Beloved Celestino Ristorante in Pasadena Reopens

(Gerry Furth-Sides, photos courtesy of Celestino unless otherwise noted) We are thrilled that beloved Celestino Ristorante in Pasadena reopens this week.  Italian food is not only perfect, regal comfort food, but the Drago pasta-focused take out of we had during COVID seemed to last and last because small portions are so satisfying and filling.

Owner and Executive Chef Calogero Drago introduce their seasonal New Summer Takeout Menu created by Owner and Executive Chef Calogero Drago which features a signature selection of guest favorite Italian Soups, Salads, Appetizers, Traditional Italian Pastas & Risottos, Meats and Desserts.

About the last people  to hug me out side my house (Wednesday before Friday  quarantine) were the Drago brother chefs.   I am so honored that they even know me because of their stature.  I can give the time and dates of “the best”  food I’ve ever had and often it has a Drago name on it:  (Celestino Ristorante two autumns ago and I can recite the menu); the “best” lamb chop (Chef Celestino handing it to me at the first Taste of LA ); the best food coma event when the Drago brothers honored a fellow chef and each restaurant covered a table for the Kidney Foundation at CBS in Studio City.  And, most recently, the bittersweet memory of the “best” take out from Drago Bakery. (see: //localfoodeater.com/drago-ristorante-catering-and-good-cheer-comes-home-with-us/)

Fresh Fish of the Day head the Daily Specials including a Celestino Family Package for Four ($90) includes A Family Style Salad, Choice of Pasta or Fish, Side and Dessert.  Celestino;s Special Chef Menu for two or more guests ($38 per person) features a Salad, Pasta or Risotto, Special Fish Dish, Special Meat Dish, and Dessert.  

Calogero Drago is also offering a sublime selection of Daily Special Italian Wines including a Red, White, and Sparkling Wine. For those who prefer something just a little stronger, Celestino Ristorante steps it up a notch by offering their Open Bar To-Go which offers Daily Aperitifs, Digestives, Spirits, Grappa, Limoncello, and Celestino Cocktails To-Go

Celestino Ristorante is open for Takeout and Curbside Pickup every Monday through Sunday from 5:00 pm to 8:00 pm. For information, please call  Celestino Ristorante at 626.795.4006, and to view the new Celestino Ristorante Takeout Menu, please visit www.CelestinoPasadena.com.

Calogero Drago (shown above right with head waiter Mario, and below) also keeps a sure hand on the front of the house.  The friendly Mario (left) only looks serious and actually began his career with Chef Celestino at the original Beverly Hills location on Beverly Drive.

Both oversee and host  the sprawling set of white tablecloth dining rooms and spacious,  welcoming veranda on Lake Street, which we look forward to being open soon.  (photo above and portrait below are courtesy  Celestino Restaurant)

Calogero Drago celebrates 15 years on Lake street, the only Drago eatery in Pasadena.  For over twenty-five years, Celestino Ristorante has been Pasadena’s mainstay for fans of its signature house-made pastas and risottos, seafood, organic meats, and the freshest produce.

Over thirty years ago, the famed Drago Brothers set out to show Los Angeles what true Italian Sicilian food consists of and have since made a name for themselves as Los Angeles powerhouses of fine Italian cuisine. The crazy friendly and slightly frenetic  Il Pastaio and more sedate Via Alloro perk up Beverly Hills while Drago Centro is a major downtown LA attraction.