Darling Husband thought we should finally try Gayle's as we have not been there to eat since it was ""Greco's."" (Ahhh....Greco's...Yum!) Wow, what a completely different dining experience. The lasagna was as if they microwaved a Stouffer's frozen dinner. The pizza (We know good pizza in Pasadena) was dry and over-baked. It was like fast-food pizza. The service is uneven, with attitude. Gayle's is not real ""Italian"" food. It's like Olive Garden Italian food. Sorry, but it's true.\r
Ambience is O.K. nothing more. Parking is ample. I am mystified by the crowd, considering this is not tasty Italian food. Locals know where to find fabulous Italian in Pasadena, and I will help you, so you don't waste an evening out eating pedestrian ""Italian."" \r
Celestino's is first rate, from appetizers to desserts. Mi Piace is wonderful... Best lasagna I have ever eaten. And of course, the critically acclaimed Tre Venezie- expensive but so worth every dime. It is one of Pasadena's top restaurant's bar none. \r
Dining out these days, I really look forward to a special meal, and I will spend the money for a lovely night out. Gayle's does not fit the bill. It is generic food, with minimal to none in the atmosphere department. Not a romantic date-night kind of place. Loud and small. Greco's was not loud like this, even when packed, so I can not explain the ear splitting noise. We won't return to Gayle's, but we will ""vet"" new dining experiences more carefully. Life's too short for unsatisfying dinners!
Pros: Easy Parking
Cons: Food is Subpar. Service is below average. Loud. Not a date spot.
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