The food (by the swank Patina Group) is pre-packaged at this order-at-the-counter café, but with the exception of the sometimes-soggy wraps, it’s tasty and inexpensive, and you get to eat at umbrella-shaded teak tables in the Norton Simon’s lovely rear garden. It might get noisy if a school group troops through, but otherwise, this is a well-kept secret spot to meet friends or read a book while you have a salad or sandwich.

411 W. Colorado Blvd., Old Pasadena, 626.449.6840, nortonsimon.org, American. L daily; closed Mon. Beer & wine. AE, MC, V. $