Formosa Cafe

Name: Formosa Cafe
Address: 7156 Santa Monica Blvd, West Hollywood, CA, United States, 90046-5802
Telephone: (323) 850-1009
Price range: $30 and under
Rating: 4.7

4.7

524 Reviews

$30 and under

Asian

Top Tags:

The Formosa Cafe is a restaurant and bar founded in 1939 and located at 7156 Santa Monica Boulevard at the intersection with North Formosa Avenue, in West Hollywood, California.

The restaurant has a long history of movie star and film industry patronage due to its close proximity to studio lot across the street, which began as the United Artists lot and was later owned by Warner Bros. Generations of movie stars such as Humphrey Bogart and Clark Gable have eaten meals at The Formosa. Frank Sinatra is reputed to have spent many nights at the Formosa in the 1950s, pining over Ava Gardner.

After a brief 2 year hiatus, a complete refurbishment, and a tremendous menu update The Formosa Cafe has returned to serve the Los Angeles community once again.

Make a reservation

Party Size

2 people

DateTime

Dec 3, 2022

7:00 PM

Booked 69 times today

Order delivery or takeout

Takeout

(323) 850-1009

Other options

Additional information

Dining style
Casual Dining
Cuisines
Asian
Hours of operation
Lunch Mon–Fri 11:00 am–4:00 pm Brunch Sat, Sun 11:00 am–4:00 pm Dinner Mon–Wed, Sun 5:00 pm–12:00 am Thu–Sat 5:00 pm–2:00 am
Phone number
(323) 850-1009
Website
https://theformosacafe.com/
Payment options
AMEX, MasterCard, Visa
Dress code
Casual Dress
Executive chef
Dan Huerta
Private party facilities
Please direct all event inquiries to matt@1933group.com

Location
7156 Santa Monica Blvd, West Hollywood, CA 90046-5802
Neighborhood
West Hollywood
Cross street
Formosa and Santa Monica
Parking details
Free street parking after 6pm
Additional
Banquet, Bar/Lounge, Beer, Cocktails, Dancing, Delivery, Dog Friendly, Entertainment, Full Bar, Gender Neutral Restroom, Gluten-free Options, Late Night, Outdoor Firepit, Outdoor Smoking Area, Patio/Outdoor Dining, Patio/Outdoor Dining, Private Room, Takeout, View, Weekend Brunch, Wheelchair Access, Wine

Popular dishes

What 524 people are saying

Overall ratings and reviews

Reviews can only be made by diners who have eaten at this restaurant

4.7

4.7 based on recent ratings

4.6Food
4.5Service
4.7Ambience
4.4Value

Noise • Moderate

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Filters

PO
PartyOf4
Los Angeles
2 reviews
4.0
2 reviews
Dined 6 days ago
overall4food4service2ambience4
Service was lacking (and I am so appreciative of servers during these times!). We were seated at a really weird pushed apart table with all of us in a line - none of the 7 of us could talk to each other except the person next to us. Hostess was 100% unhelpful. We improvised and with our waiter’s help, pushed tables together and it worked. Dirty plates were never cleared. On the plus side: Food is amazing. Ambience is fun and beautiful with so much history. Overall our out of town guests loved it and we had a nice evening.
TW
TravisW
Los Angeles
108 reviews
vip
5.0
108 reviews
Dined 6 days ago
overall5food5service5ambience5
I dined alone, craving dumplings or dim sum before a performance at the Pantages. Service was excellent. I enjoyed the Chile pork dumplings, fish dumplings, pork dumplings and soup dumplings. As well as the bao sandwiches with cucumber. Dipping sauces are scrumptious. I was seated upstairs for the first time with a full bar (I love the Mai Thais) with heat lamps. One of my favorite go-toos.
OT
OpenTable Diner
Los Angeles
6 reviews
5.0
6 reviews
Dined on November 25, 2022
overall5food5service5ambience5
Service was great, food was delicious, crowd was hip and diverse and the music was a vibe! Will definitely be back .
OT
OpenTable Diner
Los Angeles
1 review
3.0
1 review
Dined on November 25, 2022
overall3food2service2ambience5
Nice location, but food was not impressive at all. My friend barely touched her food, she ordered the cold peanut noodles and had 2 bites. I had the walnut shrimp and it was whatever. Steak and broccolini was ok and the fried sesame balls as well. We really wanted to order some baos but were told we can’t have any because they are all reserved for a private party. Long wait times even just for a ginger ale. I guess people go here for the atmosphere and drinks and not for a great food experience.
MG
MeanGene
Los Angeles
2 reviews
1.0
2 reviews
Dined on November 25, 2022
overall1food2service1ambience1
I made reservations for Thanksgiving dinner a week before. My reservations were for 5:30 PM, and for a booth we arrived early and was asked to wait at the bar and have a drink. At 5:30 I went to check with the receptionist and she said my booth was not available until 7:30 PM. I did not want to start an argument and ask why I was not notified through email because of the special instructions I asked for, was a booth. I ended up asking her for a table that was available. My fiancé and I were then taken to the train car where we were placed at the smallest table I’ve ever seen literally a foot and a half square I considered it rude and a waste of time. Needless to say, I have no reason to return.
EU
EdUyeshima
San Francisco
5 reviews
vip
3.0
5 reviews
Dined on November 25, 2022
overall3food4service3ambience5
The hostess should tell you about the step-up to the train car. It’s a doozy.
OT
OpenTable Diner
Los Angeles
3 reviews
4.0
3 reviews
Dined on November 24, 2022
overall4food4service4ambience4
Thoroughly enjoyed the food
OT
OpenTable Diner
Los Angeles
7 reviews
vip
3.0
7 reviews
Dined on November 22, 2022
overall3food3service3ambience3
This place has gone so downhill. The food and service just can’t compare to the ambiance, and even that was lacking because the lights were so bright. The staff was so casually dressed, that the host had on a t-shirt and ripped jeans, while the foodrunner wore an Adidas sweatshirt and Dodgers cap. McDonald’s employees look more polished than this crew. The food was mediocre at best. There are tons of better Asian places in LA, for example, try Cobi’s in Santa Monica. Perhaps Formosa’s biggest sin, I watched two employees “wash” their hands in the men’s restroom with just water because there was no soap. The soap dispenser itself looks dirty and ancient. It probably doesn’t work. Glad I brought my own hand sanitizer. I won’t go back to this place.
AS
AlecS
Orange County
1 review
4.0
1 review
Dined on November 22, 2022
overall4food4service5ambience5
Great vibe, and an interesting (good!) menu.
OT
OpenTable Diner
1 review
4.0
1 review
Dined on November 19, 2022
overall4food4service4ambience3
Noisy and requested NO chili flakes and chili peppers but still had them in our dishes. Our waiter (Angel) was great and apologetic and tried very hard to give us what we wanted. Food was plentiful. All in all I would come back.
SR
ShanaR
1 review
4.0
1 review
Dined on November 18, 2022
overall4food5service5ambience4
The atmosphere was energetic. The waitress was friendly and normal. The drinks were good. The food was excellent. We were seated at the Elvis table. No complaints or worries, all was good. I would come back again and again.
C
Chinarider
New York Area
54 reviews
4.0
54 reviews
Dined on November 18, 2022
overall4food4service4ambience4
The food was delicious, extremely flavorful. The rooftop bar was backed up for some reason, even though there were maybe 20 people on the whole deck. So those took a while. Otherwise I definitely recommend. Though steer clear of the LA tap water, tastes awful.
c
claudiad
Los Angeles
4 reviews
3.0
4 reviews
Dined on November 16, 2022
overall3food2service5ambience3
Had reservations but they weren’t ready for us. Drinks were great. Food was underwhelming and overpriced. Our server was amazing. Kelly made the experience worthwhile.
SC
SharleneC
Los Angeles
9 reviews
3.0
9 reviews
Dined on November 15, 2022
overall3food2service3ambience5
My out of town friends wanted to come to Formosa as we all love historic venues. The remodeling done is very impressive and well done. The service could be better…took awhile for the wait staff to come by and then more time to get our order…etc. The food was pricey and you don’t get much and the food wasn’t impressive. We got an order of potstickers which were deep fried and burnt and there were like 6 pieces for $15!! Egg rolls were definitely not made from scratch and for 4 pieces it was $10 and the inside was mushy. The cocktails were slightly better, though some were off balanced and very acidic. Also price range $14-$17/cocktail. There was karaoke? Or hired singer? Anyways they were way too loud and we were screaming just to have a conversation next to each other. It’s a beautiful space and I really wish the management will do something to improve the rest of it.
JP
JoelP
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined on November 14, 2022
overall5food5service4ambience5
Very funky and iconic place- soo awesome! Good prices too as far as Hollywood goes!
OT
OpenTable Diner
Las Vegas
2 reviews
5.0
2 reviews
Dined on November 13, 2022
overall5food5service5ambience5
Very cool atmosphere and the food was delicious! Staff was very friendly and knowledgeable. Cool Hollywood history!
MN
MNPdeLBC
Chicago
1 review
3.0
1 review
Dined on November 11, 2022
overall3food4service2ambience5
Great Hollywood kitsch, and good food. Service was disinterested at best.
F
Foodfan
Los Angeles
3 reviews
5.0
3 reviews
Dined on November 6, 2022
overall5food4service5ambience5
When we arrived, no one was around to let us know if we should seat ourselves or wait to be seated. The sweet bartender went and called on the hostess who took us to our seat. Service was a little slow to get started at first (restaurant wasn’t too busy during this time) but once we were tended to it went well. The items on the lunch menu were somewhat limited (not all items were available during that meal hour. We did enjoy the items we ordered that were available. The drinks were delish! When we first arrived, the bartender did mentioned they close the kitchen at 3:30 to prepare for dinner. All in all the staff was friendly and we will be back again but this time for dinner, so we can try the items we really wanted to try that weren’t offered during the day.
OT
OpenTable Diner
Las Vegas
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined on November 6, 2022
overall5food5service5ambience5
No occasion beautiful night out. Formosa never fails.
g
goldenboy
Las Vegas
45 reviews
vip
5.0
45 reviews
Dined on November 6, 2022
overall5food4service4ambience5
Drinks were outstanding in the food pretty good at this historic Hollywood Chinese eatery. The honey walnut shrimp lax punch and needs another ingredient but the damn son and dumplings we had were good
LV
LaVieEnRose
Los Angeles
6 reviews
5.0
6 reviews
Dined on November 4, 2022
overall5food3service3ambience5
Hello, this is the 5th time in 2 months I was in. Service was a bit funky however in the red car. A dish we def didn't ordered was delivered to us no less than 3 times. It was starting to become hilarious (the French man who was one of my guests remarked when the 3rd server came by with this dish after 2 male servers before her: ah, they figured they would send the pretty blonde to test whether we would finally accept it!). We never got a dish we did order, and finally told the server she might as well cancel it. But I do love the place overall and was happy that on this 5th visit, you finally were not sold out of egg rolls. -R
SC
SusieC
Orange County
5 reviews
vip
5.0
5 reviews
Dined on October 30, 2022
overall5food5service5ambience5
Our favorite place for great food and the patio is dog friendly
YL
YmineL
New Orleans
6 reviews
vip
5.0
6 reviews
Dined on October 30, 2022
overall5food5service5ambience5
Took the kids here for dinner after watching a movie at the El Capitan. Food was delicious and good service. The drinks were tasty too.
RS
RicardoS
Los Angeles
8 reviews
5.0
8 reviews
Dined on October 30, 2022
overall5food5service5ambience5
Pleasantly surprised. Delicious food, great service and drinks!
HP
HPeater
Los Angeles
1 review
vip
5.0
1 review
Dined on October 29, 2022
overall5food5service5ambience5
Beautiful restaurant, great vibes, delicious food. We'll be back!
PN
PerfectNite
Orange County
10 reviews
5.0
10 reviews
Dined on October 29, 2022
overall5food5service5ambience5
the food was OMG good! Matt was wonderful servicer checked on us often brought the food in perfect stages so we could enjoy each dish perfectly.
ND
NowellD
Sacramento
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined on October 28, 2022
overall5food4service5ambience5
First time here I love the location parking is easy from the retail garage across the street. I love the old classic photos and Chinese decor. There’s plenty of seating options and chose to sit in the Trolly area. We had a table for 2 and shared soup dumplings, 3 baos and a plate of chowmein. It was just enough to split no leftovers. Love the original fixtures in the bathroom and decor
b
barbaraayn
New York Area
20 reviews
vip
4.0
20 reviews
Dined on October 27, 2022
overall4food4service5ambience5
Super place to dine for good Asian food Our waitress, Alex, was terrific. There should be more like her The atmosphere is cool but the one drawback was that they didn’t have any t-shirts in any size but small and for collectors like myself it was a disappointment but what a place; worth the visit
E
Eddie
Palm Springs
10 reviews
vip
5.0
10 reviews
Dined on October 25, 2022
overall5food4service4ambience5
The waiter was great. The only piece of constructive criticism is that we were two diners and asked if the food we ordered was enough or too much. The waiter said the four dishes we ordered were fine, when in fact two dishes alone was more than enough so we had to cancel one of the four dishes
OT
OpenTable Diner
Los Angeles
5 reviews
5.0
5 reviews
Dined on October 23, 2022
overall5food5service5ambience5
Step back in time to the Hollywood era of LA Confidential 🤫 the food is fabulous. Great ambiance, too.
JA
JACK
Los Angeles
87 reviews
vip
5.0
87 reviews
Dined on October 23, 2022
overall5food5service5ambience5
Amazing evening . The last time my wife went there was 63 years ago with her aunt. She is now 74! We’re not gonna wait again that long. Thank you very much
SJ
SusanJ
Los Angeles
3 reviews
5.0
3 reviews
Dined on October 23, 2022
overall5food5service5ambience5
Everything was delicious and expedient
T
Tshawk
Los Angeles
15 reviews
vip
5.0
15 reviews
Dined on October 22, 2022
overall5food5service5ambience5
It was a wonderful experience. I feel like the waiter rushed us a little, but everyone was happy and pleased with their drinks and food! Lots of fun for out of town guests
S
Shakti
Los Angeles
13 reviews
vip
5.0
13 reviews
Dined on October 21, 2022
overall5food5service4ambience5
Magical spot. Try their taro ice cream (you can order by itself)
CB
CarinB
Los Angeles
4 reviews
4.0
4 reviews
Dined on October 21, 2022
overall4food4service4ambience4
Updated remodel very nicely done, keep the original feel and ambiance. The rooftop outdoor dining area is very enjoyable. Overall gives you a step back into old Hollywood. Food was delicious.
U
Upscalehealthynatural
Los Angeles
384 reviews
vip
5.0
384 reviews
Dined on October 17, 2022
overall5food5service4ambience5
The kung pao chicken was a standout. The shrimp and walnuts were so delicious. Also we loved the cauliflower dish.
FR
FranciscoR
Las Vegas
4 reviews
5.0
4 reviews
Dined on October 16, 2022
overall5food5service5ambience5
Incredible experience. Very generous portions and amazing cocktails. It didn't dissapoint.
FR
FranciscoR
Las Vegas
5 reviews
5.0
5 reviews
Dined on October 16, 2022
overall5food5service5ambience5
Absolutely amazing expierence. I drove over 90 miles to expierence the history and great food of the Fermosa. It didn't dissapoint. Thank you staff and everyone who served us today. The Mai Tai was excellent!
N
Norsestar
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined on October 16, 2022
overall5food5service5ambience5
This restaurant is still one of LA’s gems. Ambiance, food and service are beautiful. Such a good night out!
TS
TrulyScrumptious
Orange County
34 reviews
vip
4.0
34 reviews
Dined on October 16, 2022
overall4food5service3ambience5
Some of the best orange chicken we've ever eaten! Cool vibe and fun atmosphere.

Safety precautions

Cleaning & sanitizing
- Surfaces sanitized between seatings
- Digital, disposable or sanitized menu provided
- Sealed or wrapped utensils used
- Common areas deep-cleaned daily
- Sanitizer or wipes provided for customers
- Contactless payment available
Physical distancing
- Limited number of seated diners
- Distancing maintained in common areas
- Extra space between tables

Screening
- Sick staff prohibited in the workplace
- Staff is vaccinated

FAQs

Formosa Cafe does offer delivery in partnership with Chow Now. Formosa Cafe also offers takeout which you can order by calling the restaurant at (323) 850-1009.

Formosa Cafe is rated 4.7 stars by 524 OpenTable diners.

Yes, you can generally book this restaurant by choosing the date, time and party size on OpenTable.

Make a reservation

Party Size

2 people

DateTime

Dec 3, 2022

7:00 PM

Booked 69 times today

Order delivery or takeout

Takeout

(323) 850-1009

Other options

7156 Santa Monica Blvd, West Hollywood, CA 90046-5802

Additional information

Cross street
Formosa and Santa Monica
Neighborhood
West Hollywood
Hours of operation
Lunch Mon–Fri 11:00 am–4:00 pm Brunch Sat, Sun 11:00 am–4:00 pm Dinner Mon–Wed, Sun 5:00 pm–12:00 am Thu–Sat 5:00 pm–2:00 am
Cuisines
Asian
Dining style
Casual Dining
Dress code
Casual Dress
Parking details
Free street parking after 6pm
Payment options
AMEX, MasterCard, Visa
Executive chef
Dan Huerta
Additional
Banquet, Bar/Lounge, Beer, Cocktails, Dancing, Delivery, Dog Friendly, Entertainment, Full Bar, Gender Neutral Restroom, Gluten-free Options, Late Night, Outdoor Firepit, Outdoor Smoking Area, Patio/Outdoor Dining, Patio/Outdoor Dining, Private Room, Takeout, View, Weekend Brunch, Wheelchair Access, Wine

Website
https://theformosacafe.com/
Phone number
(323) 850-1009
Private party facilities
Please direct all event inquiries to matt@1933group.com

Formosa Cafe

Make a reservation

Order delivery or takeout

Takeout

Other options

Additional information

Popular dishes

Walnut Shrimp

Orange Chicken

Hainan Chicken

Menu

What 524 people are saying

Overall ratings and reviews

Sort by

Filters

Safety precautions

Cleaning & sanitizing

Physical distancing

Screening

FAQs

Does Formosa Cafe offer delivery through OpenTable or takeout?

How is Formosa Cafe restaurant rated?

Is Formosa Cafe currently accepting reservations?

Make a reservation

Order delivery or takeout

Takeout

Other options

Additional information