The easy family-dinner list for the Foothills
Where we eat when nobody wants to cook, from Honeybird’s fried chicken to sushi in Tujunga and Peruvian in Pasadena.
This is the list I text to friends who just moved here. Casual, kid-tolerant, and each one has a specific order that I know works.
Honeybird & Uncle Phil’s, La Cañada Flintridge
The family order: 8-piece fried chicken, two Honeybird sandwiches, mac n’ cheese, chipotle macaroni salad, broccoli salad, coleslaw, orange chili roasted vegetables, Arnold Palmer. Watch for their pop-up menus.
Rice & Nori, La Cañada Flintridge
Onigiri, hand rolls and sashimi, always super fresh and a hit with kids and adults alike.
Sushi Nakata Express, La Cañada Flintridge
The more casual version of the very popular Sushi Nakata in Monrovia. Melt-in-your-mouth fresh, and the bento box is tasty, too.
Toriyen, Tujunga
A Tujunga institution: fresh sushi overnighted from Japan, homemade ramen and ice cream, and excellent customer service where you feel right at home. Mariko-san is reason enough to come.
Corner Grill, Tujunga
Owner Jamie and her family make high-quality, extra-flavorful Asian fusion in an unassuming strip mall near Smart & Final. Our faves: the K.BBQ Beef burger, Teriyaki Plates, and Chicken Yakisoba loaded with veggies.
Byblos Mediterranean Bakery, La Crescenta
Juicy kebab, fresh salads, dips, and the fresh pita baked in their stone oven daily (seriously the best pita). We place catering orders often.
The Girl & The Chicken, Burbank
Mediterranean with South American flavors, and trust me, it works. Casual and cheerful, super fresh, and every bite smothered in garlic toum and chimichurri because I love sauces. We ordered the Girl and the Gaucho bowl, the Gaucho wrap, rotisserie chicken, kale and cabbage slaw, sweet potatoes and beets, and turmeric chimichurri rice.
El Dorado Pollos a la Brasa, Pasadena
I thought I had to go to L.A. for Peruvian food, when El Dorado has been in Pasadena all along. Lomo saltado, tallarin saltado, steak salad, plantains, ceviche: all incredible. 140 E Orange Grove Blvd; open every day at 11 except Tuesdays as of November 2024.
Ry’s Poke Shack, Pasadena
Authentic Hawaiian poke with super fresh fish and awesome flavor combos. There’s some seating inside but be ready to take it to go. 2700 E Colorado Blvd; open every day 11:30 to 7 as of February 2026.
Osawa, Pasadena
Osawa has been a favorite since 2013; Chef Tachibe is recognized as the creator of the tuna tartare, and there’s a private room in the back for groups.
Miya on Lake, Altadena
Homestyle Thai in a bright room adorned with vintage memorabilia, reopened after the Eaton Fire took most of the nearby businesses. Fragrant, flavorful and not heavy; I’ve never had a pad see ew with more tender meat. Many neighbors have relocated, so if you can, please go and support.
Good Neighbor and West Altadena Wine & Spirits, Altadena
A family-friendly all-ages patio where kids can run amok and be loud, with rotating food pop-ups. Grab a drink inside or pick up a bottle of wine.
Dots Café, Pasadena
Beautiful and yummy cupcakes, handcrafted drinks, a full café menu and a weekly family meal plan. Bright, open, very family-friendly, and there’s a parking lot.
K5 Pho & Rolls, Eagle Rock
This unassuming Vietnamese restaurant serves authentic, delicious food without having to go to DTLA or Little Saigon.
Taco Social, Eagle Rock
An AMAZINGLY family-friendly spot with tons of space for kids to run around, and tasty menu options. Banh Mi, Ribeye Bulgogi, and Tikka Masala tacos? YES.
About the author
Jean shares local Foothills notes because she is always trying new places and doesn’t gatekeep. She is also a local real estate agent.
About Jean
