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Vol. 94Reservations
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Tapas / Small Plates Restaurant Reviews
Vol. 94 Reviews List
46 Current Reviews
Summary of Diner Ratings & Reviews
Overall
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Rating Breakdown 46 reviews
5 stars
(12)
4 stars
(27)
3 stars
(3)
2 stars
(2)
1 star
(2)
Food
(Outstanding)
4.2
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
4.1
/
5
Ambiance
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Noise Level
Energetic
Filter Reviews By:
Diners classify this restaurant as:
- fit for foodies(38)
- neighborhood gem(23)
- notable wine list(20)
- romantic(18)
- special occasion(15)
- good for groups(12)
Vol. 94 Reviews List
Review 1 for Vol. 94
Overall rating
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
We've usually gone on week
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Noise Level
Energetic
"We've usually gone on week nights when it's been quieter, but there were lively crowds when we went this time on a Saturday night. We discovered Vol. 94 by accident last year when we just happened to walk by, and what a happy discovery it was! The food is delicious... love ordering and sharing different small plates, and although we've found favorites that we go back to, such as the purple cauliflower, whenever we try something new, it's never been a disappointment. The service is very good... appropriately attentive and helpful. Also - like that the owner comes by the table to say hello and check on customers. The wine list is excellent - varied and reasonable. Highly recommend1"
Dined on 04/19/2013
2007
Special Features: fit for foodies, good for groups, great for outdoor dining, neighborhood gem, notable wine list, romantic, special occasion, hot spot
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Review 2 for Vol. 94
Overall rating
(Fair)
2
/
5
Turning Down the Volume
Food
(Fair)
2
/
5
Service
(Poor)
1
/
5
Ambiance
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Noise Level
Energetic
"On a relatively busy weekend night, our waiter had so many tables, he would often disappear for much too long, especially in a tapas kind of situation where you the table finishes a dish pretty fast and is ready to order again soon. Three times, someone at our table had to ask either the hostess or another waiter to get our server. Unfortunately, the food didn't make us feel much better about the poor service. Dishes were relatively bland; the cheeses - mediocre, the meats - not terribly well seasoned, the veggies - uninspired. And to top it all off, $3 PER GLASS for iced tea. No kidding. Flavored water was 3 bucks per refill. I cannot recommend this beautiful little spot for which I had high hopes. Disappointing."
Dined on 04/19/2013
2009
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Review 3 for Vol. 94
Overall rating
(Good)
3
/
5
Kind of a mixed bag. I thought
Food
(Fair)
2
/
5
Service
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Ambiance
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"Kind of a mixed bag. I thought the kale salad was bland and the shrimp appetizer had unnecessary sweet bread with it. The shrimp were delicious though. I had heard rave reviews of the mussels but we were disappointed. They were minuscule and didn't smell so good. The best dish was the Hidden Dragon veggie dish...very tasty with nice spice kick. We thought the menu was interesting and diverse, but some dishes just didn't live up to our expectations. Very friendly attentive service."
Dined on 04/18/2013
2007
Special Features: fit for foodies, romantic
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Review 4 for Vol. 94
Overall rating
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Food excellent, wines mediocre
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"Not knowing anything about Pasadena, we tried to find something different rather than the usual steak/fish. Vol.94 was quite unusual but everything on the food menu was excellent: the broccoli rapini and string bean veggies, the pork belly entree, the salami platter. All excellent. There were some unusual but great taste combinations. Service was excellent. The only disappointment is that they have a lousy selection of wines. Tolosa Winery seems to be everywhere on the menu and it's not very good. Listen up, Vol.94: upgrade your wine selection and I will give you a perfect score."
Dined on 04/13/2013
2006
Special Features: fit for foodies, neighborhood gem
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Review 5 for Vol. 94
Overall rating
(Good)
3
/
5
The menu was terrific. Everything
Food
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Service
(Good)
3
/
5
Ambiance
(Fair)
2
/
5
Noise Level
Energetic
"The menu was terrific. Everything else was o.k. but somehow fell a little short of expectation. Whatever was lacking, though, could certainly be fixed."
Dined on 04/16/2013
2010
Special Features: fit for foodies
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Review 6 for Vol. 94
Overall rating
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Love the shrimp kaya toast,
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"Love the shrimp kaya toast, best green curry mussels! Thanks for another awesome experience. Will be back soon!"
Dined on 04/06/2013
2010
Special Features: fit for foodies, good for groups, late-night find, neighborhood gem, notable wine list, romantic, special occasion, hot spot
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Review 7 for Vol. 94
Overall rating
(Very Good)
4
/
5
This is a romantic hidden
Food
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Service
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Ambiance
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"This is a romantic hidden gem. Made reservations on a Wednesday for 7:30 on Saturday night w/ no problems. Wait staff was really nice and helped us decide which items would go well together. The duck fat nuts, kale salad, pork belly, and escolar w/ forbidden rice were all delicious. The escolar was so good we ordered a second. The food pacing was off--slow coming out at first and then uneven afterward. We ordered wine flights and liked the wine selections. Before we even had time to finish the first wine, they brought out full glasses of champagne (which was delicious) to apologize for our wait. But we didn't mind because the food was delicious when it did come. The leisurely pace actually made the evening more enjoyable. Will visit again."
Dined on 04/06/2013
2003
Special Features: fit for foodies, neighborhood gem, romantic
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Review 8 for Vol. 94
Overall rating
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Will be back!
Food
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"Great experience and love the vibe. Its simple, sexy and the food is yummy!
The sommelier was great and very helpful and hands on!"
The sommelier was great and very helpful and hands on!"
Dined on 03/30/2013
2011
Special Features: fit for foodies, good for groups, neighborhood gem, romantic
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Review 9 for Vol. 94
Overall rating
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Was a great find. We were
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Noise Level
Energetic
"Was a great find. We were looking for a place with small plates and good wine and this did the trick. Atmosphere / decor was interesting (in a positive way) so it was a nice break from some of the other local places. Service was really good; food was great; and all at a leisurely pace. Also noted there was a room upstairs that looked like it would be good for groups."
Dined on 03/16/2013
2010
Special Features: fit for foodies, good for groups, special occasion
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Review 10 for Vol. 94
Overall rating
(Very Good)
4
/
5
We loved everything we tried.
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Ambiance
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Noise Level
Energetic
"We loved everything we tried. It was a fun experience. The chicken and waffles was delicious but, our favorite was the Carbonatto which was carbonara made with risotta and served with two crispy skinned filets of fish that were excellent.
Our waitress was very attentive and even treated us to a glass of champagne because we were so patient while we waited for the restaurant to open. I thought that very nice though it was my fault for showing up too early. :-)"
Dined on 02/17/2013
2008
Special Features: fit for foodies, special occasion
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Review 11 for Vol. 94
Overall rating
(Very Good)
4
/
5
The food was delicious, but
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Good)
3
/
5
Ambiance
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"The food was delicious, but I would recommend going with a gourp of 4 or less because you order small plates. The service was spotty."
Dined on 03/01/2013
2013
Special Features: fit for foodies, neighborhood gem, notable wine list, romantic
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Review 12 for Vol. 94
Overall rating
(Very Good)
4
/
5
The food was outstanding.
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Ambiance
(Good)
3
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"The food was outstanding. I had been there 2 nights before and brought my family because I knew they would like it. The food is fit for foodies: beef cheek, chicken and waffles, homemade ravioli. Our only suggestion would be that they have a more extensive wine list. Foodies want good wine with their food."
Dined on 03/02/2013
2010
Special Features: fit for foodies
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Review 13 for Vol. 94
Overall rating
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Creative, ambitious, delicious
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Noise Level
Energetic
"I don't normally write reviews, so it is a measure of what a fantastic meal we had that I am writing this. I had not just one, but several dishes that paired ingredients that I had never tried before. And the chef even executed each one beautifully. I am still dreaming about the roasted brussel sprouts with kimchi and quinoa congee with abalone. Inventive while still managing to be artfully balanced. These are small plates, so the tab can get pricey if you aren't thoughtful, but worth every penny considering how ambitious and actually tasty the food was. Am ready planning my next trip there. Also, great happy hour wines. I had a (okay, two) Malbec for $4 on Friday night."
Dined on 03/01/2013
2004
Special Features: fit for foodies, neighborhood gem, notable wine list, romantic, special occasion
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Review 14 for Vol. 94
Overall rating
(Poor)
1
/
5
Valentine's Day menu was a
Food
(Poor)
1
/
5
Service
(Poor)
1
/
5
Ambiance
(Fair)
2
/
5
Noise Level
Energetic
"Valentine's Day menu was a disaster. They even missed the last pairing for dessert. Will NOT go back."
Dined on 02/14/2013
2012
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Review 15 for Vol. 94
Overall rating
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Worth a visit!
Food
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Service
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Ambiance
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"Creative and delicious offerings, attentive wait staff, slow kitchen."
Dined on 02/17/2013
2004
Special Features: fit for foodies, neighborhood gem, notable wine list
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Review 16 for Vol. 94
Overall rating
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Vol 94 is one of those interesting
Food
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Noise Level
Energetic
"Vol 94 is one of those interesting restaurants with better than average food and service, with a cool unique vibe. It's a great idea: small plates + wine. The pork belly was flavorful, but a tad over done. The New York steak was big, cooked perfectly and accompanied by some delicious tiny potatoes. By far, the best dish was the purple cauliflower, a nice combination of flavors and textures. Dessert was cheesecake and some chocolate mousse-ie dish...neither were memorable. Overall, it was a favorable experience, an excellent choice to have in my repertoire of restaurants when wanting something different and good."
Dined on 02/15/2013
2011
Special Features: fit for foodies, great for outdoor dining, neighborhood gem, notable wine list, romantic
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Review 17 for Vol. 94
Overall rating
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Great Date Spot
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"Upscale food, upscale atmosphere, but not stuffy or (too) pretentious. Just right for a good date! Wine list is small but good, and there's a terrific variety of well-concieved food. Good plates for sharing."
Dined on 02/10/2013
2011
Special Features: romantic
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Review 18 for Vol. 94
Overall rating
(Poor)
1
/
5
A place to avoid
Food
(Fair)
2
/
5
Service
(Poor)
1
/
5
Ambiance
(Fair)
2
/
5
Noise Level
Energetic
"We were excited to try Vol 94 because we have dined at some of the areas top small plate restaurants. Overall the food is mediocre. Duck fat nuts, olives, and grilled calamari were all nice but the rest of the food was forgettable. What really set this place apart was the lack of a general understanding of how to pace a small plates meal. We ordered a total of 7 dishes for 2 people and would have expected a 3-2-2 breakdown based off of the menu. At one point we had 5 of the dishes sent to our table and had asked for them to slow down on the pace and they immediately sent the next dish as I was complaining to the manager. It has been a long time sine I have not left a tip and Vol 94 earned that honor. Wine list is limited for a wine bistro."
Dined on 02/09/2013
2009
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Review 19 for Vol. 94
Overall rating
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Vol. 94 A Divine Discovery
Food
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Service
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Ambiance
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"A wonderful and, at times, magical discovery in Pasadena. The food was divine and the atmosphere and service were terrific. Highly recommended."
Dined on 01/26/2013
2004
Special Features: fit for foodies, neighborhood gem, notable wine list, hot spot
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Review 20 for Vol. 94
Overall rating
(Fair)
2
/
5
Great for grazing not for hunger
Food
(Fair)
2
/
5
Service
(Good)
3
/
5
Ambiance
(Fair)
2
/
5
Noise Level
Energetic
"Food was creative, just not enough and there was no control as to which order it arrived. Not a fan of small plates, always leave hungry and broke. The bottle of white wine served was room temp."
Dined on 01/19/2013
2011
Special Features: fit for foodies
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Review 21 for Vol. 94
Overall rating
(Very Good)
4
/
5
The food is absolutely amazing
Food
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Noise Level
Energetic
"The food is absolutely amazing and the service is excellent. It took awhile for my food to get to the table so the owner brought over a glass of sparkling wine on the house. How thoughtful! Definitely would go back."
Dined on 01/19/2013
2010
Special Features: fit for foodies, neighborhood gem, notable wine list, romantic, special occasion
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Ratings-Only Reviews for Vol. 94
Based on the average of (25) ratings-only reviews
Overall
(Outstanding)
4.3
/
5
2 out of 2 recommend this product
Food
(Outstanding)
4.4
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
4.3
/
5
Ambiance
(Outstanding)
4.1
/
5
Noise Level
Energetic
