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Dan Tana's
Master Critic Reviews (4 Lists)
Dan Tana's
8.2
A legendary West Hollywood institution since 1963, Dan Tana's serves classic Italian fare in a warmly nostalgic red-checkered tablecloth setting. The family-owned restaurant welcomes children and offers generous portions of traditional dishes like chicken parmigiana and homemade lasagna.
Must-Try Dishes:
Chicken Parmigiana, Homemade Lasagna, Nika's Caesar Salad
Scores:
Value: 7.9
Service: 8.2
Consistency: 8.8
Food Quality: 8.5
Atmosphere: 7.8
Cultural Relevance: 9.2
What makes it special: Over 60 years of Hollywood history with celebrity-named dishes and old-school charm
Who should go: Families seeking classic Italian in historic setting
When to visit: Dinner reservations essential, late evening atmosphere
What to order: Chicken parm, Caesar salad, tiramisu
Insider tip: Many dishes named after celebrities who frequented the restaurant
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Valet parking available $15, limited street parking - arrive early or use valet
Dress code: Smart casual - nice jeans and button-down work, but lean slightly dressy for dinner
Noise level: Lively buzz - conversation possible but expect classic restaurant energy
Weekend wait: 60-90 min without reservation, reservations strongly recommended
Weekday lunch: 15-30 min typical, walk-ins usually accommodated
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes - solid pasta selection, eggplant parmigiana, caprese salad
Vegan options: Limited - can modify pasta with marinara, ask about olive oil preparations
Gluten-free options: Basic options - salads and some proteins, but limited pasta alternatives
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Yes for classic dinner dates - romantic red-checkered atmosphere with conversation-friendly energy, though not intimate or quiet
Can I get a table without a reservation? Possible for lunch or very early dinner (5:30pm), but dinner reservations essential - they book weeks ahead on weekends
Is it kid-friendly? Very welcoming to families - kids menu available, high chairs provided, servers experienced with children, best before 8pm
Best For
Better for: Old Hollywood charm and celebrity history that newer Italian spots can't match - authentic traditional preparations in iconic setting
Skip if: You want modern Italian cuisine, quiet intimate dining, or cutting-edge culinary innovation - this is classic comfort over contemporary
Dan Tana's
8.3
Old Hollywood legend since 1964 where celebrity encounters mix with classic red-sauce Italian in red leather booths. The chicken parmigiana remains a signature dish that's cheesy, saucy comfort perfection, while the tableside Caesar salad adds theatrical flair to your romantic evening.
Must-Try Dishes:
Chicken Parmigiana, Nika's Caesar Salad, Fried Ravioli
Scores:
Value: 7.2
Service: 8.8
Consistency: 8.4
Food Quality: 8.1
Atmosphere: 9.2
Cultural Relevance: 9.5
What makes it special: Iconic 60-year Hollywood institution with authentic movie star atmosphere
Who should go: Couples seeking classic Hollywood romance and nostalgia
When to visit: Dinner reservations required 6-10 days advance
What to order: Chicken parm, Caesar salad, penne arrabiata
Insider tip: Regulars get preferential treatment - establish yourself as one
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Valet $15, street parking nearly impossible after 6pm on weekends
Dress code: Smart casual to dressy - jackets encouraged, no shorts or flip-flops
Noise level: Intimate - perfect for conversation despite being busy
Weekend wait: 2+ hours without reservation, bar seating sometimes available
Weekday lunch: 30-45 minutes, easier to get same-day table
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes - several pasta dishes and salads, solid options
Vegan options: Very limited - maybe 1-2 pasta dishes, call ahead
Gluten-free options: Limited - no dedicated prep, cross-contamination risk
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Perfect if you want to impress - the Old Hollywood glamour and intimate booths create instant chemistry, though the high price point shows serious intent
Can I get a table without a reservation? Very difficult - try calling day-of for cancellations or arrive early for potential bar seating, but don't count on it
Is it kid-friendly? Not really - while not prohibited, the late-night scene and sophisticated atmosphere make it better for teens and up on special occasions
Best For
Better for: Authentic Hollywood history and celebrity spotting that newer trendy spots can't replicate - the real deal for Old Hollywood romance
Skip if: You want modern Italian cuisine, have dietary restrictions, need casual atmosphere, or are on a tight budget
Dan Tana's
8.2
Since 1964, this Old Hollywood legend has been serving homemade lasagna ($34) alongside celebrity sightings and timeless red-sauce Italian-American classics. The dark, intimate dining room with red leather booths and checkered tablecloths creates an authentic throwback experience that feels frozen in time.
Must-Try Dishes:
Homemade Lasagna, Chicken Parmigiana 'ala Nikola', Caesar Salad
Scores:
Value: 7.2
Service: 8.5
Consistency: 8.7
Food Quality: 8
Atmosphere: 9.1
Cultural Relevance: 9.3
What makes it special: Six decades of Hollywood history with authentic old-school atmosphere
Who should go: Celebrity watchers and Old Hollywood enthusiasts
When to visit: Dinner reservations essential, avoid peak weekend rush
What to order: Homemade lasagna, chicken parm, martinis
Insider tip: Request indoor booth seating for the full experience
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Valet $15, street parking very limited - arrive early or use nearby paid lots
Dress code: Smart casual to dressy - think business dinner attire, no shorts or flip-flops
Noise level: Intimate and conversational - perfect for dates and business talks
Weekend wait: 60-90 min without reservation, book weeks ahead
Weekday lunch: 15-30 min wait, more manageable
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes - solid pasta selection and eggplant parm
Vegan options: Very limited - basic pasta marinara, call ahead
Gluten-free options: Limited options - they can accommodate but not specialized
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Excellent choice - intimate lighting, classic atmosphere, and impressive enough to make a statement without being stuffy
Can I get a table without a reservation? Possible at lunch or very early dinner (5:30pm), but dinner reservations are essential - book 2-3 weeks out
Is it kid-friendly? Better for teens and up - sophisticated atmosphere but they have basic pasta dishes kids would enjoy
Best For
Better for: Authentic Old Hollywood experience, celebrity spotting, impressing out-of-town guests, and classic Italian-American comfort food in an iconic setting
Skip if: You want modern Italian cuisine, are on a tight budget, need extensive gluten-free/vegan options, or prefer casual family dining
Dan Tana's
8.8
Since 1964, this red-checkered tablecloth institution serves classic Italian-American dishes like chicken parmigiana and spaghetti with meatballs in a dimly-lit dining room packed with celebrities and locals. The veteran waitstaff deliver strong martinis and heaping portions until late night.
Must-Try Dishes:
Chicken Parmigiana, Steak Pizzaiola, Spaghetti & Meatballs
Scores:
Value: 7.8
Service: 9.1
Consistency: 9.3
Food Quality: 8.6
Atmosphere: 9.2
Cultural Relevance: 9.5
What makes it special: Old Hollywood charm with 60+ years of celebrity history.
Who should go: Anyone seeking authentic LA dining legacy
When to visit: Late nights after 10pm for best atmosphere
What to order: Chicken parm, caesar salad, martini
Insider tip: Bar seating available for walk-ins
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Valet $15, limited street parking on Santa Monica Blvd after 8pm
Dress code: Smart casual - jeans acceptable but avoid athletic wear
Noise level: Loud and energetic - expect to lean in for conversation
Weekend wait: 60-90 min without reservation, bar often 30 min
Weekday lunch: Not open for lunch
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes - eggplant parm, multiple pasta options
Vegan options: Very limited - can modify pasta marinara
Gluten-free options: Limited - salads and some proteins, no GF pasta
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Perfect if you want to impress - dim lighting and booth seating create intimacy, but it's lively enough to avoid awkward silences
Can I get a table without a reservation? Try the bar for best walk-in odds, or come very late (after 10:30pm). Weekend prime time is nearly impossible
Is it kid-friendly? Not ideal for young children - dark, loud, and late-night focused. Better for teens who appreciate the scene
Best For
Better for: Authentic LA dining history and celebrity spotting vs newer Italian spots
Skip if: You want modern Italian cuisine or quiet conversation - try Bestia or Jon & Vinny's instead