From champagne brunches in historic ballrooms to cozy afternoon teas and garden-side meals, Pasadena is rolling out the proverbial red carpet for moms this Mother’s Day, with an array of dining experiences from east to west, from the Arroyo Seco to Rosemead Boulevard and beyond.
At the elegant Langham Huntington Pasadena, the annual Mother’s Day brunch is, of course, expected to draw hundreds to the Huntington Ballroom for a grand spread that includes carving stations, made-to-order omelets, fresh seafood, and towers of desserts. The event, which runs from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m., is a longstanding tradition for many families, and believe me, you’ll hear about it all during brunch. Most likely in a good way.
A few miles west in the Arroyo, Brookside Golf Club, alongside the Rose Bowl Stadium, will host a more casual but no less festive brunch buffet with bottomless mimosas, family-style seating, and live acoustic music. The event is kid-friendly, and early reservations have already filled more than half the tables.
For those who prefer a slower pace, tea service at Old Pasadena’s Tea Rose Garden offers a charming alternative. The intimate venue will serve three tiers of scones, finger sandwiches, and pastries alongside loose-leaf teas in floral china—a nod to English tradition that has become a beloved Pasadena ritual.
Nearby, Callisto Tea House will serve its seasonal “Spring Garden” tea service all weekend, featuring tea-infused sweets and a curated menu of global blends.
East Pasadena residents looking to stay closer to home can find a festive brunch at Bistro 45, where chef-prepared French-American dishes like lemon ricotta pancakes and crab Benedict are on the menu. The restaurant’s vintage Art Deco ambiance makes it a favorite for multi-generational gatherings.
Meanwhile, the Pasadena Showcase House for the Arts is pairing its seasonal home tour with a garden café and champagne bar, allowing guests to wander through designer rooms before sitting down to brunch under the trees. It’s one of the few options in town that combines art, architecture, and dining into a single experience.
Whether your ideal Mother’s Day means white tablecloths and prosecco or pizza boxes in the park, Pasadena’s culinary scene offers something to match the moment.
Mom always loves everything you get her. Make sure this year that’s true. And now, here’s a list by location:
The Langham Huntington, Pasadena.
1401 S. Oak Knoll Ave., Pasadena, CA 91106. (626) 568-3900. Www.langhamhotels.com.
Brookside Golf Club
1133 Rosemont Ave., Pasadena, CA 91103.
(626) 585-3594. Www.brooksidegc.com.
Tea Rose Garden
70 N. Raymond Ave., Pasadena, CA 91103
(626) 578-1144. Www.tearosegarden.com.
Callisto Tea House.
1359 N. Altadena Dr., Pasadena, CA 91107
(626) 345-5615
Www.callistoteahouse.com
Bistro 45
45 S. Mentor Ave., Pasadena, CA 91106
(626) 795-2478
Www.bistro45.com.
Mamma’s Brick Oven Pizza & Pasta
1007 Fair Oaks Ave., South Pasadena, CA 91030
(626) 799-1344. Www.mammasbrickoven.com.
Arlington Garden
275 Arlington Dr., Pasadena, CA 91105
(626) 578-5434. Www.arlingtongardenpasadena.
Pasadena Showcase House for the Arts
(626) 578-8500.www.pasadenashowcase.
Lake Avenue – Pasadena
Nick’s South Lake Avenue.
336 S. Lake Ave., Pasadena, CA 91101)(626) 787-1444. Www.nicksrestaurants.com
Granville Pasadena
270 S. Lake Ave., Pasadena, CA 91101. (626) 360-7633. Www.granvillerestaurants.com.
Magnolia House
492 S. Lake Ave., Pasadena, CA 91101.
(626) 584-1126. www.themaghouse.com
The Arbour
527 S. Lake Ave., Pasadena, CA 91101.
(626) 396-4925. www.thearbourpasadena.com
Celestino Ristorante & Bar
141 S. Lake Ave., Pasadena, CA 91101.
(626) 795-4006 www.celestinopasadena.com
Arroyo Parkway – Pasadena
Parkway Grill
510 S. Arroyo Pkwy., Pasadena, CA 91105.
(626) 795-1001 www.theparkwaygrill.com.
Arroyo Chop House
536 S. Arroyo Pkwy., Pasadena, CA 91105
(626) 577-7463 www.arroyochophouse.com.
Houston’s
320 S. Arroyo Pkwy., Pasadena, CA 91105.
(626) 577-6001 www.houstons.com.
Pitfire Artisan Pizza
730 S. Arroyo Pkwy., Pasadena, CA 91105.
(626) 376-9005. www.pitfirepizza.com.
Foothill Boulevard – Pasadena
Foothill Restaurant
2835 E. Foothill Blvd., Pasadena, CA 91107.
(626) 449-2337. www.foothill.com.
Panda Inn
3488 E. Foothill Blvd., Pasadena, CA 91107.
(626) 793-7300. www.pandainn.com.
Kabuki Japanese Restaurant
3539 E. Foothill Blvd., Pasadena, CA 91107
(626) 351-8963. Www.kabukirestaurants.com.
JS Foothill Restaurant
3591 E. Foothill Blvd., Pasadena, CA 91107.
(626) 351-9888. Www.jsfoothill.com.
Islands Restaurant – Hastings Ranch
3533 E. Foothill Blvd., Pasadena, CA 91107.
(626) 351-6543. www.islandsrestaurants.com.
San Gabriel
Yama Sushi Marketplace
911 W. Las Tunas Dr., San Gabriel, CA 91776.
(626) 250-6203 www.yamasushimarketplace.com.
Long Beach & Los Angeles
King’s Fish House – Long Beach
100 W. Broadway, Long Beach, CA 90802. (562) 432-7463
Www.kingsfishhouse.com/
Water Grill – Los Angeles
544 S. Grand Ave., Los Angeles, CA 90071
(213) 891-0900. Www.watergrill.com.
Reservations are strongly encouraged, as many restaurants expect to reach capacity. More information is available at www.visitpasadena.com.
