When you’re craving old-school Italian comfort food in Pasadena, this family-operated gem delivers the goods. Since 1984, Tarantino’s has been serving made-from-scratch recipes passed down from Grandma herself. 🍕
Diners squeeze into long communal tables topped with checkered tablecloths, surrounded by celebrity photos and old family pictures plastered across dark wood walls.
This cash-only spot in the historic Pasadena Playhouse district gives you that “eating with family” vibe without any pretense.
Grandma’s Secret: Tony’s Special Pizza
Here’s where things get serious. Grandma Tony’s Special Pizza is the stuff of legend, featuring Grandma’s old world sauce handed down through generations.
The pizza comes loaded with fresh toppings and that signature marinara that regulars line up for. One reviewer on Postmates calls it worth every penny of the $24 price tag, earning a 95% approval rating.
The crust holds up beautifully against the thick sauce and generous cheese, creating that perfect bite where everything stays together instead of sliding off.
This isn’t some trendy artisan pie—it’s the real deal, the kind of pizza that reminds you why Italian-American food became iconic in the first place.
Garlic Rolls That’ll Knock Your Socks Off
Forget everything you know about garlic bread. These famous garlic rolls (also called garlic balls or knots) are covered in garlic sauce and Romano cheese, creating an addiction you won’t want to cure.
With 68 reviews specifically calling them out on Yelp, these babies are clearly fan favorites. They arrive at your table piping hot, swimming in that garlicky goodness, soft and doughy on the inside with just enough texture on the outside.
Pro tip: they’re perfect for soaking up extra marinara sauce. One Uber Eats reviewer declared them “out of this world,” and honestly, that’s not hyperbole. These rolls have been a signature item since day one, and they’re not slowing down anytime soon.
The Legendary Pepe Salad
This isn’t your average salad. 🥗 The Pepe Salad at Tarantino’s has achieved cult status with 52 reviews and a $24.75 price tag that feeds multiple people.
Made with acini di pepe pasta (those tiny little pearls), this pasta salad gets dressed up with special seasonings blended with sesame seeds according to the menu.
The antipasto-style medley creates layers of flavor that keep you coming back for more.
Customers consistently rave about this dish, with one saying it’s the best they’ve had and another noting they specifically request it every visit. It’s filling enough to share but good enough that you might not want to.
Atmosphere
Step inside and you’ll immediately understand why locals keep coming back. The checkered tablecloths and long communal center table create an authentic family-style dining experience.
Celebrity photos line the walls, including John Travolta, alongside old family pictures and memorabilia covering the dark wood paneling.
The atmosphere feels warm and unpretentious—like you’re eating at a relative’s house where everyone’s welcome.
The staff is friendly and the service stays fast even when the place fills up. This is a no-frills, cash-only joint where the food does all the talking. 🎭
Bottom Line
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Made-from-scratch recipes passed down from Grandma since 1984
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Legendary garlic rolls that people drive across town to devour
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Generous portions at reasonable prices that won’t break the bank
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Authentic family-style atmosphere with communal tables and checkered cloths
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Cash-only operation (ATM available in back) that keeps things old-school
Address: 784 E Green St, Pasadena, CA 91101
📞 (626) 796-7836
🕔 Mon-Fri: 11 AM–9 PM, Sat: 11 AM–9 PM, Sun: 5 PM–9 PM