When DineLA Restaurant Week returns—from July 25 to August 8—it feels tailor-made for Pasadena’s tree-lined boulevards, historic buildings, and open-air patios. With more than 30 local restaurants participating—16 of them in Old Pasadena alone—the area is poised to become one of the brightest stars in the region’s two-week gastronomic constellation.
Launched as a biannual showcase of Los Angeles County’s vibrant dining scene, DineLA offers prix-fixe menus and elevated cuisine at accessible prices, ranging this year from $15 to $65 and up. Pasadena’s contribution is as eclectic as it is inviting, blending global flavors, neighborhood charm, and just the right touch of fine-dining flair.
Weary of downtown traffic or reservation waits on the Westside? Pasadena offers something increasingly rare in greater Los Angeles: a walkable feast.
At the heart of the city’s offering is Old Pasadena, where rustic alleyways and string lights set the mood for an evening of leisurely grazing. Michelin-recognized Agnes Restaurant & Cheesery leads the charge with its take on California comfort fare, while Perle, the elegant French bistro on Union Street, delivers a prix-fixe menu as polished as its dining room. Nearby, Fishwives—a coastal raw bar also bearing Michelin acclaim—offers diners a seafood-forward lunch that’s as yummy as it is affordable.
But the culinary story doesn’t end with white tablecloths and wine pairings. Pasadena’s DineLA roster this year is a lively cross-section of the Rose City itself: from the cozy All India Café and modern Asian kitchen Bone Kettle, to vibrant sushi spots like Kaviar and Sushi Roku, where the vibe is high energy and the sashimi arrives like edible art. Panda Inn, the beloved Chinese mainstay, is also getting in on the action, serving up a $35 lunch that’s as nostalgic as it is satisfying.
Pasadena’s inclusion in this summer’s record-setting DineLA—more restaurants than ever before across 88 neighborhoods and 33 cuisines—reflects both the city’s deepening culinary bench and its resilience. After a year marked by wildfires and economic uncertainty, many local restaurateurs are treating this event not just as a business boost, but as a celebration of community and perseverance.
Pasadena’s abundant al fresco seating makes for a perfect pairing with DineLA’s summer menus. Strolling through Old Pasadena, with a warm breeze and the hum of sidewalk diners, it’s easy to imagine turning one reservation into a progressive dinner—tacos at Maestro, curry at Champion’s, and dessert at Mi Piace. Even longtime standbys like The Kitchen are throwing their aprons into the ring, offering inventive prix-fixe options designed to tempt both regulars and curious newcomers.
Reservations are strongly encouraged—many of Pasadena’s most popular venues fill up early, especially on weekends. But unlike ticketed festivals, DineLA remains refreshingly democratic. Walk-ins are welcome. The only real rule is to come hungry, and maybe a little adventurous.
More information on DineLA week is available right here.
This year, DineLA isn’t just about discovering a new favorite dish. In Pasadena, it’s about rediscovering a city that knows how to celebrate flavor, tradition, and the simple joy of gathering around a table. Whether you’re planning a quiet lunch in the shade or a rooftop dinner with views of the San Gabriels, one thing’s certain: for two delicious weeks this summer, the 626 will be dining in style.
