Would you like to know the best kept little secret in South Pasadena? It's Fiore Market Cafe and my favorite local lunch spot. In fact I'm a bit embarrassed to admit how often I sneak off to Fiore for lunch. With its private garden surrounded outdoor patio, piles of inspirational cookbooks, and delicious food, it's no wonder why I'm obsessed.
Years ago when the owners of Fiore took a trip to Italy, they fell in love with the idea of one day owning their own small family ran restaurant similar to the places they visited. The concept was simple: homemade, seasonal food, made from scratch and grown when possible.
Everything on the menu is delicious but there are a few favorites you must try like the Beef Shortrib sandwich on homemade bread (of course), the Roasted Chicken Salad (shown above), or the vegetarian Tempeh Bacon Sandwich (shown below).
Or order one of the seasonal salads or veggies. Chances are that one or two of the ingredients were grown right there in Fiore's garden. If Fiore has ripe blackberries on the vine, they will be baked into Saturday's scones. If the apple tree is full of fruit, there will be apple & fennel Slaw. It's easy food.
Yes, Fiore is my favorite local hangout. It's easy to forget the time, get engrossed in a good cookbook or magazine, and sit sipping freshly brewed iced tea long into the afternoon.
Of course if you do that, I highly recommend ordering a giant homemade chocolate chip cookie to keep you company!
photos by Joanne Pio
Fiore Market Cafe
1000 Fremont Avenue
South Pasadena, Ca 91030
Lynn @ The Actor's Diet says
There are so many cool places in S Pasadena I wanna try b/c of you - this place is now at the top of the list!
Mom says
This is one of my favorite lunch spots too. I especially love the cauliflower salad and the cous cous. Yummy!
Tiffany @ Savor Home says
Looks like a lovely spot! Your restaurant picks always make me want to book a ticket to CA right away!
christin says
it's really a shame that we aren't neighbors.
Joy | Frock Files says
Beautiful! I'm taking notes on all your local recommendations for the next time we make it out to LA. Here in Boston, I'm in love with a tiny cafe in the South End called Wholly Grain. It also has a little garden and fresh, fresh food - if you're ever here, you'll have to peek in. 🙂
Alyssa Longobucco says
Ok, this food looks incredible. I wish this place was near me (or I could fly to CA easily!)
Chelsea says
That sandwich looks so yummy Leah. I love the restaurant and that cute little daisy in your hair! I'm also really loving the bloglift. Such a punchy and cute header!
xoxo,
Chelsea & The City
Alison says
That salad has officially made my mouth water, YUM!
Emily says
So beautiful, everything looks so good!
Robin says
Can't wait to visit this great find!
Ana says
While reading your blog, Pasadena landed on my to-visit list. 🙂 This spot as well. 😉
kelsey says
oh yum!
kw ladies in navy
Jaime Lopez says
This place looks like a little oasis and the food sounds delicious too. Wishing I was close enough to go try it myself...