Mendocino Farms — Restaurant in Pasadena

updated 3/24/2024

Mendocino Farms is a delightful culinary oasis that stays true to its roots, originating from a family farm with a mission to satisfy appetites and hearts alike. As soon as you step in, you're welcomed into a warm, inviting atmosphere that reflects the founders' dedication to creating more than just a place to eat.

I recently went back to the restaurant after church and ordered their Banh Mi pork belly sandwich, and I must say, it was a flavor explosion! The depth of Asian herbs and sauces infused into each bite left me craving more. Their commitment to quality ingredients shines through in every dish, and the Banh Mi was no exception.

In addition to their stellar sandwiches, Mendocino Farms offers a tantalizing array of soups, including the tempting Thai sweet potato soup. With such enticing options, it's impossible not to eagerly anticipate trying them all.

But Mendocino Farms is more than just a restaurant; it's a testament to the power of passion and empowerment. Co-founders Mario Del Pero and Ellen Chen's journey from a simple idea to a thriving business is both inspiring and evident in every aspect of the dining experience. Since its inception in 2003, Mendocino Farms has become a beloved fixture in Southern California, enriching the communities it serves with its exceptional cuisine and unwavering commitment to excellence. Whether you're a local or just passing through, a visit to Mendocino Farms is sure to leave you with a full stomach and a heart full of gratitude for the culinary journey they provide.

Updated review:

Craving for Mandocino Farm Sandwich. Went to the Pasadena location for lunch for take out order. This location opens for patio dining as well during the pandemic.

Every time I come here, I would order the Italian sandwich. This time I decided to try out their Banh Mi sandwich. It turned out to be a good decision. The marinated pork belly was delicious and the pickle carrots in the sandwich were amazing.

My wife had a grill ham and cheese. Unfortunately, they forgot to grill the sandwich and we ended up grilling the sandwich ourselves when we got home using a panini pan. But the end result was a tasty sandwich with nice melted cheese in a sourdough bread.

This is a good place to get a quick bite if you don’t want to din-in. The restaurant has good pandemic practices with everyone wearing gloves and mask. Best place to have healthy eats.

End of the update

We used to go their marina del Rey location when we visited our son at LMU. We enjoy their healthy choice of sandwiches and salads. For people that are health conscious and want to have to variety and tasty foods, this is the place for them. They have so many creative ways of making sandwiches and salads, you will never get bored. Their foods encompass variety and international diversity. I love their ITALIAN prosciutto sandwiches when I am in the mood for Italian food. My wife loves the Banh Mi pork belly sandwich as she is more fond of ASIAN foods. Today, I decided to order their steak sandwich to be more on the keto diet mode. So whatever diet you are hopping on, they have food for you. So, just come by after your spinning class next door to pick up your favorite salad or sandwich. There are plenty of parking in the back of the restaurant...

Review for Mendocino Farms - Pasadena

I’ve been coming to the Pasadena Mendocino Farms branch on and off for a while now, but ever since the new management took over, I’ve found myself becoming a frequent, dedicated customer. Under the leadership of their new manager, Billy, the entire dining experience has been elevated to a new level of excellence.

First, let me say how thoroughly impressed I am with the quality of the food. Mendocino Farms has always been known for its variety of healthy, delicious options, but now, the consistency and freshness are unmatched. Every meal is prepared to perfection, with no detail overlooked. Whether it’s a busy lunchtime or a quieter evening, the flavor, quality, and presentation are always spot-on.

The customer service at this branch is what truly sets it apart. Walking into Mendocino Farms in Pasadena feels like coming home. The team greets me with a warm smile and a friendly “How are you?” every single time. It’s small details like this that make me feel like more than just a ticket number. Even when the restaurant is packed, the staff works seamlessly together to keep everything running smoothly. Under Billy’s management, the staff has truly become a team, and you can see that their goal is to make each guest feel valued and welcome.

I cannot say enough good things about Billy himself. He’s a one-of-a-kind leader who goes above and beyond in every possible way. His charisma and thoughtfulness are contagious, and he genuinely cares about the experience of each guest. He’s committed to creating the best experience possible, and that commitment shines through in every interaction. Billy’s work ethic, attentiveness, and passion for his job make him such an asset to the Mendocino Farms team.

But what truly sets Billy apart is his genuine compassion. On multiple occasions, he’s made me feel seen, respected, and valued. He even remembers details about my family and takes the time to ask about them—sometimes even praying with us when we’ve been going through tough times. When my father was on disability, Billy made sure I had a few extra meals to take home, which helped ease our load as caregivers. These small acts of kindness made a huge impact on our family, and I’ll always be grateful to him and his team for their compassion and generosity.

Thanks to the incredible team and leadership at Mendocino Farms Pasadena, it has easily become one of my favorite places to eat. It’s rare to find a place where the quality of food, customer service, and heart of the staff come together so seamlessly. If you haven’t been to this branch yet, I highly recommend it! You’ll not only enjoy a delicious meal but also feel like you’re truly valued as a customer. Thank you to Billy and the entire team for setting such a...

Let me start by saying I am not a Vegan or vegetarian and I'm hardly an organic shopper. So I was a bit skeptical about how I would like Mendocino Farms. Though they are not strictly vegetarian their menu does offer a lot of meat free and gluten free options. That being said I was pleasantly surprised by how much I enjoyed the food here. So much flavor!

Mostly serving sandwiches and salads, they offer a seasonal special as well. They offer two different soups, and multiple healthy sides, such as quinoa, potato salad, pasta salads, all with different flavor variations depending on the day. The bread is fresh, and they have lots of options there as well, from a thick buckwheat sliced bread to a sesame roll, or a lovely soft ciabatta and more. You can add extra proteins to pretty much anything, and the staff could not be more friendly or accommodating.

Some of my favorites: the Steak Chimmichurri sandwich is served on a delicious pretzel bun, with a pleasing texture, plenty of protein for this meat eater and the tangy, garlic and herb chimmichurri sauce is exactly what you'd expect it to be.

The Chicken MBP is another winner with slices of chicken breast, thick slices of fresh creamy Mozzarella and a delicious Basil Pesto Spread. But this isn't a typical Caprese. There is NO tomato, instead they've added sweet roasted red peppers. A fantastic sandwich served on a large soft ciabatta. Ask for it toasted if you want to take this sandwich...