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Formosa Cafe
Master Critic Reviews (8 Lists)
Formosa Cafe
8.4
Formosa Cafe is a historic West Hollywood lounge where classic dim sum-style bites share the table with cocktails and Cantonese-Taiwanese plates in a restored 1930s trolley car space. Locals lean on it for har gow, shumai, and soup dumplings before a night out along Santa Monica Boulevard.
Must-Try Dishes:
Shrimp Har Gow, Pork Xiao Long Bao, Pan-Fried Pork Potstickers
Scores:
Value: 6.9
Service: 7.9
Consistency: 8.6
Food Quality: 8.7
Atmosphere: 9.2
Cultural Relevance: 9
What makes it special: Old Hollywood bar energy with a focused dim sum-style menu.
Who should go: Fans of classic cocktails and Chinese small plates.
When to visit: Evenings for drinks, snacks, and buzzy room energy.
What to order: Har gow, xiao long bao, chili wontons.
Insider tip: Ask for a booth in the restored trolley car for the full effect.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Valet is usually available in the evening for a fee; street parking on La Brea and side streets is possible but tight after 6pm.
Dress code: Smart casual with a stylish lean; jeans are fine, but most guests dress up a bit for the classic Hollywood setting.
Noise level: Moderate-to-lively, especially in the trolley car; you can hold a conversation but expect background buzz.
Weekend wait: 35–60 minutes without a reservation, longer during prime cocktail hours.
Weekday lunch: Typically no wait, though midday traffic can vary depending on events nearby.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes — several dim sum and small-plate options, including veggie dumplings and greens.
Vegan options: Limited — a couple of small plates and sides can be customized, but dumpling options are minimal.
Gluten-free options: Some items can be made gluten-sensitive, but dumplings and sauces often contain wheat; ask staff for guidance.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Yes — the vintage trolley car booths, low lighting, and cocktail-forward atmosphere create a memorable and intimate setting.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Possibly — the bar area and some tables turn over regularly, but weekends fill quickly; arriving early gives you the best chance.
Is it kid-friendly? Somewhat — older kids who enjoy dumplings or unique spaces may like it, but the evening bar vibe isn’t ideal for very young children.
Best For
Better for: A stylish, historic setting with cocktails and dim sum-style bites — perfect for evenings out and groups wanting atmosphere.
Skip if: You want traditional, all-day dim sum service with larger carts, broader menus, or quieter, family-oriented dining.
Formosa Cafe
8.1
Formosa Cafe is a restored 1939 Hollywood landmark where red leather booths, vintage photos, and dim lighting make the room feel like a movie set. Modernized pan-Asian comfort dishes and strong cocktails turn it into a nostalgic-but-current date spot that leans more sultry than formal.
Must-Try Dishes:
Orange Chicken, Kung Pao Chicken, Walnut Shrimp
Scores:
Value: 7
Service: 7.7
Consistency: 7.9
Food Quality: 8.1
Atmosphere: 9.3
Cultural Relevance: 9.4
What makes it special: An Old Hollywood bar-restaurant where neon, booths, and history create instant atmosphere for cocktails and Chinese-American plates.
Who should go: Pairs who care as much about cinematic ambiance as the food itself.
When to visit: Evenings when the room is glowing and the bar feels alive.
What to order: Orange Chicken, Kung Pao Chicken, Walnut Shrimp.
Insider tip: Ask for one of the classic train car or booth seats if you want the full vintage experience.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Valet is typically available in the adjacent lot; street parking on Santa Monica Blvd and side streets becomes competitive after 7pm.
Dress code: Smart casual with a nod toward stylish—jeans are fine, but most guests lean slightly dressy to match the Old Hollywood setting.
Noise level: Moderate to lively; conversation is doable in booths, but the bar and train car sections can get louder as the night progresses.
Weekend wait: 30–60 minutes without a reservation depending on bar traffic; booths are in highest demand.
Weekday lunch: Usually no wait, though the room still fills with locals and industry meetings.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes—several vegetable-forward dishes and adaptable stir-fries.
Vegan options: Limited—some sides and modified stir-fry options, but not a dedicated vegan menu.
Gluten-free options: Moderate—several dishes can be made gluten-friendly upon request, but cross-contact is possible due to the classic kitchen setup.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Yes—the cinematic lighting, vintage booths, and cocktail-forward atmosphere create a natural conversation buffer and sense of occasion without feeling overly formal.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Usually, but expect to wait during peak evening hours. The bar is often easier to snag for walk-ins and still delivers the full Formosa vibe.
Is it kid-friendly? Somewhat—older kids and teens may enjoy the décor, but the dim lighting, cocktails-first energy, and later-night crowd skew adult-oriented.
Best For
Better for: Atmosphere-driven date nights, nostalgic Hollywood ambiance, cocktails, and Chinese-American comfort dishes in a storied setting.
Skip if: You want a quiet room, a fully modern Asian menu, or extensive vegan options—other neighborhood spots will be better aligned.
Formosa Cafe
8.0
Formosa Cafe is a restored 1939 Hollywood landmark where red booths, neon, and vintage photos lead to an upstairs rooftop and patios for cocktails and Chinese-American plates. Diners come as much for the cinematic setting as for orange chicken, walnut shrimp, and dim sum before a night out on Santa Monica Blvd.
Must-Try Dishes:
Orange Chicken, Walnut Shrimp, Formosa Chow Fun
Scores:
Value: 6.9
Service: 7.6
Consistency: 7.4
Food Quality: 7.8
Atmosphere: 9.3
Cultural Relevance: 9.2
What makes it special: An Old Hollywood Chinese-American restaurant with a neon-soaked rooftop and patios.
Who should go: History-loving diners who care about cocktails and atmosphere.
When to visit: Evenings when the rooftop and neon glow most.
What to order: Orange Chicken, Walnut Shrimp, Formosa Chow Fun.
Insider tip: Ask about rooftop seating when reserving; it books up on weekends.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Valet is typically available in the evening for a fee, and metered street parking on Santa Monica Blvd can be scarce after 6pm. Side streets offer additional spots but often require a short walk.
Dress code: Smart casual with a stylish lean; jeans are fine but most guests dress up a bit, especially for rooftop or evening reservations.
Noise level: Moderate to lively—conversation is possible at rooftop tables, though indoor booths can get noisy during peak hours.
Weekend wait: 30–60 minutes without a reservation, especially for rooftop seating.
Weekday lunch: Generally no wait; the rooftop may open later depending on the day.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes—several veggie-friendly appetizers and noodle dishes are available, though not a dedicated vegetarian menu.
Vegan options: Limited—some vegetable dishes can be modified, but options are minimal.
Gluten-free options: Moderate—several stir-fries and rice-based dishes can be made gluten-free, but diners should confirm sauces with the server.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Yes—its cinematic Old Hollywood decor, neon lighting, and rooftop seating create an instantly memorable setting that feels fun without being overly formal.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Often yes on weeknights, but rooftop tables are limited and fill fast. On weekends, walk-ins should expect a wait or be flexible with patio vs. indoor seating.
Is it kid-friendly? Somewhat—kids who enjoy Chinese-American dishes will be fine, but the atmosphere skews adult-oriented, especially at night with louder music and cocktails.
Best For
Better for: Atmosphere-driven nights out, photo-worthy moments, and rooftop cocktails in a historic setting.
Skip if: You want ultra-authentic regional Chinese cuisine or a quiet, low-key dinner—this is more about the vibe than culinary precision.
Formosa Cafe
8.3
Formosa Cafe is a restored 1930s Hollywood landmark where red booths, neon, and vintage headshots frame a menu of Chinese-American classics and cocktails. Between the historic train car seating, rooftop and patio spaces, and film-industry lore, it functions as both a dinner reservation and a nightlife destination.
Must-Try Dishes:
Orange Chicken, Walnut Shrimp, Formosa Chow Fun
Scores:
Value: 6.9
Service: 7.8
Consistency: 8.1
Food Quality: 8
Atmosphere: 9.2
Cultural Relevance: 8.6
What makes it special: An Old Hollywood Chinese-American restaurant where train cars, neon, and a rooftop bar turn dinner into a mini time-travel experience.
Who should go: History-minded diners who want cocktails, atmosphere, and comfort classics.
When to visit: Evenings when the rooftop and interior glow are in full effect.
What to order: Orange Chicken, Walnut Shrimp, Formosa Chow Fun.
Insider tip: Request a booth in the vintage train car or ask about rooftop availability if you want the most cinematic seating.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Valet is typically available on-site for a fee (around $12–$15). Street parking along Santa Monica Blvd is possible but extremely competitive after 6pm—plan extra time or use rideshare on weekends.
Dress code: Smart casual. Jeans and stylish tops are common, but many guests lean dressy due to the Old Hollywood setting and photo-friendly spaces.
Noise level: Moderate to loud. You can hold a conversation in the booth areas, but rooftop and bar sections get lively as the night goes on.
Weekend wait: Expect a 45–70 minute wait without a reservation, especially for train car or rooftop seating.
Weekday lunch: Typically no wait or very short wait; the atmosphere is calmer and more accessible.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Good coverage—several vegetable-forward dishes, noodles, and small plates qualify as vegetarian.
Vegan options: Limited but workable. A few sides and modified dishes can be made vegan; clarify with the server.
Gluten-free options: Moderate coverage. Some stir-fries and rice dishes are naturally gluten-free, but cross-contact is possible due to the kitchen style.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Yes. The vintage booths, neon glow, and cinematic setting create an atmosphere that’s memorable without being overly formal. It works especially well for dates that combine dinner with a stroll or drinks on the rooftop.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Possibly, but expect a wait during peak hours. The train car and rooftop seats are the first to fill, so walk-ins are usually directed to bar seats or patio tables. Arriving early or late evening increases your chances.
Is it kid-friendly? Kid-friendly during earlier hours—comfort classics and spacious booths work well for families. After 8pm, the energy shifts more nightlife-oriented, so younger children may be less comfortable.
Best For
Better for: A uniquely cinematic, Old Hollywood setting with Chinese-American comfort dishes and a rooftop—ideal for groups, dates, and anyone seeking atmosphere-first dining.
Skip if: You want hyper-regional Chinese cuisine, a quiet dinner, or very fast service. Choose an alternative if your priority is culinary depth over mood and nostalgia.
Formosa Cafe
7.9
Opened in the 1920s and restored in recent years, Formosa Cafe blends a cinematic Hollywood history with a Chinese-influenced menu and serious cocktails. Deep-red booths, vintage headshots, and neon-lit trolley cars make it more about atmosphere and drinks, with shareable plates rounding out a night on Santa Monica Boulevard.
Must-Try Dishes:
Orange Chicken, Beef Chow Fun, Mapo Tofu
Scores:
Value: 7
Service: 7.5
Consistency: 7.2
Food Quality: 7.8
Atmosphere: 9
Cultural Relevance: 8.8
What makes it special: A restored Hollywood landmark where Chinese plates meet serious cocktails under red lanterns.
Who should go: Couples and friends prioritizing atmosphere and drinks first.
When to visit: Golden-hour into evening for best bar and booth energy.
What to order: Orange chicken, beef chow fun, mapo tofu.
Insider tip: Ask for a booth in the trolley car for maximum old-Hollywood feel.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Valet is typically available in the evening ($12–$15). Street parking on Formosa Ave and Santa Monica Blvd is possible but fills up quickly after 6pm.
Dress code: Smart casual. Jeans are fine, but most guests lean dressy due to the historic, cinematic ambiance.
Noise level: Moderate to loud after 7pm, especially near the bar and trolley car booths. Conversation is doable but not quiet.
Weekend wait: 30–60 minutes without a reservation, especially during prime cocktail hours.
Weekday lunch: Generally minimal wait or immediate seating.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Several options including shareable vegetable plates and noodle dishes, though not a fully dedicated menu.
Vegan options: Limited—typically 1–2 dishes can be modified, but choices are not extensive.
Gluten-free options: Some naturally gluten-free plates exist, but substitutions are needed; no designated GF prep area.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Yes—its vintage Hollywood atmosphere, warm lighting, and booth seating make it memorable and conversation-friendly for early dates.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Often yes on weekdays before 7pm; on weekends expect a wait. The bar area is a reliable fallback for walk-ins.
Is it kid-friendly? Reasonably, but better for teens and older kids. The dim lighting and cocktail-driven scene aren’t ideal for younger children.
Best For
Better for: Atmosphere-driven nights—especially when you want cocktails, cinematic nostalgia, and a stylish room over strictly traditional Chinese food.
Skip if: You’re seeking regionally focused Chinese cuisine or a quiet dinner; choose a more food-centric spot instead.
Formosa Cafe
8.3
Vibes:
Business Lunch Power Players
Trendy Table Hotspots
Happy Hour Hotspots
Group Dining Gatherings
Formosa Cafe is a historic Chinese bar and restaurant that now doubles as a lively lunch option, serving orange chicken, walnut shrimp, and biandang box specials under red lanterns and movie memorabilia. It works best for creative-industry lunches where atmosphere and cocktails matter as much as the food.
Must-Try Dishes:
Orange Chicken, Walnut Shrimp, Formosa Wonton Soup
Scores:
Value: 6.9
Service: 7.9
Consistency: 8.5
Food Quality: 8.6
Atmosphere: 9
Cultural Relevance: 8.2
What makes it special: A storied Hollywood hangout now serving Chinese lunch specials in a film-set-worthy room.
Who should go: Entertainment teams mixing business with a bit of Hollywood nostalgia.
When to visit: Weekday lunch when the room is active but not too loud.
What to order: Biandang lunch box, Orange Chicken, Formosa Wonton Soup.
Insider tip: Use the booth layout to your advantage—request a quieter back booth for laptop-friendly meetings.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Validated lot parking is available in the adjacent structure off Formosa Ave; street parking on Santa Monica Blvd is hit-or-miss during lunch hours.
Dress code: Smart casual; jeans and sneakers are fine but industry teams often lean polished for meetings.
Noise level: Moderate; the vintage booths buffer conversation well but the bar area can get lively.
Weekend wait: 20–40 minutes without a reservation depending on events or screenings nearby.
Weekday lunch: Typically no wait, though prime 12–1pm can see a short 5–10 minute delay for booths.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Good options including vegetable fried rice, tofu stir-fry, and several small plates.
Vegan options: Limited but workable—ask for tofu substitutions and sauced dishes with modifications.
Gluten-free options: Partial accommodations; some rice-based dishes are naturally gluten-free but cross-contact is possible.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Yes if you want something fun and atmospheric—the red-lantern booths feel intimate—but it’s more playful than romantic.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Usually at lunch, yes. For dinner or larger groups, booking ahead is strongly recommended.
Is it kid-friendly? Generally yes for children 8+ who enjoy Chinese-American comfort dishes; younger kids may find the room a bit loud during peak hours.
Best For
Better for: Creative-industry lunches where ambiance, history, and cocktails matter as much as the menu.
Skip if: You need a quiet, highly focused business lunch or require extensive vegan or gluten-free options.
Formosa Cafe
8.5
Formosa Cafe is a historic Chinese-American bar and dining room where cocktails, dim-sum-style bites, and shared plates fuel one of the neighborhood’s most atmospheric happy hours. Lantern-lit booths, movie memorabilia, and a revamped menu turn after-work drinks into an only-in-Hollywood hangout.
Must-Try Dishes:
Orange Chicken, Walnut Shrimp, Formosa Wonton Soup
Scores:
Value: 7
Service: 7.8
Consistency: 8.3
Food Quality: 8.5
Atmosphere: 9.2
Cultural Relevance: 9.1
What makes it special: An Old Hollywood landmark reborn as a cocktail-and-snacks headquarters.
Who should go: History lovers who want strong drinks and Chinese comfort food.
When to visit: Midweek happy hour for easier seating and full menu access.
What to order: Orange chicken, walnut shrimp, wonton soup.
Insider tip: Ask for a red-car booth for the full vintage movie-set experience.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Valet is typically available in the evening; metered street parking on Santa Monica Blvd can be tight after 6pm but side-street spots open up with a short walk.
Dress code: Smart casual. Jeans work fine, but many guests lean stylish given the Hollywood history and lighting-heavy ambiance.
Noise level: Moderate to lively. Conversation is doable in booths but the bar area gets louder during peak happy hour.
Weekend wait: 30–60 minutes if you’re aiming for a booth and arrive during peak hours.
Weekday lunch: Very little to no wait, though the full vibe is strongest later in the day.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Multiple options including vegetable sides, tofu dishes, and adaptable small plates.
Vegan options: Limited but possible—ask for modifications on stir-fries and veggie dishes.
Gluten-free options: Some dishes can be made gluten-free; staff is accustomed to navigating sauces and substitutions.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Yes. The dim lighting, deep booths, and cinematic decor create an easy conversation flow with just enough buzz to keep things relaxed.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Usually, yes—especially for bar seating or early happy hour. Booths and vintage train cars fill up fast, so arriving early helps.
Is it kid-friendly? It’s more adult-leaning due to the bar energy and darker lighting, but well-behaved older kids can manage earlier in the evening.
Best For
Better for: Atmospheric happy hour drinks, Hollywood nostalgia, and cocktail-friendly Chinese-American comfort food.
Skip if: You want a quiet meal, strictly traditional Chinese cuisine, or a fast in-and-out dinner.
Formosa Cafe
8.2
Vibes:
Family Friendly Favorites
Group Dining Gatherings
Trendy Table Hotspots
Instagram Worthy Wonders
Open since the 1930s in various forms, Formosa Cafe is a restored Old Hollywood icon where red booths, a vintage trolley car, and Chinese-American plates turn early-evening meals into a bit of movie history. Families who come on the early side share orange chicken, walnut shrimp, and noodles while soaking in memorabilia-lined walls.
Must-Try Dishes:
Orange Chicken, Walnut Shrimp, Kung Pao Chicken
Scores:
Value: 7.2
Service: 7
Consistency: 7.8
Food Quality: 8.1
Atmosphere: 9.2
Cultural Relevance: 9.3
What makes it special: Historic Chinese-American restaurant where families can dine inside a restored trolley car.
Who should go: Movie-loving families wanting dinner with a side of Hollywood history.
When to visit: Earlier evening for calmer vibes and easier booth seating.
What to order: Orange Chicken, Walnut Shrimp, Kung Pao Chicken to share family-style.
Insider tip: Request seating near the vintage trolley or celebrity photo walls for kids.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Valet available at peak dinner hours (~$12). Metered street parking on La Brea and nearby side streets is possible but fills quickly after 6pm.
Dress code: Smart casual. Jeans and sneakers are fine, but most guests lean slightly dressy due to the Old Hollywood setting.
Noise level: Moderate. Conversations are easy in booths early evening, but noise rises as the bar fills.
Weekend wait: 30–45 minutes without a reservation, especially for booths or trolley seating.
Weekday lunch: No lunch service; for early weekday dinner, waits are typically 0–10 minutes.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: A handful of options, including vegetable stir-fries, noodles, and tofu dishes.
Vegan options: Limited—1–2 items can be made vegan, but choices are narrow.
Gluten-free options: Some dishes can be prepared gluten-free upon request; ask about sauces and breading.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Yes—if you want a lively, atmospheric spot with nostalgic Hollywood charm. The booths and dim lighting create a fun, conversation-friendly setting without feeling too formal.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Usually yes if you arrive before 6pm. After that, expect a wait unless you're flexible with seating or willing to sit at the bar.
Is it kid-friendly? Yes—kids enjoy the trolley car seating and décor. Best for ages 5+ who can appreciate the setting and shareable plates.
Best For
Better for: Atmosphere, nostalgia, and family-style Chinese-American comfort dishes in a setting that feels like a mini museum.
Skip if: You want quiet dining, strictly traditional Chinese cuisine, or a menu with extensive vegan/gluten-free options.