Mi Piace

Rong Mao

A great Italian restaurant in the old Pasadena neighborhood, perfect for a special occasion. We tried the house salad, truffle pasta, spaghetti with meatballs, and lasagna with chicken and cilantro (very unique and innovative). Everything was delicious. All pasta tasted fresh and probably made in house. The truffle pasta was a standout dish. We had thought we ordered too much food but devoured everything in the end. Price is on the higher side. Staff were very friendly but the service was just a bit slow, partly because we sat outside. Overall, it was a very satisfying meal. We were too full to try their desserts but the display of the various cakes looked very enticing.

James

Last of the remaining popular Italian restaurants along Colorado in Old Town Pasadena, Mi Piace is a modern, vibrant place for great Italian and Italian American flavors. From the late 80s this has been a favorite place for many patrons, recalling long wait lines even before the bumping music and loud bar crowd. Decor-wise, there have been many changes and updates. Their menu has stayed mainly the same with many changes, including a specials menu that seems to get longer as the years pass. I will have to make note of some of the dishes that used to be bold, spicy, and pungent have been dialed back. Fortunately, ingredients continue to be fresh and vibrant. Seafood items are on point, and pastas are delectable, fine-dining worthy. The bar and wine list are excellent here. Not completely focused on Italian regions, French wines are listed and offer a great option to pair. The staff is attentive and very friendly. The front of the house has an accommodating attitude, and the open kitchen aura gives an interactive vibe to the dining room. Unfortunately, the only caveat that I just can't get past is the loud club music screeching through my dining experience while my party and I were struggling to see our menu, which continued to our plates. I truly miss some of the older decor that paired a bright dining area with great, vibrant food while listening to the tracks of the Gypsy Kings.

gerry furth

This place lives up to its reputation as an "institution" for solid Italian classics and contemporary dishes since it opened the last century and the new chef, Isiah Peña is up to the task. The bakery in the basement has always stood in its own higher league and the owners imported a baker from Greece to make sure. Chef Peńa's special little notes like pickled pear and cucumber mignonette with oysters, and flamed or dry-iced presentations are dramatic and memorable. Peña's easy-going, affable nature belie his talent, flair and capability in the kitchen -- and his good vibes carry across the staff -- we learned one day that our server was retired and still came in to take shifts because he loved the place!

Yuka

Came for a birthday dinner on Tuesday night. Mostly good rating in my books, however the service could be better. There was one waiter in particular, who brought the plates out —needs to let the people he is serving the plate to that he’s behind them. Comes off rude/slight scare that there is a suddenly a server about to put the plate on the table. Personally got the salmon vodka pasta but the salmon bits were a little salty in my opinion.

arsineh arakel

Mi piace has been a staple to Pasadena. So it feels comforting to revisit. Some pastas are house-made and great. The bolognese was good but not enough meat for the $37 price point. The tuna tartare was heavenly, refreshing and made you devour each bite. The acoustics makes it a loud dinner, but it is a vibrant feel. Service is fantastic.