Hip and Healthy-ish Highland Park Spot Amara Kitchen Expands to Altadena

Casual Highland Park neighborhood spot Amara Kitchen is set to expand to Altadena in the new year. The healthy-leaning restaurant will take up inside a tall brick building on Mariposa Street just off Lake in the far reaches of the community north of Pasadena.

Owner Paola Guasp confirmed the coming second location with Eater, saying last week that the restaurant would look to open in Altadena sometime on the early side of 2020. Diners should expect a tall and long space with a wide ordering counter, some small booths to give a family-friendly neighborhood feel, and mostly the same menu of salads, all-day breakfast, and coffee and pastries as at the Highland Park location.

That original outlet, well off the Figueroa drag in the neighborhood along Avenue 64, almost always seems to be busy with creative types, locals, and those looking to eat healthy. Guasp has long leaned into the healthy side of dining, favoring greens-heavy bowls, bone broths, and a variety of vegan and gluten-free dining options. The new location should offer the same, but with the possible addition of some specials specific to that address.

All of Altadena, meanwhile, is becoming one of greater Southern California’s more talked-about neighborhoods, as loads of operators continue to eye the area for possible expansion. Thankfully there are already a number of great options up that way, from Cafe de Leche to Lincoln to Indian favorite Mint Leaf. Expect more names to add to that list in the coming year.

Amara Kitchen. 841 Mariposa St., Altadena.

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