dos besos — Restaurant in Pasadena

When my family and I were feeling homesick for Spain, we decided to visit Dos Besos, a top-rated Spanish restaurant in Pasadena. From the moment we walked in, we knew we were in for an unforgettable experience. The ambiance transported us back to the charming streets of Spain, with its warm, inviting decor and the soothing sounds of Spanish guitar in the background.

The food at Dos Besos is nothing short of extraordinary. Every dish we tried was a masterpiece, meticulously crafted and bursting with authentic flavors. The paella was perfectly cooked, with a delightful mix of fresh seafood and saffron-infused rice that took us straight to the coast of Valencia. The setas con crema de trufa (mushrooms in truffle cream) were absolutely divine, with rich, earthy flavors enhanced by the luxurious truffle.

To accompany our meal, we had the sparkling white sangria, which was refreshing and not overly sweet – a perfect balance. For dessert, we enjoyed the almond cake with vanilla ice cream, which was the perfect end to our meal. The cake was moist and flavorful, paired wonderfully with the creamy ice cream.

What truly set our experience apart was the exceptional service. Chef Alejandro Llobet, born in Barcelona, was incredibly kind and accommodating. He personally recommended the best dishes for us and ensured we were enjoying every moment of our meal. The staff went above and beyond to make us feel welcome and valued, creating a warm and inviting atmosphere that made us feel right at home.

Everything at Dos Besos is made from scratch, showcasing the dedication and passion behind each dish. This attention to detail and commitment to quality made our dining experience truly special.

Dos Besos not only satisfied our longing for a taste of Spain but exceeded all our expectations. It was a night filled with incredible food, exceptional service, and a warm, inviting atmosphere that made us feel right at home. For anyone craving an authentic Spanish dining experience, Dos Besos is an absolute must-visit. We will definitely be returning and recommending it to...

Wonderful dinner and experience. Honestly I can admit this has to be my favorite, at least in my top three, dinner that I have had in Pasadena. The owners are extremely friendly and welcoming, which is always a bonus. When I made reservations, I spoke with the owner and requested a specific table, and she made sure it happened, in addition she was very polite and sweet when we arrived. I saw her do the same with every other guest while we were in there as well. Our server Audrey was also very polite, prompt, and beautiful. It’s very quaint and small on the inside, although they do have a large outdoor seating area as well, but on the inside they space out the seating well so it’s easy to get in and out of every table and you’re not so close that you can hear every word that’s said at other tables like a few other places close by. I was able to find metered parking directly in front of the restaurant, however, there is a large, four-story parking garage right across the street as well for $4, so honestly parking will not be an issue.

We started off with the Gazpacho, and it was fantastic. I order it often all around town, and even make it at home, and can say this is one the better ones that I’ve had in long time. Next came the Burrata with Shaved Black Truffles, and it was a great follow up to the Gazpacho. They did not skimp on the truffles, so I was able to eat some truffle with every bite of the Burrata. A wonderful combination! Finally for our entrée we chose the Squid Ink Paella and it was one of the better entrées I’ve had in months. I’ve been to Spain four times and I can say this was a very authentic and well made Paella. The squid ink really added a great briny flavor to it which I love on any pasta as well. Unfortunately, they sold out of their special dessert, the Spanish Bread Pudding, but next time I will definitely order that.

Overall a perfect dinner in a wonderful setting with a very polite and prompt staff. I would highly recommend to anyone for any occasions, both casual and formal. I will...

I recently dined at Dos Besos in Pasadena on a Wednesday night with another couple, and it was a delightful experience. This new Spanish restaurant, helmed by Barcelona-born chef Alejandro Llobet, truly transports you to a slice of Europe in Old Pasadena.

The restaurant's intimate and cozy brick-walled interior, adorned with wine bottles, sets the stage for a wonderful evening. We started with the albondigas meatballs, a delightful combination of beef, pork, and Manchego cheese. It's evident that Chef Alejandro has succeeded in creating a little piece of Spain in Old Town.

For our main courses, we decided to share the seafood paella and the Mediterranean sea bass. The paella was a standout, featuring a medley of fresh seafood that burst with flavor. The sea bass, while delicious, was a bit on the smaller side once deboned.

We couldn't resist ordering a couple of tapas, which were a creamy and delectable treat. Among the not-to-miss items is the pan con tomate – a perfect balance of light and crunchy with a smear of tomato, garlic, and olive oil.

To make the evening even more special, the seafood paella for two is a perfect choice for a date night on the patio. It's garnished with two large prawns arranged in the shape of a heart, adding a romantic touch to the meal.

I should also note that the service at Dos Besos was exceptional. The staff was attentive, friendly, and efficient, ensuring that our dining experience was seamless and enjoyable. Their knowledge of the menu and willingness to make recommendations enhanced our evening.

Overall, Dos Besos is a gem in the heart of Old Pasadena, offering a taste of authentic Spanish cuisine in a charming ambiance. I highly recommend it for a memorable...