Maria's Italian Kitchen – Italian

The air at Maria’s Italian Kitchen is thick with the irresistible scent of toasted garlic and fragrant rosemary, drawing guests into a space that feels like a warm, bustling culinary embrace. Golden baskets of pillowy garlic knots and crisp, herb-dusted zucchini fritti anchor the table, inviting friends to linger over shared plates of vibrant roasted greens and savory, salt-kissed calamari. It is a neighborhood sanctuary where the simple joy of Italian comfort is celebrated through every crunch of toasted bread and every herb-flecked, savory bite.

3537 East Foothill Boulevard, Pasadena CA 91107 https://mariasitaliankitchen.com/pasadena/

Rating: 4/5 (1 reviews)

Cuisine: Italian

Price range: $

Dietary options: vegetarian, nut-free, vegan, dairy-free, high-protein, gluten-free, keto, low-carb, pescatarian, mediterranean, heart-healthy, plant-based, low-fat, diabetic, sugar-free, whole30, paleo, low-cholesterol, atkins, south-beach, clean-eating, anti-inflammatory, high-fiber, tlc, raw-food, volumetrics, detox, alkaline, aip, mayo-clinic, macrobiotic, slow-carb, pegan, candida, lectin-free

Currently closed

Hours

Mo-Th - Sunday: 11:00 AM - 9:00 PM
Friday - Saturday: 11:00 AM - 9:30 PM

What diners are saying

Celebrated for its mouth-watering seafood that is consistently cooked to perfection, guests love the relaxed vibe and welcoming atmosphere of this neighborhood gem. Standout dishes include the fresh seafood selections, which reviewers highlight for their exceptional flavor and reasonable pricing. Diners frequently praise the accommodating and friendly staff, noting that the attentive service makes for a truly enjoyable dining experience.

Garlic Knots (6) - $8: Homemade dough shaped into knots, tossed with rosemary, garlic Dietary tags: Vegetarian, Nut-Free, Pescatarian
Old Fashioned Garlic Toast - $6: Crispy bread brushed with butter & fresh garlic Dietary tags: Vegetarian, Nut-Free, Pescatarian, Sugar-Free
Italian Rosemary Bread - $1: Homemade dough brushed with olive oil, garlic, Rosemary, kosher salt Dietary tags: Vegan, Vegetarian, Dairy-Free, Nut-Free, Mediterranean, Pescatarian, Plant-Based, Sugar-Free, Low-Cholesterol
Italian Fries - $4: Crispy shoestring potatoes tossed with parmesan cheese and fresh parsley Dietary tags: Vegetarian, Gluten-Free, Nut-Free, Pescatarian, Sugar-Free
Zucchini Fritti - $5: Crispy California squash served with house ranch or marinara Dietary tags: Vegetarian, Nut-Free, Pescatarian
Calamari Fritti - $8: Crispy calamari served with house marinara or arrabiata sauce Dietary tags: High-Protein, Dairy-Free, Nut-Free, Pescatarian, Sugar-Free
Mozzarella Fritti - $6.5: Crispy, golden fried mozzarella sticks served with house ranch or marinara Dietary tags: Vegetarian, Nut-Free, Pescatarian
Bruschetta - $5.5: Fresh tomatoes, basil, extra-virgin olive oil & chopped garlic Dietary tags: Vegan, Vegetarian, Dairy-Free, Nut-Free, Mediterranean, Pescatarian, Heart-Healthy, Plant-Based, Sugar-Free, Clean-Eating, Low-Cholesterol, TLC, Mayo-Clinic
Sautéed Broccoli - $10: Finished with extra-virgin olive oil and a balsamic reduction Dietary tags: Keto, Low-Carb, Vegan, Vegetarian, Gluten-Free, Dairy-Free, Nut-Free, Mediterranean, Whole30, Pescatarian, Paleo, Diabetic, Heart-Healthy, Plant-Based, Anti-Inflammatory, Atkins, South-Beach, Clean-Eating, High-Fiber, Low-Cholesterol, Volumetrics, TLC, Detox, Alkaline, AIP, Mayo-Clinic, Macrobiotic, Slow-Carb, Pegan, Candida, Lectin-Free
Roasted Brussels Sprouts - $13: Tender Brussels, crisp bacon, balsamic reduction Dietary tags: Low-Carb, Gluten-Free, Dairy-Free, Nut-Free, Diabetic, Atkins, South-Beach, High-Fiber
Maria's Famous Meatballs (3) - $8: Freshly-ground USDA choice beef with fresh herbs & seasonings Dietary tags: High-Protein, Nut-Free
Mini Crab Cakes (3) - $8: Lump crab meat & lemon aioli Dietary tags: High-Protein, Nut-Free, Pescatarian

Soups & Salads

Vegan Minestrone Soup (Cup) - $5: With or without pasta Dietary tags: Vegan, Vegetarian, Dairy-Free, Nut-Free, Mediterranean, Pescatarian, Heart-Healthy, Plant-Based, Low-Fat, Sugar-Free, Anti-Inflammatory, Clean-Eating, High-Fiber, Low-Cholesterol, Volumetrics, TLC, Detox, Mayo-Clinic
Vegan Minestrone Soup (Bowl) - $9: With or without pasta Dietary tags: Vegan, Vegetarian, Dairy-Free, Nut-Free, Mediterranean, Pescatarian, Heart-Healthy, Plant-Based, Low-Fat, Sugar-Free, Anti-Inflammatory, Clean-Eating, High-Fiber, Low-Cholesterol, Volumetrics, TLC, Detox, Alkaline, Mayo-Clinic, Macrobiotic
Classic Caesar - $16: Romaine hearts, homemade croutons, classic Caesar dressing, shaved parmesan Dietary tags: Vegetarian, Nut-Free, Pescatarian, Volumetrics, Mayo-Clinic
Chopped Italian Salad - $17: Lettuce, tomatoes, carrots, olives, cucumber, chickpeas, pepperoncini, mozzarella Dietary tags: Low-Carb, Vegetarian, Gluten-Free, Nut-Free, Mediterranean, Pescatarian, Diabetic, Sugar-Free, Atkins, South-Beach, High-Fiber, Volumetrics, Mayo-Clinic
Greek Salad - $17: Romaine hearts, feta, red onion, kalamata olives, cucumber & tomatoes Dietary tags: Low-Carb, Vegetarian, Gluten-Free, Nut-Free, Mediterranean, Pescatarian, Diabetic, Sugar-Free, Atkins, South-Beach, Clean-Eating, High-Fiber, Raw-Food, Volumetrics, Mayo-Clinic
BBQ Chicken Chopped Salad - $21: Chopped lettuce, bbq chicken, cilantro, cucumber, tomatoes, smoked mozzarella, wontons Dietary tags: High-Protein, Nut-Free
Caprese - $16: Tomatoes, fresh mozzarella, basil, extra virgin olive oil & balsamic Dietary tags: Keto, Low-Carb, Vegetarian, Gluten-Free, Nut-Free, Mediterranean, Pescatarian, Diabetic, Sugar-Free, Atkins, South-Beach, Clean-Eating, Raw-Food, Mayo-Clinic

Pastas

Spaghetti Marinara - $17: Homemade marinara sauce Dietary tags: Vegan, Vegetarian, Dairy-Free, Nut-Free, Mediterranean, Pescatarian, Heart-Healthy, Plant-Based, Low-Fat, Low-Cholesterol, TLC, Mayo-Clinic
Rigatoni Meat Sauce - $20: Freshly-ground beef & pork simmered with garlic, tomatoes & herbs Dietary tags: High-Protein, Dairy-Free, Nut-Free
Fettucine Alfredo - $21: Fresh cream with pecorino & parmesan cheese Dietary tags: Vegetarian, Nut-Free, Pescatarian, Sugar-Free
Spaghetti & Meatballs - $26: Signature dish with homemade marinara sauce & 4 meatballs Dietary tags: High-Protein, Nut-Free
Mama's Meat Lasagna - $21: Homemade meat sauce layered with pasta, seasoned ricotta & mozzarella Dietary tags: High-Protein, Nut-Free

Pizzas

Cheese Pizza (12") - $18: Traditional Naples-style thin crust pizza with mozzarella Dietary tags: Vegetarian, Nut-Free, Pescatarian
Pepperoni Pizza (12") - $20: Traditional Naples-style thin crust pizza with mozzarella and pepperoni Dietary tags: High-Protein, Nut-Free
Margherita Pizza - $21: Fresh mozzarella, marinara sauce & fresh basil, extra-virgin olive oil Dietary tags: Vegetarian, Nut-Free, Mediterranean, Pescatarian
BBQ Chicken Pizza - $25: Red onions, cilantro & smoked mozzarella Dietary tags: High-Protein, Nut-Free

Desserts

Tiramisu - $13: Homemade sponge cake, espresso, sweetened mascarpone Dietary tags: Vegetarian, Nut-Free, Pescatarian
Fudge Brownie - $4.5: Fudgy chocolate brownie Dietary tags: Vegetarian, Pescatarian
Cannoli (4) - $8: Mini cannoli shells filled with zesty cannoli cream Dietary tags: Vegetarian, Nut-Free, Pescatarian
Molten Chocolate Cake - $11: Gluten-free fudgy chocolate cake Dietary tags: Vegetarian, Gluten-Free, Nut-Free, Pescatarian

Beverages

Lemonade - $4.2: Fresh lemonade
Soda (Can) - $2.75: Coke, Diet Coke, or Sprite
Peroni - $6.5: Italian bottled beer
NA Lyre's Margarita - $10: Non-alcoholic sparkling margarita alternative