Designed with flexibility in mind, the space can accommodate a variety of dining experiences, a specialty food shop with space for culinary workshops and events, and an open courtyard with a private dining room.

An intelligent use of natural light, including new skylights, creates a sense of balance in the space. The bright open kitchen is the fulcrum of the interior, with a custom-designed wood-burning hearth as its focal point.

Agnes is Located in the historic Old Pasadena Historic District. The restaurant is housed in a former horse stable built in 1922 and listed in the National Register of Historic Places in 1983.

The historic facade was redesigned to create a stronger street presence for the restaurant, including a pair of majestic entry doors inspired by historic Roman gates and doorways. Key historic features, including the original brick openings and leaded glass transoms, were meticulously restored and integrated into the new façade design.

Influenced by regional farm-to-table fare, Agnes connects guests to how their food is made by giving local vendors and farmers an elevated showcase. Chefs Vanessa and Thomas Tilaka-Kalb are an energetic husband and wife team, whose vision was to create a restaurant and specialty food shop that highlights talented makers, producers, artists and hospitality professionals.

The restaurant interiors open onto a courtyard dining patio surrounded by an informal edible kitchen garden. A separate multi-function building also connects to the garden and transforms from a prep kitchen by day to a private kitchen dining room by night, creating a circular connection to the food being prepared.

Behind the well-preserved façade, the interior reflects the owners' personality while maintaining its roots in the past. Original rustic brick walls and simple wood trusses blend with a mix of bespoke modern white oak, stone and terrazzo millwork, creating a fusion of contemporary and traditional.

A calm palette with moments of color contributes to the overall sense of cohesion, providing a neutral backdrop for the owner’s personal collections. Custom furnishings call on the familiar and unpretentious forms of Shaker, traditional Scandinavian and modern Japanese woodwork for inspiration.