Pasadena Playhouse Village’s Asian Culinary Scene is as active as ever and appealing to locals and visitors alike. The Pasadena Playhouse Village, a charming district celebrated for its historic theater and vibrant arts, has truly blossomed into a remarkable destination for incredible Asian cuisine. Forget long drives and endless searching; this dynamic neighborhood offers a delightful journey through diverse flavors, all within its charming and walkable core. Pasadena’s Playhouse Village is a compact but richly diverse dining corridor. From chic fusions at Star Leaf to cozy pho counters, classic sushi joints, and spicy Thai street food—you’ll find quality, charm, and flavor just steps from theaters, galleries, and cafes.
Whether your palate craves the intricate artistry of Japanese, the comforting warmth of Vietnamese, the bold satisfaction of Chinese, or various Asian fusion delights, Playhouse Village serves up a feast for every desire. It’s a fantastic spot for both locals and visitors to embark on a delicious culinary adventure through Asia, all within its very own distinct boundaries.
The Pasadena Playhouse Village offers a wide variety of Asian dining experiences.
Here’s a comprehensive sampling of highly-rated and beloved Asian food spots that define the rich tapestry of the Playhouse Village area:
Japanese Delights: From Savory Ramen to Sushi Artistry
- Description: A popular sushi spot known for its fresh ingredients, classic rolls, and a cozy, inviting atmosphere. It’s a reliable choice for quality Japanese fare in the heart of Playhouse Village and a vigrant addition to the Pasadena Playhouse Village’s Asian Culinary Scene,
- Address: 130 W Colorado Blvd, Pasadena, CA 91105
- Google Rating: 4.2 stars
Description: A stylish sushi spot with a buzzy vibe and upbeat music. The crispy rice and baked salmon rolls are standouts; Bento combos offer excellent value .Address: 624 E Colorado Blvd, Pasadena, CA 91101
Hours:
-
Sun: 12 pm–9 pm
-
Mon–Thu: 11:30 am–9 pm
-
Fri–Sat: 11:30 am–10:30 pm yelp.com+5ubereats.com+5fantuanorder.com+5
- Description: A perpetual favorite, Tatsunoya is celebrated for its deeply rich and creamy tonkotsu ramen broth, meticulously prepared and served with perfectly chewy noodles. Be prepared for a line – its authenticity draws a crowd.
- Address: 164 E Colorado Blvd, Pasadena, CA 91105
Average Rating: ~4.7 ★ (600+ Google reviews) .
Chinese & Taiwanese Wonders: Dumplings, Noodles, and Bold Flavors
- Description: A stylish spot focusing on modern Chinese dishes with a reputation for excellent soup dumplings (xiao long bao), hand-pulled noodles, and other dim sum favorites in a sleek setting. This is a favorite of the Pasadena Playhouse Village’s Asian Culinary Scene
- Address: 146 S Lake Ave, Pasadena, CA 91101 (Within Playhouse Village boundaries)
- Google Rating: 4.4 stars
Thai & Vietnamese Treasures: Authentic Tastes of Southeast Asia
- Description: A hip counter-serve spot blending Vietnamese pho, banh mi, spring rolls, and fusion breakfasts. Known for flavorful broth, tender beef, and ample portions . Cozy with indoor/outdoor seating.
- Address: 451 E Colorado Blvd, Pasadena, CA 91101
Hours: café-style (approx. 10:30 am–8:45 pm daily)
Average Rating: ~4.4 ★ (236 Google reviews) starleafusa.com+15fantuanorder.com+15doordash.com+15.
- Description: Authentic Thai street fare in a compact setting. Favorites include fragrant pad Thai, yellow curry, pad see ew, and tom kha soup—all spicy and satisfying . A unique addition to the Pasadena Playhouse Village’s Asian Culinary Scene
- Address: 910 E Union St, Pasadena, CA 91106
Hours: Casual street-food service; call for current schedule - Average Rating: ~4.5 ★ (TripAdvisor; Yelp/Uber suggest similar) .
- Description: Family-run, authentic Thai dishes made with fresh ingredients. Fans praise the garlic fried rice and superior pad Thai—less sweet, more flavor .
- Address: 754 E Colorado Blvd, Pasadena, CA 91101
Hours: Standard Thai bistro schedule—best to check latest online. - Description: Family-run, authentic Thai dishes made with fresh ingredients. Fans praise the garlic fried rice and superior pad Thai—less sweet, more flavor .
Average Rating: ~4.4–4.6 ★ (Yelp/TripAdvisor consensus).
- Description: A small but mighty Vietnamese eatery specializing in delicious, fresh banh mi sandwiches with perfectly crusty bread and a variety of fillings. Their che (Vietnamese dessert drinks) are also a refreshing treat.
- Address: 138 E Colorado Blvd, Pasadena, CA 91105
- Google Rating: 4.5 stars
Hot Pot & Asian BBQ
- Description: A Hawaiian-inspired chain serving plate lunches with staples like kalua pig, chicken katsu, rice, and macaroni salad. Offers a taste of the islands right in Pasadena.
- Address: 230 S Lake Ave # 1, Pasadena, CA 91101
- Google Rating: 3.5 stars
- Description: Contemporary restaurant featuring tabletop grills for classic Korean BBQ with traditional sides.
- Address: 2063 E Colorado Blvd, Pasadena, CA 91107 (a little bit of a drive from the Playhouse District)
- Rating: 4.3 stars
Spices of India & Nepal: Aromatic Journeys
- Description: A well-regarded Indian restaurant serving a wide array of traditional dishes, from rich curries and tandoori specials to freshly baked naan bread. Offers a warm and inviting atmosphere.
- Address: 316 S Raymond Ave, Pasadena, CA 91105 (Within the immediate Playhouse Village vicinity)
- Google Rating: 4.2 stars
Fusion & Specialty Bites: Unique Asian Blends
Description: A first-in-the-U.S. venture by a celebrated Asian fusion group, Star Leaf offers Southeast Asian flavors with Thai, Vietnamese, and Malaysian influences. Ingredients are fresh, presentation upscale, ambiance tropical chic. The tom yum and Royal Crown fried rice earn rave reviews. One of the most unique experiences of the Pasadena Playhouse Village’s Asian Culinary Scene
Address: 641 E Colorado Blvd, Pasadena, CA 91101
Hours:
-
Mon–Thu & Sun: 11 am–9:30 pm
-
Fri–Sat & Holidays: 11 am–10 pm
-
Happy Hour: Mon–Fri 3–6 pm; Reverse HH Sun–Thu 8:30–9:30 pm kevineats.com+6starleafusa.com+6la.eater.com+6
Average Rating: ~4.6 ★ on OpenTable (247 reviews) .
- Description: While their description isn’t specific to Southeast Asian, “Gozen” often implies a Japanese meal, but “Shun” can refer to seasonality or a broader Asian focus. Worth checking their menu for specific Southeast Asian dishes.
- Address: 851 Cordova St, Pasadena, CA 91101
- Rating: 4.1 stars
Honorable Footnotes:
-
Nine & Nine Thai Kitchen (738 E Colorado Blvd): Known for its green chicken curry, pad Thai, and pineapple fried rice; well-loved though slightly sweeter mapquest.com+6reddit.com+6yelp.com+6.
-
Go China (136 N Lake Ave): Szechuan and Mandarin dishes, casual take‑out vibe latimes.com+11mapquest.com+11mapquest.com+11.
-
Tendon Tempura Carlos Jr (694 E Colorado Blvd): Specializes in tempura bowls—shrimp & veggie tendon, great for quick comfort eats
Your Playhouse Village Food Adventure Awaits!
Pasadena Playhouse Village’s Asian Culinary Scene is waiting for your to enjoy. Ultimately, Pasadena’s Playhouse Village offers far more than just a place to live – it provides a daily passport to a world of exquisite Asian flavors. From the rich broths of Japanese ramen to the spicy delights of Sichuan, and the fresh zest of Vietnamese cuisine, this neighborhood’s diverse dining scene is a testament to its vibrant appeal. Imagine stepping out your door to an endless array of authentic and innovative Asian restaurants. This incredible culinary access is just one of the many reasons why Playhouse Village stands out as a truly desirable place to call home. If you’re searching for Pasadena condos or Playhouse Village homes that put you steps away from these tempting dining pleasures, let us guide you. Contact us at PaulKaplan@BDHomes.com Berkshire Hathaway Home Services, DRE 01325548.
Discover why living in this dynamic Pasadena neighborhood is a decision you’ll savor for years to come.
*Hours may fluctuate—call or check online before visiting.