dos besos

Nikki Sewer

I love Spanish food, tapas, etc. Dos Besos has been on my list to try for some time, so I finally was able to come for brunch and Wow was it good!! The food is so fresh and delicious. This was one of the best meals I’ve had in a long time. It’s also really cute inside, very European feeling. I love the outdoor patio seating. The staff was really attentive and friendly. Everything was chef’s kiss! Definitely get the pan con tomate (with one of the cured meats), seafood paella and the almond cake. There are many other items on the menu I want to try so I’ll be back!

Jimmy Su

Made a reservation for a Wednesday night at Dos Besos in Pasadena and came with a friend to finally try their Spanish tapas and paella. From the moment we arrived, the experience was excellent from start to finish. As soon as we walked in, Audrey greeted us with a warm welcome and gave us the option of dining inside or outside. It was a beautiful evening and not too cold, so we opted for the patio seating. Great decision. The outdoor atmosphere was relaxing and comfortable, setting the tone for a wonderful dinner. We started with the Burrata con Trufa Negra and the Pulpo a la Gallega. The burrata was incredibly fresh and creamy, while the shaved black truffle added just the right amount of earthy richness without overpowering the cheese. It was simple, elegant, and absolutely delicious. The octopus was another standout. Perfectly grilled with a slight char on the outside while remaining incredibly tender on the inside. Combined with the potatoes, it was a classic dish executed extremely well. For our main course, we ordered the Paella del Mar. This was exactly what I was hoping for when I think of seafood paella. Loaded with mussels, clams, calamari, prawns, and shrimp, every bite showcased fresh seafood flavors. The saffron came through beautifully, but my favorite part was the rice itself. The paella pan created that coveted crispy layer of socarrat on the bottom, adding an incredible texture and depth of flavor that made the dish memorable. To drink, definitely order the red sangria. It paired perfectly with the seafood and tapas and was refreshing throughout the meal. For dessert, we asked our server what his favorite dessert was. Without hesitation, he recommended a pistachio ricotta cake that wasn't even listed on the menu. We trusted his recommendation and were glad we did. It was fantastic. Honestly, after trying it, I told him it deserved a permanent spot on the menu because it was that good. The service throughout the evening was phenomenal. Audrey got us off to a great start, but every member of the staff who helped us was attentive, patient, and genuinely welcoming. They gave us plenty of time to enjoy the meal while always being available whenever we needed something. As for the ambiance, the patio was about half full during our visit, making it lively without being noisy. We had no problem carrying on a normal conversation throughout dinner, which made the experience even more enjoyable. Parking was surprisingly easy for Old Town Pasadena. There was street parking available, along with several nearby public parking lots and garages within walking distance. Overall, Dos Besos delivered on every level. Great food, excellent service, a beautiful atmosphere, and one of the best seafood paellas I've had. I'll definitely be back to explore more of the menu, and that pistachio ricotta cake better still be available when I return.

Angie

Dos Besos is such a cozy gem ✨ My friend and I grabbed an outdoor table and it was just the perfect vibe. We got a couple of small plates. I can't remember the exact names on the menu, but everything was delicious. We definitely ordered the octopus dish and it was fantastic. We also shared what looked like a cheese and fruit board. It was great to nibble on while we chatted, with a nice variety of cheeses and some sweet, dried fruit. If you're looking for a chill spot with great tapas, you absolutely have to check this place out. Highly recommend!

M S

Excellent service from Tomas. Very courteous & professional. An establishment goes far when the service is on par with the food. Arrived at 7 p.m. today. Seated outside w/patio heaters. Had their bread and butter while waiting 30 mins. for the Paella we had ordered. Well worth the wait!! This was most probably the best Paella I have ever had. As you can see from the 'before and after eating' pics.. That's how well it was made.. Finger lickin (or whatever utensil you use to gobble down this Saffron enriched decadent meal) good.. down to the last grain. Just Delectable! Finished off with their heavy yet light Spanish flan dessert. 10/10 for Dos Besos.. Now I need more Pesos so I can go there more often! 😅

Jean Anne Matter

If this restaurant was in Pittsburgh, I would probably give it 5 stars, but for Pasedena, I would call it perfectly nice, perfectly good food, service a bit rough (new waiter), but very friendly. We ate outside on a lovely evening and that was very enjoyable. Patio is beside the building away from the street. Didn't go inside, but the patio is good for groups of any size; well behaved kids who like tapas should be fine; not sure if they allow well behaved doggies, but can't think why not. No steps to the patio, so accessibility good. Street parking on a weeknight was no problem.