Parkway Grill

Parkway Grill may be known to have ushered in the open kitchen and exposed brick phenomenon back in the 1980s; and while many of the servers have been here for decades as well, this Pasadena favorite never shows her age. In fact, it's always bustling with a convivial scene inside, but everyone stops in their tracks and heads swivel when that platter of whole fried ginger catfish makes its way through the dining room. This aromatic behemoth is definitely a trophy, but with its deliciously deep-fried crust and addictive yuzu-ponzu dipping sauce, it's by all means a golden one.

Regulars know to save room at the end for the crème brûlée Napoleon. This dessert may look a touch throwback but lingers on your taste buds for weeks to come.