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Nestled in the charming town of Sierra Madre, Wistaria Restaurant and Bar offers a delightful Californian dining experience with a special focus on breakfast and brunch favorites that satisfy both comfort food cravings and sophisticated palates. Located conveniently at 44 N Baldwin Ave, this inviting spot combines the warmth of a neighborhood eatery with the tantalizing flavors of California’s diverse culinary heritage.
Wistaria's menu is a celebration of fresh, thoughtfully prepared dishes that awaken the senses at every turn. Imagine the vibrant Garden Omelette brimming with farm-fresh vegetables, or the delicate Trout Almondine, where tender, flaky fish is finished with crunchy, toasted almonds—a dish praised by regulars for its impeccable balance. For those who like to indulge in brunch classics, the Buttermilk Pancakes and Lemon Ricotta Pancakes offer a perfect harmony of light fluffiness paired with subtle citrus notes, while the Challah Bread French Toast, soaked just right in batter and cooked to a creamy center, is a standout favorite among patrons seeking something both sweet and satisfying.
The savory side of brunch is equally impressive. The Breakfast Quesadilla and Corned Beef Hash Breakfast Burrito provide hearty, flavorful options, loaded with locally sourced ingredients. Diners can also delight in signature dishes like Jidori Chicken Breast, the Prime Flat Iron Steak, or the Rack of Lamb—each crafted to showcase robust, succulent flavors with impeccable technique. The menu’s diversity ensures that whether you are craving the comfort of familiar flavors or the thrill of something new like Squash Blossoms Stuffed with Ricotta Cheese or Shrimp and Grits, Wistaria delivers with finesse.
Complement your meal with a variety of beverages ranging from expertly brewed espresso and lattes to freshly squeezed orange juice and refreshing Arnold Palmers, all served with care to elevate your culinary experience. The Mimosa, a classic brunch companion, is a particularly popular choice to start your day with a celebratory touch.
While the dining room of Wistaria Restaurant and Bar is described by some as cozy and intimate, it radiates a warm, welcoming atmosphere that enhances the enjoyment of every meal. Customers like Matthew Berkus commend the generous portion sizes and express delight in bringing home leftovers, turning a single visit into multiple meals. Others, such as Veronica Acevedo, find the ambiance perfect for escaping the bustle of city life—a quaint retreat where friends gather and memories are made around hearty, fresh meals.
Service here is consistently praised for being attentive and friendly, making every visit feel personal and special. Whether savoring the expertly cooked Filet Mignon or indulging in the luscious Mushroom Risotto, diners appreciate the quality and consistency that Wistaria prides itself on. For those seeking tips, Vicki Hodges’ advice to ask for sweet potatoes served separately to enjoy the full flavors is a testament to the thoughtful consideration customers have when navigating the menu’s rich flavors.
For anyone looking to experience an authentic taste of Californian cuisine in a relaxed yet refined setting, Wistaria Restaurant and Bar is a must-visit. The blend of comforting breakfast staples, elegant entrées, and attentive hospitality promises a memorable meal every time—whether it’s a casual brunch with friends or a special occasion dinner. Reservations are recommended to secure your spot in this beloved Sierra Madre gem.
We have dined here a couple of times when we come back to visit family. We are never disappointed. The food is quite good. Portions are on the larger size, so expect to have leftovers to bring home (or just go nuts and indulge). However, the dinning room is comparatively small and not intimate. That isn't that big of a deal, but you should be aware of it going in. I would recommend a reservation if dining later in the evening. If you arrive earlier, they can usually seat you. Parking is on the street (but that is par for the course in Sierra Madre), but be prepared to have to drive around a little to find a spot. The only negative was on our last visit. The front of house was clearly understaffed. The one waiter was doing double duty as the bar tender. So, speed of service was not on the menu. A solid choice for dining and will we will undoubtedly visit again.
Everything was quality...from the iced tea to the warm bread and softened butter. My pork chop was devine...my only criticism was the gravy was "mixed in" with the sweet potatoes, and that was not a "good flavor" match. Ask for the sweet potatoes separately! The green beans were perfect.
It's become a yearly meeting place for my friends and I to meet here at this lovely and quaint establishment. I love coming into Sierra Madre, a tiny gorgeous little place that lets me forget the hustle and bustle of the city. The restaurant itself is cozy and the service awesome. The food is delicious and tastes fresh. I have had the mushroom risotto and the chicken dish that was fabulous. The salads are also fresh, light and tasty. The desserts were wonderful. Not heavy, not powerful sweet, just perfect. I had the creme burlee on one occasion and the brownie on another. We have tried other restaurants in the area, but for me this is my go-to when in Sierra Madre.
We tried the trout and filet mignon and both were delicious. Overall food and service was pleasant. Would definitely come back to check out their full menu items.
My fiancé and I enjoyed brunch at Wistaria last Saturday and were quite pleased! We were torn between the sweet and savory options but went with the sweeter options:) We shared two plates, the Challah Bread French toast and the a Lemon Ricotta Pancakes. Although the pancakes were quite good, the Challah Bread was soaked perfectly in batter and cooked to perfection with a creamy center. The bacon was also delicious, as well as the blueberry compote. We will be returning soon.
The meatballs are divine! So soft they melt in your mouth. The Little Gem Salad was good and larger than expected. The pork chop my friend ordered was huge! The baked bread that comes with every table is very good because it's warm, soft in the center, and has a crispy crust. I think it was sour dough. This place is relatively small, so reservations are necessary on Friday and Saturday nights. The cute neighborhood is great for taking a stroll and window shopping. Full bar. Friendly service. Classy, clean, romantic setting. Dim lighting at night. Nice place for a date.
Updating this review as the food has had lower quality and higher prices. I have been here dozens of times, and while it is still one of the top 5 restaurants in the area, the food quality isn't what it used to be. The ambiance/room is ok, but a bit minimal and dated (wall to wall espresso wood anyone?). They could do better to mediate the sound via design, too. I suggest dining on the outdoor patio in the back if you can. Staff are always great, attentive, and prompt.