Pasadena’s burgeoning dining scene continues to heat up with the addition of Granville, slated to open on Tuesday, April 9, at 270 S. Lake Avenue at Del Mar Boulevard. The highly anticipated modern-casual restaurant will feature a little something for everyone, including an indoor-outdoor wraparound bar that spills out onto a sidewalk patio on bustling Lake Avenue, a mezzanine perfect for private parties, a dedicated area for quick-service weekday lunch for time-pressed workers, and a beautiful rooftop bar, called Bar Del Mar by Granville, complete with a fireplace, lounge seating, and views of snow-capped San Gabriel mountains—just in time for warm spring weather. With beloved locations in Burbank, Glendale, Studio City, and West Hollywood already serving up Granville’s signature, globally-inspired menu and craft beverages, this newest addition to the restaurant group brings the one-of-a-kind Granville experience to Pasadena diners.

“When we first started Granville, we had clear intentions: we wanted to create a dining experience based around friendly people, warm surroundings, and good music while offering high-quality, wholesome, gourmet food that is both approachable and affordable,” says founder and CEO Jonathan Weiss. “Since opening our first location in Burbank in 2006, we have expanded slowly and thoughtfully into neighborhoods where we can become that fun, versatile hangout and community gathering place. We fell in love with Pasadena’s charm, character, deep-rooted history, and the genuine respect that the families, residents, students, and workforce have for this great city. We are thrilled to introduce Granville to all of our new friends in Pasadena. I am so impressed with how the vibrant dining scene in Pasadena has evolved and expanded over the years and I am excited for Granville to be a part of that.”

Granville Pasadena’s menu from Executive Chef Glenda Galvan-Garcia will focus on wholesome hand-crafted recipes using only the freshest, highest quality ingredients, with a number of vegan, vegetarian and gluten-free options for Pasadena diners. Boasting a wide variety of boldly flavored recipes, the menu will offer generous portions to encourage sharing, with comfort classics like the popular Uptown Mac & Cheese and Sweet Potato Fries, and gourmet burgers such as the Bacon & Blue. Guest can also look forward to sandwiches piled high, colorful salads, soups, artisan flatbreads, creamy pastas, and big protein plate entrees including the pan-seared Branzino and the Farro & Mushroom Risotto. The seemingly endless possibilities will invite diners to come back and experience the menu again and again.

And don’t forget the drinks. Led by Food & Beverage Manager Marc Dix, Granville Pasadena’s impressive bar program will feature 15 beers on tap, as well as the most extensive back bar of any Granville location, displaying highly curated beer and spirits from all over the world, along with several locally-produced liquors and brews. Granville Pasadena will offer classic cocktails like the Gran Fashioned, as well as unique libations like the refreshing Picante Pineapple Margarita. Guests can look forward to a thoughtful wine list curated by Wine Director and Sommelier Christina Sherwood featuring many varietals local to California, with all selections available by the glass. Sherwood strives to deliver the same high-quality product at a variety of different price points to create a memorable wine-drinking experience.

In the spirit of welcoming guests from all walks of life, Granville Pasadena will offer a variety of dining options to suit every need. Guests can choose to sit in the main dining area, filled with booth seating and long communal tables, or grab a stool at the indoor-outdoor bar and wraparound sidewalk patio. The elegant mezzanine will allow patrons to enjoy the view of the bustling restaurant from a quieter, more intimate perch, or to book private parties. Those looking for the ultimate al fresco dining experience can head up to the roof and unwind on a daybed while sipping a cocktail by the fireplace. Diners on a tight schedule will be able to take advantage of the hassle-free weekday “quick service” lunch – order and pay at the counter and food is brought to the table. Granville’s comfortable and casual ambiance will spill out onto the dog-friendly patio and outdoor dining spaces, providing an idyllic hangout whether it’s a laid-back lunch, happy hour drinks, weekend brunch, sit-down dinner or romantic date.

Granville Pasadena’s designer, Eddie Bitton of Bitton Design Group, drew inspiration from the Pasadena community and the city’s rich architectural history as a leader in mid-century modern style. Fittingly, the all-day eatery will feature casual and eclectic mid-century modern accents against a backdrop of stacked concrete stone wall panels, while American black walnut tones and rich leather upholstery will add warmth to the space. Chevron-shaped dark oakwood floors and custom House of Hackney vintage wallpaper will give the restaurant a residential feel, as if guests were being hosted in a classic Pasadena home. Locally-made, original artwork will cover the walls gallery style, along with historical photos and murals to enhance the dining experience. Meanwhile, diners who take the elevator up to the rooftop will feel instantly transported to a vacation-like oasis, where retractable windows outline the standalone bar, leading to picturesque mountain views. Known as Bar Del Mar by Granville, the rooftop will offer shareable bites and botanical cocktails featuring a highly-curated selection of gin. Custom lounge furnishings, lush landscaping, hanging greenery, decorative lighting and fans will add a tropical vibe to the open-air dining area, providing a laid-back, charming getaway for Pasadena locals and visitors alike.

The Pasadena opening will mark the fifth location for the growing collection of restaurants, with four current locations in Glendale, Burbank, Studio City and West Hollywood.

Industry News, NextGen Casual