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Formosa Cafe
$$ · Dim Sum, Chinese

7156 Santa Monica Blvd, West Hollywood, CA 90046 (323) 794-1106
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Best Dim Sum in West Hollywood Best Romantic Restaurants in West Hollywood Best Rooftop Restaurants in West Hollywood Best Trendy Restaurants in West Hollywood Best Chinese in West Hollywood Best Business Lunch Restaurants in West Hollywood Best Happy Hour in West Hollywood Best Family Friendly Restaurants in West Hollywood

Vibe Check this spot

Food Quality 5
Service 5
Atmosphere 5
Value 5
Consistency 5
Cultural Relevance 5

0 / 5 selected

Master Critic Review

Formosa Cafe 8.4
West Hollywood
Vibes: Date Night Magic Trendy Table Hotspots Group Dining Gatherings Instagram Worthy Wonders
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.
Consider Alternatives If: You want traditional, all-day dim sum service with larger carts, broader menus, or quieter, family-oriented dining.

Hours

Monday12pm - 11pm
Tuesday12pm - 11pm
Wednesday12pm - 11pm
Thursday12pm - 12am
Friday12pm - 12am
Saturday12pm - 12am
Sunday12pm - 11pm