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Best Authentic Restaurants in Highland Park

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123 restaurants available nearby

A photo of Celestino restaurant
1. Celestino
4.6
Exceptional(3602)
Price: Expensive
• Italian • Pasadena
Booked 44 times today
Celestino is a genuine Italian restaurant as evidenced by its fresh, homemade pastas and variety of authentic Italian dishes. Customers rave about its authentic food, with one reviewer stating 'the food here is always excellent' and another calling it 'fantastic authentic Italian cuisine'. The consistent high-quality service and food also add to its authenticity, making Celestino a true gem for Italian food lovers.
A photo of Momed restaurant
2. Momed
4.7
Exceptional(1691)
Price: Expensive
• Mediterranean • Silver Lake
Booked 30 times today
Welcome to Momed, (pronounced mo-med.) short for Modern Mediterranean, is homage to the kitchens of the eastern Mediterranean and North Africa. Since 2010, Momed has introduced Los Angeles a fresh and sophisticated interpretation of a cuisine based on the centuries-old tradition of seasonal and farm to table dining. Momed has become a sought-after destination for those looking to explore the rich and diverse flavors of the Mediterranean region. The menu reflects a fusion of authentic flavors and innovative culinary techniques, resulting in a delightful blend of old-world charm and contemporary sophistication.
A photo of Gyu-Kaku Japanese BBQ - Pasadena, CA | Old Town restaurant
3. Gyu-Kaku Japanese BBQ - Pasadena, CA | Old Town
4.5
Awesome(1658)
Price: Expensive
• Japanese • Pasadena
Booked 44 times today
Gyu-Kaku Japanese BBQ in Pasadena, CA, offers an authentic yakiniku dining experience, originating from Tokyo. Customers rave about the fresh and delicious meals, with high ratings for food, service, and ambience. It's a place where you can 'be the chef' and enjoy a variety of premium meats and other freshly prepared foods. Plus, it's the world’s #1 Japanese BBQ brand, adding to its authenticity!
A photo of Malbec - Pasadena restaurant
4. Malbec - Pasadena
4.7
Exceptional(1904)
Price: Moderate
• Argentinean • Pasadena
Booked 24 times today
Please note, that our outdoor seating is first come first serve. If you have a reservation through OpenTable, you will be seated, however, please allow a few extra minutes to ensure that we can properly sanitize your table.Argentina is world famous for its cuisine. From homemade salads, pastas and fish to an abundant selection of our signature grilled meats, Malbec Argentinean Bistro brings you the best authentic cuisine prepared on our genuine Argentinean grill.For reservations of parties larger than 6, please reach out to the restaurant directly. We will require a credit card hold to secure large party reservations.
A photo of Luminarias Restaurant & Special Events restaurant
5. Luminarias Restaurant & Special Events
4.4
Awesome(1240)
Price: Moderate
• American • Monterey Park
Booked 34 times today
Introducing a reimagined Luminarias, with a newly modernized take following a multimillion-dollar interior and exterior remodel. Our open-concept dining room features 25-foot floor-to-ceiling windows — seamlessly blending into an expansive deck for sweeping views of the San Gabriel Valley. With a revamped menu comprised of New American dishes with Latin influence, and a vast bar of specialty cocktails and premium spirits, we're here to give you an unforgettable dining experience.
A photo of Gus's BBQ - South Pasadena restaurant
6. Gus's BBQ - South Pasadena
4.8
Exceptional(2048)
Price: Moderate
• Barbecue • South Pasadena
Booked 13 times today
Since 1946, Gus’s has been serving the good folks of South Pasadena (and beyond!) true Southern hospitality and some of the best real pit BBQ around. Housed on historic Route 66, Gus’s is a tribute to Southern life, where family, tradition and celebration are of the utmost importance. A menu filled with traditional Southern cooking and authentic, wood-smoked BBQ is complemented by an impressive range of whiskies, wines, cocktails and local craft beers. Today, Gus’s is a space for a warm welcome, a cold mint julep, and a big plate of the best flavors from the American South and Midwest. You’ll leave knowing exactly why Gus’s food has been hailed, “….so good that we found ourselves eating more than we’d imagined” by S. Irene Virbila, Los Angeles Times and was named one of the top 10 BBQ restaurants on the west coast by Sunset Magazine.
A photo of Carousel Restaurant restaurant
7. Carousel Restaurant
4.8
Exceptional(601)
Price: Moderate
• Middle Eastern • Glendale
Booked 3 times today
From of our family to yours, Carousel is the premier Los Angeles area restaurant providing guests with the complete culinary experience when it comes to enjoying traditional middle eastern and Lebanese cuisine. In the Middle Eastern culture, meza (Lebanese term for appetizer) consists of a vast array of small sized, hot and cold dishes, great for sampling and sharing. At Carousel, our menu offers a selection of kebabs to seafood to an array of vegetarian items. We offer more than 60 meza items, ranging from familiar dishes, such as hummus, falafel and tabouleh to more traditional delicacies. Everything that we serve comes from original family recipes passed down through generations. With the supervision of our Chef de Cuisine and co-owner, Mrs. Rose Tcholakian, each dish that is served is sure to bestow the quality and freshness Carousel is well known for. For those unfamiliar to Lebanese food, a helpful service staff will guide you through what is sure to be a habit-forming journey.
A photo of Gale's restaurant
8. Gale's
4.8
Exceptional(3367)
Price: Moderate
• Italian • Pasadena
Booked 32 times today
Gale's Restaurant is a totally local Pasadena spot for delicious Northern Italian fare, tucked away from the tourist chains in Old Town. Couples, families and friends that seem to have just finished a day outdoors snuggle among the brick walls and small marble tables, drinking cocktails and wine from elegant Brighton goblets. Start off with Bruschetta, Burrata Salad or Gale's Simple Salad and then move on to the country-style Tuscan steak or one of the house made ravioli specials. For dessert, don't miss the Tiramisu or Gale's iconic Coconut Cake. The wine list is a favorite among the guests for it's variety and excellent value.
A photo of Malbec Market restaurant
9. Malbec Market
4.9
Exceptional(151)
Price: Moderate
• Argentinean • Eagle Rock
Booked 1 time today
Malbec Market is the little sister of Malbec Argentinean Cuisine. Providing the enticing flavors of Argentine and Italian Foods in a casual environment. Whether you order the meat dishes or one of our vegetarian dishes, you are sure to find something that you will enjoy.
A photo of Aro Latin restaurant
10. Aro Latin
4.1
Excellent(21)
Price: Moderate
• South American • South Pasadena
Aro Latin is a contemporary restaurant that serves authentic Pan-Latin cuisine and curated handcrafted cocktails.
‘About the restaurant’ descriptions have been generated using an artificial intelligence model comprised of OpenTable proprietary data that has not been independently verified by OpenTable. The content is presented as-is, for informational purposes only.

See what locals rave about

From verified diners like you
From verified diners like you
  • OpenTable Diner
    Chicago / Illinois •2 reviews
    5.0
    Dined 2 days ago
    We had a large party for a birthday, and the staff and food were amazing. Very accommodating and patient with our chaos.
    More info
    Gyu-Kaku Japanese BBQ - Pasadena, CA | Old TownPrice: Expensive• Japanese• Pasadena
    •
    4.5
  • MattVIP
    Greater Boston •2 reviews
    5.0
    Dined 5 days ago
    Amazing good and service! Would highly recommend. Dont skip dessert, its a must.
    More info
    CelestinoPrice: Expensive• Italian• Pasadena
    •
    4.6
  • TimothyVIP
    San Francisco Bay Area •9 reviews
    5.0
    Dined 5 days ago
    We recently celebrated my wife’s birthday at MOMED, and it was the perfect spot for a large gathering. With 10 of her friends joining us, the restaurant’s warm and inviting atmosphere made the night feel truly special. The food was delicious and ideal for sharing, which made the dining experience even more enjoyable. The cocktails were excellent—crafted with care and full of flavor. But what really stood out was the wonderful service. The staff was attentive and made sure everything ran smoothly, adding to the celebratory feel of the evening. We ended the night at the bar, which was cheery, lively, and inviting—the perfect way to wrap up the celebration. The bartenders were fun, engaging, and incredibly talented, making the experience even more memorable. If you’re looking for a place to host a special gathering or just enjoy a great meal with friends, MOMED is a fantastic choice. We’ll definitely be back!
    More info
    MomedPrice: Expensive• Mediterranean• Silver Lake
    •
    4.7
  • OpenTable Diner
    Los Angeles •1 review
    5.0
    Dined 5 days ago
    It was really nice restaurant to celebrate my boyfriend’s birthday. We got the birria empanadas for appetizer it was delicious. The drinks were good La Muerte and the Dave’s margarita. The food was so delicious we got the Black Angus Ribeye. The service was amazing the server Jose C was so attentive. Nice place to relax and have a delicious food and celebrate.
    More info
    Luminarias Restaurant & Special EventsPrice: Moderate• American• Monterey Park
    •
    4.4
  • andreaVIP
    Hawaii •9 reviews
    5.0
    Dined on 4 Mar 2025
    We had five courses, all delicious and ample for sharing with two. The menu was so varied, and interesting that we put it on our ‘ must return soon’ list. Sweet & fantastic staff. We loved our entire experience. Andrea Turner
    More info
    Malbec - PasadenaPrice: Moderate• Argentinean• Pasadena
    •
    4.7

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