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Gale's

Gale's, 452 South Fair Oaks Ave., Pasadena

4.8
RESTAURANT RATING: 
EXCEPTIONAL
4.8 out of 5 (136 Ratings)
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0.8 miles Rose Bowl Stadium
About Gale's
The Spotlight on Gale's

Charming Italian Dining Just Minutes from Pasadena's Music Scene

Gale's is a warm, welcoming Italian restaurant located in the heart of Pasadena, just a quick drive or ride from several popular concert venues. Known for its classic Italian menu and friendly neighborhood vibe, this spot blends old-world charm with the ease of modern dining. Whether you're stopping in for a quick bite or lingering over pasta and wine, Gale’s sets the tone for a memorable night out.

Why Concert-goers love it

Concert-goers love Gale’s for its reliable, fast service and its location—close enough to make it to your show without stress but tucked away enough to enjoy a relaxing meal. The noise level is moderate, making it great for conversation without being too quiet. Reservations are easy to come by, and the staff is used to guests on a timeline, ensuring you’re in and out on schedule if needed.

Who this Restaurant is great for

  • Groups of friends looking to share a few antipasti and bottles of wine
  • Solo travelers seeking a cozy seat at the bar
  • Couples kicking off a romantic night with hearty pasta and candlelight
  • Fans who want a lively but mellow spot to gather before the show
  • Budget-conscious diners looking for quality Italian without breaking the bank

What People Say

Diners rave about the house-made pastas, generous portions, and attentive service. The calamari appetizer and lemon chicken are frequent favorites. Many reviews mention the relaxing ambiance and how the staff go out of their way to accommodate pre-show schedules. The wine list is solid, and the bread served at the table gets special mention from more than a few happy guests.

Areas for Improvement

While most guests leave satisfied, some note that the decor feels a bit dated, and parking can be tricky during peak hours. Also, while the casual dress code is a plus for concert-goers, some might find the atmosphere more old-school than trendy.

The Bottom Line

If you're looking for a reliable, charming Italian spot with great food and fast service before a concert, Gale's is a solid choice in Pasadena.

Average Price
$30 and under
Cuisine
Italian
Dress Code
Casual Dress
Opening Hours
Lunch
Mon-Sat 11:30 am-4:00 pm
Dinner
Mon-Thu 4:00 pm-8:00 pm
Fri, Sat 4:00 pm-9:00 pm
Sun 3:00 pm-8:00 pm

Gale's Customer Reviews

Many have visited, but none have returned to tell the tale. Will you be the first to write a review of Gale's?

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TripAdvisor Traveler Rating

Gale's Italian Restaurant and Bar is #5 of 671 things to do in Pasadena

3 of 5 stars3 out of 5
By: Ann S, New York City, New York
Fri 25 Apr, 2025
l The food is nice. But not special. The prices have shot through the ceiling, unless you opt for pizza. Then I can see going and sharing a pizza and salad. But the prices for any other dish far...

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4 of 5 stars4 out of 5
By: RayPharm, New York
Tue 15 Apr, 2025
l First, the quality of the food was excellent. My wife had a Portobello Ravioli, and I had a seafood ravioli special (I think it was crab & shrimp). Both were superb. So why did I rate it a four...

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5 of 5 stars5 out of 5
By: 20evang, New York
Mon 31 Mar, 2025
l A friend recommended Gale’s and we are glad we went. The food was great as was the service. Solid Italian food at a great price. My wife and I are vegetarians and we found a lot of options. We shared...

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Gale's 452 South Fair Oaks Ave., Pasadena