The Formosa first opened its doors IN LOS ANGELES in 1939: making its new debut in its 80th year. Located across from the then-Samuel Goldwyn studio, stars like Frank Sinatra, Humphrey Bogart, James Dean, and Elvis Presley would pop into the legendary Formosa Cafe regularly for dining and drinks.
On any given day, patrons might have seen Ava Gardner dancing past the old, red leather booths, or John Wayne nursing a late-night scotch (he was caught making scrambled eggs in our kitchen one morning, after reportedly passing out in a booth the night before).
On any given day, patrons might have seen Ava Gardner dancing past the old, red leather booths, or John Wayne nursing a late-night scotch (he was caught making scrambled eggs in our kitchen one morning, after reportedly passing out in a booth the night before).
Reviews (21)
Claire H.
Jan 30, 2022
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I've been here before for drinks and had a nice time but coming for food was very unimpressive. First off, our service was extremely slow. Our waiter forgot our drink orders and had to come back and have us remind her of them. She also rarely checked on our table, we spent twenty or so minutes trying to flag her down to order more food but gave up. Having to ask for water repeatedly also was a let down in good service. The drinks are decent but I would skip the food, overly greasy and the chicken was undercooked. The cherry on top was us being kicked out of our table pretty rudely so that
Becca K.
Jan 25, 2022
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Had friends in from out of town and Formosa did not disappoint!
Ambience - 5/5
El Vencido - 5/5
Wonton soup- 7/5 - this is a MUST order
Char Sui Pie - 5/5
Dan Dan mien - 4/5
Spicy wok fried rice with steak - 4/5
*lost a star because there was no "spicy". We love spicy Chinese and both the spicy wok and Dan Dan lacked heat completely.
**steak was super tender and very flavorful
Overall fantastic!
Ambience - 5/5
El Vencido - 5/5
Wonton soup- 7/5 - this is a MUST order
Char Sui Pie - 5/5
Dan Dan mien - 4/5
Spicy wok fried rice with steak - 4/5
*lost a star because there was no "spicy". We love spicy Chinese and both the spicy wok and Dan Dan lacked heat completely.
**steak was super tender and very flavorful
Overall fantastic!
Anupriya S.
Jan 18, 2022
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Takara Sights
Jan 18, 2022
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Shriya B.
Jan 07, 2022
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So we were looking for a historic place to dine in LA and upon research this showed up , and my oh my we were so happy that we ended up eating here . I liked how meticulous they were about COVID protocol and it made me feel really safe . We requested to be seated in the train car and it was a wonderful experience. The service was excellent and so was the food. I highly recommend the the Chile wantons !! They were to die for !! And the Kung pao chicken was delicious and spicy . We loved the food, drinks and the service and will certainly return
Mark Hamilton
Jan 02, 2022
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We came to Hollywood to enjoy the movie capitol. Our first meal out was to the Formosa Cafe! It has a star-studded history as evidenced by the collection of photo portraits lining the upper walls - everybody from the golden era! You can sit in the circular booths, an old railroad dining car or in the spacious bar. The staff is terrific, kind and attentive, and plan to share whatever you order, because the portions are very large. Oh yes, the food is very good. You will enjoy your stay and want to come back. Last tip, make reservations. Enjoy!
Nicolas
Dec 21, 2021
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Michael A.
Nov 24, 2021
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I'm a big fan of Formosa Cafe! Came here a few weeks ago for my first time and had a great experience. The ambiance is fun and unique, the menu is loaded with great options to choose from, and the food itself was delicious! There's really nothing not to like. It does get pretty busy, however, so I would recommend making reservations. We did not, but we were able to grab two of the only spots still open at the bar upon arrival.
While I was mostly here for a couple drinks, my friend ordered the dan dan mian. I tired a few bites and really enjoyed it. The serving sizes here are pretty big
While I was mostly here for a couple drinks, my friend ordered the dan dan mian. I tired a few bites and really enjoyed it. The serving sizes here are pretty big
Mei E.
Nov 23, 2021
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SO shocked at how good this place was. To be honest, we came here because it had decent reviews, outdoor seating, and drinks. We weren't expecting much from the food, but were absolutely blown away by how good it all was!!! The drinks were great, and the outdoor seating was wonderful, but the food was the star.
We got the marinated cucumbers to start and wow. I order these at most asian spots so Ive had my go around of marinated cucumbers and these have to be the best that I've ever had!! So much flavor and the perfect portion for a small app.
For our main course we went family style
We got the marinated cucumbers to start and wow. I order these at most asian spots so Ive had my go around of marinated cucumbers and these have to be the best that I've ever had!! So much flavor and the perfect portion for a small app.
For our main course we went family style
Karen G.
Nov 16, 2021
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Formosa was the perfect representation of west Hollywood meets Ana May Wong. The place is elegant, vibrant, with a spark of intimacy and fun vibe.
Our server was amazing. We didn't feel rush to leave or like we had to finish eating soon. Many places bring you the check a few minutes after you get your last order. Not Formosa.... Our server continue providing excellent service, stopped by our table multiple times, and brought our check when we requested. We enjoyed every bite and every sip of the menu.
We ordered the BBQ pork, kung Pao chicken, fried rice, and several Ney Ney rose martinis
Our server was amazing. We didn't feel rush to leave or like we had to finish eating soon. Many places bring you the check a few minutes after you get your last order. Not Formosa.... Our server continue providing excellent service, stopped by our table multiple times, and brought our check when we requested. We enjoyed every bite and every sip of the menu.
We ordered the BBQ pork, kung Pao chicken, fried rice, and several Ney Ney rose martinis
Su L.
Nov 08, 2021
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My coworkers and I came here for dinner on a Friday night with a prior reservation. We came as a group of 6 and sat in the outdoor section. The staff were very particular about checking vaccination cards, and I believe they instated the vaccine mandate before the rest of LA County.
We were able to be seated before the rest of our party had arrived. There were both people dining inside and outside when we arrived, but it wasn't packed.
My colleague had described this place as serving Chinese-American food, but the good kind. I was initially very dubious of it due to her description, but ended
We were able to be seated before the rest of our party had arrived. There were both people dining inside and outside when we arrived, but it wasn't packed.
My colleague had described this place as serving Chinese-American food, but the good kind. I was initially very dubious of it due to her description, but ended
Christian Aguilar
Oct 18, 2021
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Paul Daniel
Sep 23, 2021
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Cc S.
Jul 16, 2021
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This is a GREAT Hollywood landmark and a must visit for out-of-town guests. Another fantastic restoration by The 1933 Group to save this beautiful, historic restaurant. We come for the great service - shout out to Jordan on the 2nd floor patio! - and perfectly crafted drinks. But keep an eye open while you practice looking fabulous cuz you just might spy a celebrity or two noshing and relaxing.
I can usually find parking on Formosa Ave. Be sure to read clearly stated signs and avoid the metered areas that become loading zones at certain hours. After 6 on weekdays parking is FREE!
I can usually find parking on Formosa Ave. Be sure to read clearly stated signs and avoid the metered areas that become loading zones at certain hours. After 6 on weekdays parking is FREE!
Fiona Gould
Jul 13, 2021
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The food is good but what you’d get at any American-Chinese restaurant. What’s really great is the history of the place. It’s a Los Angeles landmark. There are pictures of stars who have visited lining the walls, and part of the restaurant is a Pacific Red Car, which used to be the public transport of LA. I was also excited to go to a place that had been featured in LA Confidential.
Taylor J.
Jun 10, 2021
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We hit the road expecting an adventure to another tiki bar and made an unexpected change (and a pretty great one at that) to Formosa Café!
So, the day started off with a mission. WE WANTED TIKI DRINKS. So, the boyfriend and I threw on our best gear and headed out to Tiki Ti. It was closed! So, he suggested coming to Formosa Café instead. Now, I have definitely heard of Formosa, but never got around to try it and by golly, I was completely blown away by this lovely place.
We got here around 5pm on a Sunday and were able to be sat right away. I am a complete in awe of amazing décor and Formosa
So, the day started off with a mission. WE WANTED TIKI DRINKS. So, the boyfriend and I threw on our best gear and headed out to Tiki Ti. It was closed! So, he suggested coming to Formosa Café instead. Now, I have definitely heard of Formosa, but never got around to try it and by golly, I was completely blown away by this lovely place.
We got here around 5pm on a Sunday and were able to be sat right away. I am a complete in awe of amazing décor and Formosa
Sadi K.
Apr 13, 2021
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Such a fun dinner and date spot!
Firstly, the atmosphere! The old style train car in the back is so fun and unique. They definitely take good care of their restaurant which I appreciate. The place feels very old school but in the best way.
We ended up ordering the Formosa Chow Fun, the Sticky Short Rib Sesame Noodles, the Chicken Chow Mein, three different types of the Gua Bao, and the Sesame Balls. We really enjoyed our meal, everything was flavorful and came out quickly. Definitely recommend the sesame balls at the end, they are light!
Firstly, the atmosphere! The old style train car in the back is so fun and unique. They definitely take good care of their restaurant which I appreciate. The place feels very old school but in the best way.
We ended up ordering the Formosa Chow Fun, the Sticky Short Rib Sesame Noodles, the Chicken Chow Mein, three different types of the Gua Bao, and the Sesame Balls. We really enjoyed our meal, everything was flavorful and came out quickly. Definitely recommend the sesame balls at the end, they are light!
Mark James
Dec 10, 2020
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Francine Jacome
Aug 30, 2020
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The wait staff was wonderful and attentive. However, the two hostesses made us feel unwelcome from the moment the first of our group of 12 arrived. They made it abundantly clear we would not be seated until at least half of our group arrived (which is fair, but rude). When we were finally seated, one made it abundantly clear that there was a 2-hour limit on our seating. I’ve never been anywhere that’s limited my patronage. Three of our party were running late, so the hostess kept rudely coming over to remove the extra table (which we kept putting back). When we paid our bill, our guests lingered
Marie D.
Aug 03, 2020
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Stevo Owysin
Jul 01, 2019
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When in Rome, as the saying goes , applies to dining in a Hollywood icon cafe with not so authentic Chinese food, which was normal for the 1940's. I did notice many tourists and locals, but not so much Asian Americans; it's not the 626! If you come here, it's for the history and re-living better times in Los Angeles. Ample parking is next door, and because this a day after the Official opening, only reservations were to be had in the main dining room. Mind you there is an upstairs bar if you want alcohol and just food, but the museum-like atmosphere is a must if you want to live a historical cafe
