Panda Inn
About This Spot
Stepping into Panda Inn in Pasadena, you immediately notice a thoughtful balance between expansive space and intimate comfort. The polished marble tables, warm lighting, and elegant design invite a slower, more deliberate dining pace—one that encourages connecting over shared plates and familiar flavors. It’s a place where the buzz of a lively crowd meets the calm of a well-crafted setting, perfect for everything from a weekend celebration to a quiet dinner with close friends.
The atmosphere here feels intentional. Unlike many larger Chinese restaurants, Panda Inn manages to create a welcoming calm amid its impressive scale, offering pockets of cozy corners alongside communal tables. You won’t find the usual clamor of hurried meals; instead, the mood unfolds with a graceful rhythm, supported by attentive and knowledgeable staff who make each visit feel personal and considered.
At the heart of the experience is the food, which carries a sense of elevated care. Familiar favorites like the spicy, crispy Panda Beef and delicate hot & sour soup arrive with a thoughtful balance of boldness and finesse. Whether you’re diving into the fragrant Mapo Tofu or savoring the bright, fresh notes of braised green beans, each dish offers a satisfying depth without overwhelming the palate.
Drinks like a well-crafted Mai Tai or a smooth whiskey sour complement the meal, enhancing the relaxed atmosphere without rushing the evening. And dessert brings a light touch of whimsy—chocolate-covered fortune cookies providing a sweet, playful finish that feels just right after a meal designed to be savored.
Panda Inn holds a subtle thread of history woven through the experience, adding warmth and meaning beyond the plate. It’s a space that honors its roots while updating the neighborhood dining scene with a quiet confidence. Whether you’re returning after years away or visiting for the first time, there’s a comforting rhythm here that makes it easy to settle in, slow down, and enjoy the moment.
What’s Available Here
-
Outdoor seating - No-contact delivery
- Delivery
- Takeaway
- Dine-in
- Fast service
- Great beer selection
- Great cocktails
- Great tea selection
- Great wine list
- Serves local specialty
- Lunch
- Dinner
- Solo dining
- Wheelchair-accessible car park
- Wheelchair-accessible entrance
- Wheelchair-accessible seating
- Wheelchair-accessible toilet
- Alcohol
- Beer
- Cocktails
- Coffee
- Comfort food
- Happy-hour drinks
- Happy-hour food
- Healthy options
- Private dining room
- Small plates
- Spirits
- Vegetarian options
- Wine
- Brunch
- Lunch
- Dinner
- Catering
- Dessert
- Seating
- Table service
- Bar on site
- Toilet
- Casual
- Cosy
- Trendy
- Upmarket
- Groups
- Tourists
- Brunch reservations recommended
- Lunch reservations recommended
- Dinner reservations recommended
- Accepts reservations
- Usually a wait
- Credit cards
- Debit cards
- NFC mobile payments
- Credit cards
- Good for kids
- High chairs
- Free multi-storey car park
- Free of charge street parking
- Free parking lot
- Parking
Location & Hours
| Monday | 11:00 AM - 10:00 PM | |
| Tuesday | 11:00 AM - 10:00 PM | |
| Wednesday | 11:00 AM - 10:00 PM | |
| Thursday | 11:00 AM - 10:00 PM | |
| Friday | 11:00 AM - 10:00 PM | |
|---|---|---|
| Saturday | 11:30 AM - 10:00 PM | |
| Sunday | 11:00 AM - 10:00 PM |
Guest Reviews
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water828 20 Dec 2025
Had a good time with friends. Food was good. We celebrated a friend's birthday. Got a little push back from the manager when I wouldn't let them take my credit card out of my sight. I will go back again.
Michele Shi 19 Dec 2025
Delicious!!! Definitely recommend making a reservation. We had a friday night res, but still took and additional 30 mins to get seated. Food was yummy and like an elevated panda express. Beautiful, clean and massive restaurant
Felipe Ferrer 29 Nov 2025
We visited Panda Inn in Pasadena for the first time, and our experience was incredible. Our server, Joana, was absolutely amazing — she took the time to share the history of Panda Inn with us, which made the visit even more special for first-timers. Her service was warm, attentive, and truly memorable. And the food… WOW! Honestly the best Chinese food we’ve ever had. Everything was delicious, but special shout-outs to the Wagyu Chow Mein, Lobster Wonton, and Tuna Crispy Rice — absolutely outstanding! We left extremely satisfied and can’t wait to come back. Highly recommend!
Emily Blumberg 24 Nov 2025
It was our first time dining at Panda Inn tonight, and we had an absolutely incredible experience. I couldn’t wait to write this review! From the moment we arrived, we were blown away by the gorgeous space, the elegant exterior, the warm lighting, and our beautiful marble-top table, which set the tone for such a special evening. Our server, Alexis, was wonderful, charismatic, knowledgeable, and attentive. She guided us through the menu with great, spot-on, and delicious recommendations. Another highlight was the cocktails. We had the pleasure of meeting Helena, the talented bartender, whose drinks were perfectly balanced and beautifully presented. We enjoyed every dish: the oysters with yuzu foam, crispy crab wontons, hot and sour soup, panda beef, and the spicy eggplant, all bursting with flavor and plated with care. For our first visit, Panda Inn completely exceeded expectations. Everything was flawless, from the food and cocktails to the warm, professional service. We’ll definitely be back!
Jerry Camarillo Photography 02 Oct 2025
A renewed pasadena classic. I hadn’t been in ages. It was good then, but great now. The atmosphere is as good as the food. Most large restaurant spaces this style are noisy and crowded. This has been perfectly designed so that it feels comfortable and inviting. The service is spot on with such attentive staff. The family that brought us Panda Express really honor their commitment to quality food and tradition. I’ll be coming back more often.
Annie Do 25 Sep 2025
Beautiful restaurant with good food and the most amazing service! Bin was our server and gave me the princess treatment on my birthday! 10/10 drinks made at the beautiful bar inside. I had the lychee martini and yuzu drop martini. Delicious and unique drinks! Must try!
Guinevere Torres 23 Sep 2025
Flew in from Las Vegas for the day with my son for an appointment next door, and we decided to have lunch here. We ordered a few appetizers (Hot & Sour Spup, Edamame, Mu Shu, Mussels, Letruce Wraps, Lobster & Shrimp Won Ton) to share, and my son had the Panda Inn Special. The service was amazing — very attentive and friendly. The food was great and perfect for sharing. A bit on the salty side for my taste, but my son absolutely loved it. Some of my photos may show the dishes after we had already started eating! We sat outside and enjoyed the beautiful weather — the patio area was lovely. Overall, a very nice restaurant and a great dining experience. I would definitely recommend this place if you’re looking for some good Asian cuisine.
P B 16 Sep 2025
First time visit, a fan of Panda Express and wanted to try the elevated version. The service was excellent, and the ambiance, however felt food was just ok. Ordered the lunch special, honey walnut shrimp $22, orange chicken $18, beef & broccoli $18 comes with egg roll, rice, and soup (egg drop, hot & sour), Requires reservations and no guarantees for booth seating will be a round table instead, outside or bar seating is available.