Union

Tucked away on a quiet street in Old Town Pasadena, Union has been quietly perfecting the art of Italian comfort food since 2014. What sets this neighborhood gem apart isn’t flashy innovation or trendy gimmicks—it’s the kind of reliable excellence that keeps tables full night after night. Everything here is made from scratch, from the silky pastas to the tender proteins, and you can taste the care in every bite.

The pasta program is where Union truly shines. With roughly nine options rotating through the menu, each one demonstrates remarkable skill and attention to detail. The tonnarelli cacio e pepe features wonderfully thick noodles coated in an impossibly creamy cheese sauce, while the squid ink lumache pairs beautifully with sweet lobster and aromatic truffle butter. Don’t overlook the torchetti with pork ragu—the addition of fried rosemary transforms this humble dish into something memorable.

Beyond the carbs, several standout dishes deserve your attention. The wild mushroom appetizer is secretly all about its silky polenta base, touched with vinegar and truffle butter. The octopus arrives with a satisfying crispy char while remaining perfectly tender inside, accompanied by a bright herb and fennel salad. If the porchetta is available during your visit, order it without hesitation—the crispy-skinned pork is substantial enough to share with the whole table.

Union is the kind of restaurant that rewards return visits. Whether you’re planning a midweek date night, bringing the parents to town, or simply craving a well-executed bowl of pasta with a nice glass of wine, this Pasadena stalwart delivers every single time. Sometimes the best restaurants aren’t the ones chasing trends—they’re the ones that master the fundamentals and never let up.