Old Pasadena Small-Group Food Walking Tour in Los Angeles, United States
Los Angeles, United States

Old Pasadena Small-Group Food Walking Tour

Outty Ranking 71 4.9 · 22 traveler reviews3.5 hoursFrom $135
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Outty Ranking

71/100

Strongly Recommended. Our proprietary evaluation. How we score

Traveler rating

4.9/5

Based on 22 traveler reviews. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.

Quick answer

Is Old Pasadena Small-Group Food Walking Tour worth booking?

Old Pasadena Small-Group Food Walking Tour is a 3.5-hour experience in Los Angeles, United States, from $135 per person. It scores 71 out of 100 on the Outty Ranking, which we label “Strongly Recommended”, based on a 4.9/5 rating across 22 reviews. Cancellation is free up to 24 hours before the start time. Same-day spots are currently showing.

Outty Ranking
71 / 100
Rating
4.9/5 (22)
Duration
3.5 hours
From
$135 per person

Experience the culture, architecture, folklore and food of Old Pasadena on this small-group food walking tour. Admire the colorful alleys, hidden courtyards and secret thruways as you seek out spectacular ethnic eateries and sweet havens for food tastings. Your local guide will entertain you with fascinating stories behind the food and local eateries of this charming Los Angeles-area enclave.

What you get

    About this experience

    Experience the culture, architecture, folklore and food of Old Pasadena on this small-group food walking tour. Admire the colorful alleys, hidden courtyards and secret thruways as you seek out spectacular ethnic eateries and sweet havens for food tastings. Your local guide will entertain you with fascinating stories behind the food and local eateries of this charming Los Angeles-area enclave.

    What's included

    Included

    • Local guide
    • Food tastings & Beverages
    • Small-group walking tour

    Not included

    • Alcoholic drinks (available to purchase)
    • Hotel pickup and drop-off
    • Gratuities
    • Parking

    What you'll see and do

    1. Old Pasadena

      Explore the original commercial district in Pasadena, first settled in the late 1800's. Old Pasadena, best known for the Tournament of Roses Parade, elegant architecture and cultural landmarks, is also a place for exceptional and diverse dining. On this food walking tour, a local, knowledgeable guide will lead you on a delightful epicurean stroll through the hidden alleyways and charming courtyards of this US Historic District. You’ll enjoy 8 tasting stops, ranging from Middle Eastern falafel and Indian specialties to a California olive oil, an authentic Venzuelan cafe and handmade photo-worthy cupcakes.. Your guide will keep you entertained between tasting stops with engaging stories of how Old Pasadena transitioned from the center of town to the local skid row to the one of the most successful urban renewal projects in the country. You'll never think of Pasadena as simply the home of the Rose Parade again!

      210 minutes here

    Where it starts and ends

    Meeting point

    Los Angeles

    The tour group meets at Amara Cafe, 55 South Raymond, Pasadena 91105 There is a public parking structure immediately next door where we recommend you park ($15 for the full day). For help, call or text 323 640 1753

    Hotel pickup

    No pickup: everyone meets at the start point.

    Ends at

    The tour group meets at Amara Cafe, 55 South Raymond, Pasadena 91105 There is a public parking structure immediately next door where we recommend you park ($15 for the full day). For help, call or text 323 640 1753

    Before you book

    Cancellation
    For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
    Languages
    en
    Ticket
    Mobile Only
    Runs on
    Fri, Sat, Sun
    Group size
    Up to 15 travelers per booking
    Operated by
    Melting Pot Tours

    Know before you go

    • Wheelchair accessible
    • Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
    • Service animals allowed
    • Public transportation options are available nearby
    • Transportation options are wheelchair accessible
    • All areas and surfaces are wheelchair accessible
    • Suitable for all physical fitness levels
    • Please advise of dietary restrictions or food allergies for any member of your group at time of booking. We cannot arrange for substitute tastings if we do not learn of restrictions until the tour start time.
    • Children and infants under 5 years old are welcome on the tour, however should they become restless or uncomfortable please take the appropriate steps to minimize distraction to the other guests. Strollers are recommended.
    • Children and infants under 5 years are complimentary given that they are not participating in tastings.
    • Operates in all weather conditions, please dress appropriately
    • Tour covers 1.25 miles of flat terrain; no inclines or stairs.

    Photos

    Old Pasadena Small-Group Food Walking Tour in Los Angeles, photo 2Old Pasadena Small-Group Food Walking Tour in Los Angeles, photo 3Venezuelan empanadas, Old Pasadena Small-Group Food Walking Tour in Los AngelesOld Pasadena Small-Group Food Walking Tour in Los Angeles, photo 5Old Pasadena Small-Group Food Walking Tour in Los Angeles, photo 6Old Pasadena Small-Group Food Walking Tour in Los Angeles, photo 7

    What travelers are saying

    Outty’s summary of the themes that recur across 22 traveler reviews. Written by us, not quoted from reviewers.

    The guide

    9 mentions

    Travelers single out the guide as the reason the experience works.

    Knowledge and storytelling

    8 mentions

    Reviewers describe the commentary as informative rather than scripted.

    Food and drink

    8 mentions

    The tastings and food stops are a highlight for most reviewers.

    Traveler reviews

    22 verified traveler reviews for Old Pasadena Small-Group Food Walking Tour. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.

    5 star
    21
    4 star
    0
    3 star
    1
    2 star
    0
    1 star
    0
    Sort
    jcl850 · October 2023

    Are we getting a bit too personal?

    This was not what we expected. It felt like we were in a group counseling session, as the tour guide was just too intrusive. In fact, she crossed quite a few personal boundaries. Definitely, not a comfortable or enjoyable experience, in our opinion. However, if you are looking for the "unusual" in terms of dining experiences, this may be the one for you. Thankfully, my wife and I drank plenty of water throughout the tour... the variety of foods we sampled on the tour did not sit well with us. Again, it is our opinion that the tour guide was just a bit too intrusive. We won't be doing this again, nor will we recommend it to our friends or family.

    via Tripadvisor

    552jeanettek · December 2019

    Great way to get familiar with Old Pasadena

    Nick was a very personable and experienced guide. He told us about Pasadena's history and took us to a variety of shops. We had Indian, Mexican, and Middle eastern food and did an olive oil tasting and visited a bakery and chocolate shop. Definitely enough food to fill you up for your lunch. Very easy and enjoyable tour.

    Response from the operator: Thank you for coming out to enjoy our Old Pasadena Tour and taking time to post this very kind review - we'll share your comments with our great guy Nick. We hope you will return to enjoy some of our favorite places again, and we hope to host you again soon!

    via Tripadvisor

    sandim519 · December 2019

    Exceptional tour

    The food tour through Old Pasadena was informative, delicious and fun. I learned so much about Pasadena and was able to sample the best of the city. Our tour guide was personable, energetic and knowledgeable. A great value too!

    Response from the operator: Thank you for coming out to explore our Old Pasadena tour and for your time to post these very kind words! We hope you'll tour with us again soon, we're waiting to welcome you back.

    via Tripadvisor

    Tracey_LeeS_12 · July 2019

    Loved this food tour

    We did this tour today with Barbara and had a fabulous time. Barbara is super lovely, really informative and quite laid back so we had plenty of laughs. Pasadena itself is the most stunning little town to wander around and a huge contrast to Hollywood where we were staying (we just grabbed an Uber out to Pasenda to meet the tour took half an hour and cost $20 so pretty easy). We had around 7 or 8 food stops (so many it is hard to keep track!!) these ranged from Mexican tortas, felafels, chicken tikka, empanadas and hot chocolate, olive oil tasting, cupcakes and chocolates - all delicious and a great experience. Would thoroughly reccomend.

    Response from the operator: Thank you for coming out to explore Old Pasadena with us, and for taking time to post so many kind comments. We love that you enjoyed the tour so much, we agree that Pasadena is not-to-be-missed and that Barbara is fantastic to be with, we will share your compliments with her. We hope you will tour with us when you are in town again!

    via Tripadvisor

    France D · April 2019

    Delicious and Delightful!

    When visiting LA, Old Pasadena doesn’t jump to mind first. Thanks to this Food Tour it should be one of your top 5 spots. Enjoy a nice variety of world tastes and products offered by friendly and diverse local business owners (they all have an interesting story and our guide knew them all!). Also, soak in the well explained history of the area and look for great examples of 19th & 20th century architectural details in the historically preserved downtown district. It was a real treat for us! Will definitely sign up for one of their other 4 Food Tours on our next visit!

    Response from the operator: Thank you for your very kind words and for taking a chance on Old Pasadena! We agree that its sights, flavors, and merchants are all so very special and worth exploring and we love that you enjoyed the tour. We are waiting to welcome you back for each of our other tours, very soon!

    via Tripadvisor

    Good to know

    Duration
    3.5 hours
    Free cancellation
    Up to 24h before
    Minimum age to book
    All ages
    Availability
    Bookable today
    Runs on
    Fri, Sat, Sun
    Hotel pickup
    No pickup, meet at start point
    Booked in 30 days
    8
    Verdict
    Strongly Recommended

    Why this scores 71

    The Outty Ranking is a weighted composite. Here is how this experience performed on each component.

    Traveler sentiment (30% weight)86
    Review evidence (18% weight)47
    Booking momentum (14% weight)39
    Value for money (12% weight)92
    Listing quality (10% weight)67
    Local standing (8% weight)64
    Booking flexibility (8% weight)100

    Old Pasadena Small-Group Food Walking Tour: questions travelers ask

    Practical detail on this experience, plus the wider planning questions for Los Angeles.

    How much does Old Pasadena Small-Group Food Walking Tour cost?

    +

    Prices start at $135 per person. The final price depends on the date, the time slot and the number of travelers, and peak weekends in Los Angeles usually price higher than midweek mornings. Live pricing and remaining availability are confirmed on the booking screen before you pay.

    How long does Old Pasadena Small-Group Food Walking Tour take?

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    Plan for about 3.5 hours from start to finish, not counting travel to the meeting point. Most travelers leave another 30 minutes on either side so the rest of the day in Los Angeles is not rushed.

    Is Old Pasadena Small-Group Food Walking Tour worth it?

    +

    It holds an Outty Ranking of 71 out of 100, which we label "Strongly Recommended". That score blends traveler sentiment (4.9/5 across 22 reviews), the depth of that review evidence, recent booking momentum, value for money against comparable last minute in Los Angeles, and how flexible the cancellation terms are.

    Can I cancel or reschedule Old Pasadena Small-Group Food Walking Tour?

    +

    Yes. Cancel free up to 24 hours before the start time for a full refund. Inside that window the booking is non-refundable, and no-shows are not refunded.

    Is Old Pasadena Small-Group Food Walking Tour suitable for kids and families?

    +

    Yes, all ages are welcome. Families should still weigh the 3.5-hour running time, and strollers are easier on the earlier, quieter departures.

    How far in advance should I book Old Pasadena Small-Group Food Walking Tour?

    +

    Around 8 people booked this in the last 30 days, so popular slots go early. Two to three weeks ahead is comfortable in shoulder season, while summer weekends and holidays in Los Angeles can sell out a month out. Same-day spots do open up when other travelers cancel, so it is worth checking if you are already in town.

    What should I bring or wear?

    +

    Bring photo ID, your booking confirmation on your phone, a refillable water bottle and comfortable shoes. Dress for the weather in Los Angeles and add a light layer if any part of the 3.5-hour experience runs outdoors or after sunset.

    Where does Old Pasadena Small-Group Food Walking Tour start and how do I get there?

    +

    The exact meeting point and directions are on your voucher once you book, and they sit in central Los Angeles within reach of public transport. Arrive 15 minutes early: late arrivals are treated as no-shows by most operators.

    What are the best things to do in Los Angeles?

    +

    Los Angeles rewards travellers who cluster their bookings by geography rather than by theme. Studio tours and Hollywood walks sit inland, the Malibu and Santa Monica coast runs west, and Griffith Observatory and the canyon hikes work best at dawn or dusk. We weight transport clarity in the ranking here: whether pickup is included changes an LA day more than the tour itself. On Outty we rank every Los Angeles experience on the same 0 to 100 scale, and alongside this one the highest scorers right now include Hollywood Sign 2.5-Hour Tour with Comedians and Their Dogs, Los Angeles Hollywood Sign Hike: Front, Behind, and Expert Guide, Griffith Observatory Hike: Guided Tour through Griffith Park. The city page groups everything into most popular, highest reviewed, last minute and family-friendly so you can build a day around what actually delivers.

    When is the best time to visit Los Angeles?

    +

    March to May and September to November, for clear air and open canyon roads. Booking patterns follow the same curve: prices and queues climb in peak weeks, while shoulder season gives you better availability on the top-ranked experiences and more room to change plans.

    How many days do you need in Los Angeles?

    +

    Three full days covers the headline sights without sprinting. A workable rhythm is one anchor experience each morning, such as this one, an unhurried afternoon in a single neighborhood, then a food or nightlife booking in the evening. Five days lets you add a day trip outside the city.

    Do I book through Outty or through the operator?

    +

    Outty ranks and explains the experiences, then hands you to Viator to complete the booking with the operator directly. The price is the same as booking on Viator yourself, and Outty earns an affiliate commission on the referral, which is how the rankings stay free to read.

    What is included in Old Pasadena Small-Group Food Walking Tour?

    +

    Included: Local guide; Food tastings & Beverages; and Small-group walking tour. Not included: Alcoholic drinks (available to purchase); Hotel pickup and drop-off; Gratuities; and Parking. Always check the voucher for the final list before you travel.

    Where is the meeting point for Old Pasadena Small-Group Food Walking Tour?

    +

    The tour group meets at Amara Cafe, 55 South Raymond, Pasadena 91105 There is a public parking structure immediately next door where we recommend you park ($15 for the full day). For help, call or text 323 640 1753 Hotel pickup is not included, so plan your own transport and arrive 15 minutes early.

    What languages is Old Pasadena Small-Group Food Walking Tour offered in?

    +

    It runs in English. Pick your language when choosing a date and time, as not every departure runs in every language.

    Will I get instant confirmation and a mobile ticket for Old Pasadena Small-Group Food Walking Tour?

    +

    Confirmation is sent by the operator after booking, usually within 48 hours; if it is not confirmed you are not charged. Mobile tickets are accepted, so you can show the voucher on your phone.

    Is Old Pasadena Small-Group Food Walking Tour wheelchair or stroller accessible?

    +

    The operator notes: Wheelchair accessible; Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller; Transportation options are wheelchair accessible; and All areas and surfaces are wheelchair accessible. If accessibility is critical, contact the operator after booking to confirm arrangements for your date.

    What happens to Old Pasadena Small-Group Food Walking Tour if the weather is bad?

    +

    This experience depends on good weather. If it is canceled because of poor weather, you are offered a different date or a full refund.

    What do travelers say about Old Pasadena Small-Group Food Walking Tour?

    +

    Across 22 reviews averaging 4.9 out of 5, recurring themes include the guide, knowledge and storytelling, food and drink. Travelers single out the guide as the reason the experience works.

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