Bistro 45
| Address: | 45 S Mentor Ave, Pasadena, CA 91106, USA |
| Phone: | +1 626-795-2478 |
| Site: | bistro45.com |
| Rating: | 4.3 |
| Working: | Closed 5–9PM 5–9PM 5–9PM 5–10PM 5–10PM 5–10PM |
Location
Photos 100
Reviews 16
PA
Paul Vasquez
I dont know what happened to this restaurant, but the quality has plummeted. My wife and I went there to celebrate my birthday dinner yesterday, and the entire experience was a disappointment. First, the maitre d just assumed we wanted to sit outside, which I thought was odd. He was friendly, but it seemed somewhat amateurish. I didnt think much of it at the time, however. After being sat we ordered the calamari as an appetizer, and while it was OK, it was nothing special; the calamari itself was greasy and the sauce was a mixture of mayonnaise, ketchup, and chili pepper--nothing you couldnt get at a much cheaper restaurant. Again, this by itself was not a big deal. After this things really went south though. We went exclusively for the bouillabaisse, which wed had several years ago, before the remodeling. We ordered our entree when the appetizer arrived, yet 10 minutes or so later, the server returned to the table and informed us the bouillabaisse was unavailable because the sauce would not be ready for several hours. This in and of itself ruined the experience, since this was the reason we chose this restaurant. I didnt want to spoil the entire experience, however, so I chose the house special which was a Virginian bass, and my wife ordered the all natural hanger steak. These entrees were also disappointing, however. First, the bass was served on a flat sushi-style plate, yet it was covered with a very runny and thin red fruit sauce, which promptly ran all over the table and made a horrible mess, even as the server set it in front of me. What kind of quality chef overlooks such a flaw in presentation? Then my wifes steak was overcooked, thin, and unimpressive to say the least. Shed ordered it medium, but it came out med-well, and parts of it were well done. Honestly, it tasted like something you could order at a Sizzler. In addition, the polenta that was served with it was completely tasteless. My bass was equally unimpressive; the sauce was unmemorable, the presentation was ghastly, and the pieces of melon that littered the plate were an unnecessary distraction. Finally, although superficially friendly, the service was also inadequate. After we expressed our disappointment that the bouillabaisse was unavailable, I sensed a dismissive attitude from the server, and his attention to our table afterwards was minimal. By the end of the meal, the intervals between his taking our plates, bringing the desert menu, and presenting the check were glacially slow. Also, the water server splashed water on the table by overfilling the water glasses. How much serving experience is required to know you dont fill a water glass to the brim? Lastly, while they brought us copious helpings of bread, it was thoroughly unimpressive--just cold, white bread with butter. In closing, Ill just point out that I overheard the man sitting behind me complain about his meal as well. My overall impression was that it was amateur hour at this restaurant. Too much attention was given to personality and decor--every single employee said hello and greeted us--and not enough on actual quality. The only way Id come back is if someone else were paying, and I couldnt talk them into going somewhere better.
A
A Private User
We had an disappointing dining experience a this upscale bistro! The hostess was extremely welcoming, however, the service was extremely pathetic! We were a table of four...two salads arrived WITH appetizer and the hostess ended up serving the other two, later. It took 1.5 hours to receive our main entrees which were abruptly served. When our son asked for a " to go box " - the server rolled his eyes and said, " a to go box?" A server with an attitude!!!! The entrees were tasty but portions very small considering the price. ( February 4, 2012 )
BR
Branden Scoggin
“Say, Aloa to Hawaiian Fusion” Best sincere approach to fine dining service Ive seen. Roys is my "go-to" place for special occasions. Fantastic signature and specialty cocktails are part of this companys brand. The 1988, a pomegranate and lychee libation named with homage to the companys founding year, will have you hooked. It certainly got me looking for a happy hour
A
A Private User
Another Pasadena Favorite! If you want an very lovely meal with servers that are really good at what they do. Whatever the special is, have it! and of course, save room for the soufflé! just remember to order it when you are making your wine selection! This is a great place to have a business lunch, or celebrate a special evening with family and loved ones.
JA
Jamie Abbott
Four of us ate here Saturday night, October 27, 2012. The restaurant had been closed for several months for a renovation and was celebrating their grand reopening. Great service, nice decor but while the food was good, we all agreed that it didnt deserve the 26 rating Zagat was showing. Perhaps a 20 to 22 would have been more appropriate.
AL
Albert T
Bistro 45 is a hidden gem. Some locals arent familiar with it because its tucked away on Mentor which is a shame as the food and atmosphere are fantastic. I highly recommend their Beef x 2 pizza as well as their Ratatouille if youd like to start with something light. Great date spot if youre looking for something higher end.
PA
Patrcia Nelson
We visited Pasadena and heard about Russells from a local. At first we were discouraged about a projected 45 minute wait for breakfast. In the end, it was worth our time. The food is creative and fresh. Many choices, not just standard breakfast offerings. the prices were reasonable. I now understand the long wait.
MA
matthew davis
Expect a short wait if you venture to Russells in Old Pasadena for Sunday Brunch ... but its worth the wait. The corned beef hash is excellent and the Belgian Waffle breakfast a delight. Theres plenty to choose from and the prices are very reasonable. After all, theres a reason theres a line on Sunday.
CH
christina coulourides
The proprietor at Bistro 45, Robert Simon, works tirelessly to provide a great dinning experience complimented with an extraordinary wine selection. If you dont know wine, Roberts recommendations are a sure bet! Love Bistro 45 especially for business dinners or even a couples night out.
LU
Lupita Aylor
We went here for dinner and everything from the decor, the service and the food were excellent. We started with the octopus which was excellent. I had the short ribs and they melted in my mouth. For dessert we had the Bistro which was amazing. I highly recommend this Bistro 45 to eat at.
PE
Peter Patterson
From Pacific Coolers to Roys Signature Mai Tais, Roys was a great spot to escape the madding crowds of the Rose Parade and enjoy a quiet, tropical setting with their Maui Wowie Salad, Pulled Pork Sandwich and other terrific selections for lunch.
AN
anna phillips
The Quinoa Burger was pretty good, however, it comes with a thick slab of grilled green pepper that is slimy and way over cooked. The actual patty was really good though. Friendly staff and ok service. A bit pricy for the quality IMO.
A
A Private User
Hands down -- the best wine pairing my wife and I have EVER experienced. There isnt really more to say. The food is amazing, detailed and full of flavor. The wine selections are superb. Great atmosphere and flawless service.
CH
chris harris
This is such a nice place to enjoy an evening out with friends or family. The only thing that bugs me is the way overpriced menu. This is my 3rd experience at a Roys restaurant and I just dont get the overpriced items.
SP
SPECIEZ JACK
Owner: Robert. excellent Staff: Marc. excellent Food: excellent excellent Sea bass, ribeye, calamari, beet salad, asparagus tempura. Dessert: chocolate soup w/Porto rosé Papa Joe: excellent Vieux carré: excellent
RA
Raquel Hunter
Come hungry! Everything here is delicious. It is a special occasion type of place. I love the Osso Buco. The main entrees are delicious. And the desserts will have you swearing that you will be back for more.
