Welcome to dos besos, a culinary gem nestled in the heart of Pasadena, California. Located at 99 Union St, this intimate restaurant offers a delightful escape into the rich tapestry of Spanish cuisine. Whether you're celebrating a special occasion or simply wanting to indulge in flavorful dishes, dos besos makes every meal memorable.
As you step inside, the ambiance envelops you in a blend of classic and rustic charm. Customers rave about the delectable offerings, from the melt-in-your-mouth salmon to the robust lamb, each dish crafted with an artisan's touch. The seafood paella shines as a star attraction, brimming with freshness and vibrant flavors that transport you straight to the Mediterranean coast.
Reviewers highlight the skillful pacing of the meal service, ensuring that no dish feels rushed or overlooked. The pulpo and queso de bufala elevate your taste buds to newer heights, while the serene outdoor seating allows you to savor each bite against the charming backdrop of Old Town Pasadena. The attentive staff makes you feel like family, creating an inviting atmosphere that encourages you to linger a little longer.
The owner, Alejandro, is known for his personable approach, enhancing the overall dining experience. Patrons appreciate his keen attention to customer satisfaction, ensuring every table feels special. Pair your meal with a delightful lychee martini or select from an extensive wine list that complements the exquisite flavors on your plate.
In addition to its culinary offerings, dos besos showcases a commitment to local ingredients, with seasonal menu options that reflect the region’s bounty. The desserts, like the decadent almond cake and hazelnut ice cream, provide a sweet conclusion to your feast, leaving you raving about each experience long after you’ve left the table.
Whether you're dining for a casual lunch or a romantic dinner, dos besos encapsulates the essence of Spanish dining with a personal touch. Reservations are recommended, especially on bustling nights, as this hidden treasure has quickly gained a devoted following among locals and visitors alike.
In every bite at dos besos, you'll find passion, authenticity, and a taste that lingers, making it a must-visit restaurant on your Pasadena dining journey.
Everything was absolutely delicious, staff was fast and ready to serve and make every table feel special. The food was amazing, we had the salmon and the lamb. The salmon melts in your mouth and tastes so fresh! The lamb was absolutely amazing and tasted so robust. The owner Alejandro is very personable and great to his customers. I will definitely be back again for my next special occasion.
All of the food we ordered were tasty! They all tasted good but the standouts/favorites would be the pulpo, queso de bufala and paella negra. The pacing for when the dishes came out was just right as well. Vibe was good and service was great too considering we were seated at the far end of their outdoor area.
Sangria, ham Serrano, octopus, and seafood paella were ordered. All were amazing and service is quick. Always recommend this place when people ask me where to go for a good Spanish restaurant. I’d recommend making a reservation. Parking structures all around.
The food here was really good! We tried the Octopus starter and opted for two specials; Iberian Pork Paella, and a Braised Oxtail Pasta. Our friends got the Seafood Paella. All were great. For dessert, we got afogatos that were good and friends got bread pudding that was more like a custard and opinions were divided. Place is super tiny but cute and they have an outdoor space that was comfortable enough, but sat directly across from a neighboring restaurant that had obnoxious mariachi music playing the entire time. Certainly not Dos Besos' fault, but it was annoying. Service was fine. All in all, a good evening, and the food was the star.
What a pleasant delight! It’s giving classic yet rustic and refined Spanish vibes. We had the squid ink paella garlic scallops, sea bass and delicious decadent almond cake & decadent hazelnut ice cream the old town Pasadena ambiance adds pleasantry to our dining experience. The table service is attentive & efficient. Some of the menu options are seasonal, based on the local crops. I had the lychee martini and it was lovely. I wish they would have more extensive cocktails options in addition to their extensive wines lists. Overall, dos besos is a wonderfully intimate setting to celebrate special occasion, having business lunch/meeting, or date nights.
We came here to celebrate my husband's 40th birthday. I made a reservation by sending them an email, and received a prompt response. We were seated pretty quickly upon arrival. We had the outdoor patio seating. Heaters kept us warm. The music playing, plus the decor was so romantic, loved the vibe. We ordered a pitcher of red sangria, the gambas al ajillo, pulpo a la gallega, Vieiras al vino (scallop special), pan con tomate, paella del mar, cazuela de mariscos, and the oxtail pappardelle special. EVERYTHING was delicious. Not a morsel left on the plate. Lol. We should have ordered some extra bread to soak up the delicious sauce that each dish came with. I'm still dreaming about the pan con tomate. It was so crisp and flavorful. My husband is already trying to plan a return trip. There are some other dishes we would like to try, and their desserts as well. I brought an outside cake for my hubby's birthday. I asked ahead of time, and their cake cutting fee is 2.50/person, which was fine with me. The service was wonderful. We had a wonderful waiter. And they even serenaded my hubby when they brought out the cake. It was the perfect place to celebrate his milestone birthday. The food was outstanding, and the ambiance and service was as well. We will be back! Hopefully soon. Thank you so much!
I had an amazing experience at Dos Besos. The ambiance was warm and inviting, with a perfect blend of traditional Spanish charm and modern elegance. The tapas, especially the patatas bravas and gambas al ajillo, were delicious, and the paella was cooked to perfection. The drink menu offered a great selection of Spanish wines and cocktails. The service was impeccable, with attentive and friendly staff who made excellent recommendations. Overall, Dos Besos provided a memorable dining experience, and I highly recommend it for anyone seeking authentic Spanish cuisine.
Had dinner with family, and I would highly recommend this place to dine. Their paella and lamb chop were delicious. Pistachio cake dessert is a must try. And the service was excellent.