So glad I randomly stumbled on this place and decided to have a meal there . I was greeted and treated like an old friend whom they were very happy to see. I felt like I am visiting a family of friends for an exquisite dinner! All people who work there are very chill , gracious, accommodating and very professional - all in one . Great background music ( which was not very loud ! Hard to find in LA), great lighting! Fresh flowers everywhere . And the whole atmosphere of the place is very relaxing and comforting . It have 3 dining areas- 2 indoors and one on the patio ( with a lovely fountains ) Food and presentation- beyond expectations! read more

See all

Absolutely adored the his family owned institution. We enjoyed fresh pasta and amazing pizza love coming back every time. Primavera pizza is so fresh and unique definitely recommend! Fabulous martinis and wine list and amazing coffee rum cocktail (I'm not a rum drinker but I loved it more than espresso martini) and great dessert wine. Everyone there makes you feel like you're at home, so attentive and sweet, as well as the lovely the decor and setup. It's upscale yet comfortable. 10/10 definitely check it out! read more

Robert that was one fine dining experience. The filet mignon steak was cooked perfectly and the appetizers were incredibly delicious. The wine you chose was exquisite. Your restaurant is a real find. I also tried the Grouper and Ribeye and both were excellent. Thank you once again for the great food, wine and fine dining. Sincerely, Ron LaVine read more

Last night I took my cousin to Bistro 45 for her birthday and it was pure magic. We had a paint & sip at 7 pm, so we came in for an early 5 pm dinner. It was quiet when we arrived and completely packed by the time we left, always a good sign. The space has that classic bistro charm, black and white checkered floors and warm energy. The owner is fully present and involved, kind, and genuinely passionate. He checked in on us and shared details about sourcing and partnerships, from local purveyors to prime ingredients like Wisconsin beef. I love those details, so it made the night even more special. We had the short rib with polenta and natural jus, rich and tender, and the 11 ounce Niman Ranch pork chop with shaved Brussels sprouts, parsnip puree, apple, pear, and mustard seed. The pork chop was incredible, perfectly balanced and generous enough for leftovers the next day. We also shared a salad with a memorable vinaigrette and a beautifully fried goat cheese round that was crisp outside and creamy inside. Everything paired beautifully with a Syrah blend that felt like it could go with anything. For dessert, the Fuji apple tart tatin with creme fraiche ice cream and caramel sauce stole the show. The apples were perfectly sweet and tart, and the ice cream was cool, creamy heaven. We were truly loved on all night. Thoughtful service, intentional sourcing, fantastic food. Worth every penny. Bistro 45 may be my new favorite spot for birthdays and big celebrations. read more

Bistro 45 - Just two ladies eating their best life! - New American Near Me - Pasadena, California

Caitlyn greeted us and made us feel welcome right off the bat! Charming restaurant with a great vibe. Food was excellent. Service was incredible and so was the ambiance. read more

See all

Excellent presentation and flavor. Ingredients tasted like they came straight from the local farmers market. The soup was so sweet. Pork tenderloin was lean and tender too Love the service here. Really feel pampered here read more

See all

I truly love this restaurant We ate here last week My husband had the fish special which was white sea bass which I tried. I have tried seabass in several restaurants and I haven't enjoyed the taste. However a revelation with the Bistro, the bass was awesome, seared with a great crust. My husband got mashed potatoes with greens truly magical dish. I had the pea risotto which is an equally well prepared dish We each also had the beet salad I can't say enough wonderful things about the Bistro. From the owner Robert to the chef in the kitchen, wait staff, everyone Thank you read more

I've been to Bistro 45 many times with family and friends over the last decade and it's always an amazing experience but last night I went there for an event for the first time and really saw how this place shines! Review long overdue. This restaurant has that intimate small town feel where you're properly greeted and treated like family throughout. Everyone we encountered was lovely but it was beyond good service- there was an extra layer of warmth and care that was genuine and not stuffy. The ambience is elevated but cozy and intimate. You might feel like you're in Europe, NYC, or someone's patio in their beautiful home depending on where you're sitting. Last night there were multiple events and normal dining parties going on but it still blended seamlessly and despite how busy they were they service never faltered. And now for the food. The food has always been solid and intentional here. Quality ingredients that feel hand chosen, great cocktails, and fabulous wine. However last night really blew me away. The duck was phenomenal. I inhaled it despite trying to savor every bite. The sauce was so good and the vegetables it came with were cooked to perfection. The salad was fresh and tasty. I wish I had partaken in more of the passed appetizers but I was busy mingling but the tuna I had that was apparently flown in that morning was so fresh. I fell in love with the champagne their served and I can't decide whether I liked my dirty martini (which was perfectly made), or the white, or the red wine they paired with the meals. The chocolate soup was the most wonderful ending and I tried a bite of my friend's butterscotch which was yummy too. What a lovely evening in multiple ways. I'd strongly consider hosting an event here in the future. Thank you so much! read more

Bistro 45 - New American Near Me - Pasadena, California

Took hubs here to celebrate his birthday and everything was fantastic! Parking was easy in the lot behind the restaurant, and the atmosphere of Bistro 45 is simply warm, bright and cozy. We got a quiet table in the corner and enjoyed the lovely dining experience thoroughly. Our waiter was charming and attentive. We ordered the Beet Salad, the Ravioli du Chef, the mussels and clams, and ribeye, which came with potatoes and carrots. We loved the beet salad! The presentation was so beautiful and the beets were perfectly balanced with the goat cheese. The mussels and clams came with a creamy garlic sauce with a bit of tangy brightness. Absolutely delicious! We enjoyed dipping the crusty bread in the sauce-if it came in a cup, I would drink it! The ribeye, although a tad salty, was tender and melted in our mouths. We ordered the Chocolate Soup which came with a scoop of ice cream for dessert and it was rich, decadent and the perfect way to end the meal. They decorated the plate so fancy and special too! read more

See all

We are recurring customers coming here for a special date night. We love the casual but posh ambience the moment we walked in. The bar at the entrance always look so cozy. I love the decor and lighting of the restaurant. It definitely sets the mood for the evening. We arrived early but were seated right away. Funny that we weee seated almost at the same table we did last time. . The server came and shared with us the special of the evening. To share, we had the tiger prawn, no difference than a mini lobster. It tastes really good and the owner said it's from Nigeria. For entree, I had the boullonaise, a salmon seafood spicy broth and my boyfriend had the scallops. I enjoyed every bit of my entree and the soup was flavorful and they are generous with the seafood. My boyfriend's scallops were yummy too. For dessert, since we couldn't make a decision, we ordered by the upside down pineapple cake with coconut gelato and the chocolate terrine with berry sorbet. Both were delightful. What a wonderful date night! We both will return and pamper ourselves with a spectacular dinner experience. read more

See all

Came here for a birthday celebration & we had a wonderful experience! They had beautiful, elegant decor with indoor & outdoor seating, with a private parking lot or street parking. The staff were friendly & attentive, they always refilled our water & bread. The food was fantastic! We enjoyed the Hanger Steak, Rib-eye, Chicken, & the Fuji apple tart. All the meats were tender & flavorful & the birthday dessert was delicious ! I would definitely return to try more items on the menu. Make sure you make reservations ahead of time because there's limited seating, especially if you have a big party. read more

See all

Came here as part of a group birthday dinner and had reservation at 6pm on a Saturday. We were seated promptly, it wasn't too busy but picked up shortly after. There was parking in the back but spots are a little limited. The interior was nice, I wouldn't call it very modern but a little old school but bright which I actually like. I'm not a huge fan of super dim lighting where I can barely see anything. They started us off with fresh bread and butter which was absolutely delicious. You could tell it was freshly baked and I could eaten an entire loaf. We shared appetizers of the octopus and beet salad. I loved the beet salad with the fried artichokes and the dressing was great. The octopus was decent but pretty skimpy portion wise for the price. I got the hangar steak which was cooked perfectly. I got to try a piece of the duck which was extremely tender and some of the bouillabaisse which was delicious too esp with their bread dipped in. I knocked off a star cuz our main waitress was not the friendliest and also some confusion about the birthday dessert. When we mentioned it was our birthdays when we were looking at dessert menu she said they would just pick something if we didn't choose. We ended up going with the Meyer Lemon Trio which was not my favorite of the night. I thought the lemon curd was way too tart but the soufflé was good. They did charge for that which I thought they would provide something complimentary esp given the price point of everything. Not that I expect free things but when they called about what the special occasion was it made it sound like that was the expectation. Overall the experience was good, most of the food was great. It's def more of a special occasion type of place given the prices for the average person. read more

See all

This restaurant is an absolute gem and I can't believe that I did not know about it sooner. Robert, the proprietor, made us feel like we were coming to a family member's house for dinner. The whole staff was friendly and the service was amazing. It's a great place to have an intimate dinner, we were celebrating an event and we could all communicate without an issue. The food was also amazing, one of the best meals I've had in a while. It's clear that a lot of care is put into every aspect, especially the quality of the meals. This should be on everyone's top list of Pasadena restaurants. read more

A hidden gem I didn't know about until it was recommended to me. Max was our server, who was so good at explaining everything and letting us be. We thoroughly enjoyed everything we ordered. I loved the interior of the restaurant; it had an old-school charm that I love to see still exist. I got the hanger steak, which was perfectly charred. The star of the show was the butterscotch dessert, one of the best desserts I have ever had in my life. I'll be back! read more

Bistro 45 - New American Near Me - Pasadena, California

See all

Great service, Waiter was very polite and attentive to our needs. Food was served hot and was very presentable. My husband and I enjoyed the starters and both our meals. The main dining room was a little loud, however we were able to still speak to one another. One of a very classic and respectable restaurants. read more

My wife and I celebrated our anniversary at Bistro 45 last night. It was our first visit and we both agreed that we want to go back with friends and family. Our server Max was a light hearted young man who was very knowledgeable about the menu and provided the right amount of table oversight. The food was excellent and ample. It is clear that Bistro 45 has a master chef managing the kitchen. I am not a food snob, but I noted just how well my dishes were prepared. Wow! I had the Calamari and my wife had the Duck Pate. Our main courses were the Hanger Steak and the Scallops. We finished off the evening with the delicious Meyer Lemon dessert. EVERYTHING was over-the-top excellent, masterfully prepared and beautifully presented. The owner and staff were all very friendly too. We now have a new favorite French restaurant in Pasadena, Bistro 45. Can't wait to share this gem with our family and friends. read more

Great service and delicious food within a unique, building on a small street in Pasadena. My husband had their vegan pizza primavera while I had their pan roasted salmon. Both were done very well, along with their chipotle brussels spouts and little gems salad. Hopefully they will be able to add a vegan pasta dish to their menu like a veggie aglio e olio (my husband is not a big fan of risotto) so we can come back more often. read more

See all

Bistro 45 is a neighborhood gem! They have an amazing, efficient & friendly staff. The food is outstanding! We were 3 persons who like to share & plenty of menu items to choose from. The ravioli du jour was duck confit with goat cheese topped with a blueberry gastrique which was super delish with the Margaux. Mussels with French Fries on the side and the prosciutto figs mozzarella arugula pizza & lemon trio dessert was all very satisfying. Ambience is warm, inviting and upscale with white tablecloths. Not many restaurants do this anymore. This is a very special place!​ read more

Had a meal here on our last night in town. It is next door to our hotel. It is a cozy place with a small bar to the left as you enter and a few tables in the bar area. The dining area is just inside a small doorway we were seated at a nice table for two. There are 10 tables so it is an intimate space. Servers were simpatico, efficient and very friendly. A few walk in's were turned away good we had a reservation. It was 6pm on a Sunday. I got the cod which was caught today. The fish was wonderful and the couscous was extremely tasty and very buttery. My wife and I shared the home made ravioli as a starter. We each had a glass of Viognier. Value was excellent. Highly recommend visit. Mark & Nancy. read more

Food Service Ambiance all perfection! This place should have Michelin star. My second time here, Clams, Duck; Just divine. Service is great and Love the vibe inside. (Seems like locals go there a lot) Yall should try! read more

Robert, A warm thank you for the fabulous Anniversary dinner last night. Linda and I had another wonderful night on the patio. David Shelton made a great evening even better with his nuanced guitar and vocals. We didn't want the night to end. You and the staff have a lot to be proud of! Rick Mettee read more

Really pleasant evening - great service and good sorta french food. The duck tres bien. The beef superbe. The room is cozy and small but you don't feel crowded and you do get all the attention you need to feel it's a special occasion. read more

Hats off to this landmark restaurant. The details that this family restaurant offers is amazing . They offer the best quality and it reflected in their price. I learned that they give so much back to the local community and the recent fire victims and cancer support group in the area. Carry-on Bistro 45 I'm impressed and will be a new regular read more

See all

A group of us came to Bistro 45 for dinner to celebrate my sister's birthday. We had a reservation and were seated right away once everyone arrived. Our table was under a skylight, so the lighting was perfect for the early evening. With our server's help, we picked a bottle of wine and a selection of cheeses to share. We then shared a few appetizers and sides: cast iron Monterey calamari, bluefin tuna tartare, sauteed foraged organic mushroom, and organic brussels sprouts. I had the seared Hudson Valley Magret duck breast for my entree. The duck was flavorful, and the corn, puree, and blackberry gastrique were the perfect accompaniments. I also took a bite of the seared dive boat sea scallops and the grilled Niman Ranch pork chop. The scallops tasted so fresh, and the pork was tender. For dessert, I had the organic berry trifle, which was a refreshing way to end the meal. The front of the restaurant has a little garden area where you can sit and wait for your party or table. There is an indoor dining room and a patio. The food is sustainably or locally sourced, and there is an extensive wine list. The staff is knowledgeable, helpful, and friendly. Parking is easy as there is a small lot in the back. The combination of a charming space, a delicious menu, and top-notch service makes for a lovely dining experience at Bistro 45. read more

Bistro 45 - Seared Hudson Valley Magret Duck Breast - New American Near Me - Pasadena, California

What a gem! This darling restaurant evokes the glamour of early Los Angeles. We sat inside on a weekday and there were less than a dozen other patrons, which made the experience quiet and intimate. Our food was really delicious! The desserts all sounded amazing-and so we got them all!! But they really disappointed and I don't recommend. Our server was attentive, knowledgeable and personable. I'll be back! read more

Old world restaurant with fabulous food. The owner is almost always on premises is and runs the place like and orchestra. Staff has been working there for decades and they get to know you and remember you! They often send over an Amuse Bouch or a cup of the soup of the day, ON TUE HOUSE! Quaint, friendly, professional, superb food and I didn't mention the Bar. The bar, if you want the best French 75 or a great selection of wines go to Bistro 45! read more

Marvelous experience at Bistro 45! We came here to celebrate Mother's Day and had an exceptional experience from start to finish. The staff were incredibly welcoming, accommodating, and genuinely fun to be around. Everyone had such a humble attitude and great sense of humor that it made the whole experience feel warm and effortless. The food was outstanding. We ordered the whole works, and every dish delivered. The ribeye was phenomenal, the hanger steak was honestly the best I've ever had, and the appetizers were incredible. We also brought our dog Penny, and they were so kind and accommodating with her. They offered her Krug Krug Clos d'Ambonnay Champagne, but she respectfully declined and ordered a Beef Martini instead. This place truly has it all: amazing ambience, incredible food, and most importantly, genuinely kind people running it. This will absolutely become one of our new staples in Pasadena. Thank you for such a wonderful experience. read more

Our first time dining at Bistro 45 and we will definitely be back. Will was so kind and went through everything we asked for on the menu. The food was delicious and we had the best ever soufflé to end the night. Such a great place with great service. Didn't feel rushed and got to enjoy it all. read more

See all

Small and cute restaurant with good service and excellent food. All the different dishes my friends and I ordered were amazing

Very nice restaurant with a beautiful dining area, delicious menu, and great cocktails. Great place for a romantic night out!

My husband and I have been coming to Bistro 45 for many years. The food is always outstanding, the ambiance is lovely & the service has always been perfect. Tonight, Robert, the owner took such special care of us that I felt compelled to leave this review. It is a beautiful restaurant with an owner who strives to give his customers the finest dining experience possible. I recommend it highly! read more

Food was excellent. Highly recommend the hanger steak. We loved our waiter. He was really fun. Really charming place. Look forward to coming back. We even saw a few celebrities dining near us. read more

See all

Came here for mother's day dinner. The food was very solid and our server was incredibly sweet! It was a bit hectic The ambiance was very calm but there was some free entertainment when the owner called a mom and grandmother at the table next to us "impatient" on mother's day. That was interesting... read more

Bistro 45 - New American Near Me - Pasadena, California

See all

One of the my favorite fine dining establishments in the area. Robert, Deborah, and the staff were very accommodating when I hosted my birthday dinner here. I was sure to reserve one of the private rooms and I was able to get 16 of my close friends for a special dinner. In my case, I was able to create a specialty multi-course menu and my guests were able to select their choices from it. I must admit, I took a chance on hosting my dinner here and I don't regret my decision. The staff, the service, the ambiance, and the food was SPECTACULAR. If you are hoping to hold something special with your loved ones, please hold it at Bistro 45. It's rare to find an establishment that really puts a lot of care into what they do. read more

Bistro 45 - New American Near Me - Pasadena, California

The service was fantastic here and the food was amazing. We got the rack of lamb, carrots, beet salad, and bolognese. We didn't like the bolognese that much as it was too light and bright for what we wanted. The lamb was incredible and we loved the wine and drink selection as well. read more

Bistro 45 - Composed Heirloom Beet Salad - New American Near Me - Pasadena, California

See all

Went here for my birthday and the service was amazing. Everyone was super welcoming and friendly, and the food was delicious! Will definitely come back when I'm in the area. Ambiance was very romantic and calm. The positive energy from the staffs made this place extremely more enjoyable. read more

Bistro 45 - Omaha Hanger Steak (bottom) and Ribeye (top) - New American Near Me - Pasadena, California

Service was excellent, food was delicious Would recommend this restaurant for a special occasion the care by the staff was excellent. read more

Always amazing! The pulled pork pizza with blue cheese and spicy pickles is amazing! The tomato soup and mushroom soup are great too! I love sitting at the bar - Jerry, the bartender makes great drinks and always suggests the tastiest wine. Everyone is so friendly and welcoming. It's a great place! read more

I've been going to Bistro for a year or two now and it's become one of my favorite restaurants. The food is delicious, quality and always consistent. The menu changes just enough to keep things fresh but not so much you won't find some version of the staple you love. The host, waiters, and owner are warm and make you feel like family. Should out to Robert, Max, Laura and William. Thanks for making us feel like we're number 1 on your call sheet. Can't wait to dine with ya'll again soon. read more

Bistro 45 - King Salmón entree - New American Near Me - Pasadena, California

See all

It has been more than 2 years since my return visit to Bistro 45. Immediately after that visit we put the restaurant our weekly date night rotation. Since then we have been back dozens of times and tried everything on the menu. Bistro 45 instantly became and still remains one of our favorite restaurants in the expansive LA metro area. Why has this venerable French bistro made it onto our favorites list... simple: consistently good food, excellent service, and of course Robert's incredible personality which permeates every aspect of this establishment. I often recommend Bistro 45 to younger colleagues and clients who live in the area. Sadly the frequent response to my recommendation is that Bistro 45 seems like the kind of restaurant their parents would go to, but it's just not trendy or cutting edge enough for them. My response to such comments is to complement them on their parents' excellent taste, and tell them that I'm sorry that they prefer flash over substance but with age hopefully comes wisdom. Yes, if you are in your 20s or 30s Bistro 45 is exactly the type of restaurant your parents would enjoy, but honestly there is no reason everyone shouldn't be able to enjoy and appreciate Bistro 45. Is it trendy, flashy or cutting edge... NO. What Bistro 45 is for me is a wonderfully enjoyable and consistent experience that always leaves me satisfied we came and happy we supported a local owned business that puts customers first. There is a reason Bistro 45 has been around the number of years it has... find out for yourself. read more