Nestled in the heart of Pasadena, California, Mi Piace Restaurant invites you to embark on a culinary journey that seamlessly blends the rich flavors of Italian cuisine with the vibrant influences of California’s diverse culinary landscape. This unique fusion of traditions creates a dining experience that is both authentic and innovative, catering to the discerning palates of food enthusiasts from near and far.
At Mi Piace, the atmosphere is warm and inviting, with a touch of sophistication that perfectly complements the exceptional cuisine. From the moment you step through the doors, you’ll be enveloped in a welcoming ambiance that sets the stage for an unforgettable dining experience. Whether you’re seeking a romantic evening out or a casual gathering with friends and family, Mi Piace offers the perfect setting to indulge in exceptional flavors and create lasting memories.
Beverages
At Mi Piace, we understand the importance of a perfect beverage to complement your dining experience. Our extensive beverage menu features a delightful selection of coffees, espressos, and specialty drinks crafted with the utmost care and attention to detail.
For coffee connoisseurs, we offer a variety of premium roasts, meticulously brewed to bring out the rich, complex flavors. From our signature Mi Piace Blend to smooth single-origin offerings, each cup is a testament to our commitment to quality. Espresso enthusiasts will delight in our expertly pulled shots, featuring a bold, robust flavor and a velvety crema.
In addition to our coffee and espresso offerings, Mi Piace boasts a tempting array of specialty drinks. Indulge in our decadent hot chocolate, made with rich, velvety chocolate and topped with a dollop of whipped cream. For those seeking a refreshing treat, our iced coffee and iced latte selections are sure to delight, featuring perfectly balanced flavors and a touch of sweetness.
Elevate your experience with our signature Mi Piace Mocha, a harmonious blend of espresso, chocolate, and steamed milk, or treat yourself to our Caramel Macchiato, a delightful combination of espresso, vanilla-flavored milk, and a drizzle of caramel sauce. These specialty drinks are the perfect accompaniment to any meal or a delightful indulgence on their own.
Appetizers and Small Plates
For those seeking to whet their appetite before indulging in the main course, Mi Piace offers a tantalizing array of appetizers and small plates that perfectly blend Italian and Californian flavors. One of the must-try options is the Charcuterie board, a delightful assortment of cured meats, artisanal cheeses, olives, and other accompaniments, expertly curated to tantalize the taste buds.
Another crowd-pleaser is the Calamari Fritti, a classic Italian dish with a twist. Lightly battered and fried to perfection, these tender calamari rings are served with a zesty lemon aioli, adding a burst of freshness to every bite. The Bruschetta, a beloved Italian staple, is elevated with the use of locally sourced tomatoes, basil, and a drizzle of high-quality olive oil, creating a flavor explosion in each mouthful.
For those seeking something truly unique, Mi Piace offers the Grilled Fresh Water Prawns, a delectable dish that showcases the restaurant’s commitment to sourcing the finest ingredients. These plump and succulent prawns are grilled to perfection and served with a tangy cocktail sauce, making for a memorable and indulgent start to your dining experience.
Finally, the Torre di Tonno, a tower of tuna tartare, is a must-try for seafood enthusiasts. This visually stunning dish features layers of fresh tuna, avocado, and crispy wonton chips, all drizzled with a zesty ponzu sauce, creating a harmonious blend of flavors and textures that will leave you craving for more.
Salads
At Mi Piace, the salad menu is a celebration of fresh, locally-sourced ingredients, expertly combined to create flavorful and visually stunning dishes. The signature Insalata Mi Piace is a true masterpiece, featuring mixed greens, juicy tomatoes, creamy avocado, crispy pancetta, and a tangy balsamic vinaigrette dressing. Each bite bursts with a harmonious blend of flavors and textures, making it a favorite among diners.
Another standout option is the Niçoise Salad, a classic French dish with a Mi Piace twist. Perfectly seared tuna steak, crisp haricot verts, Kalamata olives, and hard-boiled eggs are artfully arranged atop a bed of mixed greens, complemented by a zesty Dijon vinaigrette. This salad is a delightful fusion of Mediterranean flavors, offering a refreshing and satisfying dining experience.
Mi Piace’s commitment to using only the freshest ingredients is evident in every salad creation. The dressings are made in-house, allowing the chefs to expertly balance the flavors and elevate the taste of each dish. Whether you prefer a light and refreshing starter or a hearty and filling main course, the salad menu at Mi Piace promises to tantalize your taste buds with its unique and flavorful offerings.
Pastas and Entrees
At Mi Piace, the pasta and entree selections are a true celebration of Italian culinary traditions, expertly combined with the fresh and flavorful ingredients of California. The pasta dishes are a standout, meticulously crafted with imported Italian semolina flour and prepared with the utmost care.
The Spaghetti is a classic, served with a choice of hearty Bolognese or fragrant marinara sauce, both made from scratch using time-honored recipes. For those seeking a rich and indulgent option, the Fettuccine Alfredo is a must-try, featuring thick, creamy strands of pasta enveloped in a decadent parmesan cream sauce.
The Lasagna is a true labor of love, with layers of fresh pasta, savory meat sauce, and a blend of melted cheeses, all baked to perfection. This iconic dish is a testament to Mi Piace’s commitment to authentic Italian flavors.
Among the signature entrees, the Pollo Parmigiano is a crowd favorite. Tender chicken breast is lightly breaded and fried to a golden crisp, then topped with marinara sauce and a generous helping of melted mozzarella, creating a harmonious blend of textures and flavors.
For those seeking a truly indulgent experience, the Osso Buco is a must-try. This classic Milanese dish features slow-braised veal shanks, infused with a rich sauce made from white wine, vegetables, and aromatic herbs. The meat is fall-off-the-bone tender, and the sauce is a perfect accompaniment to the creamy risotto that adorns the plate.
Meats and Seafood
For meat lovers, Mi Piace’s menu offers a tantalizing selection of premium cuts and expertly prepared dishes. The Prime Filet Mignon is a standout, featuring a tender and flavorful cut of beef that is grilled to perfection and served with a rich demi-glace sauce. The Veal Milanese is another must-try, with a lightly breaded and pan-fried veal cutlet that is both crispy on the outside and juicy on the inside.
Seafood enthusiasts will delight in the restaurant’s fresh and flavorful offerings. The Chilean Sea Bass is a true indulgence, with its buttery texture and delicate flavor, perfectly complemented by a lemon-caper sauce. For those seeking a heartier seafood dish, the Seafood Linguine is a crowd-pleaser, featuring an array of fresh seafood tossed with linguine pasta in a creamy white wine sauce.
Sandwiches and Burgers
Mi Piace’s sandwich and burger offerings are a delightful fusion of Italian flavors and California flair. The Mi Piace Black Label Burger is a standout dish, featuring a juicy Angus beef patty topped with crispy prosciutto, melted fontina cheese, arugula, and a tangy balsamic glaze, all nestled between a brioche bun. This unique combination of flavors and textures is a true crowd-pleaser.
Another must-try item is the Panino con Polpette, a hearty sandwich filled with homemade beef and pork meatballs, marinara sauce, and melted provolone cheese. The meatballs are expertly seasoned and cooked to perfection, ensuring a burst of flavor in every bite. Served on a crusty Italian roll, this sandwich is a comforting and satisfying option for lunch or dinner.
Soups and Sides
At Mi Piace, the soups and sides are crafted with the same attention to detail and quality ingredients as the main courses. The Minestrone is a beloved classic, brimming with fresh vegetables, beans, and pasta in a rich tomato broth. For those seeking a touch of indulgence, the Lobster Chowder is a creamy delight, featuring succulent chunks of lobster in a velvety bisque.
The side dishes at Mi Piace are far from mere accompaniments; they are stars in their own right. The Truffle Mac & Cheese is a decadent twist on a comfort food favorite, with a velvety cheese sauce infused with the earthy aroma of truffles. The Brussels Sprouts are a must-try, roasted to perfection and tossed with pancetta, creating a delightful balance of flavors and textures. These sides are sure to elevate any meal and leave a lasting impression on your taste buds.
Desserts
At Mi Piace, the dessert menu is a celebration of indulgence, crafted with the finest ingredients and a touch of Italian artistry. One of the standout offerings is the classic Tiramisu, a decadent layering of espresso-soaked ladyfingers, creamy mascarpone, and a dusting of rich cocoa powder. This timeless Italian dessert is a perfect harmony of flavors, showcasing the restaurant’s commitment to authentic recipes.
For those seeking a truly unique experience, the Mi Piace Special is a must-try. This signature dessert is a masterpiece of culinary creativity, featuring a delightful combination of seasonal fruits, velvety chocolate, and a hint of aromatic spices. Each bite is a journey through a world of flavors, meticulously crafted using only the finest, locally-sourced ingredients.
Whether you’re a traditionalist or an adventurer, Mi Piace’s dessert menu promises to tantalize your taste buds and leave you craving for more. From the delicate textures to the exquisite flavors, every dessert is a testament to the restaurant’s dedication to quality and culinary excellence.
Conclusion
Mi Piace Restaurant offers a truly unique dining experience that seamlessly blends the rich flavors of Italian cuisine with the fresh and innovative elements of California cuisine. From the moment you step into the warm and inviting atmosphere, you’ll be transported to a culinary journey that tantalizes your senses.
Whether you’re in the mood for a romantic dinner date, a family gathering, or a casual outing with friends, Mi Piace has something to satisfy every palate. The menu boasts a diverse array of dishes, ranging from classic Italian favorites like homemade pasta and wood-fired pizzas to contemporary California-inspired creations that showcase the finest locally sourced ingredients.
Indulge in the delectable appetizers, savor the expertly crafted entrees, and save room for the decadent desserts that will leave you craving for more. Mi Piace’s skilled chefs take pride in their craft, infusing each dish with passion and attention to detail, ensuring a truly memorable dining experience.
Don’t miss out on the opportunity to discover the flavors that have made Mi Piace a beloved destination in Pasadena. Visit the restaurant today and immerse yourself in the vibrant ambiance, exceptional service, and mouth-watering cuisine that have earned Mi Piace a well-deserved reputation for excellence.
For those seeking the convenience of enjoying Mi Piace’s delectable offerings from the comfort of their own homes, take advantage of their online ordering system or partner with your favorite delivery service. Simply visit their website or call (626) 555-1234 to place your order and savor the flavors of Mi Piace wherever you are.