Gale's

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452 S Fair Oaks Ave
Pasadena, CA 91105

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(626) 432-6705
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Gale's - Pasadena, CA
Reviews
( 38 )
( 14 )
( 6 )
( 4 )
( 8 )

Best

I just went here for the first time. I've lived in the area for awhile, but just never made it in. I'm now prepared to be their next regular. Food was awesome. I've got a th...

Worst

I'll come right out and say it, I went to Gale's for pizza and nothing else. I live in Pasadena and had been hearing rave reviews about Gale's for years, especially the pizza, so...

Below average 8/6/2005

The bread was good. The fig & prosciuto appetizer was fresh, but bland. The European seabass and was over cooked (to the point of disintegration) and served on-top of grey/over-cooked vegetables. The shrimp rissotto was unusual - too much corn, a little on the mushy side, and lacking in flavors. Service was generally fine, BUT the entrees were served while we were still eating the appetizer - shameful - so much for a relaxed night out. Way over-priced for the quality of the food and service. Pros: Pleasant dining room, Good bread Cons: Poor quality, over priced more
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Its Great! 6/29/2005

I love Gale's and will drive from Orange County just to enjoy the food, atmosphere, and great service. I love the warmth of the staff and how accomodating the owners are - even when the restaurant is crowded. My favorites are the goat cheese pizza, rosemary chicken (special item), and meat lasagna. more
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User review by stellamax 5/31/2005

We eat out quite a bit, mostly in the Old Town Pasadena area. Gale's has good food, great service and average value. Gale is often in the restaurant and makes a point of spending time with her regular customers and recognizing new patrons. Rene', her husband, is the official frendly greeter......Maybe just a little too ""friendly"" on occasion with some. Overall the experience is good. Gale's is one of our regular stops. We were sorry to see Greco leave this location but happy to have found Gale's in his place. more
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Overrated 5/18/2005

overrated and overpriced. Pizza is best thing there, and still, Domino's thin crust is almost as good. Pastas uninspired and overworked. Been there 3 times, no big deal more
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Wish it was more of a secret 5/13/2005

It's always busy, but the food is worth the wait. It's interesting to experience a meal where you can actually taste individual ingredients. Even when they're busy, they do their best to get you a table. The owners came to our table to make sure all was well. We felt like family. If my eyes water when I take a bite, I know the food is great. I practically cried. The meal was a wonderful mix of flavors and a great atmosphere. Every time a waiter passed with a plate delivery, I promised myself I would order that next time. I also noticed many people greeted and hugged each other as they entered, so obviously its quite popular with a lot of regulars. Weve been back four times and now the owners hug us! The tables are close, but its like that in Italy too! Very authentic and wonderfully delicious. Pros: Food, Service, Price more
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Obviously Desperate 5/5/2005

If you read a review of Gale's that shines a bright light on itself, recognize the source. My duaghter and I went there after a softball game, I am not from the area but had eaten there before when it was Greco's. First of all, the name tricked me(thought it sounded like the same place). Then the food.......Pepperoni pizza and lasagna........ Seriously, just because I'm honest........and this is a forum to make an honest critique....... NOT IMPRESSED ! Pizza was just plain....no quality flavor at all---Lasagna according to my 15 year old was ""not very good"". Again Dear Friends........Recognize the source of the ""good"" reviews.........Yours Truely, Dukepoope Pros: food didn't have mold, didn't get sick, learned where not to Cons: cooks, food, pretentious owner more
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Hidden Gem! 11/2/2004

This is, by far, one of Pasadena's best restaurants. It's a little off the beaten path (a welcome change from the Old Town crowds) and offers consistant, high-quality food and service. Pay them a visit, you won't be disappointed. Pros: Food, Service more
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The Best Restaurant in the area! 6/20/2004

The restaurant is cozy and warm with a boutique feel about it. Its high class without being pretentious. The owner, Gale, is warm and friendly and truly cares about the comfort of her guests. The chef, I found out is from Emilia-Romagna, a region in Northern Italy; this is truly present in the food on the menu, especial in the dinner specials. Its as authentic as youll find. For Lunch, I recommend the Pizza Special, which an individual pizza and salad. I usually go for the goat cheese and pesto pizza. Its the best in town. For dinner, Im a fan of the specials; pick any, theyre all great. Best restaurant in the Pasadena area, by far. Pros: Authentic Food, Inexpensive corkage, Great Lunch Manager more
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Stephanie 6/19/2004

I am mystified that anyone would have a problem with this restaurant. Yes, it's small, but that's what makes it great - a phenomenal emphasis on ingredients and perfect service. I was there on a night when Gale was there herself - she is definitely on top of her restaurant! If you want an intimate restaurant experience focused on providing its customers with the freshest food, innovative wines and attentive service -without pretention (unique in LA) - then visit Gale's. You WON'T be disappointed. Try her pizza - unbelieveable! Pros: food, service, wine more
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amazing 4/14/2004

i rarely eat out, and when i do, i really like to treat myself to an uncommonly delicious meal. After eating Gale's food for the first time, I must say that I have truley found a jem in the greater LA area. The penne pasta was out of this world!!! I will definitely be re-visiting this lovely place soon. more
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GALES? 4/8/2004

I ate at this restaurant based on all of the high rankings and compliments. Maybe I was expecting great food? What are people thinking giving this place all of the praise. Do these people eat out anywhere else? what is the barometer for them? Gales was not that great. The seatsarewaytoclosetogether. the bread was the best part of the meal. How sad is it that first thing you eat is the best? It all went downhill from there. This restaurant is your basic run of the mill italian place. I am convinced Gale and/or her friends post on this site frequently to drum up business. more
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A quality place that you can frequent 2/24/2004

Been to Gale's a few times now, and we still have not had any negative experiences yet. Everything they did is of high quality and at reasonable prices. This is a place that you can frequent. Whether is for a pizza & salad dinner or a fancy meal, you would not be disappointed. Gale and Renee, as owners, are as friendly as they come. Tables are a little too close to each other, but somehow they are not that significant once you are occupied with the delicious food. Pros: Exceptional pizza, Very good all around, Reasonable prices more
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dukepoope the dope 10/9/2003

As locals, many of us morned Greco's move and shift towards the upscale from being our beloved neighborhood bistro. Imagine our delight when we finally broke down and showed up for a meal at Gale's! The food was far more handily prepared, the pizza's were without peer, and the cuisine in general was much more varied, inventive and succulent. Wow! We knew we had to have died and gone to heaven! I can only say Mr. Dukepoope needs to get a life as well as a dictionary! That is pretentiousness and you spell it G-r-e-c-o's... we love Gale's! Pros: attentive service, reasonably priced, amazing food Cons: arrive early! more
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Excellent 10/4/2003

Delusional, that's all I have to say about the peson who made the last review. They must have caught the restaurant on an off night because I have never had an experience like that. The many times I've been to Gales, they've truly made me feel like family. Gale and her husband Renee, always check on our table to make sure we are well taken care of. The food is great, especially the chicken picatta. This is what Greco's should have been!Make sure to make reservations however as they fill up fast on the weekends. Pros: Service, Food, Atmosphere Cons: crowded more
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Gale's Restaurant 7/10/2003

You can never tire of the menu at Gales as there are daily special menus that are always a nice surprise, like the halibut 3 inches thick was so delicate, succulent, yet cooked through, and covered with a touch of lemon-caper sauce. The veal marsala served with asparagus and potatoes was also mouth watering. The waiter excitedly stated ""I'll be happy to find out for you"" and he truly was!! They used elegent wine glasses with silver stems. At first glance it looks like there is limited parking but if you dine in the evening there is plenty of open spaces at the rear of the driveway. Pros: Fresh Food, PleasingPresentation Cons: Small facility more
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FANTASTIC!! 7/1/2003

There were nine of us on a Saturday evening celebrating the engagement of a friend of ours. I had been to Gale's once before and was impressed with the food and service. I've recommended restaurants to my friends before, but their tastes differ from mine. I'm pleased to say I finally hit the jackpot. They all loved the food and service we received from Joseph. The chefs out did themselves once again. Thanks to Gale and her employees our evening was wonderful. Good food and good friends, what more could I ask for? Pros: excellent food, excellent service, cozy atmosphere more
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Wonderful Alumni Luncheon 6/16/2003

Gale helped me pull off a very important event for our sorority without a hitch. It was the first time we were meeting the founding mothers, 7 of them, along with 2 other alumni from the 1950's. Since we didn't know who they were until last year, it was a huge deal to finally meet them. Gale let me pick items from the menu and she typed it up, organize the menu, and her staff was wonderful. They were very tentative and our 40 members had a blast! I highly recommend this restaurant for a group get-together and the food is delicious! esp, the mushroom ravioli. Pros: Convenient Parking, Great for groups, Intimate and cozy more
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Tasty.... 4/21/2003

We just ate here a week ago & loved it. The food was very well done & tasted astronomical. It's just a short walk from our house so we are definitely going to be back. In fact, we wanted to go back the very next day! It was that good & the service was also great. Unpretentious wait staff & great food. Can't beat that in Pasadena! Pros: Great food, Service, Bustling Atmosphere more
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At Last! 3/7/2003

At last. A good, comfortable, neighborhood restaurant. Away from the traffic and noise, a place to relax and have a delicious meal. Always a lot of fun! Pros: Good parking, friendly service, great choices more
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Like home 2/5/2003

Gale is wonderful. From the first time I went, I felt like I had found my new favorite restaurant. Gale made me feel comfortable, checked on me at the table, and personally apologized when something went a little wrong with my order. The pizza is excellent - truly NY style w/ perfect sauce! Also great salads and fabulous (no butter) biscotti! more
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Menu for Gale's


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Editorial

  • In Short
    Tucked away from the hustle and bustle of Colorado Boulevard, this restaurant has the feel of a casual New York loft, with exposed brick walls and an unfinished ceiling....

  • 12/8/2005 Provided by Citysearch
Additional information
  • Hours: Closed Monday, Tues - Thurs 11:30 - 9:00 PM, Friday - Saturday 11:30 AM - 10:00 PM, Sunday 5:00 PM - 9:00 PM
  • Payments: American Express, Master Card, Visa
  • Neighborhoods: South Pasadena
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