New in Pasadena: 11 places that opened in 2026

Pasadena picked up a wave of new places this year, from a Boston seafood institution to a Japanese matcha flagship. These eleven are confirmed openings with a 2026 health permit. Health scores below are from the City of Pasadena’s latest inspection on record.

Mike's Red Tacos

Beef birria tacos dipped in chili oil and griddled, plus birria ramen, quesadillas and loaded fries. The birria chain opened on East Del Mar Boulevard on October 16.

• Who: founder Mike Touma
• Health score: 98

Reported by MENAFN / press release. See the 626food page.

The Daily Catch

Boston’s Sicilian-style seafood restaurant chose East Colorado Boulevard for its first West Coast location: squid ink pasta, clam chowder, fried calamari and a scampi-butter lobster roll. Opened July 16.

• Health score: 99
• Full bar

Reported by The Infatuation, Pasadena Now. See the 626food page.

Dalah

Home-style Thai with playful touches on Cordova Street: beef pad see ew, garlic grilled short ribs, duck leg in curry broth, mango sticky rice and shaved Thai tea ice cream. Opened in June.

• Who: owners Nataya “Fai” Maraddeta and Peter Maraddeta
• Health score: 98

Reported by Pasadena Now. See the 626food page.

Thaim

Bangkok street food in Old Town from the team behind U: Dessert Story: Yaowarat-style suki, pad thai boran, grilled pork jowl and Thai tea slushies. Opened in July.

• Health score: 97
• Beer and wine

Reported by Hoodline. See the 626food page.

Tierra Caliente Mexican Cuisine

Traditional Michoacán recipes on East Colorado in Old Town, with live mariachi on some nights. Soft-opened July 24.

• Health score: 96
• Beer and wine now; a full-bar application is pending

Reported by Old Pasadena, Pasadena Now. See the 626food page.

Nana's Green Tea

The Japanese matcha café chain picked Pasadena for its first company-run US flagship: matcha and hojicha parfaits, lattes and soft serve, plus savory rice bowls and katsu curry.

• Health score: 94

Reported by Verdict Foodservice. See the 626food page.

Wa-Iro Japanese Bakery and Cafe

Breads made with Hokkaido flour in the former I Like Pie space in Old Town: salt-butter rolls, curry pan, matcha mochi bread, plus specialty coffee and matcha.

• Health score: 94

Reported by Old Pasadena. See the 626food page.

Mammoth Coffee Roasters

The first franchise location of the Mammoth Lakes roaster, pouring its own beans with pastries on North Fair Oaks. Opened July 20.

• Health score: 96

Reported by Mammoth Coffee Roasting Co.. See the 626food page.

Mehfil Co

A chai house from Baltimore on South Lake, brewing karak chai with spices from India, plus mango lassi and pistachio lattes.

Reported by The Infatuation. See the 626food page.

Levant Mediterranean Oven & Grill

Shawarma, falafel and hummus plus stone-fired and flame-grilled plates in the Orangewood Center on West California. Opened July 8.

• Health score: 100

Reported by Pasadena Now. See the 626food page.

Milk Brew

Coffee steeped in milk overnight, with drinks like corn milk and banana milk, on East Colorado. Opened August 1.

• Health score: 92

Reported by Pasadena Now. See the 626food page.

Been to one of these? Rate it and leave a tip on its 626food page. See every new 2026 permit on 626food.