Aro Latin — Restaurant in South Pasadena

Tonight was our first visit to Aro Mexican Restaurant in Pasadena, and I'm still thinking about the meal! This place is truly a culinary standout that elevates Mexican cuisine to an art form.

We started with the crudito appetizer - a beautiful arrangement of fresh seafood with citrus accents and just the right amount of heat. The presentation was Instagram-worthy, and the flavors were bright and perfectly balanced.

For our main courses, we explored their taco selection and were absolutely blown away. The fish tacos featured perfectly flaky white fish with a light crisp exterior, topped with a vibrant slaw that added wonderful texture. The shrimp tacos were equally impressive - plump, perfectly cooked shrimp with a delicate seasoning that let the natural sweetness shine through. But the true revelation was the lamb tacos - tender, flavorful meat with a complex marinade that had hints of traditional Mexican spices but with a unique twist I haven't encountered elsewhere.

The star of the evening, however, was undoubtedly the salmon platter. The fish was cooked to absolute perfection - crispy skin with moist, medium-rare flesh that melted in my mouth. It was served with a complex mole sauce that complemented rather than overwhelmed the delicate flavor of the salmon. The accompanying sides were thoughtfully prepared and worked harmoniously with the main protein.

Yes, Aro is a bit pricey compared to other Mexican restaurants in the area, but the quality of ingredients, skillful preparation, and attentive service absolutely justify the cost. This isn't your average taqueria - it's elevated Mexican cuisine that respects tradition while embracing innovation.

The ambiance struck the perfect balance between elegant and comfortable, and the staff were knowledgeable about both the food and the impressive selection of mezcals and tequilas.

Aro has immediately earned a spot on my list of favorite restaurants in Pasadena. Already planning our next visit to explore more...

Honestly, I haven’t always enjoyed Aro as much as I did during the delightful two hours I spent at the bar one recent Thursday. Good timing on my part, I was present for the last half of happy hour (M-F, 4-6) and the first half of the Latin-flavored entertainment (Th only, 6-8). (Another Thursday-only attraction, South Pasadena’s popular farmers market takes place just down the block.) I started with a well-balanced HH Margarita, tasting distinctly of tequila and just enough triple sec. Then I went for a couple of HH appetizers, a decent cheese quesadilla and the exceptional oregano shrimp (without the usual chili flakes—wimp that I am). The quesadilla came in handy for sopping up the precious seasoned butter from the plump, tender shrimp. I asked the friendly bartender—I think his name was Tevin—about a lavender-hued drink he had made—an Aviation Cocktail: gin, Luxardo cherry liqueur, Crème de Violette, and lemon juice. Mine (see photo) was exquisite, the perfect airborne accompaniment to the Brazilian vocalist and combo I was listening to. This bar and adjacent dining room had never seemed so lively. Even the tables outside in the shade...

I love the extraordinary outstanding fish platters the most, here overseen in the kitchen by owner Karan Raina of the Punjabi Indian region. Branzino a la parilla, marinatate ($26), whole grilled fresh branzino is tops on my list of ten to try. Other mainstays the public will not let leave the menu are: Costillitas (baby back ribs) in a Latin setting of coconut milk, Cuban roast peppers, fresh rosemary, mango relish and cayenne pepper.Desserts created by his El Salvadoran wife, co-owner and pastry chef, Candy Garcia Raina, are not to be missed. These dishes helped earn the “destination” label to Aro Latin located on a historic, quaint street of shops in South Pasadena. Akar Studios in Santa Monica transformed the distinctive 1907 building space, a one-time bakery, into its stylish, contemporary, organic and inviting interior. I could go on about this for pages, and one is worth the trip. Especially true on a business street created by businessmen in the 1920's to house their mistresses on the second floors...