Famed restaurateur Dan Tana, proprietor of the renowned Los Angeles establishment bearing his name and popular among stars, passes away at the age of 90.
Dan Tana's: A Hollywood Legend Bids Farewell
In the heart of West Hollywood, California, a legendary restaurant named Dan Tana's, known for its old-school charm and Hollywood glamour, has bid farewell to its founder. Dan Tana, the Serbian-born restaurateur and former professional soccer player, passed away at the age of 90 in Belgrade, Serbia.
Established in 1964, Dan Tana's began as a transformation of an existing hamburger restaurant named Dominick's on Santa Monica Boulevard. Tana, with his infectious personality and personal touch, turned it into a New York City–style Italian dinner spot, initially named "Tana’s," which soon became known as "Dan Tana's."
Over the decades, Dan Tana's grew into a local institution, attracting a loyal clientele of Hollywood celebrities and moguls. Its late-night hours made it an attractive destination for stars seeking a discreet, convivial place to eat and socialize after shows or events. The restaurant's classic red-and-white checkered tablecloths, green neon sign, and old Hollywood charm combined with a comfortable, welcoming vibe, solidifying its status as a beloved institution.
The menu at Dan Tana's offers comfort-food fare such as spaghetti and steak, alongside martinis, which helped maintain its appeal over the years. Several menu items are named after famous clients, reinforcing the restaurant’s aura as a hub for celebrities and their fans. Some of the notable patrons included actor Richard Burton, George Clooney, former Lakers owner Jerry Buss, and heiress Nicky Hilton.
In 2016, Jonathan Gold, a Times restaurant critic, wrote a memorable review of Dan Tana's, highlighting the chicken parm as a standout dish. Gold noted that while some of the food at Dan Tana's may be ordinary, its place in L.A.'s culinary firmament made it a must-visit destination. Gold also shared a personal embarrassing story involving a high school crush, adding a touch of personal anecdote to his review.
Dan Tana ran the restaurant until he sold it in 2009. Since then, several landmark L.A. haunts have shuttered, including Greenblatt's Deli, the Original Pantry Cafe, and Papa Cristo's Greek Grill & Market. However, Dan Tana's has endured due to its ability to deliver a charming, old-world experience.
On Saturday night, guests raised their glasses in Tana's honor at the restaurant, with an impromptu toast made by L.A. historian Alison Martino. Martino confirmed the details of Tana's death, marking the end of an era for Dan Tana's and the West Hollywood entertainment scene.
Gold once instructed readers that Dan Tana's is not about denying oneself things. Instead, it's about indulging in the charm and history that the restaurant offers, making it more than just a restaurant—it's a cultural landmark in West Hollywood. Dan Tana, through his establishment, became a legend, underpinning the eatery’s continued success and iconic status in Los Angeles.
- Dan Tana's, a historic restaurant in Los Angeles, California, is renowned for its connection to the entertainment industry, attracting celebrities, business tycoons, and influencers in the realm of Hollywood, music, and pop-culture, as evidenced by its clientele such as Jerry Buss, George Clooney, and Nicky Hilton.
- Aside from its culinary offerings, Dan Tana's has cemented its status as a cultural landmark, intertwined with the narrative of California's business and entertainment scene, echoing the Lakers' significance in the city's sporting history.
- Operating until 2009 under the original proprietor, Serbian-born restaurateur Dan Tana, the eatery has remained resilient among other Los Angeles institutions like Greenblatt's Deli and Papa Cristo's, serving as a beacon of old-world charm amidst the ever-evolving entertainment landscape of Los Angeles.
- Dan Tana's success can be attributed to its authentic fusion of Italian-American cuisine, a convivial atmosphere, and the allure of Hollywood glamour, which has maintained its appeal to both local celebrities and casual diners wanting to immerse themselves in the magic of Hollywood entertainment.
