Glasses of Health-Ade Kombucha from True Food Kitchen in Pasadena.

If you’re a movie buff then you’ve most likely heard of Pasadena from cult classic films such as The Graduate and Father of the Bride. This Los Angeles city has it’s own unique vibes and stands out from other areas of LA. You still get the great LA sunshine weather, but it’s a much calmer and less flashy crowd.

Pasadena is known for beautiful tree-lined streets, lot’s of greenery and flowers, and grand architecture. Being more inland, when you visit Pasadena your trip will be less about the beach and more about the finer things in life… like good food! During our visits to Pasadena, we pretty much eat our way through the town with pleasant city walks in-between meals. In short, Pasadena is a foodie’s paradise spot for a weekend retreat.

Top Foodie Spots in Pasadena

True Food Kitchen

This trendy eatery offers fresh and healthy cuisine in a modernly designed restaurant. I would best describe it as elevated causal California vibes. We ordered a roasted chicken entree with pesto aioli, a yellow curry veggie dish and kombucha. The True Food Kitchen in Pasadena is centrally located on W Colorado Blvd and it’s a great area for exploring on foot after a meal. There’s a spacious outdoor patio and the weather is often gorgeous in Southern California for eating outside.

Intelligentsia Coffee

While walking down the main strip of Colorado Blvd, the Intelligentsia Coffee Cafe caught our eye with their modern industrial atmosphere. We sat on the front patio and enjoyed morning lattes before the cruised around the neighborhood. I especially loved that I could order a crafted matcha latte, my favorite!

Vanilla Bake Shop

The interiors inside the modern Vanilla Bake Shop bakery are bright white and airy. They had displays of colorful macaroons, creamy cupcakes, whimsical unicorn donuts and a variety of cookies. They also serve hot drinks and light lunch items like sandwiches.

Hello Gelato

Located at 20 E Colorado Blvd, we enjoyed an afternoon gelato sweet treat after a leisurely walk window shopping down Colorado Boulevard. We tried two gelato flavors - the Taro and Blueberry Cheesecake Gelato and the classic vanilla.

Cafe Santorini

We had family dinner at Cafe Santorini while visiting my in-laws in Los Angeles. We had the grilled calamari, Santorini Sampler Mezze Tasting Plate and the Mozzarella Caprese Plate. Scroll to the bottom to see snapshots from our al fresco meal out on the rooftop terrace.

Le Pain Quotidien

I rarely recommend any kind of a chain restaurant, but Le Pain Quotidien does an amazing job at keeping their offerings fresh and a favorite for foodies.

Tender Greens

Tender Greens is another excellent chain restaurant offering a super fresh and tasty menu. They make home-cooked style foods where you select a protein, greens and a side in a build-your-own setting. I love that their style of serving food is very customizable and accommodates all kinds of dietary needs. You’ll leave feeling light but satisfied.

Float

Super Instagram-worthy food and restaurant. Locals love their sandwiches, salads, caffeinated beverages and ice cream. They’re the only place I’ve seen in recent years that serves the old-school floats with soda pop and ice cream.

Sage Plant Based Bistro

A beautiful setting to go perfectly with the healthy plates. All the food served at this restaurant is vegan and plant based. They really get creative with vegetables! The outdoor courtyard is the ideal spot to enjoy summer evening dinners under sunset skies.

Lemonade

Located inside popular shopping center The Commons, Lemonade is a California chain eatery that specializes in healthy artisan food. I love the build your own bowl option with meat, seafood, veggies and sides.

Vanilla Bake Shop on East Colorado Blvd in Pasadena.

Mendocino Farms

A new location recently opened up on South Lake Avenue in Pasadena. They have great sandwiches, salads and no shortage of avocados. We go to the Sacramento Mendocino Farms location all the time and I usually order either a big salad or sandwich.

Cauldron Ice Cream

Located in Artesia, these ice cream cones are almost too pretty to eat! You’ll have to try the Sun, Moon and Stars Cone – milk tea ice cream melded with jasmine, oolong and green tea!

Home Brewed Bar

The best assortment of handcrafted teas, coffees and boba. Try the Nutella Toddy Latte!

Dot’s Cafe

This bright and cheerful bake shop and cafe has wall paper you’ll love and fresh California farm-to-table eats.

After’s Ice Cream

Colorful flavors with crazy toppings - try the Cookie Butter Ice Cream inside a warm glazed donut.

Bone Kettle

The best Asian fusion cuisine in Pasadena, their Instagram account will have you drooling! My favorites on the menu are the lumpia lunch starters and for brunch the ube waffles and berry cream cheese stuffed toast.

I had the Taro and Blueberry Cheesecake Gelato and my husband had the classic vanilla from Hello Gelato.

Big Bang Theory Way is actually a small alley next to Barney's Beanery at the cross street E Colorado Blvd.

Pasadena Sights Worth Visiting

Father of the Bride House

I am such a fan of both the first and second Father of the Brides movies. The beautiful house and film location from the movie is located at 843 South El Molino Avenue in Pasadena. The house is located in a beautiful neighborhood, great for either a walk or drive to explore.

Colorado Boulevard

The main commercial strip of Pasadena where the best shops and restaurants are located. Colorado Blvd makes for a charming walk to discover your new favorite spots.

Big Bang Theory Way

The popular television series is supposed to take place in Pasadena (although actually filmed on a soundstage). There’s a very short little street which pays homage to the show.

Rose Bowl Food Truck Fridays

Yummy eats is the perfect reason to visit the famous Rose Bowl stadium. In the summertime, on the last Friday of every month you can eat trendy and fusion crafted food from popular food trucks. Admission into the stadium and parking are free.

Pasadena Farmer's Market at Villa Parke

I always love a good outdoor farmer’s market and the Pasadena Villa Parke Market doesn’t disappoint. You'll find farm fresh fruits and vegetables, cut flowers, nuts and more from local farmers. They also have hot prepared cultural foods to enjoy on the spot.

The Commons

A boutique style commercial center with popular dining and shops. It’s a really lovely area to enjoy a stroll and afternoon lunch at one of the restaurants.

South Lake Avenue

This 10 block long district in Pasadena has all kinds of dining and shopping. If you’re visiting Pasadena during the winter, they host Holidayfest in December to kick off the Christmas season.