The Formosa Cafe

The decor was awesome. We loved the speakeasy Asian vibe. The food was fantastic. Walnut Shrimp and Kung Pao chicken for the mains. Amazing and plentiful. Tuna tar-tar for an appetizer. Excellent. Drinks were good. Service was awesome. We were there for New Year's Eve.

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 5

Service: 5

1 star FRONT BARTENDER REVIEW: snottiness was absolutely unneeded when I asked about what was popular on the menu. I assume as a bartender, I’m sure it’s NORMAL for people to ask what was popular. I was there on New Years Eve, he was the bartender at the end of the bar. He had his friend sitting at the end of the bar while he was working. Normally I would order a whisky on rock, but this isn’t the place for that. ofc I wanted to try a nice cocktail and everything was pretty basic. ATTITUDE WAS UNNECESSARY. UNPROFESSIONAL.

As someone who has opened many restaurants in LA and works with LA Times, SBE, etc. highly disappointed at the professionalism. I would have had them off on the spot.

Food was okay. If you’ve never had authentic Chinese food or Michelin Chinese food, this would be good. The cod sauce was WAY too salty and the rice under seasoned. All the other stuff was normal. Top self whisky and tequila was overpriced, they charged the same as a 4 star hotel bar, no where near that. Love the spot bc it’s historic, but the servers there make it unbearable. Every single bartender had an attitude or made zero eye contact when we needed WATER. One of our friends needed water and they just ignored us. What a hazard. We’re not at the Ritz guys, calm down.

Atmosphere: 3

Food: 1

Service: 1

My family and I went for dinner here earlier this week for my mom's birthday. Gilbert was our waiter and he was great! He was SO incredibly nice, very attentive, very respectful, and he made sure we were comfortable and had everything we needed. The food was also good as usual. Thank you Gilbert for a wonderful experience!

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 5

Service: 5

Food was good. They didn't have one of their specialty drinks available and no coffee available. Kind of a bummer when you start off without your first choice

Nice atmosphere.... Look for the secret vault

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 4

Service: 3

Way too loud and spotty server attention

Atmosphere: 3

Food: 4

Service: 3

Go there for the drinks and some food to share not a whole dinner.

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 4

Service: 4

Wonderful place with great staff!
I do appreciate the kind feedback from the owner, Matt Weiss! Matt is a real Prince of a man!

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 5

Service: 5

Always feel so welcome, top notch food, great service/staff and the ambiance…fabulous!!

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 5

Service: 5

Very expensive for what you get, decent food but nothing special.

Atmosphere: 4

Food: 4

Service: 5

Been here a few times and surprised it doesn’t have a higher rating. Food, drinks and service are great.

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 5

Service: 5

They market themselves as an “Old Hollywood” institution, but the attitude and treatment I experienced had none of the professionalism, grace, or hospitality that era is remembered for.

Old Hollywood may live in their décor, but it’s dead in their culture.

Atmosphere: 1

Food: 5

Service: 1

Turned up at the restaurant after having made a reservation to be told they had a private function and couldn’t accommodate us. Very disappointed as really enjoyed our previous experience, Don’t rely on this restaurant reservation system.

It's wonderful breakfast lunch and dinner

Fun atmosphere. Loud and bright. Good vegetarian Chinese food options. Paid parking lot below. Fun drinks.

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 5

Service: 5

Delicious Chinese food with unique menu items all delivered in a fantastic old school Hollywood atmosphere. From the pictures on the wall of the great stars of the past and the booths where Elvis Presley, Marilyn Monroe and Burt Reynolds hung out, you can feel the history and reminisce about the past. The boa, lettuce wraps, scallion pancakes, fried tofu, and chicken salad all were excellent choices. They also had great drink choices. The only downside was that parking was in a paid parking lot and the restaurant prices were very high.

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 5

Service: 5