Avanti Italian Bistro & Bar

187 N Sierra Madre Blvd, Pasadena
(626) 817-9180

Recent Reviews

Juan Diaz

This place is closed ..now it's a different restaurant...kalaveras a bar !!

Linda Renwick

Such an enjoyable evening! Have been a patron since 1992, first on Lake, and now here. Shrimp & Scallop Risotto, Lamb Shank and Filet. Such a delight after so many months away! (Updated year. Thought I had fixed before I posted ?)

301NLake

Very sad to learn Avanti's owners are retiring and have sold the restaurant. Another Pasadena fixture gone. I've enjoyed their food since they had their pizza cafe on Lake Avenue. Have fond memories of celebrating a big birthday party where all the guests loved the space, the service and the menu. Wishing Bobby and Mina happy travels and a well-deserved retirement.

GabrielH

In Google it had 2 $$ marks, but the place is quite expensive. The service was good and let us change the order because the Rissoto was not a real Rissoto. The other dishes were good but overpriced.

SteveK

This is our to-go neighborhood Italian place. Food is great and wonderful service. Casual but warm ambiance. The house-made garlic rolls and other bread is a nice treat to enjoy before you order. I had the fettuccine Alfredo and it's one of the best I've had; creamy and very well prepared.

Michelle C.

My husband and I dined in on a Thursday evening and knew exactly what we wanted ... pesto pasta. It came out super fast and absolutely delicious! The garlic bread on the side are also delish. The waitstaff we're incredibly nice and prompt. I can't wait to come back :)

TRex86

Since we left Pasadena an old favorite had gone upscale. They moved to a new location and "jazzed up the joint." Food and service were as good as always. If we still lived in Pasadena this would be one of our favorite haunts.

Pat Campbell

Great menu!! We had the calamari, kale salad, lasagna, seafood pasta, and peach bellinis!! Nice portions, excellent service and they have a parking lot. Great fun, very convenient and wonderful food and atmosphere!!

Kevin Bolling

Nice restaurant. Nice atmosphere. The food was tasty. On the expensive side, but would go back again.

Robert W.

I had 2 meh experiences here a long long time ago and never went back. Returned tonight because I've been hearing great reviews lately. Each item we ordered was superb. My spouse had a delightful cocktail. The rolled eggplant appetizer with ricotta was tasty. My Caesar was chilled and the fresh traditional dressing was Mmmm. My branzino was perhaps the best I've ever had it prepared. It could have used an extra smidge of sauce, but, delish. My wife's carbonara was very meaty and the flesh eaters at the table loved it. A little too meaty for my preference. We had a keto eater with us that ordered a salad with all special preparations. They did it well, it looked great the guy raved about it. Last meal was a pasta dish I forget exactly what he ordered, but, it was great, pasta perfectly cooked. Dessert my cappuccino was as expected. Desserts are not their strongpoint. The desserts are fine just not stellar. Very good wait staff.

RobertEats1

Each item we ordered was superb. My spouse had a delightful cocktail. The rolled eggplant appetizer with ricotta was tasty. My Caesar was chilled and the fresh traditional dressing was Mmmm. My branzino was perhaps the best I've ever had it prepared. It could have used an extra smidge of sauce, but, delish. My wife's carbonara was very meaty and the flesh eaters at the table loved it. A little too meaty for my preference. We had a keto eater with us that ordered a salad with all special preparations. They did it well, it looked great the guy raved about it. Last meal was a pasta dish I forget exactly what he ordered, but, it was great, pasta perfectly cooked. Dessert my cappuccino was as expected. Desserts are not their strongpoint. The desserts are fine just not stellar. Very good wait staff.

Anne B.

It was pretty cool to be here during the penalty kicks for Italia vs. England! But this is not a sports bar, it's a chic neighborhood restaurant. Perfect place for Sunday brunch. You can see the chef working by the wood oven for the crispy-crust pizzas. We had one with roasted corn and cherry tomatoes. Delicious. Also ate a green salad with tasty lime vinaigrette and minestrone. Cappuccino came in a medium-size Lavazza cup--not a bowl of milk, ok? Made the right way! The location on Sierra Madre near Foothill and the freeway is not glamorous, but once you step inside you will be impressed by the decor, menu and service.

The food was incredible!! Phenomenal fresh Italian food that tasted authentic. Service was fairly good, I personally wasn't a fan of the drinks, though my partner loved both of ours. My only complaint is that they let my water glass get pretty close to empty a few times; other than that it was STELLAR

Debra N.

I had eaten here once several years ago. They were open for the 4th of July and I went there for a late lunch. The staff was attentive and made some great recommendations. The food was wonderful. I will definitely be back.

Terese C.

Visited Avanti for lunch last week. My first time. Checking it out for a future special occasion birthday lunch. Decor is classy. Food was both good and nicely presented. Our server Tove (sp?), easily answered all my questions about possible seating arrangements, corkage fee and payment options. Very pleased with the entire experience. Made reservations as I was leaving for a party of 9 next week. Looking forward to it!

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