La Cave — Restaurant in Pasadena

After 7 visits and counting, I can wholeheartedly say that this wine bar is one of Old Town best spots! I was completely in love on my 1st visit, and since then, it’s become a place I look forward to every single week!

The service is one of the many reasons this place stands out: Emily, Alfredo, and Christian bring the true spirit of hospitality every time. They are warm, welcoming, and genuinely kind. Emily, in particular, has become a highlight of my week. She’s down to earth, intuitive, and attentive to every detail, balancing calm care with a great sense of timing and flow, even during the busiest moments. Alfredo is just as thoughtful and clearly keeps things running smoothly. His cocktails are fantastic, and his energy adds to the experience in such a great way.

The menu is a thoughtful blend of California and French influences, and everything is a home run. From the quality to the creative presentations, it’s clear Chef puts care into every dish. Whether you are sharing a few appetizers, enjoying something sweet from their pastry case, or pairing it all with a glass of wine, you will be happy!

The space itself is intimate and beautiful, with rich wood, soft lighting, and a design that feels both elegant and cozy. There’s also a private room near the wine section that hosts special chef’s dinners. Have not had the chance to try one yet, but hopefully one day!

Everything is spotless, well cared for, and clearly run with pride and attention.

I love supporting small businesses, especially when they offer something truly special. This place makes it easy to do just that. It’s more than a wine bar, it’s a community place that hosts good food, great people, and genuine...

La Cave is an absolute gem in Pasadena! The vibe is warm, chic, and effortlessly elegant, the perfect spot to enjoy a beautifully curated glass of French wine alongside thoughtful plant-based bites. The service is truly what sets this place apart. Every time I walk in, I’m immediately greeted with the warmest energy, especially from Emily, who always welcomes me (and everyone else!) with the most genuine smile and positive vibe. She brings such a radiant presence to the space and makes the whole experience feel personal and special. And then there’s Alfredo, the absolute artist behind the drinks! Every drink he makes is not only delicious but visually stunning! I personally love his mocktails, he always delivers magic in a glass. Being right next to their sister bakery, ID-Éclair, means you can indulge in the most exquisite vegan French pastries , it’s the perfect pairing. The location is great, conveniently situated in Old Town Pasadena, easy to get to with good parking and surrounded by walkable charm. The ambiance of the space itself is beautiful and calming, with a clean, modern aesthetic that still feels cozy and welcoming. Whether you’re here for wine, pastries, or both, La Cave is the kind of place you’ll want to come back to again...

For our 15th wedding anniversary, we chose to celebrate with the Chef's Experience at this restaurant and paid the deposit well in advance. Unfortunately, just five minutes before our reservation time, the chef called to inform us that the Chef's Experience could not be accommodated due to an oven issue. He admitted he should have called earlier because he was aware of the problem since morning—but he didn’t.

This last-minute cancellation was incredibly disappointing. My wife was upset, and what was supposed to be a special evening quickly turned into a scramble to find an alternative, plant-based fine dining option on short notice—not an easy task.

A restaurant offering high-end experiences should be more proactive and respectful of their guests’ time and expectations. This establishment needs...