Star Leaf – Asian Restaurant & Bar — Restaurant in Pasadena

How much can a place impress you before you decide this is the standard it should be? Star Leaf is a Thai restaurant that popped onto the scene in Pasadena just a year ago and from its introduction to Southern California it has seen a slew of satisfied diners. Though I'm usually not a fan of high priced Thai food it didn't take long for the place to win me over. Let me tell you why Star Leaf is worth your appetite.

Design - Modern Meets Palace

With a large fire, stone elephants, and a water display just at the entrance of this restaurant you get a feeling of grandeur before even entering the building. Once inside, you start to see the styling is a mixture of old world with modern touches. The tables for two have large analog lamps floating above them. The booths have black leather and rich wood materials. The kitchen is open for all to see. The interior is dark enough to create intimate dining within each party, but bright enough to see what is going on on the dining room floor.

Their menu also needs to be highlighted because not only do they have a menu listing their food in texts, but also a large photo book showcasing each dish visually. If we eat with our eyes then this menu is a trailer for great things to come. An extensive drink menu also arrives and Star Leaf is a restaurant where drinks should be tried. I highly recommend their mango sticky rice cocktail, with or without alcohol. It was a highlight and one I'll remember for a long time.

Food - Grand Ideas with Mostly Delivered Results

We went through an extensive amount of food and instead of detailing each of them let me give you the highlights and lowlights.

Highlights - The grilled lamb chops were phenomenal. Grilled perfectly with barely any pink, the meat was so tender you could pull the meat off the bone without resistance. The minted chimichurri sauce next to it is exquisite and worth diving a forkful of lamb each and every time. A balance of fresh, sweet, and savory this amazing sauce could make anything taste better. Paired with a perfectly grilled lamb and you have one of the best bites you'll ever taste.

The Thai Royal Curry with shrimp was amazing. Large, plump, meaty shrimp bigger than your spoon fills this savory and flavorful curry. Paired with a crusty outside, pillowy inside bread and you have a dish truly making you feel like royalty.

The Bakka Wild Salmon in Thai vinaigrette is an amazing starter. The sweetness of the sauce reminds me of a semi-sweet aji sauce with a slight kick at the end to let you know you're alive. It was just the right amount of taste to tease your appetite and start you off right for your dinner.

Finally, I would be remise if I didn't bring up my favorite drink, the mango sticky rice cocktail. This drink is made of fresh mango, condensed milk, pandan infused oat, and coconut milk. It feels like drinking a creamy version of the dish and it is well received after taking in so much spice from the mains. An oasis for the taste buds and one you'll be dreaming about long after the meal is finished.

Lowlights - The Crying Tiger salad really doesn't feel worth the money. Essentially a spring mix with a vinaigrette and a protein of your choice the salad isn't terrible, but compared to everything else on the menu this isn't worth any of your appetite or money.

The desserts are all sweet and will fulfill that desire at the end of your meal, but compared to everything else it feels a bit flat. Often too sweet or just okay, the best item might be a scoop of their pandan ice cream.

Conclusion

A well thought out menu with warm staff, well designed interior, and an energy that's exciting for those involved, Star Leaf is a restaurant unlike others and worth the try. Though by no means will the bill be under $100 for two people, the quality of the experience will be worth every dollar. Perfect for dates and special occasions, Star Leaf is a must try Thai restaurant...

A place where nothing is spared and each detail has a purpose. The interiors are south east Asian chic with European influences here and there (including the beautiful restroom which by the way smells so amazing). Everything seems to be carefully curated and the fusion style dishes were delightfully scrumptious.

The Cocktails:

RAFFLES Singapore Sling -- this drink is rare in SoCal and because I've been missing Singapore, I decided to give it a try. One sip and bam! There version got me hooked. No scrimping on the alcohol and fresh fruit all around.

Lychee Martini - You can totally taste the lychee. This drink is as gorgeous as it is a killer. Talking about it now is making me want one again.

The Grub:

Mamasan's shrimp cake skewers -- thoughtfully served in green onion skewers. It does not look much but it is every bit as delightful with the Crunchy breading outer layer and chewy shrimp inside. The dip was perfection and this is truly best eaten with the Pineapple chunks it was served with.

Saigon Summer Rice Paper Rolls -- Fresh and carefully prepared. The mango dip was divine and it all blends so well altogether. I can finish an entire plate of this. It's light and refreshingly rich in flavors.

Night Market Shichimi Tofu -- Delish!! Served with what appears to be fried watermelon and avocado. Do have each bite with another fruit and the melody it creates in your mouth will delight you to your core.

Bakka Wild Salmon In Thai Vinaigrette -- Perhaps my favorite dish tonight. Eye popping good and puts the F in FRESH. It was spicy for me but that didn't stop me from having more than a couple. Again, must be enjoyed with all its accompanying garnish.

Spicy Tom Yum Soup - Heavenly! Their version left quite an impression on us and the manner in which it was served was interesting and truly engaging. Served fresh and cooked in front of our table no less with storytelling to boot. My other favorite dish from our visit.

Siam Beach Club Egg Rolls -- Capital A (and all caps) for AMAZING. Crunchy, fresh goodness. Sauce to-die-for.

Madame Noi's Pork Collar -- grilled to perfection and absolutely scrumptious! Roll em up altogether and hello, you're on cloud nine!

Royal Crown Fried Rice -- Yummy albeit a bit salty because of all the seafood, nonetheless, a standout among all fried rices I've had in this lifetime.

Longganisa Mussels -- My least favorite as it was too salty for my taste even with the freshly baked Baguette that came with it. Nonetheless it was a brave take on the longganisa which I grew up eating. It was quite an experience trying it out with mussels in a soup.

Spicy Malacca Sambal -- My friend thought it was too salty but it was perfectly seasoned for me so I suppose it's a toss between the two. Crunchy green beans cooked the right way.

We were too full to have dessert but I suppose that saves for next time.

The only annoying thing about our visit was how the bartender informed us that the kitchen has closed at 9 PM (without even alerting us before it has closed) so when our friends walked in at 9:05, we were panicking. We haven't been seated yet and the kitchen has closed! My friend spoke to a hostess and they accommodated us. She says the kitchen is still open. Thank heavens we haven't left yet. This kind of miscommunication can be avoided in the future.

Other than that service was impeccable and the restaurant was ultra clean. I'm returning with my kids next time--I hope they're kid...

Updated Review! June 30,2025

We keep coming back — and Star Leaf always impresses! When we’re in the mood for unforgettable Asian fusion, this is the first place that comes to mind — and for good reason. We started the evening at their gorgeous bar — and forgot how stunning it is. It feels like a refined cocktail lounge you’d find in Asia or tucked away in a chic corner of Europe. Elegant, moody, and the perfect place to start the night. Of course, we had their signature Kamata Club Blues — served in a smoky glass, with bold flavors and a showstopping presentation.

We began with the perfect starter: 🦐 Thai Prawn Ceviche – fresh black tiger prawns, Thai chili, mint, and just the right balance of tang and heat.

Then came the indulgent mains: 🦞 Thai Royal Curry with Lobster – always fresh and heavenly. Truly the best Thai lobster dish we’ve had — rich, comforting, and packed with flavor. 🍚 Royal Crown Fried Rice – topped with fish roe and packed with savory goodness. My personal favorite — a must every time. 🍝 Truffle Wok Seared Noodles with Scallops – our first time trying it, and wow. Silky black truffle sauce, handmade noodles, brussels sprout leaves, and buttery scallops. Truly unforgettable.

We ended on a sweeter note with: 🍨 The Pink Mekong – coconut cream, seasonal fruits, lotus seeds, red beans… refreshing, delicate, and the perfect sweet finish.

From the ambiance to the flavors, Star Leaf is truly an experience — not just a meal. We’ll be back again soon!

——————————————————————————-

Embarking on a brunch adventure at Star Leaf was a true delight! The inviting atmosphere set the stage for a memorable experience from the moment we stepped inside. Our culinary journey began with the iconic Kamata Club Blues cocktail, a refreshing start to our morning indulgence. The Summer Spring Rolls and Siam Beach Club Egg Roll were the perfect brunch starters, each bite bursting with vibrant flavors.

We ordered the Royal Crown Fried Rice topped with fish roe first, and it was a heavenly delight! This regal dish features perfectly seasoned fried rice crowned with delicate fish roe bursts, offering a symphony of flavors fit for royalty that will leave you craving more.

The Royal Lobster Curry was another highlight of our brunch experience, featuring lobster meat immersed in a rich and aromatic curry sauce that was simply divine. Paired with fragrant jasmine rice, this dish was a delight for seafood enthusiasts.

As we wrapped up our brunch adventure, the Pink Mekong dessert stole the show with its captivating presentation and exquisite taste. The sticky rice added a delightful touch to the dish, leaving us with a sweet and satisfying ending to our meal.

Star Leaf's brunch experience offers a unique journey through Southeast Asian flavors, expertly curated and sure to impress even the most discerning brunch enthusiasts. It is a culinary escapade that will linger in your memory long after the last bite. Don't miss out on the must-order Royal Crown Fried Rice and Royal Lobster Curry- these are delectable masterpieces that will leave you...