Find Us Where Hollywood History Never Left.
SINCE 1939, THE FORMOSA CAFE HAS STOOD AT THE CORNER OF SANTA MONICA BLVD AND FORMOSA AVE - STEPS FROM THE OLD SAMUEL GOLDWYN STUDIO LOT, WHERE SINATRA, BOGART, MONROE, AND ELVIS MADE IT THEIR REGULAR. NOW FULLY RESTORED BY THE 1933 GROUP, THE LEGEND LIVES ON AT 7156 SANTA MONICA BLVD, WEST HOLLYWOOD.
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8512 Santa Monica Blvd, West Hollywood, CA 90069
(855)-964-2348
formosa@1933group.com
Hours
sun - wed: 12pm - 11Pm
thu - sat: 12pm - 12am
brunch menu available:
Sat & Sun: 12pm - 4pm
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LUNCH/ DINNER MENU
Classic Chinese-American dishes reimagined for modern Hollywood. From wok-fired orange chicken and walnut shrimp to crispy pork hock bao buns and filet mignon with broccolini — every plate is crafted with house-made sauces, fresh ingredients, and a nod to the stars who once sat in these very booths.
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GOLDEN HOUR MENU
The party starts early. Our Golden Hour menu brings discounted bites and cocktails made for lingering - think Mai Tais, Singapore Slings, and bar snacks worth staying for. The perfect excuse to settle into a booth before the night takes over
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BIÀNDĀNG BOX
A weekday lunch special worth the trip. Available Monday through Friday, 12pm–3pm. Build your own box: choose two mains like orange chicken, walnut shrimp, or General Tso's cauliflower, pick your rice or noodle base, and round it out with egg rolls, potstickers, or marinated cucumbers. Big flavor, fast, with vegan and gluten-free options throughout.
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BRUNCH MENU
Weekend mornings at the Formosa hit different. A curated brunch featuring Asian-inspired twists on the classics - bold flavors, craft cocktails, and the kind of unhurried atmosphere that makes Saturday feel like a scene from a film. Available Saturday and Sunday.
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Born in 1925. Still the Most Famous Table in Hollywood.
The Formosa Cafe has been a fixture of West Hollywood since 1925, when former prizefighter Jimmy Bernstein set up a luncheon counter in a retired 1904 Pacific Electric Red Car trolley on Santa Monica Boulevard - right across the street from what was then the United Artists studio lot. Over the decades, it became Hollywood's most legendary celebrity hangout, with Frank Sinatra, Humphrey Bogart, Marilyn Monroe, James Dean, Elvis Presley, and Lana Turner all calling it their home away from home.
After closing in 2016, the Formosa was rescued by preservation-focused hospitality group 1933 Group, who invested $2.4 million in a meticulous two-year restoration. In 2019 it officially reopened - and in the same year, the City of West Hollywood designated the Formosa a local cultural landmark. The iconic red trolley car, dating back to 1904 and confirmed as the oldest surviving Red Car in existence, is still intact inside.
Today, the full menu honors the Formosa's Chinese-American roots with dishes inspired by its Golden Age glory days - Shrimp & Pork Shu Mai, Shrimp Har Gow, Szechuan Wings, and a cocktail list featuring classics like the Emperor Mai Tai and Singapore Sling.
You're in Good Company
The Formosa Cafe sits at 7156 Santa Monica Boulevard - at the corner of North Formosa Avenue, steps from the studio lot that has been home to United Artists, Samuel Goldwyn, Warner Bros., and The Lot since 1999. The walls are lined with over 250 black-and-white celebrity headshots, and Bugsy Siegel's original floor safe is still intact under his corner booth.
Whether you're coming in for a pre-show cocktail, a long dinner, or a private event in our back room - the Formosa has always kept the best company in Hollywood. Make a reservation and see for yourself.
WHAT PEOPLE LOVE ABOUT US
“So Delicious!”
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.
“So Delicious!”
Choice place to enjoy Chinese food and friends. The interior has an authentic Chinese theme and the lighting is kept low. We ordered a variety of appetizers and dishes to share. Everything we ate was delicious. Our waiter was excellent and attentive. Very much enjoyed dinner here.
“So Delicious!”
Yum! Me and my husband came here for lunch on Saturday and had a great experience. There weren’t too many people at this time which was great for us because we had baby & stroller. We were seated in a very cute secluded booth which was perfect. Food was delicious and I am happy to report it’s as good as it was when I came long ago before Covid. Our waitresses name was Cameron and she was very sweet. Will definitely return.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Where is The Formosa Cafe and how can I get in touch?
We are located at 7156 Santa Monica Blvd, West Hollywood, CA 90046. You can reach the team by phone at (323) 794-1106 or by email at formosa@1933group.com.
What are the hours of operation?
We are open Sunday through Wednesday from 12:00 PM to 11:00 PM, and Thursday through Saturday from 12:00 PM to 12:00 AM. A brunch menu is available every Saturday and Sunday from 12:00 PM to 4:00 PM.
Can The Formosa Cafe accommodate large groups or private events?
Yes we can! Please email formosa@1933group.com for inquiries. We're proud to have hosted many A-list events, including Hollywood legend Al Pacino's 80th birthday.
How do I make a reservation?
You can make a reservation online through SevenRooms, linked directly from the reservations section of theformosacafe.com. Our online booking system allows you to search available times and secure your table in advance. For larger groups or special event inquiries, you can reach us directly by phone at (323) 794-1106 or by email at formosa@1933group.com.
Do you offer takeout and delivery?
Yes! We offer both takeout and delivery. You can place your order online through Toast, accessible via the order link on our website at theformosacafe.com.
Is there rooftop seating available?
Yes! The rooftop is open Friday and Saturday evenings from 6pm until close - a great spot to enjoy cocktails and dining with a view. And on the first Tuesday of every month, The Formosa hosts a night of short films starting at 8pm, admission free.
Does The Formosa Cafe offer catering?
Yes! We offer catering through ezCater - you can find the link directly in the navigation menu on theformosacafe.com.
Still have Questions?
We’re here to help! Reach out to our team for any additioanl information.
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