The Best Spots for a Romantic Dinner in Pasadena

Finding a spot for a Romantic dinner in Pasadena is pretty easy. There are many fine restaurants for a romantic dinner in Pasadena, especially in the old town area. However, we will branch out and, with one exception seek out those restaurants less known.

BISTRO K
1000 Fremont Ave.
South Pasadena, Ca.91030
626 799 5052

Strictly speaking Bistro K is located in the separate city of South Pasadena, not in Pasadena but, hey, we are looking for romance and Bistro K has romance. Located in an old South Pasadena Bungalow and next to the Fremont Center Theatre (live theater), Bistro K is warm and cozy with only six tables in the Bungalow. It features vases of fresh flowers and Syracuse China. There is also outdoor dining by candlelight and strings of small lights.

This spot for a Romantic dinner does not come cheap. You may order a five course dinner for $55 per person, not including wine. But this is a special occasion and $55 for a gourmet dinner is really quite a bargain.

Some of the menu items are rather exotic and rather humorous. You may order an appetizer of Cassolette of Duck hearts and Duck Tongues for $9 or an entrée of Wild Boar Shanks for $18, Hare from Scotland for $23.95 or Halibut Cheeks for 17.95.

The atmosphere of Bistro K is elegant and quiet and filled with low murmuring that we can imagine to be love talk.

RAYMOND RESTAURANT
1250 South Fair Oaks Ave.
Pasadena Ca 91105626 441 3136

The Raymond is probably the first restaurant that comes to mind for Pasadeneans when they think of a spot for a romantic dinner in Pasadena.

Housed in the caretaker's cottage of an old hotel that no longer exists, the Raymond is traditionally a place for special occasions. In addition to very good food, the restaurant features secluded booths, leaded glass, and candle it patios. If you don't find this all very romantic then you just aren't a romantic.

The Raymond is pricey but worth it. For example an appetizer of Kobe beef is $19 or a seared Ahi appetizer costs $14. Soup and salad are very moderate at $6 for a cup of soup or $5 for a salad. Entrees run from $26 for pumpkin ravioli to $34 for Filet Minion.

Drive slowly when you get near the Raymond because it is easy to miss. It is not directly on the street but is located down a little road.

HAPPY TRAILS CATERING
207 South Fair Oaks
Pasadena Ca 91105
626 796 9526

You want to do a romantic dinner in Pasadena but the two restaurants listed above are just too expensive and besides you aren't really comfortable in an upscale restaurant. Grab a nice tablecloth and a bottle of wine and head on over to Happy Trails. They sell lunch boxes for $15.50 a person and this includes entrée, salad, and dessert. Selections are very extensive with assorted sandwiches or something like quiche or phylo triangles. Salads range from classic potato salad to lemon dill orzo. They have lots of desserts; for example cheesecake bars or pecan squares. Whatever you choose will be fine because it is all delicious.

What's so romantic about a box lunch you may ask? Combine fine food with a secluded spot in the outdoors and you have romance. Hop on the 210 Freeway and drive the short distance to Monrovia. Exit on Myrtle Ave. north to Foothill where you will turn right. Continue on Foothill until you turn left on Canyon Blvd. Drive up Canyon Blvd. and you are quickly out of the city.

You come to Monrovia Canyon Wilderness Park where you can find a secluded picnic table right along a tree shaded mountain stream. Whip out your tablecloth and voila, romance. If you have some poetry you could proclaim, "A book of verses, a jug of wine and thou beside me singing in the wilderness."