Pasadena Restaurant Guide

We have eaten at Gales for years and find it our favorite. The owners are absolutely wonderful as is the food.

I'm responding in particular to the fairly recent very grumpy one-star review. I think this is the kind of place where the better you are, the better the experience is. Meaning? Well,it's not a chain, so some nights the service is really personal, charming (these darn Frenchmen!) and caring, and some other night the waitperson is a little harried. I've noticed, on the fairly rare occasion when this happens that if I'm a little charming in return and put a little something into it, service and smiles resume. The food, by the way, is quite good; better than Il Fornaio (which is pretty good generally), and for less and there's far more variety. Also: if there's some special Italian dish you haven't been able to find elsewhere, ask them: they'll probably make it for you and make you glad you asked.

Starting with Rene the French husband of Gale; he is the Maitre De. A great guy gives the kiss on each cheek to my wife and a sincere handshake with me. Not phony; a sincerely friendly man. Food is great ,small bar is homey filled with regulars. Good servers especially one particular waitress a petite blonde named Tiffany (who now works days -as she told me few days ago -ran into her close by on Lake Ave.)is extremely personable and a great attentive server. Even the bus personnel are extremely efficient. I think the owner's amiable attitude trickles down to all the staff - I can't see how anybody could give this place a negative review.

I've eaten here on 3 occasions. First 2 times were good food but average service. The flat iron steak lunch special with asparagus and portobello mushrooms in balsalmic vinegar is really good. However on our 3rd visit we went in around 4PM for an early dinner. Just us a few couples leftover from lunch. The waitress we had was downright rude. When we questioned her ability to serve us the bread and drinks she replied that we don't know what her other duties are in the restaurant. She said she had to close down 2 registers and deal with the shift change. When we finally got the bread she served it first to a couple next to us who had arrived 15 minutes later than us. Then asked them politely if they wanted balsamic vinegar or butter with their bread. When she turned around and gave us ours she ran off without a word. My wife had to call at her to say that we wanted balsamic vinegar as well. She kept going and in a huff turned slightly towards us with a contorted face and said It's coming! My wife who is normally quiet in such matters said did you see the look on her face. I wanted to leave but we had ordered. Next I had to remind her I had a drink coming. When I asked her if there was a problem she said no and acted like nothing was going on. The salad was dropped off in a similar manner. No asking about fresh ground pepper. She finally handed us off to another waitress who told us she was leaving because of a shift change. Entrees of Sea Bass $26.00 which was dried out and the steak (27.95) was overcooked. Send it back? to who. We actually got to pay for her to be rude to us.

First experience: good food, tried one of the specials. was seated on an uneven table by the entrance. waiters were hard to find even though we were eating an early dinner. Second visit: ordered off the daily special but was not impressed. food does taste fresh though. again, waitress was not seen after food was served until the check was brought. location is nice because it's away from the busy area but service is lousy and dining area can get loud.

The food was mediocre, over-priced, and the service was lacking. Our server was inattentive, forgot our salads, and never refilled our waters! We were choking on our dry food. Needless to say, it ruined a special occasion. Avoid at all costs!!!

I love this place! The service by a special server makes Gail's extra special!

The Spinach Lasagne is a dining experience. Have to be tasted to believe. I was told the regular lasagna is as good or better. How could that be.

This amazing Pasadena eaterie is not to be missed. Gail and Rene and their warm, friendly, professional staff always make you feel welcome, but are never intrusive. Everything on the menu is spectacular, as are the specials. And there's a full bar and terrific wine list. I only wish I lived closer to Gail's because I'd be there all the time.

Gale's has great food, with imaginative specials, wonderful service, and an excellent bar, at a very reasonable price. Gail, or her husband Rene are usually at the door to great the guests, most of whom they seem to know. This is a very friendly restaurant and many of the customers seem to be regulars. At the bar, Micky makes excellent martinis

I love Gale's desserts! I come and always save room for the desserts!

Gale's is such a great restaurant! I love to go to Gale's! I feel so welcome there, as if I was part of the family. Everytime that I go it gets better. Come try Gale's it so so great!

gale's is a great place to have a special dinner for two and it is great to go for every day dining,lunch and dinner. I love going to dinner with my sister and having some wine over great food.

Gale's is a great restaurant! I highly recommend it!