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La Maschera Ristorante

82 N Fair Oaks Ave
Pasadena, CA 91103
Phone: (626) 304-0004
Citysearch
Price:
$$$
Cross Street:
Holly Street
Best of Citysearch:
Wine Bar 2006
Hours:
Daily 5pm-11pm

Editorial Review for La Maschera Ristorante – by Martha Burr

In Short
Wood, leather, and mirrors lend Old-World Italian charm to this Pasadena spot. The luxe-gothic lounge features velvet chairs, settees and silk pillows, with Florentine iron lanterns casting dancing patterns on the violet-mocha-toned walls. A burnished wooden bar hosts a lively evening scene, with ambient music, an extensive listing of vintage wine. The more rustic dining room features a Tuscan-inspired menu including fresh fennel and steak salad, rolled eggplant with goat cheese, and wild mushroom gnocchi with tiger shrimp.

Editorial content is independent of paid advertisers. Any expenses are paid for by Citysearch.

User Reviews for La Maschera Ristorante

5 Star Rating: Highly Recommended

06/07/2008 Posted by maxanaga

We've been here several times over a few years and the food is always wonderful - pasta dishes are creative and flavorful without too much sauce - perfect portions. Osso buco is wonderful to find and prepared really well. The steak was amazing. The service is great, very Italian style which some consider slow but is actually authentic because they need the time to prepare the food and don't pressure you to leave as soon as you're done - very friendly too. One day our server was from Toscana and the next his colleague from Sicily. They make good recommendations and care about the ingredients. The cuisine is something you'd find in Italy, (where I lived for several years), authentic in ingredients with a North African flavor. It's my favorite Italian, if not overall, restaurant in Pasadena.

Pros: ingredients, authenticity, creativity

Cons: parking- some might not like to wait for well prepared food

5 Star Rating: Highly Recommended

05/24/2008 Posted by LAdesigngrp

I had read all the reviews and I would like to mention for those who didn't appreciate the food or the wine, obviously do NOT know what la cucina italiana is all about. My dining experience at La Maschera has been lovely! My server suggested the branzino and I'm glad I listened to him. It was like dining in the Mediterranean. If you are a wine aficionado, La Maschera is the place. Better wine list than most places in the West side (this is true). Wonderful decor (ideal for dinner for two or big parties). The list goes on an on. This is the one and only jewel in Old Towne Pasadena. Molto buono e magnifico! BRAVO! (They are very close to authentic) I will definitely return...

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Editor's Review

Hip, elegant Italian space is charmingly romantic, with a young, stylish Pasadena crowd.  See the full editorial review.

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Restaurant Information

Parking

  • Valet

Hours

  • Daily 5pm-11pm

Payment Types

  • Discover
  • American Express
  • MasterCard
  • Visa

Cuisines

  • Italian

Meal Price

  • $$$

Amenities

  • Lunch Spot
  • Outdoor Dining
  • Date Spot
  • Romantic Dining
  • Dine at the Bar
  • People Watching
  • Notable Wine List
  • Group Dining
  • Special Occasion Dining

Recognition for La Maschera Ristorante

2006 Audience Winner - Wine Bar

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