Xiomara--CLOSED
(626) 796-2520
69 N Raymond Ave
(at W Union Street)
Pasadena,
CA
91103
34.147
-118.1491
Neighborhood: West Central
Hours:
Mon-Fri 11:30am-11pm
Sat-Sun 5pm-11pm
What People Are Saying About Xiomara--CLOSED
The Editor
Contributor
Citysearch
The Scene
Festive music and flickering candles add a hint of coziness to exposed-brick walls and black leather accents. A bar anchors one side of the room, where cheerful bartenders juice fresh sugarcane for the hallmark mojitos. Friendly, knowledgable servers efficiently guide smartly dressed couples and longtime regulars through their meals.
The Food
Traditional Cuban and Latin dishes get a modern twist with Asian and Californian accents. Grilled, buttery Cuban bread immediately arrives at the table, with a black bean paste for dipping. Appetizer portions are large, like the mound of flavorful shredded duck ropa vieja served on a manchego-laden corn cake. Entrees are equally hearty: A vinegary corn stew pools around firm, corn-encrusted Chilean sea bass, and the meaty lamb shank served tableside from a cast-iron pan is fall-apart tender. Light and fluffy, the souffle-like chocolate bread pudding is a decadent end.
User Reviews
paddyduece2000
November 03, 2007
My girlfriend and I went in on a Friday night before seeing a show at Pantages. The service was prompt, on it but not in your face. The peppercorn salmon was unreal, and my gf had the chicken with the blue cheese mashed potatoes which were out of this world. Great music playing, nice ambiance. Highly recommended.
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xiomaramelrose
July 23, 2007
This is to inform all of our customers that I sold the Pasadena location in April 2007. The new owners are in the process of changing the name, menu, hours, and prices. Also, the website listed above is only for the Melrose location which I am proud to own and operate. We serve the famous Mojito created by me featuring the fresh sugar cane juice and fresh mint. The Melrose menu is the true Cuban and New Latin Cuisine that we made well known and respected by the best critics in LA and having been serving for over ten years. Come and visit us for Brunch on Sundays and get your true latin experience. Thanks for being loyal customers. Xiomara Ardolina
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claritarejoice
July 08, 2007
I say "expectations" because this is the highest-rated restaurant in the Pasadena/Valleys area by the LA Times. I've been to Xiomara twice because it's more of a special occasion place, but I've been to Cafe Atlantic many times. Both times at Xiomara, once for my birthday, was perfect, and actually much more affordable than I expected. I can usually only finish an appetizer anyways - their appetizers are great, filling choices. Good service, very friendly, nice atmosphere, romantic and not crowded. We did have reservations - I would recommend it. I like the story of Ms. Xiomara coming from Cuba to open this place. Another great choice is Cafe Atlantic.
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