skewers, Truffle Wok Seared Noodles with Scallop, Slow-Drip Vietnamese Coffee Flan, and Banyan Tree Ice Cream. Before I started ordering, I was immediately given some house made complimentary shrimp chips. I loved how light and airy it was. It also had an amazing crunch. It tasted just like shrimps hahaha. My lychee martini was a crisp, refreshing cocktail that perfectly balances floral sweetness with tart acidity. Order this! The Saigon summer is a spicy, tropical blend of tequila, lime leaf liqueur, agave, butterfly pea infused triplum, and a Thai chili infusion. Not really up my alley, but I'm glad I was able to try it out. I think I dislike anything spicy and super bitter in my drinks. It just tasted odd. Mamasan's shrimp cake skewers features crispy, deep-fried shrimp cakes flavored with kaffir lime and lemongrass. It is served with skewers, charred pineapple, and a sweet garlic chili dip. Definitely get this. It was so crunchy, massive, and mouthwatering. The charred pineapple provided a sour yet sweet taste that helped off set the savory seafood / fishy taste in your mouth. The truffle wok seared noodles with scallop is a dish that combines savory, smoky flavor with luxurious truffle and tender scallops, which bridges the gap between classic Asian stir-fry and Italian comfort food. As a massive sucker for Italian food and all things truffle, this dish was my favorite. The al dente handmade egg noodles were wok-tossed in a rich black truffle sauce with delicious mushrooms, fresh Brussels sprout leaves, and perfectly seared scallops. I loved that I could taste the black truffles. The truffles added a nice rich, earthy, and highly savory flavor with prominent notes roasted nuts. GET THIS DISH!!!!! The slow-drip Vietnamese coffee flan is a silky, rich egg custard infused with bold phin-drip coffee and sweetened condensed milk. It offers a perfect balance of bitter roasted coffee and sweet creamy custard. This dish was super smooth, creamy, and delicious. I loved that Star Leaf added their own twist to this dish by putting a caramel golden cage on top of this already phenomenal tasting dessert. The caramel golden cage gave this flan a nice crunch. This dish wasn't too sweet for me. As a hater of super sweet things, this flan was just right. The banyan tree ice cream was a great way to end the meal. Super refreshing! I got two scoops of Thai tea ice cream and one scoop of the coconut ice cream. Both flavors were fantastic and tasted very creamy. Not too sweet, which is how I like it. Staff: The staff here are very attentive, friendly, welcoming, and polite. Elysha waited on me when I went. She was very attentive, informative, and personable. They accept both cash and credit cards. There is no credit card minimum. read more

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The good: We had the ten secret spice chicken curry served with baguette. It reminded me a lot of Vietnamese curry that my family makes because it's yellow, made with potatoes and served with baguette. I also had a pink pandan lemonade, fried sea bass and salad appetizer (recommended by our waiter), and the truffle noodle dish. I liked the heat in the appetizer and the crunch on the sea bass. The interior is beautiful and spacious. It's great for special events or fancier occasions. They have a private parking lot on the side that validates but I also found metered street parking right out front. They took online reservations. We were able to sit and chat there for a long time without being pressured to leave or without feeling rushed. The bad: The pink lemonade tasted like concentrate or syrup and had no pandan flavor. For $12, it was too sweet and too artificial tasting. The curry lacked heat and punch. It was like a blander more mild version of Vietnamese curry. It was a bit on the dry side. The fried batter on sea bass hid the yummy sea bass flavor and the side salad was on the salty side. The interesting: They have multiple locations. read more

Star Leaf - Pandan lemonade - Asian Fusion Near Me - Pasadena, California

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Had some time to kill before an event at the Pasadena Playhouse, so we stopped by Star Leaf and we're so glad we did! We ordered the salmon sashimi with their special Green House dipping sauce, and wow... it was out of this world. Fresh, flavorful, and easily one of the best sauces we've had. A big shoutout to Sebastian, our bartender. He's an incredible mixologist, super friendly, and originally from the south of France. His recommendations were spot-on and made our visit even better. We'll definitely be back and will be spreading the word. Highly recommend! read more

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Star Leaf, located in the center of Pasadena, offers an amazing dining experience. Every visit is made to delight your senses, with delicious Thai, Vietnamese, and Malaysian-inspired meals, handcrafted beverages, and beautiful surroundings. Whether you're planning a romantic date night, celebrating a special occasion, or getting together with friends and family, Star Leaf provides great cuisine, kind hospitality, and a beautiful dining environment that will make every meal memorable. Looking for great Southeast Asian cuisine in Pasadena? Star Leaf is a terrific spot to eat fresh and excellent food in a lovely, cozy setting. If you're in Pasadena, stop by for a great dining experience! read more

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Star Leaf has a great ambiance romantic, modern, and perfect for a night out. It has great service. The Thai-inspired dishes are absolutely delicious! The menu has something for everyone. The crispy short rib is one of my favorite dishes on the menu and the pad kra pao wraps are to die for too. They are my go to every time and bold to say, they're probably my favorite Thai lettuce wraps ever and I've had a lot. Their cocktails are a must order and if you like fruity cocktails then you will be blown away by the selection. If you're after a trendy, upscale spot for a special occasion, it's worth checking out! There's parking in the garage and they valet. Always a great option. read more

Star Leaf - Asian Fusion Near Me - Pasadena, California

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I don't know, guys...I just don't get the hype. We came in on father's day for lunch, hoping to have an upscale Thai meal, and we left feeling like the only upscale thing was the price. The good: their crispy mango sea bass - this hit the texture notes and the sweet, sour, salty combo. We also thought their half chicken was okay. We could've stopped here, but unfortunately we didn't and it was mostly downhill from there. The mixed bag: their softshell crab royal curry was fine, but I found it to be too sweet and oily after a few bites. The braised mushrooms ($18!!) lacked seasoning - tasted like unsalted boiled mushroom instead of carrying the umami complexity of a braise. The WTF: what is up with their tom yum? The immediate taste memory that came to mind is the Whole Foods hot bar minestrone. I'm not kidding. How does that happen? It was like a limey tomato seafood soup, not like a tangy, creamy tom yum at ALL. Their vegetable curry also had a tomato-saucelike taste to it. You could've told me both were (bad) Italian fusion dishes and I would've believed you. Service was painfully slow from beginning to end, despite it not being too packed and what looked like a manager walking around. The ambiance was fine, but the vibes were definitely off. The mocktails we got were good. Would not come back. read more

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An upscale Thai restaurant with delicious food and great ambience. Ordered the shrimp thai royal curry, the shrimp is lightly fried and holds the curry well when eaten with rice. The vegan krapow wraps were yummy and a nice appetizer to share. Shrimp pad thai was okay but did not stand out. Service is good and attentive. Would skip on the strawberry pandan lemonade and strawberry oat matcha latte, both were below average. read more

Star Leaf - Asian Fusion Near Me - Pasadena, California

My family and I came here for a birthday dinner, and honestly, it was just okay. This was our first time dining here, and after hearing so many great things, I think our expectations were pretty high. Unfortunately, it didn't really live up to the hype for us. We ordered many dishes, including the Siam Beach Club Egg Rolls, Night Market Shichimi Tofu, Shrimp Pad Thai, Malay Captain's Chicken Curry, Banana Leaf Chicken, Madame Noi's Pork Collar, Royal Crown Fried Rice, Bakka Wild Salmon, and the S.E. Asian Rib-eye. The best dish of the night was definitely the Bakka Wild Salmon. The salmon itself was good, but the sauce was phenomenal and easily my favorite thing we tried. The curry was also decent, and I appreciated that it came with bread, although I thought it was too heavily drenched in oil. Having visited Thailand several times, that's not something I've personally experienced with curry before, so it felt a bit out of place. The biggest disappointment was the Royal Crown Fried Rice. It lacked flavor almost entirely and tasted very plain. For a dish at this price point, I expected much more seasoning and depth of flavor. Several people at our table felt the same way. The S.E. Asian Rib-eye was another letdown. We ordered it medium rare, but it wasn't nearly as tender as I expected. It was quite fatty, and there wasn't much actual meat compared to the amount of fat. For the price, it simply wasn't worth it. The Banana Leaf Chicken was okay but on the drier side. The Madame Noi's Pork Collar and Siam Beach Club Egg Rolls were decent, but neither stood out as something I'd specifically come back for. The Pad Thai was also fine, but I've definitely had better elsewhere. The tofu tasted good, but the portion felt small for the price. What surprised me most was that it wasn't just my opinion. We had a party of six, and pretty much everyone agreed that many of the dishes lacked flavor, especially considering the restaurant's reputation and pricing. The restaurant itself is beautiful, comfortable, and has a nice atmosphere. That said, it felt a little warm inside during our visit, and the music was louder than I expected and didn't really match the overall vibe. The service was okay. Overall, I'm glad we tried it, but for the price, I expected a lot more. The food wasn't terrible by any means, but it wasn't impressive enough for us to want to come back. Sadly, this will probably be a one time visit for our family. read more

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I love the food at this place. It has an upscale and spacious ambience. The short ribs with lime were crispy and tender. The branzino had a unique sauce. The fried rice was pretty. The dessert was impressive. All the food is presented very pretty. They now have a lunch special so it is more affordable. I had a lovely meal with my parents who enjoyed all the dishes. read more

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And to think - my husband and I were going to cancel our reservation because of a food influencer that could not have been more wrong about their assessment of this restaurant! The food was tasty and not overly salty as previously mentioned by others. The portions were generous, more than enough for a party of four. The service was excellent! Thank you to Conner and his team that served us during our meal. The price is affordable! We've been to other places that have charged more for less. A good option for large groups, they have plenty of space! My main goal for this review is to encourage giving this place a try for anyone that is on the fence! I know when we were reading/watching reviews, it was mixed but we gave this place a try anyways and we enjoyed it! Hopefully folks are pleasantly surprised! read more

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This Thai restaurant has a really unique atmosphere--it feels more like a large American steakhouse than a typical Thai restaurant. The spacious dining room and decor give it a different vibe from what you'd usually expect, making it a fun place for groups or a casual dinner. The food was a mix of hits and misses. The crispy ribs had a great crunch but were a little too chewy for my taste. The orange chicken was just okay; the coating was quite hard, and there wasn't much chicken inside. The fresh spring rolls were definitely one of the highlights--light, fresh, and nicely prepared. The salads were decent but nothing particularly memorable. The service was excellent from start to finish. The staff was friendly, attentive, and made sure everything was taken care of throughout the meal. While not every dish stood out, the unique atmosphere and great service made for an enjoyable dining experience. read more

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Saw this restaurant on several social Media websites so we decided to give it a try. We went there on a Saturday afternoon, around 4ish, before the dinner crowd. Got in right away without any wait. The menu was very interesting. Dishes are the best varieties from Southeast Asia flavors. We ordered the yellow chicken curry with choices or breads or rice and salted egg crispy shrimp. The shrimp dish came with about 8-9 shrimp and that was it. So veggie or rice or anything comes with it. The yellow chicken curry was meh. Nothing too excited about. For the price that you pay for each dish, it's not worth the money. The place is decorated tastefully and very relaxing atmosphere. They have a good size patio dining area as well. read more

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Star Leaf came across my Resy search and ended up being a spot I try for my birthday. I went on a Saturday at around 2:00 pm as a walk-in. I was able to find metered parking on the street; not sure why but I didn't need to pay that day! Upon arriving, we were fortunate that there was no wait time and got seated right away. Their menu was quite extensive so we took some time to browse before we ordered. They had a main menu and also a special menu. We pointed out some allergies to the staff and he helped us work around it. The orders came out quickly and he checked in on us frequently to see if we were okay. Great service! Bakka Wild Salmon - This salmon had a lot of things going on for it, in a good way! The combination of flavors felt very refreshing, especially on a hot day. The lime and basil played a big part there. Crispy Short Rib with Lime - Even initially before coming here, this was the dish that caught our attention. I will admit the portion size was a bit smaller than I expected and was even skeptical when it came out. However, without a doubt, this was the highlight of the visit. As someone that loves savory foods, this really hit the spot. The burst of flavors settles in right away. Truffle Wok Seared Noodles - We wanted to pick this noodle dish as a balance to the protein dishes. It did its job but it tasted okay. Not something that stood out. Slow-Drip Vietnam Coffee Flan - I liked the caramel that was layered on the flan, it was crunchy and added a nice texture. It was a nice presentation but tasted okay. Thai Tea - This was my personal drink. It was a standard Thai tea but came with ice cream on top. It was not too sweet but didn't stand out compared to other items. Strawberry Pandan Lemonade - This was my girlfriend's drink. I had a small sip here but found it was refreshing and not too sweet. However, I didn't really get any pandan flavor, mainly strawberry. When it all comes together, it was a good experience. The interior of the story is more dimly lit and felt like a romantic night dinner, despite being the middle of the day. The dishes had a balance of standard and hidden gems. Everything was more than sufficient for two people to share. Service was great and very attentive. Will come back for the Crispy Short Ribs! American Express is accepted here. read more

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I have been to this restaurant before when it was Roy's Hawaiian restaurant. I am glad Star Leaf has kept that tropical vibe inside. A friend and I met here for happy hour prior to a performance at Pasadena Playhouse. It couldn't be more perfect since it is 1 to 2 blocks away and you only have to park once. You also do not have to rush. They have happy hour until 6 PM and another one at 8 PM. The options for drinks and food, as well as the prices are very appealing, but the quality and taste really make it. The food is more of a Thai fusion with strong Thai flavors. The bar bites are meant to be small, but we ordered about four items that completely filled us up as dinner. Standouts for me, worthy tiger, prawn, ceviche, and the crispy Seabass with mangoes, mango sauce, and papaya salad. All the food has a kick, but it is not overly spicy. When I walked into the bar, I saw some house made bitters and fresh ingredients everywhere so I knew the drinks would be awesome. The Peacock margarita has passionfruit and a touch of Mezcal in it. The lychee margarita is not too sweet and so well balanced. Our mixologist, Sebastian was delightful and provided incredible service. I could go back for all these reasons and definitely will do so read more

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My family and I have been here multiple times and have enjoyed ourselves every time. The Pork Collar was our favorite - the mix of flavors was honestly so good! All of the dishes were solid from the fried rice (which was much larger than expected), to the seasonable veggies. The ambiance is great - we saw larger groups celebrating birthdays and folks on dates. I do think they need to staff more waiters. We saw one waiter handling all the orders with support from a bus boy. She was pretty busy and handling the tables well, but didn't have much time to check in on us, refill waters, etc. Tip: there is validated 1 hour parking at 44 Madison read more

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This place has easily become one of my favorite Thai restaurants in the area. Whether it's celebrating a birthday or just going out for a date night, this place does not disappoint. Definitely recommend trying their 12 hour Braised Angus Short Ribs, the Golden Salted Egg Yolk Prawns, and the Spicy Thai Som Tum Mango Salad. SO DELICIOUS! Staff are always very friendly and personable! read more

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Outstanding royal crown fried rice ! 5/5 Fresh vegetables! 5/5 Mama San shrimp cake is terrific! 5/5 Grilled beef with bone marrow 5/5 Side of kale salad is so good ! Great customer service, very nice , and polite Clean environment, great design, very bright and looks unique Definitely recommend Friends and family I will be back soon read more

Yall better treat your staff well- The only reason why I'm leaving a positive review is for Connor. The happy hour menu online is outdated, the new hh menu is significantly smaller. We ordered their SINGAPOREAN WINGS(5PCS) and when it arrived, we only got three pieces. I asked them to cross verify the menu and with the kitchen. They're claiming since the wings were bigger than usual, they only gave me 3... We went back and forth and the kitchen still stood their ground. You can't advertise 5 wings and give me 3. Buy smaller wings if you're cheap. Connor made it right by asking them to make the additional wings we were promised at the end of our meal. The apps were tasty- their royal fried rice is nothing special. I'd come back for happy hour in Connor's section but nothing else. read more

Star Leaf - happy hour menu - Asian Fusion Near Me - Pasadena, California

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This place is by far one of the best places to eat in Pasadena. We were lucky to be seated in the Athena section again. She also remembered the table. She always gives the best selections for the table. She is beyond kind, and as I said before, always asks to sit in her section. She is a true joy at the table. We, of course, ordered all the same favorites in the photos and were able to try the desserts too. The ambiance is very fun and uplifting. I will be back again soon. So glad this location is thriving and here for everyone to try. read more

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Came here with my family to celebrate my Dad's birthday. We had a party of 4 which was perfect for the family style portions of food. The inside of the restaurant was elegant and comfortable. The decor reminded me of a tropical palace. There is plenty of seating and tables which could definitely accommodate a larger party. The staff was friendly and welcoming. Shoutout to our server Connor for his hospitality and good vibes. Now on to the meal. The food came out in a timely manner. Each dish, in our opinion was seasoned well and flavorful. The highlight for me was the Thai Royal Curry with soft shell crab. I would definitely order this again, with some white rice. The Royal crown fried rice, which I've seen a lot of people get, was ok/good, but beautifully presented. This restaurant is a great place to celebrate a special evening, especially if you're in the mood for Asian cuisine. read more

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Great vibes and ambiance. We came during Happy Hour from 3 pm- 6 pm and got the chance to try most of the dishes. We sat at the bar for Happy Hour and the bartenders customer service was fantastic. Very chill and we were loving the decorations. The food was delicious and did not disappoint. We ordered the Singaporean Chicken wings, 2 short rib tacos, Shrimp Ceviche, Shrimp cakes and Crispy Chilean Sea Bass. I loved all the dishes my 2 faves were the Crispy Chilean Sea Bass and Short Rib Tacos, they both come with really good dips on the side. I will say they often change their Happy Hour items. We will come back again soon! Can't wait to try the other dishes. read more

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Food is a hit or miss... Been here for birthdays, valentines, and just because for the great ambiance rather than the taste. Absolutely love their bakka salmon, duck salad is pretty good if you like sweet/savory dishes, but the flavor of ALL their curries are very mute compared to traditional Thai curries. My biggest issue is the service. This isn't the first time I've felt like staff attitudes changed after presenting a gift certificate. During my most recent visit, the bartender was initially very kind but still quite inattentive; However, he became noticeably cold after I presented my certificate. I hadn't even paid for the bill yet and he demanded the tip for the pre-discounted total (which I already planned to do). Felt like he was breathing down my neck when I was completing the transaction. I provided about 16-17% tip of the original subtotal and was still met with a very rude and unwelcoming demeanor. If I'm being honest, the certificate is the biggest reason I continue to visit since the food quality does not justify the menu prices. The ambience is beautiful and there are a few standout dishes, but the service continues to be disappointing. Basically signing myself up for a humiliation ritual every time I pull out a gift certificate that the restaurant is still ACTIVELY selling. read more

Came here last night for a birthday + anniversary dinner. We ordered: Thai som tum mango salad - delicious! I think at a traditional Thai restaurant this would be on the light spicy side so if you're used to having this be spicier, I'd ask. But the ingredients are fresh and it's a well prepared dish. Saigon summer rice paper rolls - good for vegetarians and a nice, light way to start the meal Bakka salmon - the sashimi + mint + garlic trio was lovely and made every bite so bright. My family was practically drinking the sauce. Golden salted egg yolk prawns - my biggest disappointment. If you like salted egg yolk chips, you'll probably love these. I assumed it would crispier, but it wasn't. Spicy string beans - wasn't spicy at all, but still very enjoyed by the table. Thai royal curry with lobster - came with baguette slices to soak up the sauce. The red lobster tail is for show as the meat is right next to the shell. Someone in our group isn't a huge fan of seafood, but he actually ended up eating some lobster because he found the texture to be perfect and the curry to be a great compliment. Again my family was basically drinking the curry by the end. Steamed Chilean sea bass - wasn't super popular at our table. Despite the plate being hot, the fish felt almost a little chilled? Tropical panna cotta - great for a light dessert Coffee flan - best way to end a meal here. It is a sweet dessert, but coffee flavor hells balance it out. Strawberry pandan lemonade - didn't taste any pandan. Was very sweet. My family loves spicy food so we had to ask for extra hot sauce on the side. Our server was amazing and got us chili oil using Thai chilies and house made Sriracha to help turn up the heat on some of the dishes. The menu is extensive so there's something for everyone. Decor was beautiful as well and it's a spacious restaurant. The price point is a little high, but it's fancy restaurant so I get it. For a table of 5 and 2 mocktails it came out to be roughly $50 per person without any left overs (we were hungry that night!). Lots of groups celebrating birthdays so I'd say this place is good for a small splurge. read more

Star Leaf - Lime Steamed Chilean Sea Bass Thai Royal Lobster Curry - Asian Fusion Near Me - Pasadena, California

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The service was great, super nice and clean inside. The restrooms were clean and fancy looking - I would approve to go #2 there. However, the flushing isn't the greatest. It seemed really weak. The royal fried rice is too much and I couldn't enjoy it. Good flavor but too many fish balls. It was popping in my mouth in every bite. Would not get it again. The 12hr short ribs were tender. Good flavor and enough for 2 people. read more

Star Leaf - Royal Crown Fried Rice - Asian Fusion Near Me - Pasadena, California

Celebrated Star Leaf on Valentine's Day with my boyfriend and had a wonderful experience! We tried the set menu ($138 for 2 people) which came with 5 courses of phenomenal food and various options. My thoughts on the dishes: Bakka Salmon with Thai Vinaigrette- Fresh fatty pieces of salmon sashimi drenched in a Thai chili seafood sauce. Strong notes of cilantro in the sauce. The fish melted in my mouth! It was a light, but fulfilling appetizer. 10/10 Mamasan's Shrimp Cakes: I'm usually not a big fan of fried food but this.... WOW. It was phenomenal and definitely the star dish of the night for me. The shrimp cake inside was flavorful and paired well with the sweet and sour sauce. The batter on the exterior was crispy but not overly thick. I loved every single bite of this. It also came with fresh pineapples! 100000/10 Thai Royal Curry with Lobster: creamy curry with hints of coconut milk. They definitely do not skimp on the lobster! There were many pieces and egg plants within the dish. Came with a side of freshly baked and oiled bread slices. I loved dipping the bread with the sauce. We ordered a side of rice too and it paired well with the curry. 10/10! 12 Hour Braised Angus Short Ribs: Surprisingly, this one was a little bit on the drier side. The meat itself was tender, but lacked a lot of flavor. Thus, I had to rely heavily on dipping it in the creamy sauce the provided as well as using the leftover curry sauce from my other dish. 7.5/10 Mango Sticky Rice: this was heavenly. The sticky rice with the coconut milk poured on top had the perfect amount of sweetness! Mangoes were fresh! 10000/10 Service was amazing. Our waiter was super kind and always checking in on us. Since it was Valentine's day, they also gave us free roses! Food came out very quickly, and I love how you can make reservations online! So convenient! They have a designated parking lot around the block that is free! Interior design is very classy and lights are dim lit. Dress code can range from casual to upscale. Very clean and boujee atmosphere. Would definitely be back to try their other dishes!! read more

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While I haven't taken a trip to Southeast Asia yet, my taste buds certainly felt transported there after dining at Star Leaf, located in the Pasadena Playhouse District. The restaurant is beautifully designed, with notable colonial-inspired elements and a modern, upscale yet approachable vibe. The service is just as welcoming and consistently attentive. We ordered the following dishes: - Tiger Prawn Ceviche (4.5/5): I loved the punchy, bold flavors of the Thai chili fish sauce paired with the succulent, meaty shrimp. It would've been a 5/5 had it been served with something crunchy on the side, such as prawn chips, to balance the texture and acidic flavors of the shrimp and onions. - Thai Royal Curry (3/5): I thought I'd like this dish more, but despite the promising menu description, the flavors didn't stand out. We ordered it with the soft-shell crab, and for its price ($28), the portion felt underwhelming. There were barely any vegetables in this as well. - Royal Crown Fried Rice (4/5): Not your average seafood fried rice. The fish roe on top added a pleasant pop with each bite, and the shrimp and scallops were generously portioned. A solid dish that's great for sharing. - Madame Noi's Pork Collar (4/5): The pork was incredibly tender, and the basil-garlic dipping sauce with the papaya salad packed a perfect flavor bomb. However, I wished they used a softer lettuce, such as butter or romaine, to wrap with instead of the iceberg variety. Also, don't sleep on the cocktails here. Star Leaf has one of the most interesting cocktail programs in Pasadena, thanks to its tropical, Southeast Asian-inspired flavors. We ordered the Tropical Aperol Spritz and the Peacock Margarita, both of which were as refreshing as they were photogenic. read more

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Ambience - 4/5 Family came here for Father's Day. The ambience was nice and comfortable, and had a nice atmosphere. The restaurant was also clean, which made the experience enjoyable. Service 4/5 Our waitress was very friendly and attentive. However, the overall service did seem a bit slow today. Food -12-Hour Braised Angus Short Rib - 9.5/10 Unfortunately, by the time the braised short rib came out, everyone else at the table had already finished eating and were ready to leave. I ended up taking most of it to go after only a few bites, which was disappointing considering how long the dish took to come out. The server had already brought out the bill before my food arrived, but later went to check with the kitchen. She spoke with the manager, and he saw the delay and kindly removed our drinks from the bill, which was much appreciated. Despite the long wait, the short rib itself was amazing. The meat was very tender and practically fell apart. The flavors also melted in your mouth. I would definitely order this again next time if I knew the wait wouldn't be so long. - Grilled Lamb Chops - 7/10 The lamb was tender and cooked well, but the cauliflower puree was just okay, and I felt like the dish would have been better without it. - Royal Iced Thai Milk Tea - 8/10 The thai tea wasnt as sweet as I expected but it still had a nice flavor. The ice cream that was added made it feel more like a dessert drink. Although it was good, I probably wouldn't order it again. - Tom Yum Soup - 8/10 Very flavorful and mild in terms of the spice. I think its a good starter for a cold evening. - Egg Rolls - 9/10 The egg rolls had a thin and crispy wrapper that provided had a very satisfying crunch. The shrimp filling inside was good, and reminded me of something I've tried before. - Prime Rib - 6/10 The prime rib was decent, but nothing particularly stood out. The side salad that came with it didn't pair very well with it, especially since it was very spicy. Overall, while there were some delays with the service, the resturanr staff and manager handled the situation pretty well. The manager was very friendly and apologetic, and removed our drinks from the bill, and even gave us a complimentary card for a free appetizer for our next visit. The service was greatly, and I'd like to return in the future to try some other things on the menu! read more

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My daughter took me out to start leave for Mother's Day. We had the Mother's Day six course special menu. Luckily we were able to get a table without reservations. The staff was super friendly and helpful to keep asking how we wear and if we like the food also the ambience it's so welcoming and pretty. I'm glad that we would have this special so we could try a lot of their foods.. my favorite was the line steam Chilean sea bass. The lychee martini was good and strong. Check it out . read more

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I was scoping out some options for a Black Friday dinner to celebrate with my dad and siblings and settled on this based on the pictures. Overall they serve a modern style of Thai food, mostly done very well. Since my dad is vegetarian, we had the fried tofu as well as the truffle noodle. The tofu was interesting with a nice shell of crispness, but I think the pineapple was fairly chunky to eat just like that. I did not try the noodles. We also got the papaya salad which had mango and the shrimp roll which was very long and thin and tasty. There was also the assorted mushrooms which you can't go wrong with. My brother chose the lamb dish. My sister thought the lamb was slightly undercooked but I thought it was fine because it was the area near the bone that was slightly more raw. I believe we ordered medium rare so it's close enough. My sister loved the sauce, though. It was a chimichurri sauce I believe. I went with the curry with the soft shell crab. The curry was very rich and thick and it tasted like crab roe to me. The crab itself I felt probably was not the best match since it was fried and made the dish feel heavier. Despite this, it was very good with rice as well as the toasted bread that accompanied the dish. My sister chose the short rib with lime. It was crispy and decadent. It's like those candy bacon texture where the fat is very rendered so it is a nice texture vs chunky fat that is chewy. We also ordered the coffee flan dessert and another dessert which I forgot but I believe it was some sort of ice cream and it had grapefruit kernels in it that I found metallic. I wanted to flag the server but my dad who grew up poor just kept eating it despite this fault. The server was kind to remove it from our bill but I really just wanted to let them know about it and hope no one else had to experience the metallic grapefruit taste. It's like if all the grapefruit flavor that makes it grapefruit was missing and maybe dry in a sense. Aside from this, I was satisfied with the majority of the meal and would bring my family back. Other notes are the service is more upscale looking and the ambience is definitely refined and modern. There were some TVs that I noticed so maybe they play sports or have karaoke or something at other times. read more

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Higher end Thai fusion food that's solid. They have validated self-parking but it is only free for 1 hour. Service was pretty good Food/Drink- 4 stars The food was good, but nothing particularly superb salmon sashimi appetizer- 4.5/5. this was pretty good with a spicy kick. Good balance of flavors with tons of umami fried tofu appetizer- 4.5/5- good use of egg tofu that made the texture fantastic Thai sớm tum mango salad- 4/5- pretty good and standard 12 hour braised Angus short ribs- 4/5- pretty fatty and tender. It's pretty standard though Madame Lois pork collar- 4/5. it was a fun dish having it on lettuce wraps. Pretty standard flavors Lime steamed Chilean sea bass- 3.5/5. this was just ok. I would pass on it in the future Royal crown fried rice- 4/5. pretty good with the large amount of roe adding an extra texture to the fried rice. Truffle wok seared noodles- 4/5. Lots of flavor but a bit greasy The Pink Mekong- 4/5. Pretty good visuals. Pretty standard flavors Service- 5 stars The servers were pretty attentive throughout our meal Bottom Line It was an enjoyable experience with good food with elevated presentations. It just wasn't anything special (Flavor wise), from your local neighborhood Thai restaurant. The restaurant has a beautiful decor and cool atmosphere, and it's a cool spot if you're around the Old Town Pasadena area. However, I wouldn't go out of my way to go. read more

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Imagine going to an Asian restaurant that does not have the standard (and boring, because they are found everywhere), dishes. Instead, a menu, though tilted towards Thai offerings, delivers it in a creative, unique manner with a culinary expertise of using bold Asian spices. These are presentations, that you will not find anywhere else. Enter, Star Leaf, a Bar and Grill in Pasadena, serving exciting Asian Cuisine. I started off with the Mamasan Shrimp Cake Skewers. They came to the table minus the skewers and I did not even notice. I was captivated by the 4 deep fried patties, served with small triangles of pineapple that were skillfully grilled and lightly charred, on only one side. My request for Thai chilies with fish sauce came deconstructed. What a lovely idea, to preserve the freshness and showcase the vibrancy, of both ingredients. For the main, their signature dish, the Royal Crown Fried Rice (capelin fish roe, scallops, eggs, shrimp, green onions, peas, white rice & wild rice). This entree is presented in eye catching fashion. A good size thick disc of the fried rice assembly covered fully with a thin even layer of mini sparkling spheres of the orange roe. When eaten, there is a blend of crunch (from the roe) and softness (from the rice and its ingredients). As a side, the sambal string beans (dried shrimp, dry-roasted chili, shallots, sambal shrimp paste), provided a bright green color, perfectly cooked al dente, with well married spices. To have a ground breaking restaurant, in terms of food choices, is already an arduous challenge. But how about coupling it with a perfect location, a stunning inside ambiance and outside design. I am always hunting for these kind of restaurants. And now, I have found (after much searching), another one that deserves praise. There are also other points. The table setting, polished silver cutlery (only a fork and knife), but what was striking was the placement. The knife was standing upright (see my pictures). Superb. One of a kind. There were incense sticks at the bar. Brilliant. And individually sealed toothpicks in the men's restroom. A nice touch. If there was a problem with this place, it's the lack of close free parking. There is a garage around the corner, that honors validated parking from the restaurant, free for one hour (other places provide 2 hours), after that it's $1.50 for every 15 minutes, and it piles up fast. If you ignore that annoying fact, this eatery is definitely worth the 30 plus mile one way trip from the SFV. In my opinion, Star Leaf, is one of the best, if not the best innovative Asian restaurants in the area and also counting its neighbors. Service (by Alicia) was exceptional. read more

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Star Leaf is an upscale Thai restaurant located in the Playhouse District in old town Pasadena. It opened in 2024, has a grand and modern interior atmosphere, and is both woman-owned and AAPI-owned. On one side of the restaurant is a large bar area and on the other side are tables for both small and large parties. We made reservations ahead of time for our party of 6 adults and 2 kids. What I really liked were the royal crown fried rice ($22), madame noi's pork collar ($25), southeast asian ribeye ($46), lime steamed chilean sea bass ($49), truffle wok seared noodle with scallops ($29), and sea bream carpaccio ($22). What I thought was good were the bakka salmon in thai vinagrette ($25), thai prawn ceviche ($15), and spicy tom yum soup ($29). What I thought was okay were the thai royal curry soft shell crab ($28) and 12 hour braised angus short ribs ($48). For drinks we ordered the royal iced thai milk tea ($5) which had optional add-ons of coconut pandan ice cream and coffee jelly. They use agave as their sweetener and it was different from every other Thai milk tea I've ever had. We liked it so much we had to get it again at the end of our meal. We had amazing service from our server (we never got his name but he could've been the manager) who treated us so well and was so accommodating to our party. He really made our experience wonderful! read more

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Ambiance was nice, food was pretty good. We enjoyed the Lobster Royal Crown Fried Rice, Star Leaf Appetizer Plate, and Malaysian Sambal Branzino. Because it was my partner's birthday, the restaurant was kind enough to provide a complimentary Birthday Coffee Flan that was fancy and delicious. Our waiter was nice and attentive. Overall, the restaurant was good to try once. read more

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The food was okay and met expectations, but nothing mind blowing. However, we had a very bizarre experience dining at Star Leaf in Pasadena this past week. Our waitress was extremely unprofessional and downright rude. When my husband showed interest in ordering the Pad Thai, she flat out told us not to get it, stating, "It's not the best-tasting dish on the menu." We were completely confused. My partner went ahead and ordered the Pad Thai anyway, but the waitress continued to treat us rudely for no apparent reason for the rest of the meal. read more

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I've been to star leaf a few times now and the quality and service are consistently excellent. I've only left off a star for the considerable price to portion ratio. We ordered 2 appetizers and 4 main dishes for 4 people. Star Leaf is a wonderful restaurant for celebrations or a special night out. Highlights: - Royal Crown Fried Rice $22 - beautiful presentation and simple flavors done well. I really love the masago on top as it adds a nice slightly crunchy texture and fresh salty flavor. - Crispy Shortrib with Lime $48 - wow this dish is AMAZING but it simply isnt worth the high price tag for 6 bite size pieces. The sticky sweet sauce was complimented by the acidity of the lime and the fatty meat. - Thai Som Tum Mango Salad $15 - I always order this when i come here as its the perfect starter! Spicy, sour, and refreshing! Overall I will continue to frequent Star Leaf for its innovative take on southeast asian fusion read more

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I made a reservation through OpenTable for my mom's birthday. Parking was easy, and they validate up to 1.5 hours? 2 hours? We ordered four dishes: steamed Chilean sea bass, braised mushrooms, royal crown fried rice, and the Thai lobster curry Sea bass: 5/5 My favorite! So fragrant, I love the sauce so much. It packs a punch with the lime, and I'm glad the cilantro taste isn't strong since I normally hate cilantro. The fish is flaky and soft. One minor complaint is that it's quite expensive for such a small portion. Braised mushrooms: 4/5 My second favorite, and my mom's favorite. Portion was again ridiculously small, but the flavor is great. Sweet and salty. Royal crown fried rice: 3.5/5 It's alright. The fish eggs add a nice texture but the flavor is mediocre. Thai lobster curry: 3.5/5 Super rich and flavorful, but very heavy. Wish there was more of a lobster flavor. I'd rather get the soft shell crab curry than this at this price. Panna cotta: 4.5/5 They brought this out as a birthday gift for my mom! My mom gave the biggest Asian compliment: Not too sweet. They also took a polaroid of us and let us keep it, and they pack your leftovers for you. Despite the high price point and small portions, the flavors are great, and I would come back. read more

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We went because they were the only one open later. We wanted the green curry chicken on the menu but they don't have it anymore, not sold out but not sold anymore. The yellow curry was recommended. The chicken was kind of bland. We also got the duck salad, taste was fine but the duck pieces tasted reconstituted. A little disappointed on this meal and it was a bit pricy. The restaurant looks fancy. read more

Stopped by for a birthday lunch! They have lunch combos that is a good deal to try some dishes in a smaller portion and still shareable with rice, soup, and salad. They just didn't have pork cube nor panna cotta today. Meals were great! We liked the creamy Royal Thai curry with shrimp and the shrimp cakes for appetizer. read more

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