Union is virtually the perfect neighborhood Italian gastropub, but Bruce Kalman's cooking bares its ambitions. From a neatly sauced spaghetti alla chitarra that packs a nice kick to those massive hunks of porchetta that seem to sell out before closing on a daily basis, Kalman plays the right standards while incorporating seasonal whimsy — pappardelle bathed in rich oxtail ragu with gremolata comes to mind — that practically sings in the sweater season.

Chef Teresa Montano puts out a lean, deftly balanced tapas (snacks) and racion (portions) program at this sleek Pasadena eatery that's gotten props from critics Jonathan Gold and Besha Rodell. Standouts include those little beef tongue panuelos finished with a little horseradish, and the magnificent beer-braised octopus with chorizo.

If Houston's could only be described in one word, that word would be "thoughtful." Service at a Hillstone restaurant is one of those things that need to be experienced to be fully appreciated. The servers are so perfectly unobtrusive, prompt and detail-oriented that it almost seems robotic — until you engage them in conversation, and then they become immediately warm and engaging. Intimate acoustics and thoughtfully designed interiors couple with comfortable furniture to create a true user-experience marvel of a restaurant space. The menu is short but still manages to have something for everyone. Ding's Crispy Chicken Sandwich is particularly notable, a perfectly crisped chicken breast between simple condiments and fixings, wrapped in that perfect, plush, sesame-seeded bun and cut into mouth-fitting thirds. And don't wrinkle your nose at the sushi on the menu; the nigiri takes generous slices of fresh fish and drapes them over properly formed sushi rice. Calling Houston's one of Pasadena's best restaurants isn't a backhanded compliment — it's a statement about a local mainstay that invokes envy by those who've had the pleasure of dining there.

The Downtown Pasadena offshoot of the San Gabriel Valley mainstay doesn't lose anything in translation here. The shrimp har gao are just as plump and massive (and perfectly pleated), the siu mai still practically bursting at its pale golden skins with pork and shrimp. It's pricey, but the portions are generous — so choose wisely.

The open-faced egg salad sandwich is still as reliable a light lunch as it's ever been, and the bakery with the great breads and quiches remains one of the better spots to grab a quick bite or spoil your sweet tooth.

Everyone's favorite walk-up pizza window is still killing the game, still serving up Pasadena's best crunchy-crusted, airy slices of pizza excellence next door to a coffee shop. If you don't know, now you know.

Sure there are sandwiches at Roma Market, but Rosario Mazzeo would probably prefer you just ordered The Sandwich. Yes, capitalized. The Sandwich is a nice little mix of mortadella, salami, provolone, olive oil and sea salt on your choice of bread (I favor the ciabatta) and yes, the meats are on-point and The Sandwich is amazing as-billed. By the way, it's around five bucks.

Himalayan Cafe has one of the best South Asian lunch buffets for around $10-$12, and it's also great a la carte at dinner. If the Mo Mo's are available, make sure to order some: Chicken dumplings strongly resemble Japanese potstickers in an interesting South Asian take on an East Asian favorite.