Celestino Melds Homey Comfort with Timeless Elegance in Pasadena

Mushroom pappardelle at Celestino

​Celestino Ristorante and Bar, like much of the historic Pasadena neighborhood where it resides, is as iconic as it is ageless. For more than 20 years, locals have made Celestino their second home while fortunate travelers become quickly acquainted with the restaurant’s never-ending hustle and bustle and thick-accented servers taking them in like family. Owner Calogero Drago turns out seasonal Italian cuisine with deep flavor and decadent character to boot. But it’s the ambiance that perfectly garnishes a Celestino meal, whether it be in the old-style Italian dining room or fairytale-like patio.

Pasta is unquestionably mandatory at Celestino, where centuries-old favorites mix and mingle with just a few new-age and seasonal touchups, delivering all the rustic, nostalgic and authentic appeal you’re looking for with some excitement thrown in to remind you that Drago keeps a finger on the pulse of progressive cooking. Take the tortelloni di zucci al burro e salvia, or thick tortelloni pasta stuffed with pumpkin and cream, bathed in a decadent butter and sage sauce. How about the risotto al nero di sepia alla veneziana, or risotto blackened with squid ink and melded into a smattering of baby scallops and calamari. Close your eyes and you can picture cobblestone streets, winding canals or Tuscan countryside, whichever suits your fancy.

Celestino’s seasonal menu happened to feature mushrooms and truffles, with an extensive lineup of spectacular creations that took each ingredient to new heights. Drago’s mushroom-stuffed gnocchi, topped with shaved black truffle and finished with a rich cheese sauce, may be among the best gnocchi dishes in Los Angeles. Heavenly pappardelle and porcini mushroom soup were just a few more favorites.

Of course Celestino holds strong on its carne e pesci, or meat and seafood dishes as well. Ossobuco is a no-brainer at an Italian fine dining establishment, and Celestino’s take embodies all the timeless characteristics of fall-off-the-bone veal and delightful saffron risotto. Pair it with a wine off Celestino’s many Italian selections [their pours are incredible], or perhaps a classic oh-so-strong martini.

Any Italian mother would mock you for skipping out on dessert here, where the panna cotta and the vanilla pistachio torte will replace any stomach capacity you may have had left with yet another tasteful memory. 

Celestino Ristorante & Bar is located at 141 S Lake Ave, Pasadena, CA 91101. Open 11:30a – 2:30p, 5:30 – 10:30p Mon, 11:30a – 2:30p, 5 – 10:30p Tue – Thu, 11:30a – 2:30p, 5:30 – 11p Fri, 5 – 11p Sat and 5 – 9:45p Sun. Avg. Out-the-door price for appetizer, entree, split dessert and 1 – 2 drinks is ~$110/person. For more information visit CelestinoPasadena.com.