Pasadena Hidden Gem — Stunning Outdoor Seating 🍽️

Saso 📍 37 S El Molino Ave, Pasadena, CA Open weekdays from 5 PM (dinner only) | Weekends from 12 PM (great for brunch!) This weekend felt like a Pasadena special — met friends here two days in a row. Saturday’s spot was Saso, and wow — the building itself is gorgeous. The outdoor setup feels so European, like a mini getaway to Cannes (even though I’ve never been 😆). Pasadena is full of beautiful old architecture with artistic charm, so just sitting here enjoying the view felt worthwhile before even tasting the food. After encountering plenty of mean service elsewhere, their hospitality felt like a warm breeze 🌿. Even though most dishes are around $20, the service felt like it belonged in an $80 restaurant — definitely deserved a 20% tip! We started with coffee — no sour beans here. My latte was unsweetened but still aromatic and lovely. Appetizer: Grilled Mushrooms Not exactly vegetarian since it’s topped with a raw duck egg yolk and a sprinkle of fish roe. The mushrooms alone have a smoky char but lack salt, so mix in the roe for a savory kick!😂❤️ Mains: Seafood Pasta in White Wine Sauce — generous portion, tasty, though nothing extraordinary. Pan-Seared Salmon (server’s favorite!) — crispy, flavorful skin, but the salt is mostly on the skin. Best eaten skin-on with the flesh.😍💕 Comes with an avocado salad that’s refreshing and cuts through the richness — though I was too full from the mushrooms and salmon to finish it all. Overall, Saso is definitely worth a visit.❤️🙌 Evenings must be magical with the courtyard lighting, and daytime is perfect for lazy brunching, chatting, or just daydreaming. Outdoor tables are well-spaced, and staff wore masks — felt safe enough for me (someone usually hesitant about dining out) to want to bring family here soon. #LAFood #Brunch #PasadenaEats #OutdoorDining #HiddenGem 🍳