Panda Inn Review: Remodel Breathes New Life Into 51-Year-Old Restaurant | Eater LA

"An iconic fixture of Pasadena for the entirety of my life, this seminal Chinese American restaurant remains ideal for large family gatherings, and after a 2024 remodel with a revamped menu, it feels newly energized — go for the classics, stay for the glamorous venue, easy, seamless service, and a surprisingly in-depth sushi menu with tangy sashimi preparations that act as palate openers before the main event. The titular Panda beef is a mandatory addition to the lazy Susan: beef submerged in a craggy batter, deep-fried until crispy, then tossed with an orange peel and peppercorn sauce; it edges out the famed orange chicken for me, though most tables could benefit from ordering both. Hot and sour soup starts the night off right — perfectly tangy from vinegar with a tingling heat and crunchy bamboo shoots — and I make sure to request white pepper to dash on top. Honey walnut shrimp here can compete with the best in the San Gabriel Valley: blessedly crisp on the outer layer that encases the plump shrimp interior; the shrimp isn’t drowned in mayonnaise, the walnuts are expertly candied, and the addition of honeydew adds welcome pops of freshness. Post-remodel, the vibe is throwback glamorous, the kind of place where you can comfortably dress up or down, with numerous private booths featuring wooden carved details, romantic lighting, East Asian–inspired murals, and private rooms available for booking. Insider tip: you can buy the beloved colorful foil-wrapped white chocolate–dipped fortune cookies for $10 a dozen at the hostess stand or from your server." - Kat Thompson