Help w/safe area for dinner – not too far from Pasadena?

I’m looking to meet up with friends that are very spread out for a dinner soon. Friend from Pasadena needs to stay fairly close to home due to a family situation. I’m not familiar w/the area.

What’s a decent area somewhere west of Pasadena along 225, 610, or 45? It’s for 4 adults and 2 kids. Something fairly casual where we could hang for a while and catch up.

I just want to make sure I pick a place that’s in a safe area because I’m just not familiar with that area.

Thank you!