Where to Ring in this Lunar New Year in Los Angeles
February 17th kicks off Lunar New Year in Los Angeles, and 2026 marks the year of the Fire Horse. The next fifteen days will be full of high energy and transformations until the Lantern Festival on the full moon, so you better be eating well to keep your spirits up. Here are the places that are auspiciously delicious in Los Angeles for the Year of the Fire Horse.
Paradise Dynasty (Americana at Brand /South Coast Plaza)
Paradise Dynasty will be serving luxurious dishes through March 3rd at both its Los Angeles and Orange County locations. This is in addition to the colorful Xiao Long Bao they are famous for, available in flavors such as Black Truffle and Kimchi.
Begin your meal with an exclusive Fire Horse Cocktail, made with D’USSÉ Cognac, yuzu honey, green tea plum, and fresh lemon ($19).
It’s meant to usher in the celebratory nature of the larger entrées, including Braised Lobster with Vermicelli & Golden Garlic Sauce ($88.88) and Slow-Braised Pork Knuckle with Dried Scallop ($48.88). These dishes represent prosperity and abundance. The Imperial Chicken Broth with Wontons is warm and comforting, symbolizing renewal ($42.88). End on a sweet note with the Assorted Sweet Mochi Duo in Matcha and Black Sesame – the Black Sesame flavor is beyond compare ($14.88). Keep an eye out for Red Envelopes, which offer 20% off your next visit.
Hengry (Alhambra)
Hengry in Alhambra will be serving a special Prix Fixe Lunch and Dinner from February 17th to the 22nd. The restaurant specializes in Guizhou cuisine from Southwest China, known for balancing spicy and sour flavors. The well-priced family meal starts at $300 for four to six guests, with menu highlights including Guizhou Spicy Chicken and Charred Chili-Braised Pork Belly with Mustard Greens. Guests will also receive a Red Envelope with gifts and raffle opportunities. Reserve on OpenTable.
The Huntington Library and Gardens (Pasadena)
The Chinese New Year Festival at The Huntington Library and Gardens in Pasadena takes place on February 21st, 2026. Advanced tickets are required for this all-day celebration, which includes Traditional Music from across Asia, Lion Dancers, Calligraphy, and a Family Activities Corner.
Firstborn (Chinatown)
Notably a nighttime spot, Firstborn will be letting the light shine in with a special Lunar New Year Brunch on February 21st and 22nd. Brunch items include Mom’s Twice-Cooked Pork Belly over Pommes Rosti and Cornmeal and Mochi Pancake with salted buckwheat cream. The Pork Belly is an homage to Chef Anthony Wang’s mother, who used to make the dish for her son when he was in college, to the exultation of his roommates.
Reservations can be made on OpenTable for February 21st and 22nd from 10:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m.
Benny Boy Brewing (Lincoln Heights)
Head to Benny Boy Brewing on Saturday, February 28th, for a Shanghai Nights Concert with songwriter and accordionist Jessica Fichot. The band will be performing classic jazz songs in Mandarin, Mandopop, and other genres, and if you’ve never seen her live, you’re in for something truly special. Entry is FREE beginning at 7 p.m., and there will be food available for purchase along with those signature brews.
