Stoney Point Bar & Grill — Restaurant in Pasadena

Stoney Point Bar and Grill, Pasadena - A Hidden Italian Gem

I've been to Stoney Point Bar and Grill in Pasadena multiple times now, and each visit has consistently delivered an excellent experience. After several impressive meals, it's finally time to write this review. This unassuming spot reliably delivers authentic Italian cuisine with careful attention to detail.

Appetizers

We started with the prosciutto and burrata appetizer, which was exceptional. The burrata was remarkably fresh - creamy on the inside with that perfect delicate outer layer. Paired with the paper-thin, quality prosciutto, it created that classic Italian starter that sets the tone for a great meal.

Main Courses

The eggplant parmesan demonstrated a level of care that's increasingly rare. They clearly took the time to properly prepare the eggplant by drawing out excess moisture before cooking - a crucial step that many restaurants skip. The result was perfectly textured eggplant without that waterlogged sogginess that ruins lesser versions of this dish.

The spaghetti and meatballs hit all the right notes for this comfort food classic. The pasta was cooked to proper al dente, and the meatballs were flavorful and tender.

Perhaps the standout was their spaghetti checca - featuring bright, vibrant tomato flavors that tasted garden-fresh. My only minor critique would be that they could have been slightly more generous with the basil and garlic to elevate it further, but the dish still impressed with its clean, bright flavors.

Dessert

We finished with their tiramisu, which was very good - not too sweet, with distinct layers of flavor and that perfect balance of coffee and mascarpone.

Service

The service at Stoney Point deserves special mention. The staff strikes that perfect balance - attentive without hovering. They're available when needed for questions or assistance, but they give you space to enjoy your meal and conversation. This type of thoughtful service enhances the dining experience significantly.

Bottom Line

Stoney Point Bar and Grill demonstrates a consistent attention to traditional Italian cooking techniques that puts them above many competitors. What's most impressive is their reliability - they deliver quality dishes time after time. From properly preparing eggplant to sourcing fresh, quality ingredients like their exceptional burrata, they're clearly committed to doing things the right way. While there's always room for small improvements (a bit more basil and garlic in that checca!), this is genuinely good Italian food served in a comfortable atmosphere. The fact that I've returned multiple times speaks volumes - this restaurant has earned its place as a go-to Italian spot in Pasadena's...

Stoney Point Bar & Grill is a hidden gem in the hills of Pasadena. Located just off the 134 Fwy., Stoney Point offers an Italian menu in a cozy traditional Italian setting.

There is a main dining room which offers intimate dinners or a dining space next to the bar for a more casual, social setting. There is a piano in this dining space.

The bar is fun and lively. Locals come and have a quick bite at the bar, and it did seem as if everyone knew everyone!

Service is spot on! Guests are immediately greeted with a Brushetta toast and tomato. We enjoyed the Crab Cake appetizer, the Lobster Ravioli and a evening special plate of Halibut.

The fish special we could not finish. Not fresh, and over cooked. Very much enjoyed the Crab Cakes. Wine and wine list needed to be reevaluated. I had the Sangiovese and then a glass of Cabernet Sauvignon. Wine did not seem as if it was stored at the proper temperature of 55 degrees. The glass was not a typical high end wine glass. I would probably bring my own bottle of wine next time or just have a cocktail instead. This was the only thing I was disappointed in.

Wait staff were present and attentive to our table needs. Friendly and suggestive. He even took our picture at the table and again in the dining room. The waiter thanked me for coming in and for his gratuity. (I gave more than the typical 20% because he was so helpful).

Parking is tight. There were three spaces clearly marked which I was able to snag one. I am not sure where other patrons parked? I saw two cars parallel to the side, but not in marked spaces.

I would definitely go here again....

This is a review from last night only. I've been here once before and the food was decent and don't recall any issues with service. HOWEVER, last night was a completely different set of circumstances and therefore the lower score. First off, I was served a very moldy piece of triple mouse cake. I tasted it in the first bite. I thought the bits of mold were originally nuts perhaps, and I confess, my near-sightedness is getting worse. Nevertheless I could taste it and after inspection by me and my friend, it was clearly mold all across the inner top part of the cake. I ordered something else. While I don't go looking for being compensated for mishaps, I would have appreciated an apology of some kind but none came. None from the waiter and none by management whom I never bothered to discuss with. My decaf cappuccino on the other hand was delish. Really good as far as coffee goes. Two of the three waiters that were around attending were kind and respectful. One was clearly hateing his life. Only when we left, did the manager come out and say "thank you." Really??? This begins and ends with bad service. The server cut the cake, returned the cake, and didn't say a word to the manager. Yes, I could have complained but then that just ends up making me look bad somehow I"m sure. Outside of that the clientele here are 70+ and not my vibe although I am hardly thatfar behind. Definitely not my go-to place but rather a place like it was for us yesterday....a last resort for some coffee and dessert without having to...