"A Michelin Bib Gourmand in Old Pasadena where chef Andrew Mercado spins California produce into house-made Northern Italian pasta."
About Union
Union opened on East Union Street in 2014, when chef Bruce Kalman and Marie Petulla brought a seasonally Californian take on Northern Italian cooking to Old Pasadena. Kalman stepped away in 2018; the kitchen is now led by chef Andrew Mercado, and the restaurant has held its Michelin Bib Gourmand for good cooking at fair value. It is one of the strongest Italian rooms in our Pasadena guide.
The 50-seat space puts a counter in front of the kitchen, so a single diner can watch the pasta being finished. It reads as a neighbourhood restaurant that happens to cook at a high level rather than a special-occasion fortress.
The Kitchen
House-made pasta is the headline: boldly seasoned plates built on market produce, with seafood and a short list of larger mains rounding out the card. The menu turns over with the California seasons, and the cooking stays rustic and direct rather than fussy. Pricing keeps it in everyday-celebration territory, which is the whole point of a Bib Gourmand.
The Room
Reclaimed wood, an open kitchen and a lively bar give Union a warm, slightly buzzy feel. The chef's counter is the best seat for a solo diner or a couple who like to watch the pass; tables along the wall suit a quieter conversation. Service is friendly and quick on its feet.
Best for a first date or a relaxed anniversary
Grab two seats at the counter for a first date with built-in entertainment, or book a wall table for an easy anniversary over pasta and a bottle.
Not for
A hushed, white-tablecloth blowout or a large group: the room is compact and convivial, and the energy runs warm rather than formal.
Frequently Asked
Does Union in Pasadena have a Michelin star?
No. Union holds a Michelin Bib Gourmand, the guide's mark for good cooking at fair value, rather than a star.
Who is the chef at Union Pasadena?
The kitchen is led by chef Andrew Mercado. Union was opened in 2014 by chef Bruce Kalman and Marie Petulla; Kalman left in 2018.
What kind of food does Union serve?
Union serves seasonally Californian Northern Italian cooking, with house-made pasta as the headline alongside seafood and a short list of larger mains.
Where is Union in Pasadena?
It is at 37 E Union St in Old Pasadena, a compact 50-seat room with a counter facing the open kitchen.
Is Union good for a date?
Yes. The chef's counter offers a lively front-row seat for a first date, while wall tables suit a quieter anniversary dinner.
Reserve a Table
Reserve at Union
Reserve ahead for weekend dinner; counter seats go to early bookers.
Affiliate disclosure: Restaurants for Kings may earn a commission when you book through our reservation links, at no cost to you. Our scores are editorial and never paid for.
Practical Information
Address37 E Union St, Pasadena, CA 91103
NeighbourhoodOld Pasadena
CuisineNorthern Italian / Californian
Price$$$ · pasta approx. $24-32
RecognitionMichelin Bib Gourmand
SignatureHouse-made pasta
